9 Best Performing Arts in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

The biggest cultural center in Puerto Vallarta, Teatro Vallarta is in a modern building with an outstanding sound system that qualifies it to screen New York Met operas. It offers a bit of everything: national theater companies that are happy to include this beach town in their yearly circuit; sporadic international ballet performances or touring musicians; local conferences; dance contests; and all kinds of other events.

Bucerias Art Walk. North of Nuevo Vallarta, Bucerías Art Walk is on Thursday nights from the last week of October until late April, 7–9 pm. Participating galleries are on Boulevard Lázaro Cárdenas 62 around Calle Galeana. Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco. artwalkbucerias.com.

Celebration of Independence. The Celebration of Independence is held on September 15 and 16, beginning on the evening of September 15 with the traditional Grito de Dolores. It translates as "Cry of Pain," but it also references the town of Dolores Hidalgo, where the famous cry for freedom was uttered by priest Miguel Hidalgo. Late in the evening on September 15 there are mariachis, speeches, and other demonstrations of national pride. On September 16, witness parades and charros on horseback through the main streets of town. Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco.

This easy-to-access movie theater is in the heart of the Hotel Zone, on the second floor at the south end of the Plaza Caracol mall. The latest movies are shown on its 10 screens. Tickets are around 50 pesos (less than $4), with a 25% Wednesday discount.

Leather reclining sofas with trays and blankets are just the beginning of the VIP experience at this cinema, which is rounded out by full gourmet menus and alcoholic drinks.

Fiestas de la Virgen de Guadalupe. Puerto Vallarta's most important celebration of faith—and also one of the most elaborate spectacles of the year—is Fiestas de la Virgen de Guadalupe, designed to honor the Virgin of Guadalupe, the city's patron saint and the patroness of all Mexico. Exuberance fills the air as the end of November approaches and each participating business organizes its own procession. The most elaborate ones include allegorical floats and papier-mâché matachines, or giant dolls (for lack of a better phrase), and culminate in their own private mass. Groups snake down Calle Juárez from the north or the south, ending at the Cathedral in Old Vallarta. El Centro, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco. No phone.

Historic Center artWalk. One of the most traditional events in dowtown Vallarta is the Historic Center artWalk which showcases artwork at several dozen galleries. The galleries stay open late, sometimes offering an appetizer or snack, wine, beer, or soft drinks. Browse among the paintings, jewelry, ceramics, glass, and folk art while hobnobbing with some of PV's most respected artists. If you don't have a map, pick one up from one of the perennially participating galleries, which include Galería Whitlow, Corsica, Colectika, Galería Pacífico, Galería Caballito de Mar, PV Santana, The Loft, and Galería de Ollas. This walk is held every Wednesday from 6 pm to 10 pm, from the last week of October until late May. Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco. No phone. www.vallartaartwalk.com.

Home Tours. Mid-November through the end of April, three-hour villa tours by the International Friendship Club get you inside the garden walls of some inspiring PV homes. English-speaking guides lead groups on air-conditioned buses Tuesday and Wednesday, from December to March. Tours depart at 10:30 am. Lunch is included. The fee benefits local charities. Calle Olas Altas 513, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco. 322/222–5466. ifctoursforvallarta.com. $35.

International Gourmet Festival. The International Gourmet Festival is one of PV's biggest events. Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco. 322/222–2247. www.festivalgourmet.com.