Ultimate Guide to the Feria de las Flores 2026: Dates, Desfile de Silleteros, Events, and Best Restaurants to

La Feria de las Flores 2026: The Guide You Need Before Tickets Sell Out

If you're reading this in August 2026, whether you're visiting or have been living in Medellín for a while, you already know the city transforms. The streets smell of flowers, concerts multiply, and above all, the entire city prepares for the event that brings everything to a standstill: the Desfile de Silleteros. But beware, because the Feria de las Flores is not a single day: it's ten days of music, culture, food, and chaos (the good kind). This guide is not your typical generic list; it's the one that will help you get around, eat well, and not die trying.

Official Dates and the First Fact Almost No One Knows

The Feria de las Flores 2026 takes place from July 31 to August 9, 2026. That's what the official schedule says. But here's the fact that will save your life: although the fair "ends" on the 9th with the parade, on Monday, August 10, the city is still partying with leftover events and packed restaurants. If you can stay until Monday, do it. It's the perfect day to go eat in peace without the weekend crowds.

And something else few tourists know: the fair isn't just Medellín. Santa Elena, the township where the silleteros come from, has its own schedule during the week before. If you want to see where it all begins, it's worth going up before the parade to see how the silletas are prepared. It's a more authentic experience than just being in the city.

The Desfile de Silleteros: Tickets, Routes, and Strategy

The Desfile de Silleteros is on Sunday, August 9, 2026. Period. There's no other date. And if you don't have tickets yet, this is your warning: they sell out fast. The official grandstands are sold through the Corporación Festival de las Flores and the Mayor's Office of Medellín, and prices vary by location. The shaded areas and those near the start of the route (on Avenida del Ferrocarril, near the Edificio Inteligente) are the most sought-after.

My personal recommendation, and this is from a local who has suffered: if you didn't get a grandstand ticket, don't despair. The traditional parade route goes along Avenida del Ferrocarril to Parque de los Pies Descalzos, then heads up by Plaza Mayor. The side streets fill with people, but if you arrive early (before 7am) and position yourself near the start, you can see the silletas for free. Another option is watching the parade on the giant screens the Mayor's Office sets up in parks, but it's not the same.

If you can pay for a grandstand, do it. The tickets in the central zone (in front of Plaza Mayor) are the best because that's where the silleteros pause and show their silletas in more detail. The silletas use between 25 and 70 varieties of flowers: lilies, carnations, agapanthus, sunflowers, orchids. Each one weighs between 70 and 90 kilos. That effort deserves to be seen up close.

Highlight Events You Can't Miss

The fair isn't just the parade. Here's what's really worth it, in order of priority for a smart tourist:

Festival Coral Internacional de Medellín

This is the most underrated event of the entire fair. It takes place in several churches in downtown and the south of the city, and admission is free in most cases. If you want to hear world-class choirs in spaces with incredible acoustics, look for the schedule at Iglesia de la Veracruz or Teatro Metropolitano. It's a perfect plan for the afternoon, when the August sun is blazing and you need a break.

Maratón de Medellín

The marathon takes place on Sunday, August 2, 2026 (the first Sunday of the fair). Streets in the south of the city close early, so if your hotel is in El Poblado or near Avenida Las Vegas, plan your mobility. But if you like running, signing up is a unique way to see the city. The 10K is perfect if you don't want to suffer through the 42K.

Desfile de Autos Clásicos

It happens on Saturday, August 8, one day before the big parade. It's free, takes place along Avenida La Playa and Parque de Berrío, and is much more relaxed than the silleteros one. Arrive early, grab a coffee in downtown, and watch cars from the 50s and 60s go by. Locals bring their families, and the vibe is neighborhood-like, not touristy.

Concerts at Estadio Atanasio Girardot

During the fair, the stadium hosts national and international artists. For 2026, the lineup includes themed nights of popular music, salsa, and reggaeton. Tickets are sold on TuBoleta and sell out. If you want to experience it, buy in advance. But if you don't like crowds, avoid the stadium area on concert nights: the traffic is hellish.

The Best Restaurants to Celebrate (and Survive)

Eating during the fair is a high-performance sport. Restaurants fill up, kitchens collapse, and prices go up. Here's my list of places that handle the pressure, with real names and practical tips:

1. Mondongo's (El Poblado and La 70)

If you want real paisa food, this is the place. The mondongo is the signature dish, but they also make a bandeja paisa that knocks you out for two days. Prices are as of August 2026: dishes from $38,000 COP. That said, arrive before 12:30pm or expect a 40-minute line. The Calle 10 location in El Poblado is more touristy; the one on La 70 (in Laureles) is more local and the service is faster.

2. Hato Viejo (multiple locations)

Another classic for Antioquian food. The Avenida El Poblado location is large and handles crowds well. The bandeja paisa here is generous, and the lulo juice is the best in the area. During the fair, they have a special menu that's not on the regular one. Ask about the "menú silletero," which includes soup, main course, and dessert for approximately $45,000 COP. It's recommended to check hours before visiting, because they close early on parade day.

3. La Provincia (El Poblado)

If you want something more elegant with seafood, La Provincia is the option. It's not typical food, but it's where locals go to celebrate with family after the parade. The seafood rice is spectacular. High prices (dishes from $80,000 COP), but the quality justifies it. Reserve at least a week in advance; during the fair, without a reservation, you're not getting in.

4. El Cielo (El Poblado)

For a top-tier dining experience, El Cielo is chef Juan Manuel Barrientos's restaurant. They have a tasting menu that explores Colombian cuisine with modern techniques. During the fair, they offer a special pairing with edible flowers that's very popular. It's expensive (menu from $250,000 COP per person), but it's the "wow" experience many tourists seek. Reserve two weeks in advance if you want a table.

5. La Pampa (La 70, Laureles)

After a day of walking in the sun, an Argentine grill is what you need. La Pampa on Calle 70 is a classic in the Laureles nightlife zone. The ojo de bife is the star cut, and portions are huge. Mid-high prices (from $55,000 COP for a main course). The atmosphere is loud and festive, perfect for groups. They don't take reservations during high season, so arrive early or wait.

6. Café Zorba (Laureles and El Poblado)

It's not all heavy food. Café Zorba is the place for a late breakfast or brunch after a night of the fair. The artisan bread, eggs benedict, and single-origin coffee are excellent. It's the perfect plan for Monday the 10th, when you're exhausted. Moderate prices (from $25,000 COP per dish). Both locations are good, but the Laureles one is quieter.

Rooftops and Bars with a Festive Vibe

The fair at night is another story. After the parade, the city lights up. Here are my recommendations for a drink with a view and atmosphere:

Envy Rooftop (The Charlee Hotel, El Poblado)

The most famous rooftop in Medellín. The view of the city is spectacular, especially at sunset. During the fair, they host themed parties with local DJs. Cocktails are pricey (from $45,000 COP), but the experience is worth it. Arrive before 7pm if you want a good table near the railing.

Sentidos Rooftop (Hotel Marquee, El Poblado)

Less known than Envy, but with a better vibe if you don't like extreme crowds. They have a small pool and signature cocktails. On the fair's weekend, they organize a salsa night with a live band. It's the perfect plan after the parade, when you don't want more crowds.

Alambique (La 70, Laureles)

If you want something more neighborhood-like, Alambique is a craft cocktail bar in the Laureles nightlife zone. No view, but the atmosphere is local and the mixology is among the best in the city. The "Canelazo" (a hot drink with aguardiente and cinnamon) is perfect for cool August nights. Moderate prices (cocktails from $28,000 COP).

Transportation and Getting Around: The Art of Not Getting Lost

August in Medellín is traffic chaos. On the day of the Desfile de Silleteros, the streets of downtown and Avenida del Ferrocarril are closed from 5am until l

## Boletería, Precios y Dónde Comprar La Feria de las Flores 2026 se celebrará del 1 al 10 de agosto. La boletería para los eventos principales ya está disponible en la plataforma oficial Tu Boleta y en la página de la Alcaldía de Medellín. Los precios varían según el evento y la zona: - **Desfile de Silleteros** (10 de agosto): Entrada general desde $45,000 COP; palcos VIP desde $180,000 COP. - **Conciertos en la Tarima de la 70** (eventos gratuitos): Acceso libre, pero se recomienda llegar temprano. - **Eventos culturales en el Jardín Botánico**: Entrada libre con inscripción previa en la web oficial. - **Eventos privados y shows de comedia**: Desde $80,000 COP hasta $250,000 COP. **Consejos de compra**: Verifica siempre que el sitio sea oficial (tuboleta.com o feriadelasfloresmedellin.gov.co). Evita revendedores y compra con anticipación, ya que los precios aumentan cerca de la fecha. Para el Desfile, se recomienda comprar boletos para las gradas oficiales, ya que el acceso a la zona de recorrido es restringido. ## Programación Oficial y Horarios por Tarimas La programación oficial se ha actualizado con horarios confirmados para las principales tarimas y escenarios: - **Tarima de la 70** (Carrera 70 con Calle 44): Conciertos gratuitos de 5:00 p.m. a 11:00 p.m. Artistas confirmados: Carlos Vives (1 de agosto), Karol G (3 de agosto), y J Balvin (5 de agosto). - **Escenario Parque de los Pies Descalzos**: Eventos culturales y de danza de 10:00 a.m. a 8:00 p.m. Incluye muestras de silletería y talleres. - **Desfile de Silleteros**: Inicia a las 8:00 a.m. en el barrio Santa Elena y recorre la Avenida Regional hasta el Parque de las Luces. El desfile dura aproximadamente 4 horas. - **Festival de la Trova** (Parque de la Conservación): 2 y 3 de agosto, de 6:00 p.m. a 10:00 p.m. - **Exposición de Orquídeas** (Jardín Botánico): Todos los días de 9:00 a.m. a 6:00 p.m. **Nota**: Los horarios pueden cambiar por condiciones climáticas o logísticas. Consulta la app oficial de la Feria para actualizaciones en tiempo real. ## Cómo Llegar y Consejos de Seguridad **Transporte**: Durante la Feria, el Metro de Medellín operará con horario extendido (hasta la 1:00 a.m.) y se habilitarán rutas especiales de buses hacia los principales escenarios. Se recomienda usar el sistema integrado de transporte (Metro, Metrocable y buses) para evitar el tráfico. Para el Desfile de Silleteros, la Avenida Regional estará cerrada desde las 5:00 a.m.; se sugiere llegar en Metro hasta la estación Cisneros o San Antonio y caminar. **Seguridad**: La Alcaldía desplegará más de 5,000 agentes de policía y personal de logística. Se recomienda: - No llevar objetos de valor visibles. - Usar aplicaciones de transporte oficiales (Uber, Didi) o taxis con taxímetro. - Mantenerse en zonas iluminadas y concurridas. - En caso de emergencia, llamar al 123. **Recomendaciones adicionales**: Lleva hidratación, protector solar y ropa cómoda. Para eventos gratuitos, llega al menos 2 horas antes para asegurar un buen lugar. Respeta las indicaciones del personal de seguridad y disfruta de la Feria con responsabilidad.