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From dinner on the beach and mariachi under the stars to drag shows, pool parties and free tequila, here is what Puerto Vallarta has planned for Sept. 15 and 16.
Puerto Vallarta is preparing to mark the 216th anniversary of Mexico’s Independence with two days of music, food, fireworks and celebrations throughout the city.
The main event takes place Tuesday night at Plaza de Armas, where thousands are expected to gather for the traditional Grito de Independencia. But there is plenty happening before and after the mayor steps onto the City Hall balcony. Restaurants are preparing special menus, bars are booking live entertainment and several Romantic Zone venues will keep the party going well past midnight.
Independence Day falls on Wednesday, Sept. 16, but—as anyone who has celebrated the holiday in Mexico knows—the biggest night is Sept. 15.
Here is where to celebrate this year. Times and prices were supplied by the venues and may change, so confirm directly before making plans.
The official celebration
Plaza de Armas and the Malecón
Puerto Vallarta’s public program begins Sept. 15 with a formal City Council session at Plaza de Armas at 8 a.m. The main stage comes to life at 6:30 p.m. with DJ Zuar, batucada percussion and pre-Hispanic dance. Ballet Folclórico Cuauhtémoc, Mariachi Internacional Real de América and Grupo Caché are also scheduled to perform.
At 11 p.m., the mayor will deliver the Grito from City Hall, recalling Miguel Hidalgo’s 1810 call that began Mexico’s fight for independence. Fireworks over the Malecón will follow at 11:30 p.m., and Banda Vallejo is scheduled to take the stage at midnight.
The official observance resumes Sept. 16 with a civic ceremony at 8 a.m. and the Civic-Military Parade along the Malecón at 9 a.m. All municipal events are free.
Daytime celebrations on Sept. 15
Vallarta Botanical Gardens
The Vallarta Botanical Gardens will begin the celebration with a daytime Fiesta Mexicana from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The program includes traditional lotería, a free mechanical bull, Mexican snacks, traditional drinks and an Independence Day ceremony. General admission is $300 pesos, while garden members enter free.
Cheeky Pool Club
Bearadise takes over Cheeky Pool Club from 1 to 6 p.m. for its Viva México Pool Party. The men-only, clothing-optional afternoon includes a DJ, a host and three go-go bears. Admission is $20 USD; the flyer also lists $350 pesos. Cheeky Pool Club is located at Venustiano Carranza 527.
Blue Chairs Rooftop
Blue Chairs Rooftop opens its eighth-floor Independence Day celebration from 3 to 11 p.m. Diva Daniela and Karla Fifi will perform, with the rooftop offering an open view across the bay as the city prepares for El Grito.
Vallarta Gay+ Community Center
For a more community-focused celebration, the Vallarta Gay+ Community Center is hosting a Mexican Fiesta beginning at 5:30 p.m. Guests are invited to bring food, drinks or snacks to share. The center is located at Morelos 101, Local 7, Downtown.
Mexican flavors around town
Bar Frida y Restaurante
Bar Frida y Restaurante is stretching the celebration across three days. From Sept. 14 through 16, it will serve a four-course dinner from 3 to 10 p.m. for $325 pesos per person.
The meal includes a nonalcoholic horchata or Jamaica margarita, Mexican black bean salad, chile en nogada with arroz rojo, and a choice of flan or buñuelos.
River Café
River Café’s “Sabe a México” menu will be available Sept. 15 and 16 from noon to 11:30 p.m. The three-course dinner costs $695 pesos, with selections including chicharrón cream soup, arrachera, a Mexican combination plate, pescado zarandeado and cheese flan. River Café is located at Isla Río Cuale 4.
ITA
ITA, located at Viena 159 in Versalles, is putting the chile at the center of the meal with its Festival del Chile. The menu includes a chile relleno with short rib and guava mole for $380 pesos, duck chile en nogada for $340 pesos, and a chile wrapped in blue-corn masa with black mole for $340 pesos. A three-course tasting menu is available for $690 pesos. Reservations at 322-291-7717.
Restaurant Gaby’s
Restaurant Gaby’s is featuring Mexican specialties for Sept. 15 and 16, including stuffed chiles, chicken mole and chimichangas. Contact the restaurant directly for reservations and complete menu details.
Villa del Palmar Puerto Vallarta
Villa del Palmar Puerto Vallarta has added a Festival del Taco, Pozole y Chile en Nogada to its September resort programming. Guests and visitors should check with the hotel for the schedule and reservation requirements.
Margarita Grill
Margarita Grill will celebrate Mexican Night on Sept. 15 with live music, food, margaritas and the lively atmosphere for which the restaurant is known. Alberto Cuevas takes the stage at 7 p.m.
La Dolce Vita Malecón
La Dolce Vita Malecón will offer live entertainment on Sept. 15 at its upstairs location overlooking the Malecón and the bay.
The Top Sky Bar
The Top Sky Bar presents an adults-only Noche Mexicana beginning at 8 p.m., hosted by Ariel The Top. Alex Moran, Deborah La Grande and Ivanna Camarena are part of the lineup, along with musical tributes to Carin León, Jenni Rivera and Selena Quintanilla. A special menu will also be available.
Non-Almar guests have a $500-peso minimum consumption. Reservations can be made at 322-222-4888.
El Dorado
El Dorado pairs a four-course beachfront dinner with mariachi from 9 to 11 p.m. Guests will also have a view of El Grito and the fireworks across the bay. Dinner is $720 pesos per person, and reservations are recommended.
La Palapa
La Palapa is taking reservations for diners who want to welcome Independence Day beside the ocean. Its Playa Los Muertos location offers a front-row setting for the Sept. 15 fireworks. Contact the restaurant for menu and reservation details.
After dark on Sept. 15
Chachalaca Bar
Chachalaca Bar starts its special Mexican-themed show at 9 p.m., celebrating the heritage, culture and beauty of Mexico. There is no cover.
The bar will also serve one-liter Chachalaca Signature Azulitos, Palomas and Micheladas for $100 pesos each. Seating is limited, so arriving early is recommended.
Brasero Grill & Wine
Brasero Grill & Wine begins its Noche Mexicana at 10 p.m. The evening includes a taquiza, tequilas at three for the price of two and live norteño music from Legión 4 Norteño.
CC Slaughters
CC Slaughters has two live shows planned for the night, at 10 p.m. and midnight. Its Fiesta Mexicana brings together the Delta Queens, go-go dancers and Banda La Regalona del Compa Pelón, appearing at the club for the first time.
Mandala Puerto Vallarta
Mandala Puerto Vallarta is giving the holiday a nightclub treatment with “The Mexican Spirit,” billed as a formal and elegant Independence Night celebration with music, dancing and a Mexican-themed atmosphere.
Cheeky Lounge
Cheeky Lounge will host an El Grito Watch Party at 11 p.m. The bar is located at Lázaro Cárdenas 311C in the Romantic Zone.
STUDS
STUDS presents ¡El Grito! — Noche de Independencia on Sept. 15, with Mexican music, energy and a countdown to the traditional cry of “¡Viva México!” Free shots will be served from midnight to 1 a.m., while supplies last.
STUDS is located at Basilio Badillo 283. Earlier that day, the Gear Shop by STUDS will offer 15 percent off purchases.
Sanctuary PV
Sanctuary PV will mark the night with several drink specials: well drinks for $65 pesos; three tequilas for $100; two beers and one tequila for $100; three beers and three tequilas for $200; or three tequilas and one beer for $120. Sanctuary is located at Venustiano Carranza 239.
Santos & Pecadores
Santos & Pecadores is advertising a Gran Noche Mexicana with a surprise show at Calle 5 de Febrero 340.
The Red Door Bar
The Red Door Bar in Versalles is encouraging guests to dress for the occasion. Wear boots and receive one free shot, wear a sombrero and receive one, or wear both and receive two.
El Soñador
El Soñador is extending its Independence Day promotion across Sept. 15 and 16. Each customer can receive one complimentary shot of house tequila during the two-day celebration.
Sept. 16 celebrations
Tunnel Bar
After the morning civic ceremony and parade, Tunnel Bar will begin serving pulled-pork sandwiches at 4 p.m., accompanied by cold drinks. Service continues while the food lasts.
La Catrina Cantina
La Catrina Cantina begins its Independence Day program at 5 p.m. with Jacky López and Mariachi Alas de Vallarta. That performance is advertised with a $350-peso cover.
At 6 p.m., the cantina presents a larger Noche de Independencia with live singers and Mexican folklore, advertised as having no cover. Because the two promotions list different admission conditions. La Catrina is located at Lázaro Cárdenas 315B.
Keep the celebration going
Industry Night Club PV
Industry Night Club PV is extending the Independence festivities into the weekend with ¡Viva México! on Friday, Sept. 18, and Saturday, Sept. 19. The Circuit Room lineup includes resident DJs Alan Rosse, Alan Pilo and Diego Álvarez, joined by special guests Gabriel Skyy and JC Vibes. Resident DJ Luis Vázquez is also part of the two-night celebration.
Industry is located at Lázaro Cárdenas 258 in the Romantic Zone. VIP reservations are available at 322-191-6987.
Pool Club at Casa Cupula
Pool Club at Casa Cupula will keep the holiday spirit going with an Independence Weekend edition of its NKD Pool Party on Saturday, Sept. 19, beginning at 3 p.m. The afternoon promises Mexican vibes, poolside fun and plenty of heat as the celebration moves into the weekend.
The party takes place at Callejón de la Igualdad 133 in Amapas. Additional information is available at casacupula.com/events.
An option outside Puerto Vallarta
Naviva by Four Seasons
Naviva by Four Seasons in Punta Mita is holding a Mexican Independence Weekend from Sept. 12 through 15. The program culminates with a Feria Mexicana featuring regional food, handcrafted cocktails and live music.
Before you go
Expect large crowds and street closures around Plaza de Armas and the Malecón on Sept. 15. Give yourself extra time when traveling between Downtown, Playa Los Muertos and the Romantic Zone, and make restaurant reservations as early as possible.
Most importantly, remember what the night is about. Join the celebration, enjoy the music and be ready when the entire plaza answers the mayor’s call with a thunderous “¡Viva México!”
This guide will be updated as more venues announce their plans. Event times, prices and programming are subject to change.
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