Available options
In Cali, theater is not limited to the Teatro Municipal Enrique Buenaventura or the Jorge Isaacs. For a few years now, in the San Antonio neighborhood and its surroundings, an alternative scene has grown that turns garages, rooftops, and backyards into improvised stages. Here I tell you about the most active spaces I found in May 2026.
Garaje La Trinchera
Located at Calle 4 Oeste # 3-45, half a block from San Antonio Park. It is a covered garage with a capacity of about 30 people. Shows are usually on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. The space belongs to the collective Teatro de la Calle, which has been staging local author plays for 4 years. To enter, you must send a direct message to their Instagram @garajelatrinchera and they will confirm availability. There is no fixed ticket; a voluntary contribution of $10,000 to $20,000 COP is charged.
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Azotea El Mirador
This rooftop is at Carrera 5 Oeste # 2-15, right in front of the Tres Cruces hill. Shows here are at sunset, between 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., to take advantage of natural light and the view. The space belongs to the collective Escena Flotante, which stages dance-theater performances and monologues. It has no public social media; you find out by word of mouth or by asking at the corner store (Tienda Don Juan, on the same block). The cost is $15,000 COP per person, and includes a welcome lemonade.
Garaje El Hueco
At Calle 5 Oeste # 4-20, behind the San Antonio Church. It is the smallest: only 15 people fit. It specializes in experimental theater with little scenery, a kind of "pocket theater." Shows are on Sundays at 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Contact is via WhatsApp: the number is posted on their Instagram profile @garajeelhueco. Admission costs $12,000 COP and sometimes they barter for non-perishable food.
Updated costs
These are reference prices from May 2026. Always check before you go, as collectives adjust according to the play or season.
- Garaje La Trinchera: Voluntary contribution of $10,000 to $20,000 COP.
- Azotea El Mirador: $15,000 COP, includes a drink.
- Garaje El Hueco: $12,000 COP or barter for food.
- Other sporadic spaces: Between $5,000 and $25,000 COP, depending on the production.
None accept credit cards. Bring cash, and if the space is on a rooftop, bring something warm because it gets dark quickly in San Antonio.
Estimated times
Shows last between 45 minutes and 1 hour 15 minutes. But the full ritual includes arriving early, socializing with the hosts, and sometimes staying afterward for a chat with the cast.
- Recommended arrival: 30 minutes before the show, to secure a spot and get to know the space.
- Duration of the play: 45–75 minutes.
- Post-show: 15–30 minutes of conversation with the artists (there is almost always complimentary coffee or aguapanela).
- Transfer from El Centro: From the San Antonio MIO station, you walk about 10 minutes uphill. By taxi from Parque de la Caña, it's 5 minutes and about $8,000 COP.
Practical tips
- Wear comfortable shoes: The streets of San Antonio are steep and cobblestoned. Don't wear heels or fragile sandals.
- Bring cash: No garage or rooftop has a card machine. Prices are in Colombian pesos.
- Don't wear strong perfume: The spaces are small and enclosed; the scent can bother other spectators and actors.
- Ask about the dress code: Some plays ask the audience to wear dark clothes or specific colors. Check the instructions on Instagram before going.
- Arrive early to explore the neighborhood: San Antonio has murals, cafes like Café San Antonio (Carrera 4 Oeste # 3-10), and the ice cream shop Helados El Faro (Calle 5 Oeste # 4-30). Take the opportunity to eat something before the show.
- Don't record without permission: Collectives usually prohibit photos and videos during the show. Ask at the beginning if it is allowed.
- If you are a foreigner: The hosts speak Spanish, but they are usually patient with those who don't master the language. Some plays include body language or visuals that transcend words.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if a show is confirmed if they don't have active social media?
Spaces like Azotea El Mirador rely on word of mouth. Ask at Tienda Don Juan (Carrera 5 Oeste # 2-15) or at San Antonio Park on weekends, where they usually post flyers. You can also follow the account @TeatroGarajeCali on Instagram, which centralizes events from various collectives.
Are there age restrictions for these shows?
It depends on the play. Most are for ages 14 or 16 and up, because the content can be experimental, with adult themes or artistic nudity. Check the event description on Instagram or ask the collective directly. Children are rarely welcome, unless the play is specifically family-friendly.
What do I do if I can't get a spot in a garage or rooftop?
Don't worry. San Antonio has other alternative spaces like Teatro La Máscara (Carrera 4 Oeste # 2-20), which is small but formal, or the Centro Cultural de San Antonio (Calle 4 Oeste # 3-12), which sometimes hosts independent theater shows. You can also walk to the Granada neighborhood and look for Teatro El Círculo (Carrera 3 # 5-30), which has experimental plays with more accessible ticketing.