Bus fare hike
Snowbirds returning for the winter may have already noticed that taking a bus in Puerto Vallarta now costs a good deal more.
While the increase in the cost of a regular adult ticket from 7.50 pesos to 10 pesos may not affect foreigners unduly, spare a thought for locals living on the breadline, for whom the 25-percent hike represents a sizable outlay.
The city’s planned switch from old, outdated buses to newer vehicles – announced back in April – is still ongoing, with just over 100 of the 300 new models currently operating. The city government has promised that 100 percent of the new buses will be operative by the end of the year. All will feature air conditioning, the mayor has promised.
Veterans Day
The Jay Sadler Project and American Legion Post 14 is organizing an observance of Veterans Day and Remembrance Day on Sunday, November 11. The event will pay homage to members of the armed forces who have died in the line of duty.
The event takes place at Parque Hidalgo at 11 a.m. The park is the first park and garage as you enter town near Starbucks, and is located on Calle Peru and Jesus Langaricam below the church.
Coffee, pastries and water will be provided from 10:30 a.m., courtesy of Holly Campbell.
The Navy Zone Color Guard will be performing with their drum and bugle corps.
To find out more about the Jay Sadler Project visit jaysadlerproject.com. For American Legion information and activities see americanlegion14.org, stop by their headquarters at Steve’s Sports Bar, e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call (322) 138-8891.
ExPats in Vallarta
ExPats in Vallarta is an informal social group that has no dues or membership fees. Events are held at local bars and restaurants and attendees just pay for what they consume. It is a great source of help to newcomers to the area, as well as expats who have settled here and want to make new friends.
The next gathering takes place Tuesday, November 13, 5 to 7 p.m. at Pancho Villa on Fluvial near Costco. A special dinner is scheduled Thursday, November 15, at Tino’s Laguna Restaurant in Nuevo Vallarta. For dinner reservations and advance payment, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Other social dates this month are Tuesday, November 20, at the Marriott Marina Hotel, and Tuesday, November 27, at El Andariego Restaurant.
Charity Bingo
Nacho Daddy’s Charity Bingo games take place every other Wednesday through next spring to raise funds for Pasitos de Luz and the Colina Spay and Neuter Clinic.
The next game is November 14. Cards can be purchased from 3 p.m. and the games begin at 4 p.m. Buy seven three-card regular games cost for 100 pesos or a VIP package for 300 pesos.
You can receive a free bingo card if you donate used clothing in good condition.
Pasitos de Luz assists local disabled children and their families, while the Colina Clinic provides spay and neutering for cats and dogs.
Upcoming game dates to note in one’s diary are November 28; December 12, 26; January 9, 23; February 6, 20; March 6, 20 and April 3, 17.
Nacho Daddy is located at Basilio Badillo 287 in the Zona Romántica.
Jazz Festival
The first Festival de Jazz Riviera Nayarit 2018 takes place at the Jardín Palmeiras in Nuevo Vallarta Friday, November 16, starting at 8 p.m.
The headline artist will be well-known Argentine singer Karen Souza, who will be making an appearance as part of her Velvet Vault Tour.
Leading off the concert will be the bands Santiago Venegas and Blue Birds.
Ticket information: (322) 104-3924 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Cost: 1,500-3,000 pesos. All include free bar and canapés.
South Side Shuffle
For shopping bliss, head over to the old town for the first South Side Shuffle of the season, scheduled Friday, November 16, 6 to 10 p.m.
Held on the streets of Basilio Badillo and Constitución every other Friday, the South Side Shuffle features a party atmosphere, with musicians and dancing in the street, along with special art exhibits. The boutiques, restaurants and crafts stores are all up for the event and aim to make sure everyone has a good time.
These evenings are great social occasions and an opportunity to make new friends. The last date this month is November 30.
Festival de Cerveza
Check out some of Mexico’s finest craft beers at the Beer Festival Saturday, November 17, and Sunday, November 18, on the Isla de Rio Cuale.
There is free entry and visitors can expect to find musical entertainment, art exhibits and plenty of food options.
Open 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. both days.
White Party
Hundreds of revelers are expected to hit town for the Thanksgiving White Party Puerto Vallarta, a well-known gay dance festival which takes place at the Mantamar Beach Club from Thursday, November 22 through Sunday, November 25.
Information: JeffreySanker.com.
Gourmet Festival
Puerto Vallarta’s annual International Gourmet Festival runs from Friday, November 23, through Sunday, December 2.
The event was started in 1995 by local chefs Thierry Blouet and Heinz Reize, with the idea of promoting and elevating culinary standards in the region to competitive international levels, while introducing new methods and highlighting the creativity of highly qualified chefs.
Although the festival has grown in size with the addition of more events, such as cooking workshops and wine tastings, the original format remains unchanged: Each participating restaurant invites a celebrity from the culinary scene.
The 1995 festival featured six hotels and six independent restaurants. In 2018, 27 establishments will be participating.
The festival opens November 23, 8 p.m., with the Gran Gourmet Village at the Hotel Hilton Puerto Vallarta, where guests can mingle with the invited chefs and enjoy a fabulous buffet, free bar and musical entertainment. Cost: 1,350 pesos.
Among 19 scheduled events is the Vintage Wine Fair, Saturday, December 1, 2 p.m., at the River Cafe Restaurant on the Isla Rio Cuale. Cost: 380 pesos.
For the full listing of events and further information on the festival, as well as the participating restaurants, see festivalgourmet.com. Call (322) 222-2247 for more details.
The festival’s closing event is the Polo Grill Feast at the Polo Lounge de La Patrona Polo & Equestrian Club on Sunday, December 2. The feast is hosted by chefs Hugo Ahumada and Diego Hernández and runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy delicious cuisine while watching the equestrians go through their paces. Cost 1,700 pesos.