With more than 30,000 “snowbirds” making their way to the Puerto Vallarta area over the next several weeks, it’s time for some of Vallarta’s best annual events to kick off the 2019/2020 season!
Beer Festival
This weekend, make your way to the 3rd annual Puerto Vallarta Brewmasters Beer Festival.
This year’s festival focuses on regional beers crafted in Jalisco, and you will have the opportunity to sample more than 120 varieties of artisanal beer, crafted by breweries in the Banderas Bay area and other regions of Mexico. Entrance is free (drinks and food are reasonably priced), and they encourage you to bring your own cups from home or purchase one of their collectible beer glasses on site, committing to reduce the use of plastic this year. There will also be live music, delicious food and activities for children.
Join master brewers from around the world on Saturday, November 16 and Sunday, November 17 at the Rio Cuale Cultural Center.
Festival Gourmet
This week, the 25th annual Festival Gourmet International begins its six-day celebration of the culinary delights of Puerto Vallarta. With 30 of Vallarta’s best restaurants and hotels participating, this year’s festival is packed with special events, food tours, world-class cooking classes, and some of the best gastronomic magic Mexico has to offer.
An estimated 20,000 gourmands will attend this festival’s colorful and rich events, which runs from Tuesday, November 19 to Sunday, November 24, so make your reservations now at festivalgourmet.com.
South Side Shuffle
Vallarta’s 10th annual South Side Shuffle begins Friday, November 29. This lively street party takes place every other Friday night from 6-10 p.m. (running through April 2, 2020). It is a terrific way to get to know Puerto Vallarta’s “Zona Romantica,” or old town neighborhood, without all the noise. Traffic will be blocked along Basilio Badillo, the area’s best-known food and shopping street, often called “Restaurant Row” by locals. With live music and a festive atmosphere, folks are invited to dance in the street and “shuffle” between eateries, street-side bars, shops, and galleries providing the best that old Vallarta has to offer, all in one rocking fiesta.
Under The Stars
Saturday, November 30, Puerto Vallarta’s SPCA will hold its annual gala, “Evening Under The Stars,” from 6 p.m.
Vallarta’s Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals can house 130 animals at once, is 100-percent privately funded, and finds permanent homes for roughly 200 abandoned and abused animals each year. Their fundraiser, held at the exquisite Oscar’s Restaurant on the tip of the Rio Cuale Island, starts with music, drinks and appetizers while patrons peruse an exclusive silent auction. A three-course meal begins at 7 p.m., followed by a live auction of truly unique and rare items, hosted by world-famous charity auctioneer John Curley. A traditional Jalisco mariachi band will provide the evening’s musical entertainment.
Tickets for this event are 2,000 pesos (US$120) and usually sell out, as seating is limited. To attend, email 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..
Free Soul Festival
Yoga and meditation come together in Puerto Vallarta for a dynamic and exploratory weekend at the inaugural Free Soul Festival, Friday, November 29 to Sunday, December 1.
Visiting instructors from around the world will converge in a variety of private and public teachings and spiritual offerings, including live concerts and exhibitions of holistic music.
Saturday, November 30, starting at 5:30 p.m., there will be a free outdoor yoga class, “Happy, Healthy Hips,” with Robin Martin, followed by a free concert featuring AMAYAMA’s fusion music of mantras, hip-hop beats and experimental electronica out of Europe. Find them on Vallarta’s Malecon, near “El Farito” (the little lighthouse) to join in the movement and energetic dancing.
Tickets for individual events and the entire weekend can be purchased through freesoulfestival.com.