Profile
Puerto Vallarta is entering a bold new chapter with Vallarta Pride 2026 The dates May 17-24, 2026 Theme: La Nueva Era. For a deep dive into the history and year-round impact of this pride celebration, visit our Official Vallarta Pride Travel Page.
Vallarta Pride 2026: Official Dates & Event Schedule
Dates: May 17 – May 24, 2026 Theme: La Nueva Era: Un Pride Muy Mexicano
Puerto Vallarta is preparing for the most ambitious Pride festival in its history. From the massive parade on the Malecón to the high-production circuit festivals in the Romantic Zone, Vallarta Pride 2026 is the pinnacle of the LGBTQ+ travel season. The theme for 2026 marks a historic turning point, blending Puerto Vallarta’s world-class LGBTQ+ tourism infrastructure with a deep celebration of Mexico’s rich cultural heritage
🏛️ The Official Festival Highlights
These community events are the heart of the festival and are free to the public:
The Pet Parade: Monday May 18, 2026 6 PM Lazaro Cardenas Park
The Pride Parade: Thursday, May 21, 2026. Starting at 4:00 PM from the Sheraton Buganvilias and traveling south to the Romantic Zone.
The Block Party: Immediately following the parade May 21, 2026 ,Lázaro Cárdenas and Ignacio L. Vallarta transforms into a massive street festival.
Púlpito Drag Derby: Friday, May 22. The legendary high-heel race at the Pinnacle stairs.
🖨️ TRAVELER’S TIP: PRINT THE SCHEDULE
Download our pocket-friendly PDF schedule so you never miss an event—even without Wi-Fi.
| Event Date | Start Time | End Time | Event Title | Short Description | Location (Maps) | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 18, 2026 | 6PM | Vallarta Pride Pet Parade | Bring your pet dressed in a Mexican look   Love, pride & wagging tails |
Lazaro Cardenas Park | Free | |
| May 21 2026 | 4PM | Vallarta Pride Parade
Vallarta Pride Block Party |
📍 START: Sheraton Buganvilas Hotel 📍 BLOCK PARTY Lazaro Cardenas Street |
|||
| May 23 2026 | 10AM | 10PM | Raíces con Orgullo 2026
Fashion Show & Market |
Runway and Market combine to celebrate fashion, Mexican talent, and diversity | 📍 Find Lazaro Cardenas Park |
|
🎟️ The 2026 Ticketed Events
While the parade is free, the city’s top gay businesses host exclusive, ticketed Vallarta Pride festivals that require advance booking.
🐻STUDS: La Nueva Era (Leather & Gear)
📅 Dates: May 17 – May 24, 2026
📍 Location: Basilio Badillo 283, Romantic Zone
The 2026 anchor for the Leather and Gear community featuring nightly themed DJ sets and the legendary Mr. Leather Vallarta contest.
STUDS Pride FAQ
Can I leave and come back or does STUDS have in-out policy?
Yes. STUDS has a traveler-friendly re-entry policy. If you have already paid the nightly cover, you have full “In and Out” privileges. Note: If you arrive early while entry is free and leave, you will be required to pay the cover charge upon return if the party has officially started.
❓ Is there a dress code?
Gear is highly encouraged but not mandatory. Whether you’re in full leather or a simple t-shirt, you’re welcome at STUDS.
💡 Pro Tip: There is a secure Clothes Check available. Many guys arrive in street clothes and change into a jockstrap or harness once inside to fully enjoy the vibe.
❓ Can I leave and come back?
Yes. Once you have paid the nightly cover charge, you have full “In and Out” privileges for the rest of the event.
🐻 STUDS: La Nueva Era
🐻Bearadise Bear Pride 2026
📅 Dates: May 20 – May 24, 2026
📍 Location: Various (Bearadise Beach & Pool Takeovers)
This year Bear Pride has a Mexican wrestling theme (Torneo Del Oso) Bearadise style. Enjoy all the Body-positive clothing-optional beach takeovers and the official “Ride Me Papi” Parade Float on May 21.
❓ Is it really clothing-optional?
Yes. The Bearadise Beach event at Majahuitas and their private pool takeovers are 100% clothing-optional and body-positive. It’s a “let your fur down” environment.
❓ What happens if I miss the boat?
The boat departs Los Muertos Pier at 1:00 PM sharp (boarding at 12:30 PM). If you miss it, you must hire a private water taxi to Majahuitas, which can cost $100+ USD during Pride.
❓ What is included in my ticket?
The Pride Beach Experience is All-Inclusive. This covers your round-trip boat cruise, premium open bar, a full buffet lunch, and access to the “cruisy” jungle trails.
Industry: The Pride Festival
📅 Dates: May 21 – May 24, 2026 (Festival Series)
📍 Location: Lázaro Cárdenas 258, Romantic Zone
Mexico’s #1 gay club hosting a multi-night festival series with international circuit DJs and LED stage production.
The Pool Club at Casa Cupula
📅 Dates: May 17 – May 24, 2026
📍 Location: Callejon de la Igualdad 133, Amapas
Hillside luxury famous for clothing-optional NKD Pool Parties and the Big Gay Sunday Brunch.
🍸 The Pool Club at Casa Cupula
📅 Dates: May 17 – May 24, 2026
📍 Location: Callejon de la Igualdad 133, Amapas
Hillside luxury famous for clothing-optional NKD Pool Parties, high-energy T-Dances, and the legendary Big Gay Sunday Brunch.
❓ How do I get there?
The climb is steep! We recommend a quick Uber/InDrive to the Upper Entrance on Callejon de la Igualdad.
❓ Is re-entry allowed?
Yes. keep your wristband on and you can come and go as you please
Where to Stay in Zona Romántica For Vallarta Pride 2026
🚨 Official 2026 Visitor & Guest Policies
| Hotel / Resort | Visitor Policy (Llegue) | Mobility / Terrain | Direct Info |
|---|---|---|---|
| Almar LGBTQ+ Resort | Strict: All guests must show ID. If stay exceeds 3 hours, you must pay the extra person room rate. | Flat / Beachfront | View Site → |
| Pinnacle Resorts
(Residences, 220, Signature, Chic) |
Friendly: 1 visitor allowed per room at no extra charge. Must show ID at Signature #180 front desk. | Hillside (Funicular) | View Site → |
| The Tryst PV | High Security: ONLY registered guests allowed in guestrooms. No visitors. | 100% Flat / Central | View Site → |
💡 Pinnacle Insider Tip: Centralized Check-In
Even if you are staying at Pinnacle 220 or Chic, your visitors must check in at the Signature by Pinnacle #180 building (the main security hub). This is the only place authorized to verify visitor IDs for the entire collection.
