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 Vallarta-Nayarit headlines, a few community announcements and a couple of weekend events that you won't want to miss.

River of Arte 2017 Exhibition and Sale to be Held at La Isla

On Sunday, March 19 from 10 am to 9 pm, the La Isla shopping center will host River of Arte 2017 exhibition and sale. The largest gathering of artists in one place, River of Arte draws enthusiastic crowds every year. This year, more than 35 artists will be showcasing the very best of Puerto Vallarta's vibrant art scene along the breathtaking promenade of the la Isla Shopping Village in the Hotel Zone. The wide range of media includes watercolors, oils, mixed media, acrylic, charcoal and stained glass. Styles range from native portraits, landscape and folk to collage and contemporary. Admission is free, and 20% of sales proceeds will benefit LADRA dog rescue and adoption; DIVAC services for the handicapped; and the Ballet Folclórico Infantiles del Jorullo, a children's traditional dance troupe. For more information, contact Carolina at doggonegoodcarolina(at)yahoo.com.

Puerto Vallarta's Villa Premiere Wraps $3.8M Renovation

Villa Premiere Boutique Hotel & Romantic Getaway has just wrapped a $3.8 million renovation of all guestrooms and facilities. The renovations were done in two phases, the first including revamps of all rooms and suites. The second phase was finished at the end of 2016. Highlights included new facades on the main entrance; renovated front desk area; refresh of the pool area, including restroom facilities; addition of an infinity-style pool on the beach; a new deck and lounge spot by the beach; redesigned pool and lounge bar; a second panorama-style floor to La Ceiba restaurant; and new kitchen facilities. Just a 5-minute walk to the Malecón and all the major attractions that the historic downtown area of Puerto Vallarta has to offer, this intimate adults-only property is the perfect spot for honeymoons or simply a romantic getaway. Learn more at premiereonline.com.mx.

Gospel Benefit Concert for Children and Seniors

Mezzo soprano vocalist and violinist Margie Salcedo Rice, who has been praising the Lord with her inspiring original music, will be singing gospel songs and playing her violin to raise money for feeding mission children and seniors. 100% of the proceeds go to Feeding Children Body, Soul, & Spirit at the Mezcales and CartonLandia Children Center Missions and also helping the Grandparents of Bucerías. Doors open at 6:00 pm on Sunday, March 19 for viewing a presentation of mission project pictures and donating for feeding the children and seniors. The concert begins at 7:00 pm. The venue is the Paradise Village Community Center, Paseo de los Cocoteras 13 (between San Javier Hospital and Harkness Institute in Nuevo Vallarta). Donation tickets are $300 pesos per person over age 11. Children under 12 are free. Call Brenda for tickets, (322) 297-2496 ext. 5323. Tickets will also be available at the door.

Rancho Vista Paraíso Equestrian Club Annual Bar-B-Q, March 18

It's that time of year again, so mark your calendars and reserve early so as not to miss the super-popular Annual Bar-B-Q, by the Equestrian Club at Rancho Vista Paraíso! This enjoyable evening consists of dining, dancing, a horse show, entertainment and raffle door prizes, and will take place this year on March 18th, with cocktails starting at 6 pm. The venue is the same — the equestrian center at Rancho Vista Paraiso in nearby Higuera Blanca — under the stars, and with the magical mountain landscape as the backdrop. Join the fiesta and enjoy spectacular, mouth-watering bar-b-q by renowned Texas Pitmaster Hal Martin. Presale tickets cost $100, Children under 12: $15. Click HERE to purchase your tickets now — and, new this year — reserve your seats at the same time! Seating is limited, so reserve early! All Proceeds benefit the Equestrian Club and Telebachillerato Comunitario Higuera Blanca.

Weekend Events in Puerto Vallarta and Around Banderas Bay
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• Botanical Gardens, CUC Host 2017 Vallarta Bird Festival

• Neil Simon's 'They're Playing Our Song' Opens at Act II Stages

• Vallarta Yacht Club Hosts 2017 WesMex Int'l Small Boat Regatta