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, community announcements and a couple of this weekend's events that you won't want to miss.

Puerto Vallarta a Fashionable - and Safe - Vacation Destination

At a time when many Mexico tourism destinations hesitate to speak about public safety out of concern it may frighten away potential visitors, Puerto Vallarta is "tooting its own horn." In an interview with El Universal, the Director of Puerto Vallarta's Tourism Board, Agustín Álvarez, stated that Puerto Vallarta has become fashionable and increasingly preferred among visitors due to the lack of security issues that are affecting other destinations in Mexico. The peso's depreciation is another factor working in Puerto Vallarta's favor, as the city's main market is American and Canadian tourists. "The decline of other tourism destinations, such as Acapulco, has many people turning to Puerto Vallarta for security, connectivity and value," he commented. The tourism director also pointed out that Puerto Vallarta is the second most popular beach destination in Mexico, just behind Cancún and outperforming Los Cabos. Furthermore, Álvarez emphasized that the tourism business in the Banderas Bay region has great potential for growth, as it has already increased by almost 200% in recent years.

10th Festival Vallarta Azteca de Folclor Internacional

The Tenth Annual Festival Vallarta Azteca del Folclor (Puerto Vallarta International Folkloric Dance Festival,) began Wednesday, April 27th and continues through Sunday, May 8th, with dancers from eleven Mexican states and six guest countries participating. The event features free Folkloric Dance performances at various venues around town, including Los Arcos del Malecón amphitheater and Parque Hidalgo in downtown Puerto Vallarta; the Fiestas De Mayo being held outside of Parroquia de la Santa Cruz, Calle Aguacate and Lazaro Cardenas in Colonia Emiliano Zapata; Marina Vallarta, INFONOVAT and the main plazas of Colonias Pitillal, Las Juntas, Ixtapa and Mojoneras. These performances begin at either 7:00 or 8:00 pm depending on the venue. This weekend, there will also be free performances at Teatro Vallarta. On Saturday, April 30, the Folkloric Ballet from the Tamaulipas University, and Israel's Hora Reim Holon Ballet will be performing at 8:30 pm; and on Sunday, May 1st, the Atradanza Folkloric Ballet from Colombia, and the Guanajuato University Folkloric Ballet will perform at 7:00 pm. For the complete schedule of events, please visit the festival's Facebook Page.

Tropicasa Realty's David Hoffman Hosts Horizon 401 Open House

Tropicasa Realty's David Hoffman will be hosting an Open House at Horizon 401 (in the Amapas neighborhood of Puerto Vallarta) on Saturday, April 30th from 2-5 pm. If you're in the area, please feel free to stop by and see this wonderful corner unit with sensational ocean and city views. This smartly furnished condominium features a spacious, open floorplan with 2 sizable bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, an impressive gourmet kitchen, living area, and den/TV room. The master bedroom includes a large walk-in closet and an en-suite bathroom that features double vanity sinks, a large shower, and bathtub. High end blinds and large sliding glass doors slide back to reveal a truly impressive view. With views of the pier, the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and the city lights (in addition to the amazing ocean view), this beautiful condo offers incredible views both day and night. All of this in one of the more highly regarded complexes in the area - Horizon - for $450,000 USD. For more information about this well-priced condo with a fantastic view, call David at (322) 888-0791 or visit tropicasa.com.

Act II Now Casting for the Opening Show of the 2016-2017 Season

After researching hundreds of titles, producers Danny Mininni and Alfonso López have chosen the first play for the fall season. Avenue Q, directed by Act II Entertainment's artistic musical director Alfonso López, will be the first show of the season opening sometime early November. Winner of the Tony Triple Crown for Best Musical, Best Score, and Best Book, the hilarious Avenue Q tells the timeless story of a recent college graduate trying to find his way in the world. Set in New York City - all the way out on Avenue Q (he couldn't afford anything better) - we are introduced to fresh-faced Princeton as he struggles to find his purpose: meeting friends, finding love, losing love, and finding it again along the way. Inspired by the beloved children’s show Sesame Street, Avenue Q creates a puppet-filled world that is a little more reflective of the difficult, R-rated realities that we face when we learn that real life isn't as simple as we dreamed it might be – but perhaps, suggests Avenue Q, life is all the more colorful and worthwhile for it. Act II is now casting for the opening show of the season, Avenue Q. Director Alfonso Lopez is seeking three actors. "Princeton," the male lead, a 20-30 something male singer. "Rod," a Conservative closet gay, a 20-30 something male singer. "Nicky," Rod's straight best friend, a 20-30 something male singer. If you are interested in being involved, contact Danny or Alfonso at act2entertainmentproductions(at)gmail.com, or call 322-180-3449 / 222-1512.

Weekend Events in Puerto Vallarta and Around Banderas Bay
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• 2016 Laser World Championship at Vallarta Yacht Club

• Last Chance to Enjoy the OTFM-TC's Seventh Season

• Joseph Dane's Dragonfly & The Sisters Urive at Act II