The following is a rundown of local events in Puerto Vallarta. These are regular activities that occur weekly and are usually free cultural events.
Sundays and Thursdays: Local band concerts, 6pm, at the bandstand in the main plaza in front of the city hall.
Sundays: Dance music and public dancing, 7:30-9pm, at the main plaza in front of the city hall.
Saturdays and Sundays: The Malecón (seafront walk) is closed to traffic for music shows, begins 6pm, the Malecón, downtown.
First Thursday of every month: Free cultural concert, varies from classical to jazz, even mariachi, 9pm, Hotel Camino Real, 221-5000.
Siesta: Siesta in Puerto Vallarta is from 2 to 4pm and you will find some businesses (not bars and restaurants) closed during those hours, but they will stay open after siesta till 8 or 9pm. Siesta is becoming far less common in town.
Sunday Evenings in Puerto Vallarta: After sundown on Sundays, groups of boys and separate groups of girls, dressed in their best, will promenade up and down the Malecón. The groups of young people will be making eyes at each other as they pass. This is also a time for families to get dressed up and go meet their friends, sit, chat, and watch others walk by. There will be vendors selling anything from roasted corn on the cob to brightly colored windmills and balloons. There is also, on weekend nights, usually some event going on at the small amphitheater at the end of the Malecon by the three arches, Teatro de Los Arcos.
Garbage Collections: When you see bags of garbage on the street corner, don't think that this is a sign of a trashy place. The garbage is collected every day (including Sundays and holidays).
FYI: When you visit, please don't try to apply your standards on the Mexican culture. Remember: the history of Mexico goes back further than any other part of North America. The name "American" applies to all residents of the two continents, from Canada to the tip of South America. So if you happen to come from the United States of America, keep in mind that Mexicans, as well as all the other residents of the two continents, are also Americans. If asked "Where are you from?" the answer "The US" or "The United States" is much preferable to "America".