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[title]If you’re looking for things to do in Mendoza during the summer, there are plenty of plans to explore the province to the fullest. But without a doubt, one of the season’s must-see events is the prestigious Fiesta de la Vendimia 2026, which positions Mendoza as one of the most attractive destinations of the Argentine summer. This celebration, which pays tribute to the work of winegrowers and wine culture, brings together Mendoza locals, tourists from across the country, and international visitors every year to experience one of Argentina’s most important popular festivals.
The most anticipated date is March 7, when the Frank Romero Day Greek Theatre will host the Central Act and the crowning of the new National Vendimia Queen, as part of the festival’s 90th anniversary edition, titled “90 Harvests from the Same Vine.”
The National Vendimia Festival presents itself as an open invitation to travel, explore, and join a celebration that unfolds day and night—well before March arrives. The Vendimia experience can be enjoyed throughout the entire summer, thanks to an intense calendar of festivals, departmental celebrations, and cultural gatherings that fill every corner of the province with music, dance, and tradition.
Fiesta de la Vendimia: 90 years of history
In Mendoza, the grape harvest is not just the moment when the vines are picked; it is a celebration that embodies identity, collective work, and a deep connection to the land. Over time, this spirit evolved into what is now the National Vendimia Festival, one of the country’s most widely attended cultural expressions, capable of attracting visitors from all over Argentina and around the world.
Vendimia is experienced as a journey of celebrations that take place across the province’s different departments from the beginning of the year, culminating in the grand open-air spectacle and the crowning of the new sovereign who represents all Mendoza residents. The exclusive venue of the National Vendimia Festival is the Frank Romero Day Greek Theatre, located in Parque General San Martín, a natural amphitheater that becomes the symbolic heart of the celebration every year.
In 2026, the festival reaches a historic milestone: its 90th anniversary, under the name “90 Harvests from the Same Vine.” This edition proposes a sensitive tribute to Mendoza’s identity, directed by Pablo Perri, with a perspective that links past, present, and future.
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As a visual prelude to each edition, the National Vendimia Festival unveils its official poster, selected through a competition among local creatives. For 2026, the chosen proposal is “Vendimia in Cubism: a portrait of Vendimia’s present, past, and future.” It is a disruptive, collage-style image that represents wine culture, the work of vineyard laborers, the figure of the female grape harvester, and Mendoza’s identity.
Vendimia in Mendoza and its official events
The Vendimia calendar is marked by a series of official events that anticipate and accompany the main celebration. The journey begins with the Paseo Federal (February 23–25), a gathering where all departments present their queen candidates and share traditional dances and foods. This is followed by the Blessing of the Fruits (February 27), an interfaith ceremony that gives thanks for the new wine and prays for a good future harvest. Both events will take place, for the first time in Vendimia history, in Lavalle.
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Next come the Vía Blanca de las Reinas (Friday night, March 6) and the traditional Carrusel (Saturday morning, March 7). During these popular parades, the queens and their courts tour the city of Mendoza on floats, greet the public, and hand out bunches of grapes, fruit, and souvenirs.
The central moment arrives on Saturday night, March 7, when the Frank Romero Day Greek Theatre is dressed for the occasion and the Central Act of the National Vendimia Festival takes place—a large-scale spectacle that also features the live election and crowning of the new National Queen.
The following day, Sunday, March 8, the traditional repeat performance of the Central Act is held, allowing audiences to relive the celebration and enjoy a musical show with guest artists. The lineup for 2026 has not yet been announced, but last year’s edition featured Soledad, Jorge Rojas, Q’ Lokura, and Ke Personajes.
At 90 years old, the National Vendimia Festival continues to reinvent itself. Its official website has been launched as a space for information and living memory. The concept “90 Harvests from the Same Vine” guides a journey through the festival’s different stages, milestones, and the stories that turned it into one of Argentina’s most iconic celebrations.
Summer with a Vendimia vibe: departmental festival lineup
Although the National Vendimia Festival draws most of the attention, the Vendimia spirit is felt much earlier. Starting in December and throughout the summer, Mendoza rolls out a calendar of festivals across its 18 departments, featuring celebrations where departmental queens are chosen, music, dance, traditional cuisine, and performances by renowned artists.
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These gatherings pay tribute to traditions, folklore, and Argentine popular music, making them the perfect excuse for a getaway and for exploring Mendoza in every direction.
- Junín
January 16–18: Encuentro de las Naciones, featuring Indio Rojas, Estelares, Dyango, Los Caligaris, La Konga, and El Chaqueño Palavecino.
Saturday, March 21: Fiesta Provincial del Canto y la Melesca.
- Rivadavia
Friday, January 30 to Sunday, February 1: Festival Nacional Rivadavia le Canta al País, with Luciano Pereyra, Lázaro Caballero, Destino San Javier, DesaKTa2, La Joaqui, La Banda de Carlitos y Euge Quevedo, and La Repandilla, among others.
- Tunuyán
Friday, January 30 to Sunday, February 1: Vendimia de Tunuyán and the 44th National Tonada Festival, featuring Coty Sorokin, Abel Pintos, Lázaro Caballero, and Los Campedrinos.
- Lavalle
Saturday, January 10 and Sunday, January 11: 38th Melon and Watermelon Festival, with Jorge Rojas, Los Playeros, and Los Chimeno, among others.
Saturday, February 28 and Sunday, March 1: 32nd Harvesters’ Festival.
- La Paz
Friday, February 6 to Sunday, February 8: Festival de La Paz y el Canto de Cuyo.
- Guaymallén
Saturday, February 7 and Sunday, February 8: Festival del Camote.
- Maipú
Mid-February: Malbec and Olive Festival.
- Malargüe
Saturday, February 7 to Tuesday, February 11: National Goat Festival.
- General Alvear
Sunday, February 8: Álamo Festival.
Friday, February 27 and Saturday, February 28: Plum Festival.
- Santa Rosa
Saturday, February 14 and Sunday, February 15: 44th National Cueca and Apricot Festival.
- Las Heras
Saturday, February 14 to Monday, February 16: 36th High Mountain Festival in Uspallata.
Wednesday, March 4: Harvest Festival at the airport vineyard.
- City of Mendoza
First weekend of March: Festa in Piazza.
The Vendimia calendar wraps up with the 30th edition of Vendimia Para Todxs 2026 (March 14), a symbol of diversity, freedom, and collective celebration, featuring its own artistic and contemporary proposal.
Tickets for the Central Act and the repeat performance of the National Vendimia Festival 2026 are not yet on sale. The announcement will be made through the Cultura de Mendoza website and the official Vendimia page.