Bogotá turns 488 with a cultural calendar that has it all
Bogotá turns 488 and the city fills up with plans for every taste during August.
The celebration of Bogotá's 488 years kicked off with energy, and the cultural, sports, and food lineup spreads across the entire city. There are free plans, outdoor festivals, and activities to enjoy with family, as a couple, or with friends.
From kites at Simón Bolívar park to poetry on the streets, the calendar has options for every kind of audience. Here is the best of the lineup so you can build your agenda without missing a thing.
1Kite Festival at Simón Bolívar park
On Saturday, August 8, the sky over Simón Bolívar park filled with color during the traditional Kite Festival. It is a perfect plan for taking the kids, eating in the green area, and enjoying the outdoors. If you like open-air activities, this is a must.
See family plans2Reverso Festival: poetry takes over the streets
The 2026 Reverso Festival returns to the streets of Bogotá with readings, recitals, and literary activities in public spaces. Local and national poets take part in a program that brings poetry closer to everyone. Great for anyone looking for a different kind of cultural plan.
Explore literature3Theater and Circus Festival opens with ‘Lobo’
Bogotá's Theater and Circus Festival opened with ‘Lobo’, a play that reflects on memory and conflict in Colombia. Over the coming weeks there will be shows in different halls and stages across the city. A good reason to check the theater lineup.
See theater shows42026 Summer Festival: sports, culture, and fun
The 2026 Summer Festival mixes sports, culture, and recreation across several districts of Bogotá. There are activities for all ages, many of them outdoors and free to attend. If you want to get moving and explore new parts of the city, this festival is for you.
See sports plans5Bread and Dessert Festival at El Country park
From August 15 to 17, El Country park hosts the Bread and Dessert Festival, with hundreds of flavors to try. Bakeries, pastry shops, and food entrepreneurs gather at this event that has become a classic. Perfect for lovers of good food.
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A celebration with over 50 free plans
The Mayor's Office of Bogotá put together an agenda with more than 50 free activities during August to celebrate the city's birthday. The events spread across parks, plazas, libraries, and cultural stages in the different districts.
The goal is for locals and visitors to enjoy everything without paying an entrance fee. There are options for everyone, from kids to older adults, at different times of day.
Culture outdoors and across the city
One trend in this agenda is bringing culture to parks and public spaces. Kites at Simón Bolívar, poetry on the streets, and sports in different districts set the pulse of a city that wants to meet in its plazas.
This spread across the city lets you visit parts of Bogotá that usually sit outside the tourist routes. It is a chance to walk, discover neighborhoods, and join in community activities.
For those who prefer programming inside theaters and halls, the Theater and Circus Festival offers a full lineup with shows for different audiences. The offer is built for all tastes.
Food and nature also take center stage
The Bread and Dessert Festival arrives at El Country park with hundreds of flavors to discover. It is a perfect excuse to combine a walk through the north of the city with an afternoon of tastings.
For nature lovers, Neusa opens its waters with the second nautical festival of the year. A great option to leave the city behind and enjoy water sports in a natural setting.
August is one of the best months to explore Bogotá and take advantage of its cultural lineup. Check the full agenda on Que Hacer en Bogotá and pick your next plan in the city.
FAQ
How old is Bogotá in 2026?
Bogotá celebrates 488 years of its founding during August 2026.
Are the Bogotá birthday plans free?
Most of the activities in the 488th anniversary agenda are free and take place in parks, plazas, and public spaces across the city.
Where is the Kite Festival held?
The Kite Festival took place at Simón Bolívar park, one of the largest parks in Bogotá.
What is the Bogotá Reverso Festival?
It is a poetry festival that brings readings and recitals to the streets of Bogotá, with the participation of local and national poets.
When is the Bread and Dessert Festival?
It runs from August 15 to 17 at El Country park, with bakeries, pastry shops, and food entrepreneurs.
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