Get the inside scoop on Bucerias’s upcoming events to plan your vacation.Whether you’re staying for the winter, ramping up for the Spring Break of a lifetime, or just want to relax with family on one of the many white-sand beaches… we have a great line-up for everyone! Our event calendar covers popular festivals, live music, opportunities to make new friends, and the occasional baby turtle release. Make sure to follow us on Facebook where we regularly post the latest Bucerias news, updates, secret spots, and some great upcoming events for our guests.
Best Festivals in Bucerias
Bucerias, nestled along the stunning Riviera de Nayarit, isn’t just a picturesque coastal town—it’s a hub of cultural celebration and community spirit. Throughout the year, locals and visitors alike come together to revel in the festivities that define the essence of Bucerias. From culinary delights to vibrant street art and exhilarating water sports, there’s something for everyone. Here are the four best festivals you shouldn’t miss in Bucerias:
Patron Saint Festival & Blessing of the Boats
Date: January 16 – 24 (Annually)
Commencing on January 16 and spanning nine days, the Bucerias Patron Saint Festival honors the city’s protector, Our Lady of Peace. From cannon echoes to beauty contests and live music, the festivities culminate in the awe-inspiring Blessing of the Boats on January 24. Decorated fishing boats sail in a pilgrimage from La Cruz de Huanacaxtle to Bucerias, symbolizing community unity and seeking blessings for the year ahead. It’s a poignant reminder of tradition, faith, and the deep connection to the sea that defines Bucerias.
Bucerias Chalk Art Festival
Date: February (Varies annually)
In February, Lazaro Cardenas street becomes a canvas for creativity during the Bucerias Chalk Art Festival. Talented artists from across Mexico gather to showcase their skills through intricate chalk art displays. From whimsical designs to awe-inspiring masterpieces, the streets come alive with color and imagination. Beyond the art, the festival also supports local charities, inviting attendees to make a positive impact while marveling at the ephemeral beauty of chalk art.
Bucerias Oyster Festival
Date: Easter Sunday
Every Easter weekend, the beach in front of downtown Bucerias transforms into a lively celebration of gratitude and seafood. The Annual Bucerias Oyster Festival marks the end of the oyster extraction season, coinciding with the Easter holiday period. Divers and fishermen join forces to thank visitors for their support, offering free food, live music by local bands, contests, and even a beauty pageant. It’s a feast for the senses and a heartwarming display of community appreciation.
Kite Wind Festival
Date: May (Varies annually)
For adrenaline seekers and water sports enthusiasts, the Kite Wind Festival in May is a must-attend event. Bucerias’s ideal geographic and climatic conditions make it a premier destination for kiteboarding and windsurfing. The festival features the International Kiteboarding Championship, attracting riders from around the globe to showcase their skills and promote Bucerias as a top wind destination. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, the festival offers thrills on the waves and a vibrant atmosphere on the beach.
Battle of Bucerias: The Watersports Festival
Date: May (Varies annually)
The Battle of Bucerias is an annual watersports festival, uniting enthusiasts of all levels for a weekend of adrenaline-pumping competition and family-friendly fun. Hosted against the backdrop of the picturesque Golden Zone (Zona Dorada) Beach in Bucerias, Nayarit, this event, organized by Surf Mexico, showcases a diverse range of innovative disciplines, from thrilling wing foil regattas to exhilarating windsurfing races. Participants, whether novices or seasoned athletes, battle for the coveted title of aquatic champion in categories such as Stand Up Paddle, Wing Foil, and Starship racing. With generous prizes, community engagement initiatives, and a vibrant atmosphere of camaraderie, the Battle of Bucerias is not just a competition but a celebration of the vibrant watersports culture and the beauty of Bucerias’ coastal landscape.
Banderas Bay Music Festival
Experience the Banderas Bay Music Festival, a standout event in Bucerias’ music scene. Held annually from Thursday to Saturday from 4:30-10pm at the scenic Los Arroyos Verdes, this outdoor festival offers an intimate setting with just 250 seats, ensuring a unique musical experience. Delight in performances by world-class bands from Canada, the United States, and Mexico, while enjoying delicious food and drinks. Your ticket includes the “day pass” amenities (not the pool) of Los Arroyos Verdes.
Weekly Events in Bucerias
Weekly Bucerias Markets
Experience the vibrant Riviera Nayarit markets throughout the week: Wednesdays feature the Bucerias Farmer’s Market, boasting live music and fresh produce in Bucerias; Sundays offer the La Cruz Market at the Marina with over 200 vendors showcasing handicrafts and seafood in La Cruz Marina; Tuesdays host the Nuevo Vallarta Farmer’s Market behind Hospital Joya Riviera Nayarit, offering organic delights and artisanal treasures; and Sunday mornings bring the Bucerias Tianguis along the Arroyo del Indio, a local affair brimming with diverse merchandise from electronics to exotic fruits. Some only open during the high season (November – April), so make sure to check the weekly schedule below:
Bucerias Art Walk
No weekly event embraces the spirit of Bucerias quite like the Art Walk. Every Thursday evening (November – April) the free self-guided walking tour covers most of the Art District & Golden Zone.
The participating galleries are all clustered together in the city’s Art District, also known as the Golden Zone. Sip wine, sample cheese, wander the area’s beautiful cobblestone streets and interact with some of the top artists and gallery owners in Banderas Bay. Afterward, explore the neighborhood’s many fine bars and restaurants.
Website: https://artwalkbucerias.com/
FREE ADMISSION
Every Thursday – 5 PM
Live Music in Bucerias
For upcoming events in Bucerias involving live music, we always like to recommend:
- Jax Bar & Grill: They have live music almost every day, and they also have weekly trivia events!
- El Chiverio: Rock out every Saturday at 1 pm on the beach
- Luna Lounge: Periodic live performances including music, theatre, comedy, drag queen shows, etc.
- and more!
Seasons in Bucerias
Whale Watching Season
DECEMBER – MID MARCH
In late fall, Humpback Whales begin their annual migratory route to their winter breeding and calving grounds in the warmer tropical waters of Mexico. Their total migration route extends to about 5000 km (3000 mi). This makes it one of the longest journeys of any mammal on the planet!
Fishing Season
SEPTEMBER – FEBRUARY
Puerto Vallarta offers some of the best sport fishing in Mexico. Mahi Mahi and Marlin season is best from September to February, but Red Snapper and Jack Crevalle fishing are great all year! Check out the Puerto Vallarta Fishing Charters we most recommend.
Kitesurfing & Wind Season
FEBRUARY – JUNE
The Bucerias kitesurfing and wind season usually covers the months from February to June. Every May is the Festival del Viento (Wind Festival) International Kiteboarding Championship. It is a very popular event in the area, and it helps support riders to grow professionally and to promote the Riviera de Nayarit as one of the best wind destinations in Mexico.
Turtle Season
MAY – DECEMBER
Bahia de Banderas has implemented a community-wide preservation program that combines protected nurseries for turtle eggs. Turtle liberation ceremonies are held daily during the season at participating hotel beaches and turtle camps.
You’ll be able to release a baby turtle, who will return to one of our beaches to lay its eggs upon reaching adulthood. Each nest can produce 100 eggs, and the staff claims an average of 60,000 baby turtles are released each year.
Annual Events
Puerto Vallarta Restaurant Week
During Puerto Vallarta Restaurant Week, participating restaurants offer 3-course menus at a reduced price for three whole weeks. To properly showcase each restaurant’s signature flavors, there are multiple options to choose from for every course. There are three categories of menus: $299, $399, and $499 pesos per person, depending on the restaurant. As you can see, it’s an excellent opportunity to have some amazing local culinary experiences at a discount!
Annual Surf Classic in Sayulita
Sayulita is a famous surfing destination and it is very close to Puerto Vallarta, which means there’s no reason you can’t go to this annual event that draws surfers from all over the world.
Carnival
FIRST TUESDAY OF MARCH
Many people plan their vacations around this colorful celebration where incredible floats, elaborate masks, and awe-inspiring stilt walkers take over the streets. 30,000 residents and tourists gather each year to enjoy the spectacle!
Holidays
New Year’s Day (Año Nuevo)
JANUARY 1
This national holiday is celebrated widely with fireworks and other special events you won’t want to miss! Head out to the beach at midnight and watch the entire bay light up with fireworks.
Navy Day (Día de la Marina)
JUNE 1
This celebration honors the memory of those who sailed out in the ship “Tabasco” in Veracruz – the first Mexican merchant ship – along with all sailors who’ve lost their lives on the sea. Captains lay wreaths of flowers in the waters of Banderas Bay in a ceremony that is followed by sailing competitions, parties, and fireworks.
Puerto Vallarta Anniversary Day
MAY 31
With cultural and sporting events, live music performances, and a beautiful firework display over Banderas Bay, Puerto Vallarta’s anniversary celebration is a lot of fun!
Mexico’s Independence Day
SEPTEMBER 14 – 16
September 14 is Charro Day. Mexican Charros (Mexican cowboys) parade through Puerto Vallarta in the morning wearing traditional charro outfits with beautifully decorated jackets, pants, and sombreros. There are traditional displays of roping and bullfighting plus plenty of good food and dancing.
On independence eve (September 15), the central plaza gets packed with people for the traditional “el grito”, or cry for independence. This is when you’ll hear cries of “Viva Mexico” followed by an amazing firework display, music, dancing, an abundance of food, and a great atmosphere. The festivities continue the next day, with more fireworks, parades, and even more partying.
Dia de los Muertos
NOVEMBER 1
On this day, Mexicans pay homage to the souls of their ancestors. Tradition states that the departed descend from the heavens on this day, so family members prepare for their arrival by leaving sugar skeletons, family items, and other treats on altars custom-designed for the occasion. Each year Puerto Vallarta’s City Hall and the Cultural Center offer special altar exhibitions.
Festival of the Virgin of Guadalupe
DECEMBER 12
This important religious holiday marks the anniversary of the day the Virgin Guadalupe made her miraculous appearance to a peasant in Mexico. On this day, fireworks abound and the central plaza is filled with people street vendors selling fruits and other local specialties. Also, in the small south shore community of Quimixto, a “flotilla” of decorative fishing boats makes its way down the shoreline.
Christmas Week
DECEMBER 16 – DECEMBER 25
Throughout Puerto Vallarta, everyone celebrates the birth of Christ with gatherings called “posadas,” where people re-enact Joseph and Mary’s search for a place to stay in Bethlehem. Processions travel to designated homes to ask for lodging in song, and the party begins when the host throws open the door.
Other Mexico Holidays
- 3 de FEB 2020 – Día de la Constitución Mexicana (día festivo oficial en México)
- 16 de MAR 2020 – Natalicio de Benito Juárez (día festivo oficial en México)
- 9-12 de ABR 2020 – Semana Santa
- 1 de MAY 2020 – Día del Trabajo (día festivo oficial en México)
- 10 de MAY 2020 – Día de las Madres
- 21 de JUN 2020 – Día del Padre
- 16 de NOV 2020 – Revolución Mexicana (día festivo oficial en México)
Latest Bucerias News
Get the most important Bucerias news about social events, tourist activities, crime, real estate, business, and sports. Make sure to follow us on Facebook to get more up-to-date local Bucerias news.
MARALMA: Beach Vacation Rentals in Bucerias Golden Zone
Volunteering and Community Opportunities in Bucerias
Battle of Bucerias: The Annual Watersports Festival
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Bucerias Kite Wind Festival
4 Best Festivals in Bucerias You Shouldn’t Miss
Bucerías Patron Saint Festival & Blessing of the Boats
Dia de los Muertos & Halloween Events in Bucerias, Nayarit
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