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What to Do in Buenos Aires This August

Book fairs, cinema, tango, great food and much more: the plans that make every outing in August worth it.

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Winter in Buenos Aires brings a packed calendar of events across the city's neighborhoods, with something for every kind of traveler. Two major book fairs bring together readers, publishers and booksellers to celebrate the best of the literary world, while a storytelling festival offers family-friendly entertainment. Food lovers are equally spoiled, with a gluten-free expo, a wine tasting led by one of Argentina's most exciting winemakers and—for those with a sweet tooth—a championship entirely dedicated to the beloved alfajor.

As always, tango takes center stage in Buenos Aires. This month marks the start of the city's biggest tango event, where you can take part either as a dancer or a spectator. Film enthusiasts can also enjoy a special retrospective dedicated to one of Italy's greatest directors, screening classic films that transport you across Italy without ever leaving your seat.

Sports fans won't want to miss the city's iconic half marathon along the riverside. To round out the month, an art fair featuring hundreds of artists lets visitors buy works directly from their creators, with no middlemen involved. Once again, August proves why Buenos Aires is a city that always has something happening.

1. ExpoCelíaca

Spend an entire weekend enjoying delicious gluten-free food—whether you're celiac or not. On August 1 and 2, from 10am to 8pm, BA Ferial hosts a new edition of ExpoCelíaca, the largest gluten-free event in Latin America, which this year doubles the size of its previous edition.

You don't need to have any dietary restrictions to enjoy it. Browse a marketplace showcasing the latest gluten-free products and trends, watch live cooking demonstrations by chefs and food influencers such as Pablo Falciglio, Ale Budán and Giorgio, creator of Supersaludable, and enjoy giveaways, escape rooms and activities for the whole family. It's the perfect opportunity to discover that gluten-free food can be every bit as delicious as anything else.

Need to know: Admission is free with prior registration through this link.

Where: Av. Costanera Rafael Obligado 1221, Palermo.

2. Luchino Visconti at Sala Lugones

A must for lovers of Italian cinema. From August 6 to 29, the Leopoldo Lugones Cinema at Teatro San Martín presents Luchino Visconti: Travels in Italy, a retrospective featuring seven essential films by the acclaimed director. The program ranges from his debut Ossessione (1943)—considered the first neorealist film—to the rarely screened Conversation Piece (1974), alongside classics such as La Terra Trema, Bellissima (1951), Rocco and His Brothers (1960), The Leopard (1963) and Death in Venice (1971).

One of the defining figures of 20th-century Italian cinema, Visconti captured Sicilian fishing villages, aristocratic palaces and the Venice of the 1970s with his unmistakably lavish, melodramatic style. Watching his films is like taking a journey through Italy without leaving your seat. Screenings take place throughout the month, with several films shown more than once.

Need to know: Tickets are available through this link or at the Teatro San Martín box office.

Where: Avenida Corrientes 1530, San Nicolás.

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3. Wine Tasting with Juampi Michelini at Nika Club Omakase

On Wednesday, August 12, Nika Club Omakase hosts a special wine tasting showcasing the most personal project of one of Argentina's leading wine families. Juampi Michelini, the youngest of the Michelini brothers, presents his Altar Uco label, offering guests the chance to explore wines that emphasize elegance and terroir over intervention, guided by one of the country's most innovative winemakers.

After the tasting, guests can opt for a specially designed dinner created exclusively for the event, promising a relaxed evening with a few surprises along the way.

The event complements Nika's acclaimed dining experience, known for its impressive sushi counter where traditional techniques meet contemporary creativity.

Also check out: 10 unmissable places for sushi in Buenos Aires

Need to know: Reserve your spot through this link or via WhatsApp at +54 11 3021 5648.

Where: Nicaragua 5952, Palermo.

4. Feria de Editores

Argentina's largest independent book fair celebrates its 15th anniversary in style. From August 6 to 9, between 2pm and 9pm, C Art Media welcomes more than 330 publishers from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Spain, showcasing fiction, essays, poetry, graphic novels, illustrated books, social sciences and journalism.

Browse thousands of titles, meet publishers face-to-face and, as every year, receive a complimentary book—in this edition, centered around the theme of work.

The program also includes talks and networking sessions with international publishers. Celebrations culminate on Saturday, August 8, at 11.50pm with an anniversary party at Teatro Vorterix, featuring a DJ set by Villa Diamante and a live performance by Sandwich Piano Bar.

Need to know: Fair admission is free with prior registration; tickets for the anniversary party are sold separately.

Where: Av. Corrientes 6271, Chacarita.

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5. Rare and Curious Book Fair

On August 15 and 16, from 11am to 8pm, Centro Cultural Recoleta hosts the Rare and Curious Book Fair. Browse stands from specialist booksellers featuring hard-to-find editions, collectible books and handcrafted publishing projects produced in limited runs, hand-bound or printed using traditional letterpress techniques.

Exhibitors range from dealers specializing in first editions and signed books to projects focused on occultism, true crime and pop culture. Whether you're a seasoned collector or simply curious about rare books, this fair is well worth a visit.

Need to know: Admission is free for Argentine citizens and residents. Entry is on a first-come, first-served basis until capacity is reached.

Where: Junín 1930, Recoleta.

6. World Alfajor Championship

If alfajores are your weakness, this is your annual pilgrimage. From August 15 to 17, BA Ferial hosts the fifth edition of the world's biggest alfajor event, bringing together more than 120 national and international brands for tastings, product launches and interactive experiences.

Taste, compare and discover hundreds of varieties while more than 500 alfajores from different countries compete across 19 categories, judged blind by over 20 expert jurors. There are also masterclasses, live demonstrations, talks on production and innovation, and activities for all ages.

Need to know: Tickets are available through this link. Admission is free for children under 12 and retirees.

Where: Av. Costanera Rafael Obligado 1221, Palermo.

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7. Oral Storytelling Festival at Centro Cultural Rojas

Storytelling is one of humanity's oldest art forms, and this festival gives it the spotlight it deserves. From August 20 to 22, Centro Cultural Rojas hosts its first Oral Storytelling Festival, featuring performances for both adults and children.

The program opens on August 20 at 8.30pm with Tracks: Alchemy of Fleeting Voices, a solo performance blending storytelling and jazz. On August 21, The One Who Listens explores stories of mothers and daughters shaped by love, power and time. The festival concludes on August 22 with Seven, an exploration of violence and transformation using live shadow theatre, followed by Whirlwind of Voices, a free public poetry performance.

Also check out: 10 cultural centers in Buenos Aires where something is always happening

Need to know: Tickets are available through this link or at the venue's box office from two hours before each performance (cash only). Students and retirees receive a 20% discount when purchasing tickets in person.

Where: Avenida Corrientes 2038, Balvanera.

8. Tango World Championship

Argentina's most prestigious tango competition once again welcomes dancers from around the globe. From August 19 to September 2, Buenos Aires becomes the world's tango capital, hosting competitions in the Tango de Pista and Tango Escenario categories, open free of charge to both amateurs and professionals.

Alongside the competition, the festival features concerts, dance classes and traditional milongas across the city.

Need to know: Couples aged 18 and over can register, regardless of nationality or place of residence, through tangoba.org until August 6.

Where: Various venues across Buenos Aires.

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9. Buenos Aires Half Marathon

Fancy running 21 kilometers along the Río de la Plata? On August 23, starting at 8am, the Buenos Aires International Half Marathon returns, organized by the Ñandú Association of Races and Marathons. Its flat, fast course has earned it a reputation as the fastest half marathon in the Americas.

The race is part of the World Athletics Label Race calendar and also hosts Argentina's National Half Marathon Championship, meaning elite athletes and amateur runners share the same scenic course along the riverfront.

Need to know: Registration is available through this link.

Where: Avenida Figuero Alcorta and Dorrego, Palermo.

10. BADA Art Fair

From August 27 to 30, La Rural hosts the 14th edition of BADA, the world's largest contemporary art fair where artists sell directly to the public. Around 300 established and emerging artists showcase paintings, sculptures, digital art, textiles, ceramics, collage, drawing, printmaking and photography.

Meet the artists behind each work, browse at your own pace and purchase directly from the creators without gallery commissions. Whether you're an experienced collector or buying your first piece, BADA offers a relaxed atmosphere with music, food and drinks throughout the event.

Need to know: Tickets are available through this link. Children under 12 enter free.

Where: Av. Sarmiento 2704, Palermo.

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