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October 26, 2026
Puerto Vallarta is preparing to mark Day of the Dead 2026 with a rich tapestry of fragrant cempasúchil marigolds, live musical performances, authentic regional cuisine, and an array of free cultural showcases set along Jalisco's premier beach destination.
From October 31 through November 2, the 2026 Festival de las Almas Jalisco will transform the iconic El Malecón boardwalk, historic Downtown Puerto Vallarta, and the energetic Romantic Zone into magnificent arenas honoring Mexican cultural heritage. Beyond the main public stages, the celebrations reach into local art galleries, theaters and cabarets, top-rated restaurants, and nightlife venues across the destination.
Complementing the official Festival de las Almas schedule, here are eight featured events that showcase Dia de Los Muertos in Puerto Vallarta across fine art, culinary tours, symphonic concerts, and world-class entertainment.
For an unforgettable highlight during the Day of the Dead season, ALMA—the signature show by Rhythms of the Night—combines a sunset catamaran cruise across Banderas Bay, an open-air beachfront buffet dinner, and an immersive theatrical production.
From October 26 to November 9, this special seasonal edition incorporates elaborate marigold installations and ancestral symbolism into its secluded open-air amphitheater setting at Las Caletas Beach.
The scenic sea voyage, romantic candlelit backdrop, and high-caliber performances by dancers, acrobats, and live musicians deliver an exceptional evening for travelers seeking an extraordinary experience beyond downtown.
Reserve your tickets directly through Vallarta Adventures.
Discover authentic Mexican heritage through its rich culinary traditions. The Day of the Dead Food Tour by Vallarta Eats guides visitors through 5 de Diciembre (5-D) neighborhood to savor distinct seasonal specialties. Highlights include a visit to the 5 de Diciembre Cemetery, artisanal pan de muerto, traditional sugar skulls, vibrant neighborhood mercados, and iconic food stalls.
Tasting stops showcase beloved regional classics such as savory carnitas, traditional birria, handmade gorditas, and fresh Pacific fish tacos. This curated culinary walk provides insight into heritage recipes, seasonal ingredients, and local folklore while tasting some of the best of Puerto Vallarta's food culture.
Vallarta Eats Food Tours hosts these exclusive seasonal departures on October 29 and 31. Advance booking is strongly recommended due to limited availability.
Art enthusiasts visiting Downtown Puerto Vallarta will find a featured showcase at Art Walk Studio Gallery, located at 170 Pípila St. Running October 31 through November 2 (6:00 pm to 10:00 pm), their Dia de Los Muertos exhibition highlights 16 celebrated artists, each creating a traditional altar (ofrenda) alongside original artwork.
Adjacent to the gallery, a traditional kermés street fair offers authentic cuisine including hot tamales, traditional pozole, crispy buñuelos, artisanal aguas frescas, and freshly baked pan de muerto. Live mariachi music, marimba performances, and folkloric dance showcases accompany professional face painters offering traditional Catrina makeup designs.
The street festival at Art Walk Studio Gallery presents an inviting way to explore local visual arts, taste traditional street delicacies, and celebrate Day of the Dead in a dynamic community setting.
Symphonic music holds a distinguished place in Puerto Vallarta's festive agenda. The Vallarta Symphony Orchestra presents a special collaborative concert featuring the University of Brasília Choir and Poder Coral, led by guest conductors Aquiles Morales and Éder Camúzis.
Scheduled for Friday, October 30 at 9:00 pm, the musical selection features compositions by Heitor Villa-Lobos, Silvestre Revueltas, and Macedonio Alcalá, alongside celebrated international works. The evening culminates with John Rutter's acclaimed Requiem, showcasing guest sopranos Gabriela Ramos, Sarah Joy, and Mari Gomes.
Hosted inside Our Lady of Peace Church in Marina Vallarta, the performance offers an inspiring classical concert experience within an extraordinary architectural venue.
Tickets can be reserved online via SimpleTix.
For travelers seeking professional theatrical entertainment and vibrant nightlife, Coco Cabaret presents a standout roster in the Romantic Zone. Their 2026–2027 fall programming features drag performances, burlesque, comedy, and live musical tributes, anchored by their main production, Day of the Dead: Traditions of Life and Death.
Running from October 29 to November 2, the venue pairs festive seasonal party energy with artistic tributes honoring Mexican folklore. This intimate theater venue in the heart of the Romantic Zone serves as an excellent option for evening cabaret entertainment.
Check performance schedules and secure tickets for A Weekend of Terror & Day of the Dead on the official Coco Cabaret website.
The Vallarta Art Walk marks its landmark 30th season, presenting self-guided gallery walks throughout Downtown Puerto Vallarta and the historic Art District. Attendees can explore curated collections of fine painting, sculpture, contemporary art, and fine craft by distinguished Mexican and international artists.
The opening evening takes place Wednesday, October 28 (6:00 pm to 10:00 pm), launching just ahead of the primary festival weekend. Participating in the ArtWalk offers an ideal start to a cultural getaway, allowing guests to meet gallery owners and preview art venues to revisit throughout their stay.
Discover participating galleries and event schedules at Vallarta Art Walk.
As night falls on October 31, El Malecón boardwalk serves as the central gathering place where Halloween celebrations and Day of the Dead traditions meet.
Costume festivities align with free public programming organized through the Festival de las Almas. The event schedule features live mariachi performances at Plaza de Armas main square in the heart of El Centro, cultural presentations at Lázaro Cárdenas Park, and artistic installations along Pípila Street near Art Walk Studio Gallery.
Visitors and local residents are encouraged to arrive early, explore Downtown Puerto Vallarta, and experience the elaborate altars, street performances, and vibrant costume showcases along the coastline.
International music brings a major entertainment draw to Puerto Vallarta's autumn calendar. The HEAT Latin Music Awards al Estilo Jalisco makes its Mexican debut featuring HEAT Week—a weeklong festival combining music showcases, regional culinary events, and celebrity appearances running from October 31 to November 5.
The main HEAT Awards ceremony takes place Thursday, November 5 at the International Convention Center of Puerto Vallarta (CICPV). Following closely after Day of the Dead festivities, the event provides a compelling reason for travelers to extend their holiday in the destination.
From monumental altars and culinary tasting tours to symphonic concerts, gallery walks, and vibrant nightlife, Puerto Vallarta provides an extraordinary backdrop to celebrate Day of the Dead 2026. Combining the free public showcases of the Festival de las Almas with ticketed performances and local tours creates an unmatched Mexican cultural experience.
Be sure to verify event dates, venue locations, and ticket reservations in advance via official Festival de las Almas and partner channels as event schedules are finalized.
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