2022 Events Calendar: Nuevo Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit

The Riviera Nayarit events calendar is quickly filling up with everything from food festivals to windsurfing competitions. There is nothing more exciting for your vacation than being a part of these upcoming events in Riviera Nayarit and enjoying the myriad things to do in Nuevo Vallarta. Each of the upcoming events in Nuevo Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit will give you a rich taste of Mexican culture and make you feel like a part of the community. If you are looking to book your trip to the shores of this incredible destination, be sure to check out this Nuevo Vallarta events calendar for a ton of ideas of what you can do on your vacation. 

Veg Fest Bucerias (February)

Last year, the vegan and vegetarian festival in Bucerias was one of the best events in Riviera Nayarit. With the sounds of live music drifting on the ocean breeze, more than 50 local businesses set up tents to showcase their vegan and vegetarian products during these free events in Riviera Nayarit, and as a visitor, supporting small businesses is one of the most important things to do in Riviera Nayarit to support the local community.

Raicilla, Mezcal & Craft Beer Riviera Nayarit Festival (March 7-8)

For two nights in March, there are tons of things to do in Nuevo Vallarta as the marina is lined with distillers and mixologists from across Mexico offering samples of their craft raicillas, mezcals, and beers. In just its second year, this festival is already one of the most anticipated 2022 events in Nuevo Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit. As you stroll under the twinkling lights of the marina, you can sample different liquors and order food and drinks at one of the best things to do in Nuevo Vallarta. You may even find an artisan bottle to take home!

The San Pancho Children’s Circus (March 18-21)

San Pancho is a quiet village in Riviera Nayarit, but the talent in its Children's Circus should never be underestimated. Under the direction of Gilles Ste-Croix, co-founder of the Cirque du Soleil, this program has grown and helped many children from this small town study performing arts and unleash their creativity, making this one of the most dazzling upcoming events in Riviera Nayarit. Buying tickets and putting the circus on your Riviera Nayarit events calendar helps support local communities and youth. Tickets to this incredible event sell out fast, leaving no doubt that this is one of the best events in Nuevo Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit. 

Oyster Festival (April 19)

For seafood lovers, the Bucerias Oyster Festival is one of the best events in Riviera Nayarit. Located just north of Flamingos, the town of Bucerias is filled with fishermen hauling in their biggest oysters. The beach is lined with friends and families slurping their oysters and washing them down with a cool beer: some of the favorite things to do in Riviera Nayarit. 

Cuisine of the Sun (April 21-24)

One of the top 2022 events in Nuevo Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit will be Cuisine of the Sun, a star-studded gourmet food festival at Villa la Estancia Riviera Nayarit. Watch pros from the Food Network and other professional organizations prepare elegant dinners and fire up the grill by the pool. For exquisite meals with surprising flavors and rich ingredients, make sure to add this festival to yourRiviera Nayarit calendar of events, and you may even pick up a few tips and tricks to spice up your own cooking skills. If you haven’t already booked your spot at the Cuisine of the Sun festival, get your tickets now because as one of the best events in Nuevo Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit, availability runs out quickly.

Riviera Nayarit Wind Festival (May 1-3)

Some of the most popular things to do in Riviera Nayarit are out at sea, and in May, the weather conditions are ideal for windsurfing. While most travelers aren’t up for competing, watching the show from the shore is one of the free events in Riviera Nayarit you won’t want to miss. Simply head out to the beach in Flamingos or Bucerias and look out to sea to watch talented athletes ride the waves.

Restaurant Week (May 15-20)

Across the Bay of Banderas, gourmet kitchens and beloved restaurants open their doors to showcase their signature flavors during Restaurant Week, a two-week long highlight on the Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit calendar of events. Whether you go out once or try as many of the special menus as possible, this is always one of the best events in Nuevo Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit. 

Independence Day Festivities (September 15 and 16)

The Riviera Nayarit events calendar is always marked in September to celebrate the country’s independence. The festivities kick off with a reenactment of the traditional Grito, or yell, of Independence. This is followed by fireworks and festivities, and all weekend long, restaurants serve the best of traditional Mexican cuisine, like pozole and chiles en nogada. If you are planning on scheduling your vacation around one of the upcoming events in Nuevo Vallarta, this is a guaranteed good time. 

Vallarta – Nayarit Gastronómica (October 11-15)

Mexico is famous for its food, so it’s no surprise that there are several food festivals on the Riviera Nayarit calendar of events. Professionals from around the world gather throughout the Bay of Banderas to give workshops, present pairings and tasting, and host gourmet dinners. For foodies and aspiring chefs, this is one of the 2022 events in Nuevo Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit not to be missed.

Day of the Dead (November 1-2)

One of Mexico’s most iconic holidays is Dia de lo Muertos, Day of the Dead, and from November 1-2, there are free events in Riviera Nayarit to remember the lives of those who have passed away. In Bucerias, there’s a traditional calacas (skeleton) parade and altars set up in the town plaza, and the Sayulita plaza is transformed with decorations during this vibrant holiday. If you love celebrating will the people of the destinations you visit, this is by far one of the best events in Riviera Nayarit for those embracing traditional Mexican culture. 

Riviera Nayarit Half Marathon (November 22)

There are several 2022 events in Riviera Nayarit for athletes, and one of the biggest competitions is the annual half marathon. Competitors can run either the full 21k or the 10k race under the shade of palms and around the tranquil streets of Nuevo Vallarta with participants from all across the world. If you are looking for activities that test your endurance, this is one of the most rewarding on the Nuevo Vallarta events calendar.