Bogota Events

Bogota’s calendar runs on free public festivals, which is a deliberate municipal policy and a good one.

Ibero-American Theatre Festival — March or April, even years

One of the largest performing arts festivals in the world, founded in 1988 and running for a fortnight across the city. It brings companies from dozens of countries into conventional theatres, and simultaneously stages an enormous free programme in parks and squares — street theatre, circus, giant puppets and outdoor spectacle watched by hundreds of thousands. It was created partly as an assertion that a city then known internationally for violence could host the world, and that intent still colours it. Check the year, as it now runs biennially.

Rock al Parque — usually June or July

Three days in Simon Bolivar park, free, drawing several hundred thousand people. It is the largest free rock festival in Latin America and has run since 1995, with a lineup mixing international acts and Colombian bands.

Ciclovia — every Sunday and public holiday

Not a festival but a weekly institution: 120 kilometres of arterial road closed to cars from seven until two, used by around a million people, copied by cities worldwide.

Festival de Cine — October

The Bogota international film festival has run since 1984, with screenings across the city and a strong Latin American programme.

Festival de Verano — August

A week of sport, kite flying and open-air events across the parks during the windy month, organised by the city and free throughout. August winds on the plateau are strong and reliable, and kite flying is a genuine local tradition rather than a programmed activity.