Puerto Vallarta on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is a year-round favorite with travelers.
Known for its beaches, cuisine and authentic Mexican culture, the city is hosting a range of events. From competitive sporting events to gourmet festivals, here are six of the hottest happenings that will give visitors a taste of the coastal city’s history and landscapes.
“The 14th Annual Vallarta Nayarit Gastronomica” (October 12-18, 2022): This event will showcase chefs from all over Mexico, United States, Latin America and Europe. The theme for this year is “Sustainability in the Kitchen.” The event will include over 50 Michelin-starred chefs, celebrity chefs, expert speakers, sommeliers and mixologists. Guests can enjoy live cooking demonstrations, gourmet workshops and dinners with special tasting menus, besides mixology and wine tastings. The Nebulosa Project pop-up will replicate Jalisco’s rainforest at a sustainable brunch featuring dishes from Michelin-starred chef Kisco García, showcasing the flavors of nearby San Sebastián del Oeste in Jalisco.
“Puerto Vallarta Mexico by UTMB” (October 28-30, 2022): Trail runners from across the globe will navigate through jungles and agave plantations, crossing through colonial towns and finishing in the Banderas Bay. Runners can choose their own adventure featuring four distances from 20 kilometers to 170 kilometers. The event provides a new opportunity for the international ultra-marathon community to discover the natural splendor of the city.
Muelle Día (Visit Puerto Vallarta)
“The 66th Annual International Marlin and Sailfish Fishing Tournament” (November 9-12, 2022): Travelers can sail the high seas to find the largest marlin and sailfish off the coast of Puerto Vallarta. The event draws sports fishermen from across the globe competing in four categories: Marlin, sailfish, mahi mahi and tuna. You don’t have to cast a reel to get caught up in the thrill of the catch as new records are consistently set each year. As one of the area’s longest-running tournaments, it has become tradition for crowds to gather on the beach by the pier to watch the official weighing and sample the freshly caught fish.
“Festival Gourmet International” (November 10-20, 2022): Comprising over 60 chefs, this event highlights gourmet traditions and cuisines of Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit. Guests can sample dishes from visiting international chefs and hone their culinary skills by participating in workshops and cooking classes. For guests who can’t decide where to eat from the 30 participating restaurants, the “Gourmet Safari” offers a four-course progressive tasting tour to attendees.
“Fireride Festival” (November 12, qualifier; and November 25-26, 2022): This international mountain bike festival includes a local qualifying event and an invitational event highlighting the best male and female riders from around the globe, along with live music, DJ sets, tacos and good times. Events include dual slalom racing, high jump, best trick and a whip-off battle, where riders jump and twist in the air as they battle it out for the champion’s title. Spectators can try out bikes on the trails before enjoying a night of entertainment at this action-fueled mountain bike party. The event is free and open to the public.
“Burden Run” (December 3, 2022): This obstacle-focused competition allows participants to take their physical endurance to the limit amidst tropical jungles on four- to seven-mile tracks surrounded by stunning landscapes. Challenges include crossing the longest vehicle suspension bridge in the world (1,542 feet long and 492 feet high). Athletes can compete as individuals, couples or in teams and, since the race is not timed, they are invited to have fun while they eventually reach the finish line. For those seeking the thrill of the win, there is a race for individuals ranked by age, with prizes for the first three places in each age group. Burden Run is a fun day adventure for visitors and conveniently located just 25 minutes from the hotel zone of Puerto Vallarta.