Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - There's always so much going on in Puerto Vallarta and around Banderas Bay, it can be difficult to keep up with it all. Here's a look at some of this week's Puerto Vallarta news headlines, community announcements, and a couple of Mexican Independence Day events you won't want to miss.

Destiny's 80th Birthday Bash at La Cruz Marina

On September 17th at 6:00 pm, Marina Riviera Nayarit in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle will host Destiny's 80th birthday bash. Destiny is an 85 ft schooner first launched in 1934 and over the years has sailed to Hawaii with John Wayne and been owned by the aviator, Howard Hughes. Restored by her current owners Mike and Dawn, she is an amazing yacht, stunning when in full sail and incredibly well fitted out for living aboard with just about every luxury you can imagine. Come out and party with 170,000 lbs of beauty on the Malecon near the Amphitheater and Dock 12. You'll enjoy a BBQ pot-luck (B.Y.O.B.), live music performed by Funkswagen at 8:30 pm, and some cool little surprises throughout the night. Admission is free. For more information, contact Marina Riviera Nayarit Public Relations Director, Katrina Liana, at (011 +52) 329-295-5526.

1:1 Chromebook Pilot Program Launched at ASPV

After much discussion, research, and observation of other ASOMEX schools putting technology in the hands of every student, the American School of Puerto Vallarta has decided to launch its 1:1 Learning Project with the 9th grade this year. It is a pilot program that includes an upgrade in the school wi-fi infrastructure, more bandwidth for Internet traffic, and an HP Chromebook for every 9th grade student and their teachers. The official handout of the chromebooks and launch of this exciting new project occurred this past Monday, September 8th during a parent-student meeting on ASPV campus. The American School of Puerto Vallarta is a private, independent school offering a bilingual, bicultural education to students from preschool through grade 12. Students benefit from highly-dedicated and talented teachers in a small school atmosphere, and a comprehensive dual curriculum which encompasses that of quality private and public schools in the United States and those established by the Mexican Ministry of Education.

San Sebastián Paper Balloon Festival

On Saturday, September 27, San Sebastián del Oeste will host their third annual Hot Air Paper Balloon Festival. Organizers expect that this year's festival will bring a slew of visitors to this charming town, located only 80 minutes from Puerto Vallarta along the Mascota-Guadalajara highway. Everyone is encouraged to create their own paper balloon and come out to join the fun. The registration table in the main plaza for participants to sign up for the festivities until 4 pm, and the balloon launch begins promptly at 5 pm. Members of San Sebastian's Servicios Turísticos and special guest judges will determine the top 3 winning balloons, based on creativity, flight length and altitude. If you just want to come out and enjoy the show, there will be booths selling food, drinks and souvenirs set up in the town plaza. Given the success of last year’s event, those who plan to stay overnight should make their reservations soon. Hacienda Jalisco offers accommodations in several room sizes and on multi-level floors, as well as several room and dining packages with prices accessible for all budgets.

Free Introduction to Opera Lecture at Teatro Vallarta

Teatro Vallarta has announced that a free Introduction and History of Opera lecture will be held on Saturday, October 4. The 90-minute event, presented by Vallarta Lifestyles Managing Editor, Paco Ojeda, will be offered at Teatro Vallarta (Uruguay 184, Col. 5 de Diciembre) at 4 pm in Spanish and 5:30 in English, as part of the venue's strategy to arouse more interest among visitors and locals to enjoy its music and cultural offerings. During the lecture, Paco will offer a concise and entertaining analysis of how opera has survived the test of time throughout more than 400 years of history, emphasizing key dates and events. The lecture also serves as an introduction to the upcoming Met: Live in HD 2014-15 season of opera matinees on selected Saturdays from October through April. This will be the third consecutive year that Teatro Vallarta has joined important theaters in Mexico and the rest of the world in broadcasting the Met's opera performances, live from New York's Lincoln Center, using multiple high-definition cameras, surround sound, and state-of-the-art technology. Learn more at TeatroVallarta.com or by calling the theater at (322) 222-4525.

Upcoming Events in Puerto Vallarta and Around Banderas Bay
Click on titles for more information

• NWJ! Opens La Cantina for 'El Día de la Independencia'

• Puerto Vallarta Celebrates Mexico's Independence

• Kaiser Maximilian Celebrates Las Fiestas Patrias