Updated on 03/22/2024
Dear reader,
I would also like to recommend our Medellin travel guide, which offers a perfect overview of the tourist attractions in Medellin. Enjoy reading it!
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Medellin Flower Fair
For ten consecutive days throughout the month of August, this event brings together thousands of tourists and locals to pay homage to the country’s most representative flowers and the silleteros -the farmers who make floral arrangements. Flower creations are carried on the back. It is a festival with many cultural events, workshops, lectures, live music and much more. Nevertheless, the Silleteros event is the main event as it represents the traditional Paisa culture. The Flower Fair is currently considered the most important festival in Medellín.
Location
The headquarters is at Plaza de las Flores, Cra 39 #50-25, although this event takes place in many other public places around the city.
Free admission?
Yes, entry to the fair is free.
Number of participants
More than 800,000 visitors.
Additional services and cultural activities
- Parade of classic and antique cars
- Silleteros parade
- Musical concerts with salsa, vallenato, pop, rock, reggaeton
- Entrepreneur fair
- Examples of typical dances
- Outdoor markets
- Horse parade
- National Trova Competition
- Cultural spaces to interact with farmers
- Dragon parade
- Theater performances
- Presentations of books and their local authors
- Guided tour of Medellín neighborhoods
- Craft stalls
Why should you visit the Flower Fair?
It is an opportunity to experience the local Paisa culture. The aim of the fair is to preserve the national floral culture and its historical significance through modern tourism. You also have the opportunity to enjoy cultural events in a festive atmosphere.
Pictopia Festival
Running for a week in September, the Pictopia Festival annually conducts tours for tourists to admire street art. Every four years, about 50 to 100 local and foreign artists gather in the streets of Medellín to paint, create graffiti and perform visual manifestations in different areas of the city. The goal is, to reflect and strengthen multicultural diversity and urban Paisa culture.
Location
Barrio Colombia Industriales Cra 43 C, El Poblado, Medellín, Antioquia.
Free admission?
Yes, access to this event is free.
Number of participants
Approximately between 3,000 and 5,000 participants.
Cultural activities and additional services
- Painting murals and graffiti
- Conversations about urban art
- Workshops on painting techniques and styles
- Live music with performances by local bands and artists
- Stalls with themed craft products
- Guided tours of artistic murals
- Photo, drawing and painting competitions
- Films and documentaries about the art of “graffiti”
- Gastronomic street fair “ Streetfood ”
- Skate area
- Tour of urban art exhibitions in various galleries around the city
Why should you attend Pictopia Festival?
It is a place where you connect with professional artists to expand your creativity in an event full of cultural workshops and lectures, but above all, you learn more about visual culture and photographic storytelling.
Medellin Design Fair
This fair showcases the latest trends in Colombian design, such as architecture, interior design, graphics, industry and much more. In addition, on three consecutive days in September, it offers a commercial exhibition with more than 250 national and international exhibitors, offering numerous cultural events for the public.
Location
Plaza Mayor, Cra. 57 #41-81 Medellin, Antioquia.
Free admission?
No, general admission to the fair involves a number of costs.
Number of participants
25,000 from 21 countries.
Cultural activities and additional services
- Design exhibitions (industry, graphics, fashion, interior design, etc.)
- Workshops on illustration, photography and other disciplines
- Design competitions and launch of new collections
- Seminars, conferences and lectures
- Cafes, restaurants and rest areas
- Bookstore specializing in design and art
- Demonstration of documentation and designer portfolios
- Examples of contemporary and traditional art
- Personalized “eco-friendly” transport service
- Digital design zone
- Social and sustainable design area
Why should you visit the Medellín Design Fair?
You can learn first-hand about design innovations, network with renowned designers, and explore traditional products and avant-garde solutions while interacting with various design disciplines in one place.
Medellín Circulart Fair
Circulart Fair in Medellín is an annual Ibero-American music event where courses, workshops and presentations are held to connect artists, journalists, managers and programmers from Ibero-America. The fair features more than 40 live performances covering various musical genres and is currently an important meeting point for aspiring local and foreign musicians.
Location
Pablo Tobon Uribe Theater, Cra 40 #51-24, Medellín, Antioquia
Free admission?
Yes, general admission is free.
Number of participants
About 24,000 visitors.
Cultural activities and additional services
- Network platforms
- Exhibition fairs
- Advice and intensive courses for aspiring artists
- Live music performances
- Conference and discussion rooms
- Audiovisual projections
- Galleries with artistic examples
- Cultural exchange programs
- Interactive exercise units with equipment and instruments
- Tourist tours to musical places in the city
- Activities in conjunction with other cultural festivals
- Cafeteria and restaurant area
Why should you visit the Circulart trade fair in Medellín?
You can connect with artists or industry professionals, also engage in networking to advance your career, and participate in live showcases and workshops, while experiencing cultural exchanges with locals and foreign visitors.
Medellin Fashion Week
It is an event that celebrates Colombian fashion and creativity. On seven days in the month of November, models show off the latest clothing collections on the catwalks. There are also exhibitions showcasing the latest trends and proposals from designers of their local and national brands.
This event aims to build business relationships between designers and customers, with one of its greatest achievements being to lead the fashion industry in a sustainable way. Currently, Medellín Fashion Week is an important platform to bring Colombian talent to the international stage of the fashion industry, reflecting local and national culture.
Location
Convention Center, Plaza Mayor Calle 41 #55-80, Medellín, Antioquia.
Free admission?
No, there are a number of costs associated with entry to this event.
Number of participants
Approximately between 10,000 and 12,000 participants.
Cultural activities and additional services
- Musical concert plans
- Conferences and lectures
- Entrepreneur fair (stands, shopping centers, boutiques, accessories)
- Networking area
- Art and photo exhibitions on the theme of fashion
- Nightclubs and after-parties
- Modeling courses
- Theater performances and performances on the theme of fashion
- Screenings and short films
- Library section with publications and articles on fashion, design and creativity
- Free shuttle service
- “Food Trucks” area
Why should you attend Medellín Fashion Week?
You can see the latest trends and suggestions from local designers and brands. You have the opportunity to purchase accessories and clothing from a collection long before they are officially displayed in physical stores.
Medellín Expo Tattoo
Expotatuaje Medellín is an annual event that celebrates the art and culture of tattooing. For three consecutive days in the month of May, local and foreign artists come together and display their work while conducting live tattoo sessions, and visitors can enjoy events such as competitions, catwalks, music and much more.
This event promotes education and, above all, respect for the art of tattooing as a form of cultural expression. Currently, in Latin America, this event is an important meeting point for locals and foreigners passionate about tattoos.
Location
Convention Center, Plaza Mayor Calle 41 #55-80, Medellín, Antioquia.
Free admission?
No, general admission is chargeable.
Number of participants
About 20,000 visitors.
Cultural activities and additional services
- Urban dance competitions
- Live painting
- Graffiti and traditional urban art competitions
- Live shows and presentations
- Tattoo and Miss Tattoo tattoo competitions
- Study opportunities abroad
- Conferences, lectures and artistic workshops with creation in different tattoo styles
- Exhibition for individual motorcycles
- The 3D cube gallery is designed to provide an experience that appeals to all senses
- “Masterclass” of “ Expopigmentation ”
- Commercial area for products and souvenirs
- Food and beverage area
- VIP area for discounts
- Latest trend fashion exhibition inspired by tattoos
Why should you attend Medellín Expo Tattoo?
At this event, you can explore or design different styles such as embroidery, neo-traditional or pointillism. While you interact with experts in person, you will also have the opportunity to learn about the history and evolution of the art through interactive activities.
Medellin Gourmet Festival
It is an annual event that takes place for a month to promote local and international gastronomy. Around 100 restaurants in the city and surrounding areas of Medellín are offering special menus for the occasion. Guests can enjoy a variety of cuisines, from fast food to fine dining. The main objective of this event is to promote local and international gastronomy, create quality culinary experiences and enjoy innovative proposals.
Location
This event takes place in various restaurants in the city. Therefore, we recommend you visit the official website to stay updated with news.
Free admission?
No, depending on the restaurant and menus offered, each menu has a predetermined price.
Number of participants
Around 40,000 visitors.
Cultural activities and additional services
- Lectures and workshops on wine, coffee, cocktails and gastronomy
- Musical and artistic shows
- Contests and sweepstakes
- Gastronomic routes through the city’s most outstanding restaurants
- Art and photography exhibitions (some facilities)
- Tastings of local and international products
- Thematic events
- Market fairs for organic, craft and gourmet products
- Presentation of books and magazines on the subject of cooking and food
- Cooking workshops for children
- Take-away service
Why should you attend the Medellín Gourmet Festival?
This event gives you the opportunity to learn from renowned chefs and stay up to date on culinary trends. Additionally, you can gain direct knowledge from professionals and techniques while interacting with locals and foodies.
Medellin Altavoz Festival
It is a music festival that takes place over three days, usually in November and brings together around 70 national and international artists to perform live in various genres such as rock, metal, punk, reggae and electronica. It is a space that promotes bands, genres and emerging artists. It is also a place where visitors can socialize and enjoy not only music but also activities or cultural events related to Paisa culture.
Location
Depending on the year, it takes place in different locations in the city of Medellín (theaters or public parks). Therefore, we recommend you visit the official website to stay updated with news.
Free admission?
Yes.
Number of participants
Around 50,000 visitors.
Cultural activities and additional services
- Workshops, conferences, exhibitions and meetings
- Area for leisure activities
- Food sector
- Volunteer area
Why should you attend the Altavoz Festival?
By attending this event, you will not only listen to artists or bands live but also support local businesses, keep the country’s music industry alive and contribute to the preservation of culture by participating in the program of cultural activities.
International Tango Festival
Tango dance is celebrated during the International Tango Festival. It is a genre that has its roots in Argentina and Uruguay but is also heavily represented in Colombia. Tango is particularly popular in Medellín, where Carlos Gardel, one of its greatest exponents, lived and died. About a week in July, the artist is honored with a tango dance and singing competition with prizes and categories in which around 66 national and international artists take part.
Locations
- Pablo Tobon Uribe Theater
- Metropolitano Theater
- Olaya Herrera Airport
- Gardel Square
- The Manrique district
Free admission?
Yes, entry to this event is free for the public.
Number of participants
More than 20,000 visitors.
Cultural activities and additional services
- Dancing lessons
- Concerts with international artists
- Rooms for short films and audiovisual content
- Artistic and musical exhibitions and souvenir shops
- Conferences and lectures on the history and culture of tango
- Gastronomic tours
- Tour to the historical places of tango in Medellín
- Tango-themed bookstores and libraries
- Tango city tour (food, spaces, art, culture)
- Accommodation for tourists
- Transport service
- Simultaneous translation for foreign visitors
Why should you visit the International Tango Festival in Medellín?
Visiting the festival allows you to immerse yourself in the culture of tango and understand the roots of this artistic expression.
Expofitness Trade Fair
This trade fair brings together more than 270 local and international exhibitors over three consecutive days in February and promotes the health, sports and wellness industries. The Expofitness trade fair is the largest of its kind in Latin America and aims to promote businesses in a healthy universe. One of the main focuses is to showcase the latest trends and news in the fitness sector and to provide the public with a space where they can personally interact with professionals and fans from across the continent at events such as boxing, military challenges and sporting events.
Location
Convention Center, Plaza Mayor, Calle 41 #55-80, Medellín Antioquia
Free admission?
No.
Number of participants
More than 30,000 visitors.
Cultural activities and additional services
- Tennis and squash
- Knowledge of the culture of sport and health
- gymnastics
- Lectures and conferences with experts in fitness culture and well-being
- Fashion show with the latest sportswear
- Military challenges and obstacle tests
- Boxing tournaments and other martial arts
- CrossFit program
- Functional training
- Restaurant area and healthy eating
- Health and care facility (massages, physiotherapy, etc.)
- Stage with exhibition of various sports disciplines
- Musical performances of different genres (rock, pop, salsa, reggaeton etc.)
- Parking spots
Why should you visit the Expofitness trade fair in Medellín?
You can find out about the latest trends in training and nutrition from experts and exhibitors.
Medellin International Film Festival
It is an annual film event held for five days in June that screens a variety of films of different genres and nationalities while introducing new talent. This festival features numerous exhibitors and guest filmmakers, including emerging and renowned talents.
In addition, this festival provides an opportunity to meet industry professionals such as directors, actors, producers and film critics and it also becomes a platform to celebrate cultural diversity on the big screen.
Location
The event usually takes place every year in public spaces in the city of Medellín, such as theaters, parks, museums and many other places. We recommend you visit the official website to stay updated with news.
Free admission?
No.
Number of participants
Approximately between 7,000 and 10,000 visitors.
Cultural activities and additional services
- Screening of films from different genres and countries
- Academic meetings and “master classes” with renowned directors
- Screenplay and production workshops
- Panels and thematic discussions
- Film competitions and awards
- Art and photography exhibitions
- Music and theater performances inspired by cinema
- Tourist tour along emblematic routes of the Medellín cinema
- Cinema book fair (books, films, magazines, etc.)
- Gastronomic exhibition space
- Audiovisual market to build contacts and business
- Classic Colombian cinema room
- Screening of cultural short films
Why should you attend the Medellín International Film Festival?
At this event, you will have the opportunity to interact with each of the special guests and learn more about their perspectives on the world of cinema. In addition, you have the opportunity to keep up to date with current film culture issues while taking part in a varied cultural program.
DanzaMed from Medellin
It is an urban dance festival in Colombia. It takes place for a week every November. Through the events offered by this festival, various cultural manifestations are promoted, attracting local and foreign dancers to celebrate the identity of new generations and add value to the city’s art scene.
Locations
- Plaza Museum of Modern Art of Medellín
- Metropolitano Theater
- Vasquez Cultural Center
- Parque de las Luces
- Botero Square
- Gaitan Park
Free admission?
Yes.
Number of participants
Approximately between 7,000 and 8,000 spectators.
Cultural activities and additional services
- Acrobatic and aerial dance intervention
- Dance for older people
- Urban Dance
- Municipal exhibition of contemporary dances
- Examples of the country’s folk dances
- Experimental dances
- Afro-Colombian dances
- Andean dances
- Arabic dances
- Workshops and information rooms
- Conversations and spaces for reflection
- Exhibitions with visual spaces
- Trade fair with commercial areas for products and services
Why should you visit DanzaMed ?
During the event, you have the opportunity to take part in workshops and courses from experts. In addition, you can appreciate the cultural expression of urban dance in Medellín, from street dances to the most folkloric.
Expo Mobile Medellin Fair
It is an annual technology event, usually held over two consecutive days in July, and attracts more than 200 local and international exhibitors. During the exhibition, you can learn and test the most important advances in devices, applications, accessories and innovative trends in digital culture on a local and global level.
Currently, the Medellín Expomobile Fair is the most important event in Colombia and Latin America in the field of mobile technologies, since many of the technological innovation projects in Latin America have their origins in the city of Medellín.
Location
Convention Center, Plaza Mayor, Calle 41 #55-80, Medellín Antioquia.
Free admission?
No.
Number of participants
Approximately between 7,000 and 10,000 participants.
Cultural activities and additional services
- Academic program of conferences on current topics in the mobile sector and sustainability
- Training workshops to get to know applications, devices and mobile accessories
- Conversations about current trends and challenges
- Demonstrations of the latest and most avant-garde products and services
- Networking area
- Exhibitions and workshops on digital art and augmented reality
- Contemporary dance shows with mobile elements such as lights, projections and sensors
- Photo, video and mobile podcast competitions
- Gastronomic area
- Lectures and conferences on AI, robotics, digital transformation in a cultural environment
- Areas with dining rooms
Why should you visit the Expomobile trade fair in Medellín?
At this event, you can be part of the technological proposals related to the future of the mobile sector. In addition, you can buy the most innovative products and services and stay up to date with the most important brands in the industry on a global and global level.
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