Events you Shouldn’t Miss in Buenos Aires

Events — By Diego

Buenos Aires is often considered the cultural capital of South America and after a visit to Argentina´s capital, it is obvious as to why. Every week there are dozens of events to choose from. Small art shows, big concerts, private wine tastings, folk music dance classes, poetry readings, underground reggae shows, international expos, local cumbia Djs,….you get the picture. Buenos Aires has a very rich cultural scene, with a lot to offer for everyone.

Among all of these events, there are certain ones that stand out for their prominence. Here is a list of the very best, internationally recognized events that you shouldn´t miss. I even recommend you work your vacation dates around these events if possible. They are definitely worth attending.

Quilmes Rock
When: End of March/Beginning of April
What: Some of the biggest national and international rock bands play at this multi-day music festival. Some past performances include: Iron Maiden, Kiss, Radiohead, Korn Ozzy Osbourne, Aerosmith, Divididos, Attaque 77, Las Pelotas.
Where: River Stadium

BAFICI – Buenos Aires Festival International de Cine Independiente
When: end of March/early April
What: Two weeks of some of the top international independent films and documentaries, including a great selection of local Argentine films. Also includes an international selection of animated movies for kids.
Where: Various cinemas across the city.

Southfest
When: early April
What: A big electronic music festival, with top international DJs such as Paul Oakenfold, Basement Jaxx, Sasha, and Underworld.
Where: Costa Salguero

Feria de Libros
When: End of April/beginning of May
What: This is one of the most important cultural events of the year for Latin America, and is the largest Book Fair in this part of the world. There are over 1,000 exhibitors from 42 countries, and it is attended by more than 1 million people. In addition to the great selection of books you can purchase, there are also more than 1,500 cultural events, including round tables, presentations, and readings.
Where: La Rural

Expo de Cuisins y Vins
When: Beginning to mid-May
What: The classiest wine event of the year, people get together at the beautiful French palace “Palacio Paz.” You get to taste wines from the top Argentine wineries, as well samples of cheeses, chocolates, jams, and other gastronomical delights.
Where: Palacio Paz

ArtBA – Contemporary Art Fair
When: End of May
What: The most important Art fair in Latin America, this is another one of the most highly anticipated events in Buenos Aires. La Rural is turned into a giant contemporary Art display, where you get to see some of the best works of Latin Americans and even some international artists. Visited by over 120,000, this is also a great opportunity for artists, collectors, and buyers to get together.
Where: La Rural

Festival de Tango/Mundial de Tango
When: Mid-August
What: Two weeks of tango shows, presentations, tributes, movies, classes and seminars, this is a must for anyone with even a remote interest in Tango. Get away from the typical tourist shows, and experience the real tango culture. During the last week is the Mundial de Baile, which is a competition of the world´s best Tango dancers.
Where: various locations throughout Buenos Aires

Superclasico
When: Twice a year. 1st match: Feb-Jun 2nd match: Aug–Dec
What: A match between the two most famous Argentine football clubs, River and Boca. These two teams also have the biggest rivalry, and the craziest fans, which makes this one of the most anticipated sporting events…in the world!
Where: Once in El Monumental (River Stadium) and once in La Bombonera (Boca Stadium)

Fashion Week
When: Twice a year, once in February and once in August.
What: A chance to check out all of the new styles for both independent and large international brands. With 35,000 people in attendance, this is the most important fashion event in Argentina, which includes conferences, show rooms, and fashion shows.
Where: La Rural

Vinos y Bodegas
When: Beginning of September
What: A massive wine event where you have the opportunity to taste over 1000 Argentine wines, this is the largest wine event in Buenos Aires, and one of the most important in all of Latin America. Other attractions include cheese tastings, a tapas bar, a cooking show, a wine store, and various presentations about wine. A great event for any wine lover.
Where: La Rural

South American Music Conference
When: Random (has been in March, September, and December in the past. 2009 was in September).  We will post the date for 2010 here:  SAMC
What: One of the biggest electronic music festivals of South America. There are dozens of DJs that play in three different buildings, and many of them are world famous. Some DJs that have played in the past: Nick Warren, Judge Jules, Ritchie Hawtin, Ferry Corsten, Tiesto.
Where: Costa Salguero

Fiesta de la Tradición
When: Beginning of November
What: A 10 day festival to celebrate old traditions. Includes gaucho skills events, live folk music, dancing, a parade, and of course, the famous Argentine asado, with the best meet you’ll find in all of Argentina.
Where: San Anotnio de Areco (about 1hr from Buenos Aires).

Vinos de Lujo
When: Beginning of November
What: The most prestigious of all wine tasting events in the country. Dozens of wineries set-up a stand at the swanky Hotel Alvear, and serve a variety of their tops wines for tastings. These wines range in price from $30 – $300 pesos a bottle (retail). The representatives serving the wine are the top dogs from those wineries, often the owner or wine maker, so this is your best chance to learn all about Argentine wines. The 4 day event also includes various presentations,
Where: Hotel Alvear

Creamfields Buenos Aires
When: Mid-November
What: The Argentine version of this famous electronic music festival, this is the largest dance music festival in Argentina. More than 100 Djs spin music to over 50,000 people in 8 different tents. Some past acts include talent such as John Digweed, Chemical Brothers, Erick Morillo, UNKLE, The Gorilaz, Groove Armada, and Paul Oakenfold.
Where: Autódromo de Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires International Music Festival – BAFIM
When: End of November (usually September, will take place in November for 2009)
What: BAFIM is an event for music lovers and gets bigger and bigger every year. There are over 70 live music shows featuring various styles of Argentine music, including rock, reggae, folk, and ska. There are also live DJ performances, conferences, commercial stands, and lots of press. A great opportunity to listen to some of Argentina’s top bands live, and for very little money (entrance in 2008 was 10 pesos).
Where: Costa Slaguero (location changes every year)

Campeonato Argentino Abierto de Polo
When: End of November/Beginning of December
What: One of the greatest polo events in the world, this tournament attracts some of the world´s greatest polo teams.
Where: Campo Argentino de Polo de Palermo

International Artisan Festival
When: Beg – Mid December
What: This may well be the perfect event for doing all your Christmas shopping. The Artisan Fair of Buenos Aires takes place during 10 days at the beginning of December. Available for viewing and purchase are the works from over 600 artisans, mainly from Argentina but with a handful of artisans from 11 other countries. Not only a great event for buying gifts and souvenirs, you can view beautiful artwork from a variety of different cultures.
Where: La Rural

Personal Fest
When: early December
What: A two day festival featuring some of the top local and international music groups, for various types of music, such as rap/hip hop, rock, reggae, and alternative. Some of the past performances: Snoop Dog, Fito Paez, R.E.M, Los Cafres, Black Eyed Peas, Gotan Project
Where: Club Ciudad de Buenos Aires

Related posts:

1. Tango Festival and World Tango Championships in Buenos Aires If you have even the slightest interest in tango, you...
2. BAFIM – Buenos Aires International Music Festival The BAFIM is a fairly new event (started in 2006),...
3. Buenos Aires Book Fair – Feria de Libros One of the largest and most important cultural events of...
4. Vinos y Bodegas Expo This is another huge wine event, and a perfect opportunity...
5. Southfest A one night extravaganza of some of the world´s top...

Tags: buenos aires attractions, buenos aires events