Argentina is known for its fun-loving locals, colorful culture, and exquisite landscapes. As the second largest country in South America, it is no wonder there is so much to see and do here.
Whether you want to explore the depths of Patagonia, ski across the Andean mountains, or explore the vibrant city life in Buenos Aires, you could spend months just scratching the surface of what Argentina has to offer.
However, there is more to Argentina than meets the eye, and the country is home to some incredible celebrations and festivals. One of the best ways to get into the groove of things and get to know the local cultural scene is to attend a festival.
Depending on the time of year you visit and what type of Argentinian festival you choose to attend, you could catch a glimpse of the country’s colorful culture, party with the incredible locals, experience vibrant South American music and taste the festive food scene.
Festivals in Argentina
I’ve collated a list of eleven top festivals to experience when visiting Argentina, from cultural gatherings to parades to music festivals. Let’s dive in, shall we?
Festival Nacional de Folklore Cosquin
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- When: January
- Where: Cosquin, Cordoba
Folk music and dances are a big part of local culture and are practiced and loved across Argentina. While most countries’ folk culture lives mostly among older crowds, Argentinian folk culture is very much alive across all generations.
Located in the middle of the country in the province of Cordoba, Cosquin village attracts thousands of local folk fans and tourists to one of the most authentic folk events in the country. The town is steeped in history and folktales.
The Festival Nacional de Folklore Cosquin, often called Cosquin Festival, runs for nine straight days towards the end of January, making it one of South America’s most significant folk festivals.
The entire town comes alive during the event period, with food stalls, drinking competitions, and folklore recitals taking place across different venues throughout the city. All folklore genres are represented during the festivities, from Santiago del Estero’s famous ‘chacarera’ to the Littoral region’s ‘chamame.’
One of the most exciting parts of this music festival in Argentina is the ‘penas,’ which are informal garden parties held outside of the official event. At these events, musicians, dancers, and spectators are invited to sing and dance at local parties.
Where to Stay:
Just a short walk from Cucu, this lakefront apartment is the perfect spot to call home in Cosquin. It has two ensuite bedrooms and a swimming pool overlooking the water – the ideal oasis to arrive home to after a day celebrating at the festival.
Cosquin Rock Festival
- When: February
- Where: Cosquin, Cordoba
Held in the town of Cosquin in the heart of inland Argentina, the Cosquin Rock Festival (not to be confused with the Cosquin Festival mentioned above) is a celebration of rock and roll with great importance in Argentina’s rock music scene.
The event is held over two days in February at an outdoor venue called the Santa María de Punilla. With around two decades of experience, Cosquin Rock Festival has been held annually since 2001, making it one of the country’s oldest continually running rock events. It’s also one of the most popular music festivals, with over 150 thousand people attending the event each year.
Over the two days, rock singers and performers gather from predominantly Spanish-speaking nations like Spain, Mexico, Uruguay, and of course, Argentina to put on a wild show for rock and roll fans in Argentina.
Some previous acts and performers include Gondwana, Ratos de Porao, Attaque 77, Andrew Tosh, and Carajo. International rock sensations like Deep Purple have also played at the event. There are typically three stages: the main and two secondaries.
Tickets for the Argentinian music festival can be purchased online in advance and cost between $96 for a day pass and $183 for two days (not including the 10% service charge).
Where to Stay:
After a day of head-banging rock’n’roll, rest your head at this gorgeous cabin in the mountains outside Cordoba. Surrounded by nature in Valle Hermoso, this typical timber cabin has a fully equipped kitchen and a pool just a short walk from the heart of the town.
Fiesta del Chocolate
- When: April
- Where: Bariloche
Can you think of a better way to celebrate life than at a festival dedicated to chocolate? Not only is this one of the sweetest festivals on the calendar, but it’s also set in one of the most beautiful towns in the country.
The event takes place in April, when the country celebrates Easter, and is held over several days around the Civic Center. The event was first held to help recover the town’s economy after the Puyehue Volcano left the country covered in ash.
Don’t miss out on the massive chocolate easter egg that gets erected in the main square. Set against picturesque swiss-inspired chalets, this eight-meter-high chocolate installation is one of the most beautiful scenes at the festival and is admired by passers-by. On Easter Sunday, the egg is broken down in front of a crowd and offered to visitors to taste.
Bariloche is known as the swiss alps of Argentina, set against a snowy mountain backdrop on the banks of an azure alpine lake. The biggest town in Northern Patagonia, and one of the easiest to access, the gorgeous area offers tons of opportunities for an outdoor adventure, which is the perfect pairing with a chocolate festival.
The town is known for producing the purest handcrafted chocolate in the country, with confectioners and chocolatiers dotted throughout the town. Chocolate and craft beer are two of the most critical ‘exports’ for the town, popular year-round. No wonder this Argentinian festival is held in such a hallmark town.
Where to Stay:
After indulging yourself in Argentina’s best chocolate, take the vacation one step further and spend a few nights in this exquisite cabin in San Carlos de Bariloche. Set overlooking the lake with a deck and a hot tub, this cabin is surrounded by trees for ultimate privacy.
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Buenos Aires Carnival
- When: February
- Where: Buenos Aires
If there’s one type of festival South America is known for, it’s their extravagant carnival celebrations. While the world’s most famous carnival happens in the neighboring country, Argentina has its own shows to parade.
The Buenos Aires Carnival is hosted in the capital city of Buenos Aires between the end of February and the beginning of March. The event is centered around the ‘murgas,’ which are organized neighborhood groups that dress in impressive costumes and perform rhythmic folk music and dances throughout the streets.
Their dances represent different things; for instance, a commentary on life, current affairs, or stories about the neighborhood. Performers wear glittering costumes with gloves, top hats, and frock coats and practice their performances throughout the year.
There are over 100 murgas that take place throughout the event. At the end of the carnival, dedicated judges choose a winner based on each group’s costume designs, musical performance, and dance choreography.
While this is one of the most accessible carnivals, various events happen in La Paz, Concepcion del Uruguay, and Gualeguaychu, each offering a unique Argentinian experience.
Where to Stay:
This high-end studio in the Recoleta neighborhood is the perfect spot to stay when visiting Buenos Aires for the Argentinian festival. It’s overflowing with natural light and has gorgeous city views, not to mention the rooftop pool that guests can access during their stay!
Fiesta Nacional del Sol (National Sun Festival)
- When: February
- Where: San Juan
One of the most authentically local festivals in the country, Fiesta Nacional del Sol is dedicated to the sun and the life it gives us. It is held over five days each year towards the end of February in San Juan, Cuyo.
During the event, the streets of San Juan are filled with music and dancing, bringing the entire region together. It’s the perfect event to learn about Cuyo’s identity, culture, and spirit.
The event takes place across multiple venues. One of the main events, the Theme Fair, happens at the Predio del Parque de Mayo, while the final show is held at a natural amphitheater surrounded by mountains at the Eduardo Copello racetrack. There is also a Carousel that runs throughout the city streets, showcasing the province’s customs, characters, and historical events.
One of the main events is the competition for the National Queen of the Sun (Reina Nacional del Sol), where each region brings a beautiful woman to represent their area in a competition for the prestigious (yet light-hearted) title. The queen of this festival in Argentina will then represent the region throughout the year at national holidays and tourism events to help promote the province.
Where to Stay:
Set in the heart of San Juan, this sunny condo has two spacious bedrooms and has been beautifully refurbished with modern interiors. With a fully-equipped kitchen and open-concept living space, there is plenty of room for four to five guests to spread out.
Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia (National Grape Harvest Festival)
- When: March
- Where: Mendoza
Argentina is well known for its highly acclaimed wines, and Mendoza is undoubtedly the main grape-growing region in the country. Known in English as the National Grape Harvest Festival, Vendimia is a week-long celebration dedicated to harvesting grapes in the Mendoza region.
Throughout the week, events revolving around wine tasting, farmer festivities, and concerts are held throughout the region. The event happens in March when the grapes are at their ripest and are ready to harvest before the winter months set in. The extended harvest season produces a wide variety and amount of grapes.
Local cellar and vineyard tours are held to show tourists the wine-making process, allowing them to sample the finest wine. The festival has been held since the 1930s when it was a much more basic event. Today, this massive festival draws in huge crowds with fine wine, tasty food, and vibrant music.
At the end of the harvest festival in Argentina, a Queen of the Harvest (Reina de la Vendimia) is elected by a panel of judges, who dedicates part of her year to representing the Mendoza region at other events and functions.
Where to Stay:
With gorgeous views of the mountains, this bright apartment in Mendoza has a balcony and a spacious living area with an additional sleeper couch. Classy interiors and modern appliances will make you feel right at home.
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View on Booking.comLollapalooza Argentina
- When: March
- Where: Buenos Aires
Following in its international siblings’ footsteps, Lollapalooza Argentina has become one of the country’s premier events. With a staggeringly impressive lineup of artists, the event occurs at the Hipodromo de San Isidro in the heart of Buenos Aires.
Part of the global Lollapalooza family since 2017, Argentina is the third South American country to host an event, boasting the same character, atmosphere, and production quality as the international events.
Around 300 thousand people attend the event each year to watch their favorite pop, hip-hop, and R&B artists perform. When nighttime falls, the music switches to house and electronic dance music (EDM).
The event runs for three days and nights, from Thursday to Sunday, over a weekend in March. Since the first event, artists like Blink – 182, Jamie XX, Sofi, Tame, Billie Eilish, and Tove Lo have graced the stages of Lollapalooza Argentina, with Drake and Tame Impala due to headline the next event.
Tickets for the festival in Argentina cost $285 for a three-day pass and $425 for a VIP pass.
Where to Stay:
If you’re wondering where to stay during Lollapalooza, this high-end studio is right in the buzz of the Palermo neighborhood. Featuring a seasonal outdoor pool, a gym, a shared lounge, and a terrace, this condo doubles as a social spot!
Buenos Aires Festival Internacional de Cine Independiente
- When: April
- Where: Buenos Aires
Once a year during April, Buenos Aires hosts a film festival to celebrate and promote the best of Argentina’s independent cinema scene. Known as the Buenos Aires Festival Internacional de Cine Independiente (or BAFICI for short), the event is an essential mode of expression for storytellers who wish to show off their work and talents to the world.
The event is organized by the Ministry of Culture and is recognized internationally for its local cultural importance. BAFICI is seen as an important promotional vehicle for South American independent film production, showing some of the generation’s most innovative and risky films.
The first edition was held in 1999 and hosted across different historic theatres across the city. Around 150 national and foreign films were screened to over 120 thousand spectators. Today, even more films are screened across a broader audience in combination with similar activities, including talks, workshops, and conferences.
If you’re a fan of bold ideas and engaging storytelling through the format of film, you’ll appreciate the talent on show at this international film festival in Argentina.
Where to Stay:
Book a room at the Bed and Breakfast Polo in Belgrano for a peaceful night’s rest between film screenings. This homey B&B includes access to a pool, BBQ facilities, a garden terrace, and a tasty continental breakfast.
Buenos Aires Tango Festival
- When: August
- Where: Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires has always been considered one of the best locations for Tango dancing. So it should be no surprise that the city hosts a premier tango festival once a year. Held in August, the Buenos Aires Tango Festival brings together everyone from the world’s top dancing duos to amateur dancers.
Even if you have never danced the tango before, this is an exhilarating event packed with tango superstars. It’s one of the most quintessentially Argentinian events, certainly worth checking out!
The festival happens over two weeks and is free to attend, with regular dance classes, concerts, recitals, and performances scheduled across Buenos Aires. There are even children’s events. In fact, this is one of the biggest festivals held in the city.
As the tango capital of the world, one of the main events is undoubtedly the Tango World Championship (the Mundial de Tango) which takes place at the same time. Over 2000 performers participate in the Argentinian festival’s competitions, attracting over half a million visitors to spectate the festivities.
Where to Stay:
This classic style apartment is located in the heart of Buenos Aires. Featuring two bedrooms, a balcony a living room and a fully-equipped kitchen, this spot is just a short walk from the Obelisk of Buenos Aires and the Colon Theatre.
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Hide Yo’ Money!Pepsi Music Festival
- When: September / October
- Where: Buenos Aires
The Pepsi Music Festival has quickly risen to the top of the ranks, becoming one of the most famous music festivals in the country. Its name comes from its main sponsor, Pepsi, who has organized the event since 2003.
The party takes place across various venues in Buenos Aires over the course of around ten days. Some of the main venues include the Ferro Stadium, River Plate Stadium, Obras Stadium, and La Trastienda.
The primary genre of music is rock and roll, with iconic artists like AC/DC, Marilyn Manson, Pink Floyd, The Hives, the Rolling Stones, and Elton John playing at the festival over the years.
Pepsi Music Festival is the largest festival in the country, attracting over 300 thousand attendees. Tickets range in price depending on which event you attend and the ticket you choose, with VIP, general standing, field, and seating options available at the different venues.
Where to Stay:
Save cash on accommodation and rent out this cozy apartment in Recoleta, Buenos Aires, for a steal of a price. The space is set out like a studio apartment, with a full kitchen and dining area, as well as a private bathroom, perfect for relaxing after the music festival in Argentina.
Oktoberfest
- When: October
- Where: Belgrano, Cordoba
Oktoberfest needs no introduction. This German beer-inspired event has gained popularity across the world, with one of the main events happening in Argentina’s Cordoba region. Argentina has its own version of this beer festival, filled with drinking, eating, and partying.
The event is held in the city of Villa General Belgrano in the Cordoba region, a town founded by Germans. The town sits between Cordoba’s Sierras Chicas (hills), making it the perfect terrain to grow and brew beer. Because of this, the hilly region is home to a significant German population, the very population who brought the festival to Argentina many years ago.
The entire town comes alive during the weekend-long festival (usually held over a long weekend), with the main events taking place in the city’s beer garden. Local breweries and craft brewers from around the country come to the garden to set up stalls and sell their in-house beers and traditional food.
Free to attend, the festival is a great place to enjoy a foreign tradition with an Argentinian twist, taste authentic local beer, and socialize with friendly locals.
Where to Stay:
With gorgeous views and a ton of natural light flowing throughout the space, this homey villa has two bedrooms and a gorgeous central living area. It’s in a quaint town just outside the city of Cordoba, surrounded by boutique stores and authentic restaurants.
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Grab an eSIM!What To Pack For Your Argentina Trip
The South America packing list should have you covered, but here are a few extras I love to bring travelling with me… Especially when I’m staying in hostels.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
Argentina isn’t famously the safest place in the world… So good travel insurance is non-negotiable.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
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Final Thoughts on Festivals in Argentina
Argentina has so much going for it; it’s hard to pin down what to see and do during a vacation in the country. As one of the biggest countries in the world, it’s no surprise that you can explore different types of landscapes, learn about regional cultures, taste unique food, and make friends with locals from across the country.
However, one of the best ways to experience a country in all its glory is by attending a festival in Argentina. In fact, certain events and celebrations will offer visitors a taste of the food, its people, stunning locations, and culture, all at the same time.
My personal best festival in the country has to be the Buenos Aires Tango Festival. With such a diverse local culture, attending an authentic tango dancing event is an experience you can’t replicate in a different country.
- Looking for fun? Here are the best party cities in the world
- Check out our backpacking Argentina guide for in-depth info for your trip.
- Find out how to stay safe in Indonesia using our Argentina Safety guide.
- Check out the best hostels in Menzoda for some social fun!
- Know where to stay in Buenos Aires BEFORE you get there… trust me.
- Let’s get you ready for your next adventure with our backpacking Central America guide.
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