Puerto Vallarta is preparing for a landmark weekend as the city marks its 108th anniversary as a municipality and 58th anniversary as a city from May 29 to May 31, 2026. The three-day celebration will fill the Malecón and downtown Puerto Vallarta with free cultural performances, live music, an aerial exhibition, and a fireworks finale.
The festivities are organized by the Municipal Government and are open to the public at no cost, offering residents and visitors a chance to experience the city’s heritage, arts, and community spirit.
Historical Background
Puerto Vallarta’s origins trace back to 1851, when Guadalupe Sánchez founded a small settlement along the Cuale River to supply salt to nearby silver-mining towns. The settlement was originally named Las Peñas de Santa María de Guadalupe.
On May 31, 1918, the community officially became the municipality of Puerto Vallarta, named after former Jalisco governor Ignacio Luis Vallarta. Decades of growth in infrastructure and transportation led to its designation as a city, making this year’s celebration a “double anniversary” that honors both milestones.
Weekend Event Schedule
Friday, May 29 — Puerto: Archivo y Memoria
The celebration begins with a cultural preservation event at the Municipal Palace.
- 8:00 a.m. — Exhibition opening featuring historical documents, photographs, and archives
- 6:00 p.m. — Evening conference with historians and archival specialists from Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara, Zapopan, and the General Archive of the State of Jalisco
This event is part of the city’s broader effort to open its historical archives to the public, a project that continues to draw researchers and history enthusiasts.
Saturday, May 30 — Free Performances on the Malecón
- 6:00 p.m. — Ballet Folklórico Cuauhtémoc at Los Arcos Amphitheater
- 7:00 p.m. — Orquestra Escuela PV performance near the Matamoros lighthouse, with visual projections on the Malecón lighthouse
- 7:00 p.m. — Ballet Clásico VallArte Estudio at Los Arcos
- 8:30 p.m. — DJ Jovana Dávalos with music and multimedia projections
Sunday, May 31 — Official Anniversary Day
The main celebration coincides with the exact anniversary date and features the largest lineup of events:
- 7:00 a.m. — Carrera por la Niñez, a charitable fun run raising funds for the Comprehensive Care Program for People with Disabilities
- 3:00 p.m. — Civic ceremony and flag honors presentation, with a regional military band and folkloric dancers at the Letras del Malecón
- 4:00 p.m. — Solemn Session at Los Arcos
- 5:30 p.m. — Mexican Air Force aerial exhibition over the Malecón, including a parachute demonstration and a 25-minute performance by the Águilas Aztecas acrobatic team with up to eight aircraft performing precision maneuvers above Banderas Bay
- 6:30 p.m. — 2026 Premio Vallarta awards presented by Mayor Luis Munguía and municipal leaders
- 6:45 p.m. — Mexican National Anthem and traditional birthday cake
- 7:00 p.m. — Jazz ensemble on the main stage
- 8:00 p.m. — Grupo Caché
- 9:30 p.m. — Grupo Farra
- 11:00 p.m. — Synchronized fireworks display over Banderas Bay
- After fireworks — Free concert by a surprise guest artist
What Visitors Should Know
- Cost: All events are free and open to the public
- Location: Most activities are centered on the Malecón and Los Arcos Amphitheater in downtown Puerto Vallarta
- Best viewing: Arrive early for the air show and fireworks to secure a spot along the waterfront
- Accessibility: The Malecón is wheelchair-accessible; street parking and nearby public lots fill quickly on event days
- Nearby dining: The downtown area offers dozens of restaurants within walking distance of the main stage
The Bottom Line
Puerto Vallarta’s double anniversary is one of the most significant civic celebrations of the year, combining history, culture, music, and spectacle. With free admission and a full schedule of events spanning three days, it offers visitors an authentic look at the city’s pride and traditions. The Águilas Aztecas air show and fireworks finale are expected to draw the largest crowds, making Sunday, May 31, the highlight of the weekend.
For more upcoming events, see the Puerto Vallarta events calendar.
