Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – Casa Cupula will turn its Pool Club into a sea of floating rubber ducks May 27 as Duckathon returns for its second year since being revived as a fundraiser for the Vallarta Gay+ Community Center.
The event, officially titled Duckathon 2026: Making Waves, will be held from 6 to 9 pm Wednesday, May 27, at Casa Cupula Pool Club in Amapas. It follows the 2025 return of Duckathon after a long hiatus, when a large crowd gathered at the hotel’s pool club for music, food, duck-themed activities and fundraising for LGBTQ+ services.
The community center provides free and low-cost services for Puerto Vallarta’s LGBTQ+ community, including mental health counseling, HIV and STI testing and prevention programs, support groups, educational workshops and wellness initiatives. The center also works with local organizations and healthcare providers to connect residents and visitors with resources and support services.
“Last year showed us how much people missed Duckathon,” said Matt Karimi, president of the center. “People came out not only to have fun, but because they believe in what the community center is doing. The funds raised help us continue programs that are needed year-round.”
Casa Cupula has hosted LGBTQ+ community events, fundraisers and Pride-related gatherings for many years and again will serve as the backdrop for the event. Its Pool Club overlooking the city and Banderas Bay became the center of last year’s revival, with hundreds of rubber ducks floating in the pool while guests moved between the entertainment stage, food stations and prize area.
The main attraction remains the duck game itself.
Guests purchase duck tickets, then select a floating rubber duck from the pool while volunteer “lifeguards” retrieve the ducks for them. Each duck corresponds to a prize donated by local businesses. Organizers said every duck wins.
Duck packages include one duck for 200 pesos, two ducks for 300 pesos or five ducks for 500 pesos. Prizes include restaurant gift certificates, massages, yoga classes, drink tickets and other items donated by area businesses.
Admission to the event is 500 pesos, which includes entry and one duck selection.
This year’s event also will feature a one-hour live show produced by Chris Lopez and hosted by Nacho Granados. Scheduled performers include Chris Lopez, Roy Cruz, Armando Chakam, Steven Retchless and Sargento.
Guests also can expect complimentary food tastings from local restaurants and specialty cocktails created for the fundraiser.
Co-sponsors for this year’s fundraiser include Eventure, Poncho Davalos Real Estate, PVRPV, Tropicasa Realty and Villa Tita.
Organizers recommend purchasing tickets in advance as attendance is expected to be strong again this year.
Tickets are available on Eventbrite.
Article and photos by Jerry Jones for Out and About PV.