Riviera Nayarit, Mexico – The cuisine, adventure and cultural experiences that make Riviera Nayarit such a highly sought-after destination continue throughout 2015 with 20 top-notch tournaments and festivals.

Travelers visiting Riviera Nayarit this year will have an abundance of things to see and do, including culinary competitions, luxury yacht regattas, and new events such as the International Surfing Association (ISA) World StandUp Paddle and Paddleboard Championship, which will be hosted in Sayulita and marks the first-ever ISA World Championship to take place in Mexico.

A snapshot of 2015 events scheduled throughout Riviera Nayarit:

23rd Banderas Bay International Regatta (March 3-7)
Known as one of the biggest cruiser's regattas in the world, the Banderas Bay International Regatta brings together serious racers and cruisers for a week of yacht racing and nightly entertainment. The event concludes in a fun awards banquet held on the beach at Paradise Village Resort.
Location: Vallarta Yacht Club in Nuevo Vallarta
Website: BanderasBayRegatta.com

Chacala Village Music Festival (March 12-15)
This picturesque beach town has band together to create an annual week-long celebration of music complete with sing-alongs and dancing in the street, as well as authentic Mexican food and spirits.
Location: Chacala Beach
Website: ChacalaVillageMusicFestival.com

IV Beach Polo World Cup (March 13-16)
Recognized as the largest in the country, the IV Beach Polo World Cup, features several of the world's tops players competing in this luxury sport.
Location: Nuevo Vallarta
Website: PoloInRivieraNayarit.com

7th Annual Children's Art Festival (March)
Created by the organization, Entreamigos, the Children's Art Festival promotes creativity and talent among Riviera Nayarit's youngest artists. During the months leading up to the exhibition, children visit Entreamigos to read from selected stories and create artwork inspired by those stories.
Location: San Francisco, Nayarit
Website: EntreAmigos.org.mx

Salsa & Mambo Festival (April 23-26)
For the third year in a row the Salsa & Mambo Fest comes to Riviera Nayarit. The all-star lineups of international and national artists dance over to Marival Resort & Suites for the four day festival.
Location: Nuevo Vallarta
Website: SalsaMamboFest.com

V Punta Mita Gourmet & Golf Classic (April 30-May 3)
The 5th annual Punta Mita Gourmet & Golf Classic combines golf with gourmet meals and cooking courses taught by distinguished chefs at the most luxurious resorts in Riviera Nayarit. The "Punta Mita Cup" is a two day golf tournament played on the signature Jack Nicklaus' courses, Bahia and Pacifico.
Location: St. Regis & Four Seasons in Punta Mita
Website: PuntaMitaGourmetGolf.com

ISA World StandUp Paddle and Paddleboard Championship (May 10-17)
The International Surfing Association, recognized by the International Olympic Committee, will host the World StandUp Paddle and Paddleboard Championship for the first time ever in Mexico. More than 300 of the world's greatest water men from more than 30 countries will compete for the coveted Club Waikiki-Peru ISA World Team Champion Trophy.
Location: Sayulita
Website: IsaSurf.org

International Sport Fishing Tournament of San Blas (June)
Organized by Nayarit's Sport Fishing Club, the International Sport Fishing Tournament of San Blas awards the top sports fisherman with entry into a Hall of Fame along with millions of pesos in prizes, cars, outboard boat motors, fishing gear and more.
Location: San Blas
Email: clubdepescatepic(at)hotmail.com.

Rincon de Guayabitos Bike Fest (October)
The second annual Rincon de Guayabitos Bike Fest brings nearly 1,000 bike lovers to Guayabitos for a weekend of easy to challenging bike rides, vintage bike exhibits, artistic presentations and a turtle release.
Location: Rincón de Guayabitos
Website: Bikefest.Guayabitos.org

Mita TechTalks (November 8-10)
The Mita Institute and Tech Accelerator (MITA) brings together Silicon Valley luminaries with Mexico's Tech startup community for a speaker series featuring global industry leaders. While attendance is limited to 150 participants, "virtual" attendees can watch the conference sessions online, as well as contribute to panel discussions via a social dashboard, and by using the Twitter hashtag #MitaTech.
Location: Punta Mita
Website: MitaInstitute.com

XXI International Gourmet Festival (November 16-22)
The 21st annual International Gourmet Festival features renowned guest chefs from all over the world to present chef's tables and exclusive menus together with local chefs from resorts and restaurants throughout Riviera Nayarit.
Location: Nuevo Vallarta, Punta Mita, Tepic, La Cruz de Huanacaxtle
Website: FestivalGourmet.com

Riviera Nayarit Half Marathon (November 21)
Deemed as the most beautiful marathon circuit in Mexico, the Riviera Nayarit Half Marathon and 10K promises a thrilling experience for its runners. Since its inception, the participating number of athletes has grown to more than 1,200 runners expected to compete in the upcoming race.
Location: Main Nuevo Vallarta, Flamingos and El Tigre Golf Course main streets
Website: MedioMaratonRivieraNayarit.com

Chili Cook Off & Taste of Nuevo Vallarta (December 5)
Individuals, teams and professional chefs from local restaurants try their hand at making the best chili in all of Riviera Nayarit. Spectators can purchase tickets to sip on refreshing margaritas, enjoy the music and sample mouth-watering chili from the many exhibitor booths expected.
Location: Nuevo Vallarta
Contact: office(at)vallartayachtclub.org

Anniversary of Bahia de Banderas (December 11)
Every year, the original municipality of Riviera Nayarit celebrates its establishment with a large celebration. Shows, civic activities and competitions make the region brim with color.
Location: Valle de Banderas
Contact: turismo-badeba(at)hotmail.com