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November 03, 2026

Top Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta: Essential Seasonal Events & Festivals

As tropical autumn temperatures yield to the vibrant final months of 2026, Puerto Vallarta is preparing a rich calendar of high-profile sporting events, world-class culinary festivals, contemporary art exhibitions, and cherished cultural traditions.

Spanning November through December 2026, Jalisco’s premier beach destination provides abundant opportunities to experience authentic Mexican heritage, sample innovative cuisine, and explore the dramatic coastal landscape where the Sierra Madre mountains meet Banderas Bay.

Puerto Vallarta travel destination and coastal scenery in Mexico

Discover eight standout events to feature on your upcoming Puerto Vallarta travel itinerary.

Featured Puerto Vallarta Events & Festivals

  • 70th International Marlin & Tuna Fishing Tournament
  • 31st Festival Gourmet International
  • 25th Vista Vallarta Golf Club Anniversary Tournament
  • MUYGUUD International Contemporary Art Fair 2026
  • Yelapa: The Gathering 2026
  • International Raicilla Day in Mascota
  • Fiestas Guadalupanas (Our Lady of Guadalupe Processions)
  • Puerto Vallarta Half Marathon 2026

Yelapa coastal village and tropical landscape near Puerto Vallarta

70th International Marlin & Tuna Fishing Tournament

November 11–14 | Marina Vallarta

Deep-sea angling is an essential pillar of Puerto Vallarta's maritime heritage. From November 11 to 14, the Club de Pesca Puerto Vallarta fishing club celebrates the landmark 70th anniversary of its signature international tournament.

International Marlin and Tuna Fishing Tournament in Puerto Vallarta

Renowned in Puerto Vallarta as "the locals' tournament," the prestigious competition includes dedicated divisions for marlin, tuna, dorado, and sailfish, alongside awards for outstanding boat crews. Visitors can stroll along the scenic Marina Vallarta boardwalk to take in the vibrant nautical energy and daily weigh-ins.

For registration details and event announcements (in Spanish,) visit Club De Pesca Puerto Vallarta on Facebook.

31st Festival Gourmet International

November 12–22 | Various Venues

For epicurean travelers, the Festival Gourmet International stands as a premier highlight of the Banderas Bay culinary season. Celebrating its 31st edition from November 12 to 22, the festival brings together top regional restaurants, guest celebrity chefs, and exclusive dining experiences.

Gourmet dining experience and culinary tourism in Puerto Vallarta

Festival highlights feature intimate Chef's Table dinners, culinary progressive safaris, and the flagship Night of the Stars gala. Hosted across venue partners in Puerto Vallarta and around Banderas Bay, the event offers an unparalleled taste of cutting-edge Pacific Rim and elevated Mexican cuisine.

Festival Gourmet International culinary experience in Puerto Vallarta

Insider Travel Tip: Planning a culinary getaway during festival week? Reserve dining experiences well in advance and browse participating menus on the official Festival Gourmet International website.

25th Vista Vallarta Golf Club Anniversary Tournament

November 13–15 | Vista Vallarta Club de Golf

Golfers have an exceptional reason to book an autumn round in Puerto Vallarta. The acclaimed Vista Vallarta Club de Golf marks its silver anniversary with a high-profile tournament taking place November 13 to 15.

Vista Vallarta Golf Club anniversary tournament in Puerto Vallarta

The weekend begins with a welcome cocktail reception on Friday, November 13, followed by two competitive tournament rounds. Masterfully designed by golf legends Jack Nicklaus and Tom Weiskopf, these championship courses deliver spectacular vistas stretching from the Sierra Madre foothills down to Banderas Bay.

Vista Vallarta championship golf courses and anniversary celebrations

A portion of all player entry fees directly benefits Fundación Canica, a non-profit local NGO supporting pediatric cancer patients and their families.

To register or inquire about player entries, contact montserrat.valencia@invitedclubs.com and karla.rosas@invitedclubs.com.

MUYGUUD International Contemporary Art Fair

November 19–22 | 5 de Diciembre

Contemporary visual arts take center stage November 19–22 during the second annual edition of MUYGUUD. This curated boutique art fair highlights over 71 accomplished artists representing Mexico, Colombia, Cuba, Spain, the United States, France, and Romania.

MUYGUUD International Contemporary Art Fair 2026 in Puerto Vallarta

Attendees can explore immersive installations, artistic performances, and pop-up galleries at the main venue located at 55-A Venezuela Street in the creative 5 de Diciembre district—just blocks from Camarones Beach. Admission is complimentary, with exhibit spaces open daily from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM.

Contemporary art exhibitions at MUYGUUD Art Fair in Puerto Vallarta

Attending MUYGUUD International Contemporary Art Fair offers an inspiring way to integrate gallery tours and cultural programming into your Puerto Vallarta vacation.

Follow MUYGUUD on Instagram for complete programming schedules and featured artist rosters.

Yelapa: The Gathering 2026

November 20–22 | Yelapa

Located just south of Puerto Vallarta, the tranquil coastal pueblo of Yelapa hosts the fifth annual edition of The Gathering from November 20 to 22. This boutique festival seamlessly fuses electronic music performances, eco-conscious living, and holistic wellness practices.

Yelapa The Gathering 2026 electronic music and wellness festival

Featuring internationally renowned DJs presenting house and deep tech sets amidst lush coastal jungle, Yelapa remains accessible exclusively by water taxi—making the boat journey across Banderas Bay an integral part of the experience.

The Gathering music festival experience in tropical Yelapa, Jalisco

Plan a trip to The Gathering to experience world-class music in a secluded tropical setting where the mountain wilderness meets the sea.

Explore line-ups and purchase passes on the official The Gathering platform.

International Raicilla Day

November 27–28 | Mascota, Jalisco

Cultural festivities extend into the historic mountain town of Mascota, a designated Pueblo Mágico located in the nearby Sierra Madre range, celebrating International Raicilla Day on November 27 and 28.

Mascota Pueblo Magico in the Sierra Madre mountains of Jalisco

Raicilla—an artisanal agave spirit deeply embedded in Jalisco’s mountain and coastal traditions—takes center stage with guided distillery (taberna) tours, expert tastings, mixology competitions, live music, and cultural events throughout Mascota.

International Raicilla Day celebration in Mascota, Jalisco

Visit the Consejo Mexicano Promotor de la Raicilla on Instagram for complete schedule details, venues, and activity passes.

Fiestas Guadalupanas

December 1–12 | Historic Downtown Puerto Vallarta

Throughout the first twelve days of December, Puerto Vallarta showcases its rich spiritual and cultural heritage. The historic Fiestas Guadalupanas transform Puerto Vallarta’s El Centro district with vibrant street processions, live mariachi performances, traditional folk dancers, and lush floral offerings.

Fiestas Guadalupanas religious celebrations and processions in Puerto Vallarta

Pilgrims process along Juárez Street toward the iconic Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Celebrations peak during the early hours of December 12 with traditional “Mañanitas” serenades under the landmark crown spire.

Our Lady of Guadalupe Church and traditional celebrations in Puerto Vallarta

For travelers seeking an authentic cultural experience, the Fiestas Guadalupanas processions offer an unforgettable glimpse into Puerto Vallarta's living traditions.

Check procession maps and schedules (in Spanish) on Facebook via the Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe to plan your Downtown visits.

Puerto Vallarta Half Marathon

December 6 | International Convention Center (CICPV)

Runners and fitness enthusiasts can cap off the year with a scenic road race along the Pacific coast. The second annual Puerto Vallarta Half Marathon returns on Sunday, December 6, featuring both competitive 21K and 5K distances.

Running event and marathon in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Starting and finishing at the Puerto Vallarta International Convention Center (CICPV), the course combines athletics, sightseeing, and ocean views for both competitive runners and casual participants.

Puerto Vallarta road running and half marathon sports event

Review official registration information and race guidelines (in Spanish) at Maratón Puerto Vallarta.

Plan Your Puerto Vallarta Getaway

November and December offer compelling reasons to visit Puerto Vallarta: premier cuisine, championship athletics, contemporary art fairs, live music gatherings, and authentic Mexican traditions.

Puerto Vallarta beach vacation and coastal travel experiences in Mexico

Reserve your Puerto Vallarta accommodations early, monitor official event updates, and start planning an unforgettable holiday on Mexico's Pacific coast!

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