Hi Suze- I am going to PV in March. The last time I was there, there was a Saturday market at a church inside a courtyard. I don't know the name of it. Do you know what I am talking about? I believe the church has moved but wondered if the market is still there?
Also on Sunday nights there used to be music at the bandstand and a lot of food carts. Was always fun. Still happening?

There are two Saturday morning Farmers Markets that happen in high-season.

One is the Olas Altas Farmers Market which happens in Lazaro Cardenas plaza (the one with the sparkly tiles in Zona Romantica, south end of the Malecon pedestrain walkway). It is FABulous happens from about 9am until 2pm. All kinds of vendors, live music, food to take-away, food to eat then, arts and crafts. It's wonderful.

There is also a smaller one on the Isla Cuale, the island in the Rio Cuale, that separates Centro from ZR. Called 3 Hens and a Rooster. Different vendors, smaller, but also big fun.

I cannot ever recall one in a church inside a courtyard? That rings no bells for me

Again what 'bandstand' where?? Do you mean in front of the church (with the crown on the top (Parroquia de Nuestra Snore de Guadalupe)? Yes there is the music and older couples dancing there at 6 and 7 pm on Sundays. Food carts around there and also out on the Maleon on the weekends, super fun and busy happenings.

Feel free to ask more. I am in town twice a year, so think I know what I'm talking about but perhaps have not exactly answered your questions.

suze

Where are you staying? What neighborhood? What hotel or resort or condo building? If you don't mind saying.

Oh wait... "courtyard setting", could you possiblly mean all the way back to the old Community Center on Pulpito in Zona Romanitca? There were church services there among other neighborhood activities.

I am staying at Costa Sur. We love staying there. It is a little way from town but bus stops in front so not a problem. The rooms are ocean front and I love going to sleep hearing the waves hitting the sea wall. Two of my cousins will be there, but staying in town and another friend I have known since I was 5.
Yes Pulpito St community center is what I was remembering. Is that still happening? You could always buy coffee from San Sebastian there.

The bandstand I was thinking of is the one in front of the church- I always think its fun to go there.

Where do you like to eat Suze? I always go to Pepe's and sometimes Barracuda ( if the music is not too loud)

I have not been there is several years so looking forward to it

I know Costa Sur by reputation and location. The southshore is a beautiful area, but I always stay right in town.

Sadly the community center has been closed for years. There was rumor of a new condo building going up on the lot but I'm not sure the status of that.

But for a Farmers Market there is Olas Altas in the Lazaro Cardenas plaza (sparky tiles) which is excellent (do not miss) and a smaller one on the Isla Cuale called 3 Hens & A Rooster. Both on Saturday mornings and only high-season (begins Nov ends usually around April or early May).

The bandstand in front of the church happens on Sunday evenings around 6-7pm, first music then ballroom styled dancing by older local couples. I think it might also happen Thursdays but don't quote me on that.

Restaurant recommendations in Zona Romantica (feel free to ask about any of them if you're interested and want to hear more):
Breakfast: The Pancake House, Cova Casual, Cafe Vayan, Fredy's El Tucan
Lunch/Dinner: Joe Jacks Fish Shack, Cafe de Olla, Archie's Wok, La Piazzetta, Tacos Soronita Olas Altas, Los Muertos Brewery
Take-out (or eat in): Jeans Classic Burgers
Bakeries: La Galette, Yulo's, Pie in the Sky, the Big Kahuna

suze

Thanks Suze. Too bad about the community centre. I always liked going there. Thanks for restaurant recs. I have been to some of them. I like the Barracuda too but last time music was so loud I couldn't stand it.
Another ? Do you know anything about fishing trips or golf? My cousins are interested in those activities.

Sorry. I've no experience with fishing, boating, golf, tours, or paid activiies. I'm useless that way.

El Barracuda is further north on a different beach than where I'd be at in Zona Romantica. It's up north a bit further from ZR on in 5 de diciember, Playa Camerones, Hotel Zone strip. I know it's a favorite but I've never been. For something similar on Playa Los Arcos you could check out Langostino's, CyC, any of many in all different styles and price ranges (and music levels, no kidding that!).

I don't want to exaggerate but I think the Community Center on Pulpito has been gone for more than 10 years. I had taken Zumba classes there ages ago, then remember checking on it in different stages of a lessening calendar, then closure, abandonment... and that was back well before the pandemic-years.

Good news you can get excellent coffee (beans or ground) at the Olas Altas Farmers Market or any of many places around town these days... Page in the Sun, Dee's, not hard to find.

Thanks for all the info. Have not been there for several years so looking forward to it

Hi! Yes, you’re probably thinking of the Saturday market that used to be at the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe (Gringo Gulch area). The church itself did move years ago, and the original market there no longer happens in the same way.

That said, Saturday markets are still very much alive in PV — especially the Olas Altas Farmers Market in the Romantic Zone, which many people feel has that same community vibe you’re remembering.

As for Sunday nights at the bandstand, if you mean Plaza de Armas, that’s still a thing 🙂 There’s often live music, locals dancing, and plenty of food carts around the square. The exact setup can vary by season, but it’s still a great spot to spend a Sunday evening.

We usually suggest checking a couple of days before you go, since schedules can change — especially around March. PV still has that lively, social feel you remember.

Hope you have an amazing trip!