Culture
Vallarta’s autumn calendar: remembrance by the sea and a season of food
Día de Muertos and the November Gourmet Festival offer two very different reasons to explore the city.
Bahía Journal · October 17, 2026
Festival de las Almas: October 31–November 2
Puerto Vallarta’s official tourism site lists the Festival de las Almas for October 31 through November 2, 2026, around the Malecón and Historic Downtown. The announcement describes ofrendas, music and illuminated pangas. Treat the dates as the published plan: consult the organizer’s final program for times, access arrangements and any changes.
Gourmet Festival: November 12–22
The tourism board lists the 31st Festival Gourmet International for November 12–22, 2026. Its organizer-supplied description mentions 30 restaurants and more than 60 guest chefs. Rather than trying to attend everything, choose a restaurant or a particular dinner that interests you, then confirm the menu, reservation policy and price directly. No admission price is assumed here.
A considerate way to join in
Allow extra time to walk between activities and make space for residents using the same streets. Around an ofrenda, ask before taking close-up photographs or interrupting a family moment. For food events, communicate allergies when booking. Cultural celebrations and restaurant programs are not interchangeable: one centers remembrance, while the other brings diners and kitchens together.
Sources & references
Reviewed October 17, 2026. Rules and event programs can change; confirm details with the original source.