Why Cali Has a Vibrant Underground Scene Despite the Shadow of Salsa
When most people think of Cali, the first things that come to mind are salsa, dancing, and the Feria de Cali in December. And yes, that is a fundamental part of the city. But what few know —and that locals in the know keep as a secret— is that Cali has an alternative scene that moves all year round, far from the spotlights of the Feria and the nightclubs of the Zona Rosa. Here there is punk, metal, urban art, independent film, and poetry that takes over the streets and bars of neighborhoods like San Antonio, Obrero, and Granada. And the best part: these events are not new, they have existed for decades, but they rarely appear in travel guides.
In May 2026, the Cali underground scene is more alive than ever. If you are a tourist and want to see a Cali that is not sold in brochures, or if you are a local and think you have seen it all, this article is for you. I am going to tell you about three alternative festivals that are the B-side of the city: the Urban Art Gathering in Barrio Obrero, the Independent Film Showcase at Parque de la Caña, and the Poetry and Performance Night in San Antonio. Plus, I will leave you a brief calendar with the next confirmed editions so you don't miss them.
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Festival A: Urban Art Gathering in Barrio Obrero
What It Is and Context
Barrio Obrero, in east downtown Cali, is known for its working-class history and early 20th-century architecture. But for a few years now, it has become the epicenter of an urban art movement that no one expected. The Encuentro de Arte Urbano del Barrio Obrero was born in 2018 as an initiative by local collectives like La Casa del Puente and Colectivo Sótano, who wanted to give a cultural breather to a neighborhood that is often stigmatized. What started with a few graffiti artists and muralists today brings together more than 50 national and international artists for an entire week.
The event is not just about painting walls. It includes screen-printing workshops, interventions in public spaces, video art screenings, and concerts by alternative rock and hip hop bands. The coolest thing is that everything is free and open to the public. If you show up on a Saturday morning, you will find a kid painting a three-story mural while a ska band plays on the corner. There is no stage, no ticketing, just the neighborhood turned into a gallery.
Event Details (Lineup, Program, Dates)
The 2026 edition will take place from October 10 to 17. The program includes:
- Monday to Friday: Graffiti, stencil, and recycled art workshops at Casa del Puente (Calle 12 #3-45). Time: 2pm to 6pm.
- Saturday 14: Collective mural painting day from 8am to 6pm. Artists from Mexico, Argentina, and Colombia participate. At night, a concert by bands like Los Ultimos Romanticos and Angelcorpus (historic Cali rock bands).
- Sunday 15: Independent art fair with sales of prints, t-shirts, and records. It closes with a freestyle battle in the neighborhood square.
The curators for this edition are Mónica Rojas (visual artist) and Carlos "Caco" Sánchez (musician and cultural manager). Both have been key figures in the Cali underground since the 1990s.
Prices and How to Get Tickets
The entire event is free. There is no ticket sale because the idea is that anyone can come and participate. You just have to show up in Barrio Obrero during the indicated dates. If you want to secure a spot in the workshops (they have limited capacity), you can register by sending a direct message to the Instagram of @encuentroarteobrero. There is no cost, but they ask that you bring your own materials if possible.
How to Get There
Barrio Obrero is a 15-minute walk from the MIO station Terminal Simón Bolívar (line T1). You can also take a taxi or Uber from downtown (costs about 8,000 COP). If you come by car, there is parking on Calle 13 between Carreras 3 and 4, but it is better to arrive early because it fills up quickly.
Tips for Attendees
- Wear clothes you can get dirty if you want to participate in the murals.
- Bring cash because the artisanal food stalls (empanadas, natural juices) do not have card readers.
- Do not leave valuables in plain sight if you leave your car on the street.
- If you are a photographer, bring your camera. The murals are a visual feast.
Festival B: Independent Film Showcase at Parque de la Caña
What It Is and Context
Parque de la Caña, located in the San Fernando neighborhood, is a green lung in the middle of the city. But for one week a year, it becomes an open-air cinema with the Muestra de Cine Independiente de Cali. This event started in 2015 as a project by the Fundación Cine Ojo and the Universidad del Valle, and has since grown to include short films, documentaries, and feature films from countries like Bolivia, Peru, Chile, and Spain.
What makes this festival unique is that it does not compete with big commercial cinemas. Here you see films that do not make it to the screens of shopping malls: stories of indigenous communities, documentaries about the armed conflict, experimental animation. And all in a relaxed atmosphere, with the sound of birds in the background and people sitting on the grass with their blankets and popcorn.
Event Details (Lineup, Program, Dates)
The 2026 edition will take place from November 20 to 27. The program includes:
- Monday to Friday: Short film screenings from 6pm to 9pm. Each night has a different theme: "Memory and Resistance", "Invisible Borders", "Latin American Animation".
- Saturday 25: Feature film night. Three films will be screened: El viaje de los sueños (Colombian documentary), La tierra sin mal (Argentinian), and Río abajo (Peruvian). Starts at 5pm and ends around 11pm.
- Sunday 26: Talk with the invited directors at 10am, followed by a special children's show with animated shorts at 3pm.
Admission is free, but it is recommended to arrive early because the maximum capacity is 500 people seated on the grass.
Prices and How to Get Tickets
Free. You don't need a ticket. Just go to Parque de la Caña (Calle 5 with Carrera 36) and find a good spot. If you want more comfort, you can rent a folding chair for 5,000 COP at the park entrance. The organizers ask for a voluntary contribution of 10,000 COP to support logistics, but it is not mandatory.
How to Get There
Parque de la Caña is one block from the MIO station San Fernando (line T2). You can also get there by taxi or Uber from anywhere in the city (from downtown it costs about 12,000 COP). If you go by car, there is parking on Calle 5 with Carrera 37, but it is better to use the MIO because traffic in San Fernando is heavy during peak hours.
Tips for Attendees
- Bring a blanket or cushion to sit on the grass. Chairs are available for rent but are limited.
- Bring mosquito repellent, especially if you stay until late.
- Popcorn and sodas are available at the entrance, but you can also bring your own food.
- If it rains, the event is canceled and rescheduled. Check the social media of @muestracinecali before heading out.
Festival C: Poetry and Performance Night in San Antonio
What It Is and Context
The San Antonio neighborhood is famous for its hill, its colonial church, and its fusion food restaurants. But on the nights of the last Friday of each month, a group of poets, musicians, and performers takes over the Casa de la Poesía (Calle 3 #4-12) for the Noche de Poesía y Performance. This event is not new: it started in
What It Is and Context
The Cali underground is a vibrant and diverse scene that goes beyond the traditional image of the city as the salsa capital. It is a cultural mosaic where alternative festivals, independent music, and artistic expressions emerge, reflecting the current reality of Cali. These events are often organized by local collectives seeking to give visibility to emerging artists and offer a space for experimentation.
In recent years, the rise of alternative music and new genres has allowed underground festivals to become an essential platform for the creation and dissemination of local culture. What used to be a closed circle has now opened up to a wider audience, inviting everyone to participate and enjoy the cultural richness the city offers.
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Event Details (Lineup, Program, Dates)
Feria de las Flores
This iconic event takes place in August and brings together the best of Antioquian culture, but many do not know that Cali also has its own version in the underground scene. Here, emerging artists and alternative proposals are presented, highlighting the city's cultural diversity.
Insider Tip: Don't miss the silleteros parade, which, although more famous in Medellín, has its version in Cali with a more alternative focus. Arrive early to get a good spot.
Festival de Jazz de Cali
This festival, held in November, is a platform for local and international jazz musicians. The atmosphere is unique, with performances in different venues around the city.
Insider Tip: Look for jam sessions in the neighborhood bars to enjoy music in a more intimate and authentic setting.
Festival Internacional de Cine de Cali
Each year, this festival attracts filmmakers from around the world and celebrates independent cinema. Screenings take place in multiple locations, including alternative cinemas and cultural spaces.
Insider Tip: Attend the post-screening discussion forums where filmmakers share their experience and the creative process behind their works.
Prices and How to Get Tickets
Festival de Música del Pacífico Petronio Álvarez
Tickets usually range between $30,000 and $120,000 COP depending on the date and type of access. You can purchase them on the festival's official website or at authorized points of sale in Cali.
Insider Tip: Buy your tickets in advance, especially if you want to attend the most popular performances. Also, check the festival's social media for special promotions or discounts.
Festival Internacional de Arte de Cali
This festival offers free admission for many of its activities, but some performances and workshops may cost up to $50,000 COP. Check the program on its official website for more details.
Insider Tip: If you are interested in specific workshops, arrive early; spaces are limited and fill up quickly. Street activities are often an excellent option to enjoy art for free.
Festival de Cine de Cali
Tickets for screenings range between $10,000 and $20,000 COP. They can be purchased at the event box office or through online platforms during the festival.
Insider Tip: Check the schedule in advance and choose your favorite films. Some screenings include talks with directors, so don't miss them to learn more about independent cinema.
How to Get There
Public Transportation
The MIO mass transit system is an economical and efficient option for getting around Cali. The main stations connect you to various neighborhoods where alternative events take place. Make sure to check the schedule, as some routes may have reduced hours on weekends.
Taxi and Ride-Hailing Apps
Using services like Domicilios.com or Beat is a good alternative to avoid traffic. Local taxi drivers also often have insider information about events and places of interest, so don't hesitate to ask them.
Bicycle
Cali has several bike lanes that are ideal for actively enjoying the city. You can rent bicycles at strategic points and explore neighborhoods where alternative festivals are held. This is not only eco-friendly but also allows you to discover hidden spots.
Outdoor Events
Many alternative festivals take place in parks and squares. If you plan to attend one, arrive early to secure a good spot and enjoy the pre-event activities. Bring a blanket or folding chair for extra comfort.
Tips for Attendees
Discover the Centro Cultural de Cali
Insider Tip: This space not only hosts exhibitions and cultural events but is also a meeting point for local artists. Make sure to check its schedule and attend some of the emerging artist performances, which are often free and offer a unique perspective on Cali culture.
Explore La 14 de El Trapiche
Insider Tip: This place is known for its alternative events and live music performances. Arrive early to enjoy some good local food and chat with the organizers, who often share valuable information about other upcoming underground events.
Visit the Mercado de la 70
Insider Tip: More than just a market, this place is a hotbed of local talent. Don't miss the open mic events held on weekends, an excellent opportunity to discover new artists and enjoy a vibrant and authentic atmosphere.
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