Summer Festival in Bogotá: Sunshine and Celebration Transform the City
Between January and February, when the Bogotá sun feels warmer and the days grow longer, the Colombian capital transforms. It's not just the weather; it's the Summer Festival, that collective pulse that interrupts the urban routine with music, sports, and outdoor culture. An event that, more than a schedule, is a breath of fresh air for a city that usually moves between the gray of the mountains and the fast pace of traffic. In 2026, from January 15 to February 15, Bogotá will once again open its parks, plazas, and streets to celebrate community life, reminding us that even in the big city, there is space to gather under the sky.
Main Event Calendar: Concerts, Sports, and Culture
The Summer Festival is not a single event, but a constellation of activities spread throughout the city. Weekends are the heart:
- Concerts at Simón Bolívar Park (Saturdays January 17, 24, 31 and February 7, 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM): From Colombian rock to salsa and electronic music, with local and national artists.
- Bogotá Marathon (Sunday January 18, 6:00 AM): 10K and 21K routes starting from Parque Nacional.
- Gastronomic fairs in La Candelaria (Fridays to Sundays, 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM): Street food, fusion cuisine, and traditional dishes in the historic heart.
- Outdoor cinema at Parque de los Novios (Thursdays January 22 and 29, 6:30 PM): Free screenings of Colombian cinema.
- Urban art workshops in Chapinero (Saturdays January 24 and 31, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM): Graffiti and muralism for young people.
- Cycling competitions on Séptima Ciclovía (Sundays January 19 and 26, 8:00 AM): Family races and exhibitions.
- Folk dance festival at La Media Torta Open-Air Theater (Saturday February 7, 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM): Groups from across the country.
- Artisanal markets in Usaquén (Every weekend, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM): Handicrafts, local design, and organic products.
- Yoga classes at El Virrey Park (Sundays January 18, 25 and February 1, 8:00 AM): Free sessions for all levels.
- Street theater performances at Bolívar Square (Saturdays and Sundays, 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Interactive plays and performances.
Free and Paid Activities: For All Budgets
The magic of the Summer Festival lies in its accessibility. Most events are free: the concerts at Simón Bolívar, outdoor cinema, art workshops, gastronomic fairs, and yoga. Only a few, such as the Bogotá Marathon (registration from $50,000 COP) or certain specialized workshops, have a cost. It's a festival that prioritizes gathering over tickets, designed so that families, students, and residents can participate without economic barriers.
Tips to Enjoy the Festival: Transportation, Safety, and More
Bogotá in summer is generous, but demands preparation:
- Transportation: Use TransMilenio or SITP; avoid driving due to road closures. The closest stations to Simón Bolívar are Simón Bolívar and Toberín. For La Candelaria, get off at Las Aguas or Museo del Oro.
- Safety: Keep your personal belongings close, especially in crowds. Wear your backpack in front and avoid unnecessarily displaying cell phones.
- Sun protection: Although Bogotá isn't hot, the altitude (2,600 meters above sea level) intensifies UV rays. Use SPF 50+ sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
- Hydration: Drink water constantly; bring your own thermos to reduce plastic waste.
- Clothing: Layers are key: cool mornings, sunny afternoons. Bring a light jacket and comfortable walking shoes.
Recommendations for Locations and Times
For families: Saturdays at Simón Bolívar Park (from 4:00 PM) offer space for children and early concerts. For young people: Fridays in La Candelaria (gastronomic fair) and art workshops in Chapinero. The best time to avoid crowds is on weekday afternoons, for activities like outdoor cinema or Usaquén markets. Don't miss the sunset from Parque de los Novios, where the Bogotá sky paints orange hues over the hills.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Summer Festival
- When is the Summer Festival 2026? From January 15 to February 15, 2026.
- Is the festival free? Most activities are free, only some like the Bogotá Marathon have a registration fee.
- Where are the main events held? In parks like Simón Bolívar, El Virrey, de los Novios, and in areas like La Candelaria, Chapinero, and Usaquén.
- How to get to the events? It is recommended to use public transportation (TransMilenio, SITP) as there will be road closures.
- What should I bring? Sunscreen, water, layered clothing, and personal documents.
The Bogotá Summer Festival is more than a list of events; it's the city remembering that it can be light, that beneath its layer of haste there is a community that dances, runs, paints, and eats together. In 2026, from January 15 to February 15, it will be the opportunity to rediscover Bogotá not as a gray capital, but as a living stage where summer, although brief, leaves its mark. As Bogotanos say: "Here the cold is dispelled with human warmth." And this festival is just that: human warmth outdoors.
Interested in participating or learning more?
Next edition: January 15 to February 15, 2026 (estimated dates, subject to confirmation).
Cost: Most activities free; some with paid registration.
Contact: Secretary of Culture, Recreation and Sports of Bogotá - @CulturaenBogota.
Don't miss the Summer Festival and enjoy Bogotá outdoors.
