When the small black ”Rage Box” was handed to me, along with a pen and a block of large yellow post-it notes, I looked at...
Around Town
Around Town is your daily dose of what’s happening in Puerto Vallarta, featuring updates, insights, and highlights from across the city. One key component of this section is From Here, a column written by Marcia Blondin. A Canadian expat and longtime Vallarta resident of over 35 years, Marcia brings a passionate and personal perspective to her writing. Whether she’s attending a new show, interviewing performers, or simply exploring the vibrant streets she loves, Marcia captures the energy, heart, and soul of Vallarta in every post.
Around Town is more than just a personal column—it’s your go-to guide for discovering the very best of Vallarta, from live entertainment to standout restaurants. Whether you’re in the mood for an intimate acoustic set, a dazzling cabaret show, or a memorable meal at one of the city’s top dining spots, you’ll find insider tips on what to see, where to go, and who’s making it all happen. The column highlights not just the events and venues, but the people behind them—the musicians, actors, chefs, and creatives who bring Puerto Vallarta to life every day.
Around Town keeps you in the loop so you never miss a beat. Whether you’re a local looking for new inspiration or a visitor hoping to dive into the city’s vibrant arts and culture, this is your starting point for discovering all that Vallarta has to offer. Stay connected, stay inspired, and let us lead you to the magic of Puerto Vallarta.
Straight Men Alerts in Vallarta!
Puerto Vallarta has a lot of things in abundance – sunshine, tequila, guacamole, sand, and salt water, etc. What we don’t have is a plethora...
Bikinis, Martinis, and Daddy Poo: Jamie Brickhouse Comes to Puerto Vallarta
Storyteller, writer, and stage performer Jamie Brickhouse is bringing his acclaimed solo show I Favor My Daddy: A Tale of Two Sissies to Puerto Vallarta...
May I Have Some More Jasmine Rice, Please?
My first taste of Jasmine Rice was during the recent Mr Vallarta beefcake beauty pageant at Coco Cabaret. A couple of drag queens entertained as...
Truffles, Women and Art
My beautiful friends Art and Angela Curley invited me to join them in making chocolates at Xoxodiva last Friday. And not just chocolates, but t...
Let the Sunshine In
What a glorious Celebration of Life last night for Jean-Guy Comeau. Two choirs, an entire symphony orchestra, and two soloists took over Santa Cruz Church...
From the Courtroom to the Cabaret: Brad Mallett Finds His Rhythm in Puerto Vallarta
In Puerto Vallarta, where live music is woven into the rhythm of daily life, Brad Mallett has found his second act. His show, Forever in...
Gay Mixing with Open Mic Night
After a very productive and well-attended board meeting of the Vallarta Garden Club at Di Vino Dante’s Restaurante, I walked slowly down Basilio Badillo to...
Mr Vallarta is Crowned
The results are in, a week later than originally planned due to The Troubles, but Vallarta has a new Mister. The fourth annual Mr Vallarta...
Musical Energy
Happy Monday, Happy March and to the hundreds of friends who took the time to comment on my February 28 thank-you note/love letter to Vallarta...
Susan Jeremy, ‘What I Wish I’d Said’
”Robert Will Show You the Door,” opened last night in the tiny theatre at Art Vallarta. The stage could hardly contain the number of characters...
An Unrealistic Life Realized and the Peacock Gala
A quiet triumph occurred last night at the International Friendship Club’s meeting space when my friend Elena Hiatt Houlihan presented her book, ”An Unrealistic Life.”...
Laughter, Courage and Community Take Center Stage at What A Drag!
On Sunday, March 8 at 8 PM, the curtain will rise once again at Teatro Vallarta for one of Puerto Vallarta’s most anticipated and meaningful...
Oh, What a Beautiful Day!
This gorgeous, still cool morning follows on the heels of one of my dearest friends’ 75th birthday party last night. Garbo’s Piano Bar on Pulpito...
Just Say No to Cancel Culture
I left my house yesterday to meet a dear friend for brunch and to pay my water bill. I hunted for an unmolested OXXO and...
Rediscovering Brian Justin Crum
I caught Brian’s show a year ago at the newly opened Coco Cabaret and was happy to see him once again this season. There was...
Vallarta Beseiged
In my shower last night, I looked down at pitch-black water sluicing over the white bathtub from my feet. I had, like the rest of...
The Old Days
We sat in the gazebo at the River Cafe, had lunch, and talked for a good two hours. We couldn’t come to a consensus on...
A Gentle Path Toward Clarity and Resilience in Puerto Vallarta
There’s something about Puerto Vallarta that invites reinvention. People arrive here at turning points — retirement, recovery from burnout, the start of a new chapter,...
Crossing Fingers
It is so cold this morning, I can’t open my windows yet, and it’s nearly 8 am! Nice to be back with typical February weather,...