Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit, and Tepic will welcome the 31st International Gourmet Festival from November 12–22, 2026, bringing together more than 50 chefs, 25 host restaurants, and 10 days of special culinary experiences celebrating the flavors of the Mexican Pacific.
The annual event has become a major date on Mexico’s culinary calendar, attracting chefs, food lovers, and visitors eager to explore the region through its restaurants and local ingredients. This year’s festival will feature more than 50 chefs, including culinary talents recognized by the prestigious Michelin Guide and the influential World’s 50 Best Restaurants list.
Throughout the festival, some of Puerto Vallarta’s most celebrated restaurants, including Café des Artistes, Amixtli, El Dorado, Elena 1927, Le Kliff, River Café, and Hiroshi, will welcome acclaimed guest chefs into their kitchens. Working alongside local culinary teams, these visiting talents will create exclusive menus and gourmet pairings available only during the festival, giving diners a chance to experience special collaborations they won’t find at other times of the year.
Across 10 days, the program will offer 15 special events highlighting different cuisines, cooking styles, and dining settings. The festivities begin November 12 with the Grand Opening in the Tierra Luna Gardens at Garza Blanca Preserve Resort & Spa, setting the stage for a packed schedule of memorable meals and chef-driven experiences.
Among the festival’s signature attractions are the Gourmet Safaris in Puerto Vallarta, Punta de Mita, and Costa Sur. These culinary journeys give guests the opportunity to visit several leading restaurants in a single evening, sampling different menus and discovering the individual styles of participating chefs.
In Punta de Mita, Mesas Marinas Baja-Mita will bring the flavors of Baja California’s celebrated wine country to the coast for a distinctive dining experience. Other highlights include the elegant Night of Stars at Café des Artistes in Puerto Vallarta and the Sky Drag Brunch at Almar Resort, offering a different take on the region’s dining and entertainment scene.
The festival will conclude on November 22 with the traditional Picnic Bajo las Parotas, an outdoor gathering in the Nayarit countryside. The event combines grilled specialties and fresh seafood with fine wines, creative cocktails, and tequila, all served in a relaxed setting that takes advantage of the region’s pleasant November weather.
With participating chefs, exclusive menus, and limited seating at many events, advance planning is recommended. Some experiences are expected to sell out quickly, making early reservations the best way to secure a place at the table.
For residents and visitors alike, the International Gourmet Festival offers an opportunity to experience the culinary talent that has helped establish Puerto Vallarta and the surrounding region as a destination for food enthusiasts. From intimate chef-led dinners to outdoor feasts, the 31st edition promises a variety of ways to savor the Mexican Pacific.
The complete event schedule, participating chefs, and additional information are available at festivalgourmet.com.mx.
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