Puerto Vallarta was founded as a municipality in 1918 and will mark its 108th municipal anniversary (and its 58th anniversary as a city) on May 31, 2026. The city’s civic celebrations have long highlighted local culture and identity, using emblematic venues on the Malecón (Los Arcos amphitheater, Plaza de Armas, and the Malecón lighthouse esplanade) that host cultural events and official ceremonies.
The full program runs from May 29th to the 31st, 2026. Activities includes daily cultural performances, civic memorials and decee’s, local cultural stage performances, and a massive multi-performer concert with fireworks and a late-night surprise musical guest.
Three full days and nights of family friendly events and activities. Please be aware of traffic and street closures, along with an increase in police presence.
Memorial and historical programming at Presidencia Municipal (memory and local history sessions). Get to know the stories and legends of Puerto Vallarta.
Dancing and music presentations at Los Arcos, plus special projections at the Malecón lighthouse throughout the day and into the evening.
Morning “Carrera de la Niñez” at Estadio Agustín Flores Contreras; afternoon protocol with flag honors, solemn session and the Premio Vallarta recognitions at Los Arcos; late-afternoon performance by the Escuadrilla Acrobática “Águilas Aztecas” (Mexican Air Force); evening cake-cutting in Plaza de Armas; main stage music, fireworks at 23:00 and a surprise musical artist around 00:30 to close the festivities.
The event is free and takes place in centro, all an easy walkable public spaces along the Malecón. So expect large local crowds, families, and tourists concentrated around Los Arcos and Plaza de Armas during peak evening hours. Come with a smile and to have fun. Watchout for pets and small kids.
Expect heavier traffic and occasional road closures around Centro especially on May 31. Taking taxis and Uber are recommended as parking is very limited. Obey all police as they guide you around, and stay on the right side of barriers. Given road closures, and crowd size plan to arrive early and stay late.
Bring water and plenty of sun screen for daytime events. You are aloud to drink and bring food baskets. However be aware drucken disorderly will not be tolerated. Make meet-up points for groups (Plaza de Armas is commonly used), and identify nearest first-aid or municipal help stations; municipal authorities (police, National Guard). If staying for fireworks they are loud and very close to the malecon.
This is a fully interactive map, use your mouse or pad to zoom in/out or click on a spot for information.
Sources used: official Visit Puerto Vallarta event pages and local news reporting of the 2026 program and the 2025 anniversary coverage.
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We are not affiliated with any restaurants or Vallarta Living and its associates. This information is given with the best of our knowledge as of May 6th. Please verify all information with the restaurants and Vallarta Living.
