With leisure travel continuing to fill up the summer months, vacationers are starting to look ahead to book their winter escape.  There’s not better, or gayer, place to jet off to than sunny Puerto Vallarta, that always has an extensive roster of exciting events taking place throughout the year. From gourmet food festivals to competitive sporting tournaments, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this welcoming oceanside paradise

As the peak of summer winds down, there’s no reason to forget about having fun in sun. Visitors flock to Puerto Vallarta on Mexico’s Pacific Coast year-round to enjoy more than 310 days of sunshine, world-class beaches, fine dining, and authentic Mexican culture. If that wasn’t enough, Puerto Vallarta is hosting a full schedule of events that appeal to a wide variety of interests through year-end. From adrenaline-filled competitive sporting events to delectable gourmet gastronomical festivals, here are six of the hottest happenings that will give visitors a taste of the coastal city’s rich history and stunning mountain to ocean landscapes.

See below for a sampling of what’s on offer, the book your vacay accordingly!

Indulge Your Tastebuds at the Vallarta Nayarit Gastronomica

October 12-18, 2022

Puerto Vallarta will be on the world stage for the 14th annual Vallarta Nayarit Gastronomica showcasing award-winning chefs from all over Mexico, United States, Latin America, and Europe as they create dishes in the spirt of the 2022 theme of “Sustainability in the Kitchen.” The event features more than 50 Michelin-starred chefs, celebrity chefs, expert speakers, sommeliers, and mixologists as they dazzle guests and their tastebuds with live on-stage cooking demonstrations, immersive gourmet workshops, exclusive dinners featuring special tasting menus, and premium mixology and wine tastings. As an ode to the area’s natural beauty and biodiversity, the Nebulosa Project pop up will replicate Jalisco’s lush rainforest at a sustainable brunch featuring innovative dishes from Michelin-star chef Kisco García that showcase the local flavors of nearby San Sebastián del Oeste, set to become the new gastronomic destination in Jalisco. Tickets range from US$93-147.

Reel in the Good Times at the International Marlin and Sailfish Fishing Tournament

November 9-12, 2022

Fishing aficionados are invited to sail the high seas to find the largest marlin and sailfish off the coast of Puerto Vallarta during the 66th Annual International Marlin and Sailfish Fishing Tournament. 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 during this popular big game fishing tournament. 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.

Explore the Flavors of the World at the Festival Gourmet International

November 10-20, 2022

Calling all gourmet food lovers! This world-class event highlights some of the greatest gourmet traditions and cuisines in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit, giving foodies an opportunity to sample dishes from visiting international chefs and hone their culinary skills by taking part in workshops and cooking classes. With over 60 chefs participating, visitors will not want to miss the showcase of great gastronomy in Mexico. For guests who can’t decide where to eat from the 30 participating restaurants, the Gourmet Safari is an exclusive experience that offers a gourmet four-course progressive tasting tour to attendees. Admission to individual events can be purchased in the coming months.

Watch the Best Mountain Bikers in the World Compete at the Fireride Festival

November 12 (qualifier); November 25 – 26, 2022

Visitors to Puerto Vallarta will not want to miss this heart pounding international mountain bike festival that features 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, good times, and more! Watch in awe as these top athletes show off their style and skill as they compete in events including 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 title of champion. Spectators are invited take part in the action by trying 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.

Test Your Physical Endurance at the Burden Run

December 3, 2022

This December, visitors can beat the winter blues by traveling to Puerto Vallarta and taking part in the Burden Run. 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 (470 meters long and 150 meters 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. However, 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. Pre-sale registration is US$699 through September 1.

Compete with the World’s Best Trail Runners at Experience Puerto Vallarta with UTMB ®  

October 28-30, 2022

Trail runners from all over the world will compete to be the fastest as they traverse Puerto Vallarta’s vast terrain, navigating through lush jungles and agave plantations, crossing through colonial towns and finishing in the renowned Banderas Bay. Runners can choose their own adventure featuring four distances from 20km to 170km. UTMB is Mexico’s first-ever ultramarathon event, providing a new opportunity for the international ultramarathon community to come together and discover the natural splendor of The Friendliest City in the World. Registration is now open and ranges from US$45-$293.

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About Puerto Vallarta
Nestled between the rugged Sierra Madre Mountains and Banderas Bay on Mexico’s balmy Pacific coast, Puerto Vallarta is the quintessential Mexican beach destination. Puerto Vallarta’s year-round warm climate, easy direct access from major markets in the United States and Canada, and a range of accommodation options have made it a top choice for a stress-free tropical escape. Authentic culture can be discovered around every corner in Puerto Vallarta, from the charming cobblestone streets downtown to the art-filled Malecon, and the lively Romantic Zone – a favorite enclave amongst LGBTQ+ travelers. Puerto Vallarta’s picturesque beaches and aquatic activities lure travelers, and its welcoming hospitality, top-notch gastronomy, and outdoor adventures keep them coming back time and time again

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About the Author

Bryen Dunn is a freelance journalist based in Toronto with a focus on tourism, lifestyle, entertainment and community issues. He has written several travel articles and has an extensive portfolio of celebrity interviews with musicians, actors and other public personalities. He’s willing to take on any assignments of interest, attend parties with free booze, listen to rants, and travel the world in search of the great unknown. He’s eager to discover the new, remember the past, and look into the future.