What's On in Buenos Aires

Expats moving to Buenos Aires will find no shortage of events throughout the year. Of these, cultural and sporting events are the most common. Adults and children alike will surely discover something they enjoy in this vibrant city.

Below we list some of the best annual events in Buenos Aires that expats shouldn't miss.

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Annual events in Buenos Aires

Lollapalooza Argentina (March)

Lollapalooza is an international music festival that takes place every year in the San Isidro barrio of Buenos Aires. It attracts music artists and fans from all over the world. The festival certainly is one of the biggest annual events for many young people in Buenos Aires.

The Buenos Aires Independent International Film Festival (April)

This exciting event showcases international independent films. It also presents the work of Argentine filmmakers to an international audience. The festival is ten days long and attracts many big names in the film industry.

Aniversario de la Revolución de Mayo (May)

This festival is the celebration of the 1810 revolution in Argentina. The festivities begin at midnight on 24 May when crowds gather in front of the Cabildo (a museum commemorating the revolution). People gather again on the evening of the 25th for another patriotic rendition of the Argentinian anthem.

Exposición Rural (July/August)

Exposición Rural is an important two-week farm fair in Buenos Aires that any animal lover will enjoy. The main attractions are the bulls, but lambs, pigs and other animals also feature, and there are also petting zoos and animal shows. Expats can enjoy the gaucho stunts that are performed and join in on the folklore nights with some genuine Argentinian cowboys.

Buenos Aires Tango Festival (August)

This is the world's most important tango festival. It's no surprise that it is in Buenos Aires, the birthplace of the tango. The festival is nine days long, giving expats plenty of time to take in all there is to see. There are tango shows, free dancing lessons, exhibitions, a dance-off on Avenida Corrientes and plenty of other sights and sounds to enjoy.

ArteBA (September)

ArteBA is a week-long art fair in Buenos Aires. This is one of the most popular cultural events in Latin America. The festival features the work of artists from all over the world. It attracts thousands of artists, collectors, galleries and punters.

Maratón de Buenos Aires (October)

The marathon takes place in the city centre, where competitors will run through some of the city's most emblematic, historic and symbolic sites. These include the Obelisk, the Cabildo, the Teatro Colón, the Plaza de Mayo, the Casa Rosada, the Tres de Febrero park, and the barrios of La Boca and Puerto Madero. This is a great way for active expats to get involved and experience another side of Buenos Aires. For the less athletically inclined, there is a fun run. There is also a 2.5-mile (4km) race for children.

Gran Premio Nacional (November)

This event is Argentina's most important annual horse race. It is the perfect opportunity for expats who enjoyed going to the races in their home countries to have some fun. The event dates back to 1884. When looking for a good excuse to dress up and rub shoulders with Argentina's rich and famous, one doesn't need to look further than this event.

Buenos Aires International Jazz Festival (November)

Expats who enjoy a bit of culture shouldn't miss the Buenos Aires International Jazz Festival. Both international and local musicians take part in the festival at various theatres and venues throughout the city. Some of the main venues include the Recoleta Cultural Centre, the Coliseo Theatre, the National Library and various jazz clubs in Buenos Aires.

LGBT Pride Week and Parade (November)

As one of the most LGBT-friendly Latin American cities, Buenos Aires hosts its biggest celebration of diversity each year in November. Events take place at various venues, culminating in the parade that runs every year. The parade runs along one of the city's most important avenues, Avenida de Mayo. Starting from the Casa Rosada, or 'pink house', parade-goers then march to the National Congress building. The event continues outside the Congress with speeches, music and dancing. The festivities tend to last into the evening and then continue afterwards in buses, trains, bars and nightclubs.

Argentine Open Polo Tournament (November/December)

Polo is a huge part of Argentinian culture. This has led to the country producing some of the world's best polo players and horses. The Argentinian Open Polo Tournament dates back to 1893. It is the fifth-oldest polo tournament in the world. It is held at the massive Campo Argentino de Polo in Palermo. Here expats can sit outside, take advantage of the summer weather and enjoy the glamorous sporting event. To get the full experience, one can even attend one of the many parties held afterwards.