About The Palm Cabaret and Bar
The Palm Cabaret and Bar is Puerto Vallarta’s premier live-entertainment venue, located in the heart of the Zona Romántica (Old Town) at 508 Olas Altas (banderasnews.com) (www.tripadvisor.in). Founded in the late 1990s, it began as a small video bar with live performers and grew into a full-scale cabaret theater hosting nightly shows. Over 25+ seasons it has expanded into an intimate, air-conditioned hall (about 120–140 seats (outandaboutpv.com) (www.tripadvisor.in)) with a main stage and adjoining lounge bar (thepalmcabaret.com). Its cozy, theatre-style layout brings audiences just steps from the action. For two decades the Palm has been credited with “ushering in the drag and cabaret showcase to Puerto Vallarta” and, according to local reports, has put the Romantic Zone “on the map as a top entertainment destination in North America” (banderasnews.com) (outandaboutpv.com). Reviewers praise its Las Vegas/Broadway caliber acts and state-of-the-art sound and lighting in this historic venue (www.tripadvisor.in) (www.tripadvisor.com.mx). In short, The Palm is an award-winning, veteran nightclub/cabaret that anchors Puerto Vallarta’s nightlife with high-energy variety shows and a celebrity-studded legacy (www.tripadvisor.in) (outandaboutpv.com).
Events and Programming
The Palm features a busy, year-round lineup. Typically three to four different shows run each evening, with performances at around 5:00 pm, 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm (and occasional matinee slots) (thepalmcabaret.com) (www.tripadvisor.in). Shows range from tribute concerts (to artists like Elton John, ABBA, Beyoncé, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, The Beatles, Freddie Mercury and more) to musical theatre, live bands and comedy. A major focus is live drag and cabaret revue: crowd-favorites include Madame diva acts (e.g. Miss Conception, Sutton Lee Seymour, Tynomi Banks, Sherry Vine) and classic characters (such as Varla Jean Merman or Miss Coco Peru). The programming often features both international headliners and local stars. For example, recent seasons included Broadway stars (Karen Mason, Ava Nicole) alongside Puerto Vallarta talents (singers Diana Villamonte or Marianna Vigueras) and queer icons Lesley Jordan tributes, among many others (banderasnews.com) (banderasnews.com). Seasonal and recurring events span drag revues like “DIVA!” and “Make America Gay Again,” genre-specific concerts (Queen, Pink, Madonna tributes) and even murder-mystery cabaret or aerial-circus shows. Special occasions—like the season openings around Pride or holiday week—often feature all-star lineups or charity fundraisers. For instance, on its 20th anniversary The Palm hosted a sold-out opening-night benefit for a local orphanage (outandaboutpv.com). In short, the cabaret’s programming is eclectic and changing: virtually any night of the week you’ll find humor, music and spectacle hosted by top-notch vocalists and performers from Mexico, the U.S., Canada and beyond (www.tripadvisor.in) (banderasnews.com).
Tickets and Booking
Tickets for The Palm Cabaret shows can be purchased through its official box office or online in advance. The box office (on Olas Altas) is typically open in the afternoons of show days (banderasnews.com), and the venue also works with approved travel desks and concierges for advance sales. Because popular shows often sell out quickly, it’s wise to book as soon as dates are announced. Seating is unreserved, so purchasing in advance and arriving early usually ensures the best tables. Expect tiered pricing: sunset or prime-time shows (weekends, holidays, big-name acts) cost more than weekday shows. In general, ticket prices are moderate for Puerto Vallarta entertainment (roughly in the mid-range of LGBTQ+ cabaret shows) and typically include the live performance only. (There is usually a suggestion or requirement to buy a minimum of two drinks from the bar per person.) Tickets can sometimes be sold at the door if still available, but many shows—especially drag reviews and headliner events—require advance purchase (banderasnews.com) (www.tripadvisor.in).
Seating and Layout
The Palm’s seating is arranged cabaret-style: rows of tables and chairs facing the stage. The small house (about 120 seats (www.tripadvisor.in)) means even the back tables have a good view. Front- and center-of-floor tables put you closest to the action, though side tables can also offer excellent angles of the entire stage and room. There is no balcony or separate standing room: all guests are seated at tables or along the bar area. Because seating is general admission, arriving early is key to snagging the best spot; most doors open about 30 minutes before the first curtain (thepalmcabaret.com). The layout is intimate: performers often make eye contact and interact with the audience. (If you’d prefer minimal audience interaction, selecting a corner table near the back can help.) The stage is slightly raised and quite wide for a venue of this size, allowing for live bands, aerial rigs and dance numbers. Acoustics are clear but loud by design – the sound and lighting are state-of-the-art (www.tripadvisor.in). In practice, all seats offer a decent view, but the front half is generally best for full immersion. Note that after a show starts any unclaimed seats may be reassigned, so it’s best not to skip the opener if you booked.
Getting There and Parking
The Palm Cabaret is at 508 Olas Altas, just a few blocks south of the Plaza de Armas fountain and beachfront (Los Muertos Beach) and right at the foot of Lázaro Cárdenas Avenue (banderasnews.com). It’s in the Zona Romántica’s main artery, within easy walking distance of Downtown and the Malecón. For drivers, street parking along Olas Altas and nearby Basilio Badillo or Lazaro Cardenas exists, but spaces are scarce and often metered. Paid parking lots (including a municipal lot near Basilio & Carrillo) are a short walk away, but traffic can be heavy at showtime so allow extra time. Uber and other rideshare services work well here, as do local taxis (they typically drop off on Olas Altas outside the venue). City buses run along Lázaro Cárdenas and Basilio – lines like the “Purple Route” (which runs from Cuadra Playa/Basilio to the Malecon and Old Town) stop a few blocks away. (Check transit apps for up-to-date schedules.) The venue is also easy to reach on foot or bikes from nearby hotels and beaches – it’s about a 10-minute walk from the Los Muertos pier area. Just keep in mind at night to use marked taxi stands or rideshare; Punta de Mita style open-air “pulmonia” golf carts also circulate the zone but are less common for visitors headed to indoor shows.
Inside the Venue
Upon arrival, guests check in at the hostess station near the entrance. Expect a casual, lively club atmosphere. The Palm is fully air-conditioned, which is welcome after a hot day in PV. The large lounge bar on one side serves a full range of beverages – from signature martinis (highly recommended!) and craft cocktails to wine, beer and non-alcoholic drinks (thepalmcabaret.com) (www.tripadvisor.in). Many patrons arrive early to mingle on the outdoor terrace or at high-top tables in the bar before seating (www.tripadvisor.in) (thepalmcabaret.com). A minimum purchase of two drinks per person is strongly suggested (per the venue’s policy) (thepalmcabaret.com) – keep this in mind when ordering. Table service is provided once the show starts, and servers will keep taking drink orders throughout the performance (most shows have a brief interlude during which you can use the restroom or grab a refill). The decor is dark and theatrical; there is no coat check (light sweaters can be kept at your table). Restrooms are located at the back and are cleaned frequently. A souvenir stand or box office area often sells performer CDs or The Palm merchandise on show nights. Low lighting inside preserves the cabaret mood – photography is generally allowed for personal use, but flash photography is frowned upon and professional cameras/recording (video) are not permitted. Most people tip the servers, as waitstaff carry drinks to your table; a 10–15% tip on the bar tab is customary. After the show, performers often appear in the lounge for chats and autographs, so feel free to stick around and say hello once the lights come up (www.tripadvisor.in).
Nearby Amenities
The Palm is in a very walkable part of Zona Romántica, surrounded by dining and lodging options. On the same block and just around the corner are numerous restaurants and cafes (from taco stands to upscale bistros) where pre-show dinners are popular. For example, a few doors down is a local Cantina with Mexican classics, and within one or two blocks are favorites like Blue Shrimp, Fogón, Café des Artistes and Veggiequiles. (The exact “best” restaurant can depend on cuisine, but you won’t lack choices.) Bars and clubs are everywhere nearby: if you arrive early, you can grab an appetizer at a sidewalk café, and if you stay late afterward the neighborhood comes alive with music and cocktails until the early morning hours. Hotels are also within easy reach – the Gay-owned Casa Cupula resort is just up the street, and big names like Sheraton Buganvilias lie beachfront a short walk away. In short, you are in the heart of Vallarta’s nightlife zone, so lodging, dining and entertainment are all literally on the block.
What Makes This Venue Special
What truly sets The Palm apart is its atmosphere and history. It has the feel of an old-school cabaret (an intimate “little theatre” space) combined with Vegas-style glitz and local charm. The venue has hosted countless stars – from Gay Games vocalists to AZ Broadway hits – earning it a reputation that “surpasses many Vegas/Broadway productions” (www.tripadvisor.in). It’s famous within the LGBT community and beyond for its friendly, party vibe: audience members often clap, sing along and even dance a bit in the aisles at big moments. The Palm also has a philanthropic side; over the years it’s held benefit shows for local causes (for example, one opening-night gala raised funds for an orphanage (outandaboutpv.com)). The décor—deep reds, mirrored accents and a roaring ’20s-cabaret style sign—gives the room a warm, theatrical glow. Legends of the stage have walked it: names like Leslie Jordan or RuPaul’s Drag Race alumni have performed here, and it was where local stars like the Dueling Drag Divas launched their careers (outandaboutpv.com). As one review put it, The Palm was “the inspiration for the Vallarta entertainment scene” and remains a “shining example of longevity and success” (outandaboutpv.com). In short, artists love it for the attentive audience and professional production values, and guests love it for the loud laughter, surprise guest interactions, and the feeling that anything can happen in this cozy oasis by the sea.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: The venue has only a few steps (about 3) at its entrance to reach the showroom (www.tripadvisor.in). There is a reserved space for wheelchair users once inside, but if this is a concern it’s best to call ahead for accommodations. Service animals are typically permitted by law. Age restrictions: The Cabaret is an 18+ venue. Under-18s are only allowed if accompanied by a parent or guardian (and even then, the show may contain adult humor). There is no formal dress code, but smart-casual attire is recommended – think nice tops and trousers, or fun evening wear; avoid beachwear, bare feet or overly casual shorts. Arrival: Plan to arrive at least 15–30 minutes before showtime to get seated comfortably – latecomers may lose their table. Doors open roughly 30 min before curtain (thepalmcabaret.com), and seating is first-come. Beverages: The two-drink minimum is a polite reminder to charge your card or cash a bit extra for the performance. Even if you’re not drinking alcohol, the bar has good mocktails, smoothies and snacks. Etiquette: Phones should be silenced; it’s polite to refrain from talking during the performance. Flash photography is prohibited, and videotaping the show is not allowed (to respect the performers). Restroom/Breaks: If you need the restroom, try to go during any short scene changes; otherwise, a quick trip mid-show is okay but may miss a bit of the act. Tips and Service: Tipping the bar/serving staff (15–20%) for drinks is customary. Weather: Shows are indoors, so weather won’t cancel a performance – even in rain you can walk via nearby covered passageways through the neighborhood. Currency: The bar accepts credit card and pesos, but having some cash helps for quick purchases. Schedule: Check local listings for monthly schedules. The Palm’s season generally runs year-round at varying intensity (it even opened a sister venue, “Coco Cabaret by The Palm,” in 2024 to handle demand (banderasnews.com)). Special Events: Keep an eye out for one-night specials (like New Year’s Eve or themed variety nights). Overall, be ready for a fun night of live entertainment – and remember, The Palm’s staff is very approachable, so if you have questions on site they’ll happily assist
