For additional information about upcoming events in the Puerto Vallarta area, contact the Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board & Convention and Visitors Bureau. Phone 224-1175. Toll-free 888-384-6822 from the U.S. http://www.visitpuertovallarta.com. Another good site for event information is http://www.puertovallarta.net.

To call any of the phone numbers listed in this calendar from outside Mexico, you must first dial your country's international access code, followed by Mexico's country code, 52, and Puerto Vallarta's city code, 322.

Information in this calendar is subject to change and should be confirmed.

August, 2008

30, 31 Aug—Mexico es el Mariachi. The event features many mariachi enounters during events held throughout Jalisco. http://www.mariachi-jalisco.com.mx. Continues through 9 Sep

Throughout August—Low Season. The heat and humidity are pretty severe, so events are generally not scheduled in Puerto Vallarta during this time. Concludes late August

September, 2008

1-9 Sep—Mexico es el Mariachi. The event features many mariachi enounters during events held throughout Jalisco. http://www.mariachi-jalisco.com.mx. Concludes 9 Sep

14 Sep—Day of the Charro. The Day of the Charro honors the charro with parades on horseback throughout the town.

16 Sep-Independence Day. Public holiday celebrating Mexico's independence from Spain.

October, 2008

12 Oct-Dia de la Raza. Public holiday.

November, 2008

1-30 Nov—Fiestas del Mar. This annual celebration of the sea includes sailing regattas, fishing tournament, boat show, gourmet-food festival and more.

2 Nov-Dia de los Muertos. Public holiday. Day of the Dead, or All Souls' Day, when families take food and gifts to their loved ones buried in the cemeteries.

5, 12, 19, 26 Nov—Art Exhibit. About 12 art galleries are open to the public from 6-10 pm every other Wednesday.

20 Nov-Mexican Revolution Anniversary. Public holiday celebrating the 1910 revolution. A parade takes place in the morning, with fireworks and entertainment on the Malecon and at Plaza Principal at night.

Early-Late November—Festival de las Artes. A monthlong celebration of music, dance and theater organized by the city's cultural department. Art galleries showcase an impressive range of pieces by artists from throughout Mexico, and theater performances take place on the beach. Events are mostly outdoors in the Centro and on the South Side. Free. For information, call 224-1175, or toll-free 888-384-6822.

Early November—Golf. At least 120 top national and international golfers compete for prizes and money in the Golf Vallarta Cup tournament. The tournament takes place on three courses at the Marina and Vista Clubs de Golf. http://www.vallartagolf.com.

Early-Late November—Polo Season. Amateur and professional polo matches occur in nearby San Pancho, Nayari and Costa Careyes in Costalegre. http://www.mexicopolo.com. Continues through late May 2009

Mid November—Gourmet Festival. One of Mexico's premier culinary-arts events, this annual festival draws more than 20,000 people. Local chefs and more than 20 guest chefs from around the world serve up some 500 gourmet foods, cheeses, tequilas and other liquors. Cooking classes, wine tastings, beer samplings, specials at restaurants and other events. For more information, call 290-2247. http://www.festivalgourmet.com.

Mid November—Torneo Internacional de Pez Vela y Marlin. For nearly 50 years, one of Mexico's most prestigious and traditional international fishing tournaments has attracted hundreds of fishers from around the globe. Anglers compete in Banderas Bay for prizes awarded for the largest sailfish, marlin, wahoo and dorado. For information, call 225-5467, 221-5434 or 222-1436. http://www.fishvallarta.com.

December, 2008

3, 10, 17, 24, 31 Dec—Art Exhibit. About 12 art galleries are open to the public from 6-10 pm every other Wednesday.

12 Dec-Festival of the Virgin of Guadalupe. Public holiday. Mexico's patron saint is honored with processions, fireworks and other festivities.

25 Dec-Christmas. Public holiday.

31 Dec—New Year's Eve. Public holiday. Entertainment and fireworks on the Malecon, at Plaza Principal and along Olas Altas Street at Playa de Los Muertos. Throughout the city, churches hold midnight Mass.

Early-Late December—Whale-watching. December-April are the prime months to see migrating humpback whales off the coast at Banderas Bay. Tours are offered by local ecotour operators licensed by the National Environmental Agency. For information, call 224-1175, or toll-free 888-384-6822. Continues through late April 2009

Throughout December—Polo Season. Amateur and professional polo matches occur in nearby San Pancho, Nayari and Costa Careyes in Costalegre. http://www.mexicopolo.com. Continues through late May 2009

January, 2009

1 Jan-New Year's Day. Public holiday.

6 Jan-Dia de los Santos Reyes. Public holiday. Commemorates the three kings' visit to see the baby Jesus. Mexicans exchange Christmas presents.

7, 14, 21, 28 Jan—Art Exhibit. About 12 art galleries are open to the public from 6-10 pm every other Wednesday.

17 Jan-Feast Day of San Antonio de Abad. Animals are blessed in Roman Catholic churches during this nationwide celebration.

Throughout January—Polo Season. Amateur and professional polo matches occur in nearby San Pancho, Nayari and Costa Careyes in Costalegre. http://www.mexicopolo.com. Continues through late May

Throughout January—Whale-watching. December-April are the prime months to see migrating humpback whales off the coast at Banderas Bay. Tours are offered by local ecotour operators licensed by the National Environmental Agency. For information, call 224-1175, or toll-free 888-384-6822. Continues through late April

February, 2009

4, 11, 18, 25 Feb—Art Exhibit. About 12 art galleries are open to the public from 6-10 pm every other Wednesday.

5 Feb-Constitution Day. Public holiday commemorating the adoption of the Mexican constitution. A parade passes along Paseo Diaz Ordaz.

24 Feb-Mexican Flag Day. Public holiday honoring the Mexican flag. A parade culminates on Plaza de Almas.

Throughout February—Whale-watching. December-April are the prime months to see migrating humpback whales off the coast at Banderas Bay. Tours are offered by local ecotour operators licensed by the National Environmental Agency. For information, call 224-1175, or toll-free 888-384-6822. Continues through late April

Throughout February—Polo Season. Amateur and professional polo matches occur in nearby San Pancho, Nayari and Costa Careyes in Costalegre. http://www.mexicopolo.com. Continues through late May

March, 2009

4, 11, 18, 25 Mar—Art Exhibit. About 12 art galleries are open to the public from 6-10 pm every other Wednesday.

21 Mar-Benito Juarez's Birthday. Public holiday honoring Mexico's beloved president (1859-72).

21 Mar-Equinoccio de Primavera. A parade along Paseo Diaz Ordaz (the Malecon) to Plaza de Almas celebrates the beginning of spring.

Throughout March—Whale-watching. December-April are the prime months to see migrating humpback whales off the coast at Banderas Bay. Tours are offered by local ecotour operators licensed by the National Environmental Agency. For information, call 224-1175, or toll-free 888-384-6822. Continues through late April

Throughout March—Polo Season. Amateur and professional polo matches occur in nearby San Pancho, Nayari and Costa Careyes in Costalegre. http://www.mexicopolo.com. Continues through late May

April, 2009

1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Apr—Art Exhibit. About 12 art galleries are open to the public from 6-10 pm every other Wednesday.

Throughout April—Polo Season. Amateur and professional polo matches occur in nearby San Pancho, Nayari and Costa Careyes in Costalegre. http://www.mexicopolo.com. Continues through late May

Throughout April—Whale-watching. December-April are the prime months to see migrating humpback whales off the coast at Banderas Bay. Tours are offered by local ecotour operators licensed by the National Environmental Agency. For information, call 224-1175, or toll-free 888-384-6822. Concludes late April

May, 2009

1 May-Labor Day. Public holiday. Workers parade through the streets.

5 May-Cinco de Mayo. Public holiday celebrating Mexico's victory over the French in 1862.

Throughout May—Polo Season. Amateur and professional polo matches occur in nearby San Pancho, Nayari and Costa Careyes in Costalegre. http://www.mexicopolo.com. Concludes late May

June, 2009

1 Jun-Navy Day. Commemorated in all Mexican seaports.