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. Especially in December, when the 'Season' kicks into high-gear! Here's a look at some upcoming happenings around the Bay, a few community announcements, and a couple of this weekend's events that you won't want to miss.

Biblioteca Los Mangos Celebrates 20 Years of Serving Puerto Vallarta

On November 23, 1996, Puerto Vallarta's Public Library, Biblioteca Los Mangos, opened its doors to the public for the first time. Today, thanks to a lot of hard work and the generosity and support of the citizens of Puerto Vallarta, Los Mangos is more than just a library, it is a true cultural and community center that has been supporting education, promoting the love of reading and fostering culture for the last 20 years. To celebrate this landmark occasion, Biblioteca Los Mangos has chosen "Gratitude" as the theme, in recognition of all those who have been part of the library's history. The celebrations began at Los Arcos Amphitheater on November 30 with music and dance performances by the library's workshop students. The festivities continue at the library on Friday, December 2 at 7:00 pm with a Piano and Voice Recital by three extraordinary young artists. Adriana Martínez and Ann Lastfogel will perform four-hand piano music accompanied by soprano Genie Ceceña. Suggested donation: $350 MXN per person. The summit event of Biblioteca Los Mangos's 20th anniversary celebrations will be an elegant, warm and very cheerful dinner on Saturday, December 3, 7:00 pm. This gala event will be held within the library, and will feature a 3-course dinner, a glass of wine, live music, and a DJ for dancing. There will also be valet parking service, an international bar, security and many friends with whom to meet again in this house that has been a home to all. Suggested donation: $890 MXN per person. Tickets to this weekend's events are available at Los Mangos. Debit and credit card are accepted.

"Mi Amigo Sin Pelo" Fundraiser For Children With Cancer

We can all make a difference in the lives of children and young people with cancer and provide support to their families by participating in the "Mi Amigo Sin Pelo" project. Translating literally to "My Friend Without Hair," this charitable event is in its eighth consecutive year and its aim is to raise public awareness - to unite and empathize with those who suffer from this disease. This year's "My Friend With No Hair" event will be held Sunday, December 4, 2016 starting at 3:00 pm at Los Arcos del Malecón in downtown Puerto Vallarta. The public can participate actively with contributions and/or by cutting their hair as a solidarity gesture. All of the proceeds will benefit the Center for Children with Cancer (CANICA) and the Vallarta Women's Association by helping to raise funds for the children's cancer treatment. More than 1000 cases of children and adolescents are diagnosed with cancer annually in the State of Jalisco but more than 70% is cured if detected in time and treatments are not suspended. For more information, please contact Evelia Basáñez Márquez, Program Director for CANICA Vallarta and the Vallarta Women's Association at (322) 224-9906 and 293-2276, or by email to asociacionfemenil(at)yahoo.com.mx.

Animal Party 3 - a Fundraiser for Puerto Vallarta's City Pound

Everyone is invited to 'Party Like an Animal' on Saturday, December 3. Just to be clear, we aren't advocation foolish behavior, we are encouraging you to attend 'Animal Party 3,' a fundraiser for the dogs and cats at Puerto Vallarta's City Pound, El Centro de Acopio. Scheduled to be held tomorrow from 7:00 to 9:00 pm at Sr. Frog's on the Malecón, this fun-filled event will feature an open bar and live entertainment by local songstress and Voice of Vallarta favorite, Miroslava, for a donation of just $150 pesos! Event proceeds will help support the Puerto Vallarta Municipal Animal Shelter's efforts to provide food, healthcare and homes to street animals. There are still a few tickets available at Cassandra Shaw Jewelry, 276 Basilio Badillo, on PV's south side. So why not pick yours up during tonight's South Side Shuffle? Come lend a helping hand to the dogs and cats at the Acopio while having a blast at Sr. Frog's, Paseo Diaz Ordaz #774 in downtown Puerto Vallarta.

Puerto Vallarta Writers Group Social at Los Mangos Library

The Puerto Vallarta Writers Group will host a social on Wednesday, December 7, from 6:00-7:30 pm at Los Mangos Library. Snacks will be provided and the library will provide a cash bar for wine. All those interested in writing are invited along with their significant others. An RSVP to drjane121(at)msn.com would be appreciated, but is not necessary.

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

• Daiquiri Dick's 11th Annual Puerto Vallarta Pet Picnic

• 4th Taste of Nuevo Vallarta and 16th Chili Cook-Off

• River of Arte 2016 at Oscar's Restaurant, December 4