ateneo-grand-splendid
Ateneo Grand Splendid
Ateneo Grand Splendid

What to Do This Weekend in Buenos Aires

A city that never stops offering new plans to explore it: art, food, music and culture all in one weekend.

Carola Cinto
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December always arrives with that mix of excitement and the urge to make the most of every minute: the city comes alive, plans pop up everywhere, and the last month of the year feels like a final sprint packed with culture, music, flavours and moments to break the routine (here’s a link to what you can’t miss during these 31 days). It’s that moment when every plan becomes an excuse to go out, discover something new or reconnect with what we love.

1. â€śCromañón nos pasĂł a todos” at El Sabato

“Cromañón nos pasó a todos” returns this Saturday for its fourth season, twenty years after the tragedy. It’s a play that opens up a necessary space to reflect on how we remember, what we choose not to forget, and how time rearranges—or shakes up—what marked us as a generation. With a powerful blend of documentary theatre, poetry, sound and image, the show builds a fragmented journey where the intimate and the social collide without warning.

Starting at 10pm at El Sabato Cultural Space, audiences will step into a play with no distance, no replay—just an event that happens right there, with those who witness it. Each fragment triggers a new question, a returning feeling, a trace that refuses to fade. It’s a call to exercise memory from a place that’s alive, uncomfortable, honest and deeply human.

FYI: there will be another performance on Saturday, December 13 at the same time. Tickets available at this link.

Where: Pres. José Evaristo Uriburu 763.

2. El Ateneo Grand Splendid turns 25

El Ateneo Grand Splendid turns 25, and it’s celebrating as only one of the world’s most iconic bookstores can: mixing history, beauty and culture in every corner. From theatre to cinema, from pioneering radio to tango shows, this building has seen it all long before becoming “the most beautiful bookstore on the planet,” according to National Geographic. Today, it’s still that breathtaking place from the moment you walk in: the painted dome, the balconies, the Greek-style marquee and the old-world aura that coexists with more than 200,000 books ready to take you somewhere else.

And as if turning 25 weren’t enough, it’s unveiling “Grand Splendid Experience,” a new interactive space where you can dive into the history of the cine-theatre, see the dome up close and explore an immersive corner dedicated to Gardel. All accompanied by activities, book signings, reading sessions and a café with the best view in the house. Twenty-five years later, El Ateneo continues doing what it does best: being a meeting point where culture vibrates, is shared and celebrated.

FYI: activity schedules will be posted on Instagram.

Where: Av. Santa Fe 1860.

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3. â€śChristmas in the Movies” at Gran Rex

This Saturday and Sunday at 8pm, “Christmas in the Movies” returns to Teatro Gran Rex, fully recharged and ready to switch on the holiday spirit. With more than 40 live musicians, dancers, a children’s choir, a cinematic aesthetic that pulls you right into your favourite classics, and the special participation of Raúl Lavié, the show promises that perfect blend of nostalgia, emotion and magic that only Christmas films can deliver. And yes—you’ll recognise each melody before the first note hits.

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This year the show adds an irresistible twist: the world of A Christmas Carol merges with timeless hits like Home Alone, The Grinch and The Polar Express, in a fully renewed production. A tradition-friendly experience where music, performance and celebration become a bridge across generations. Because if Christmas had a soundtrack… it would be this one.

FYI: tickets available at this link.

Where: Av. Corrientes 857.

4. Jazz sessions at Bilbo

December comes with festive energy and Bilbo knows it: that’s why it’s launching a jazz festival across all three of its locations at the same time. Every Saturday at 5pm, Villa Crespo, Villa Urquiza and Saavedra light up with rotating performances by Argot Cuarteto, Abril Cuarteto and Cosin Quattro—live music paired with specialty coffee and pastries that can fix your entire afternoon.

Everything kicks off this Saturday and continues all month long, with bands switching stages and keeping that warm, celebratory vibe Bilbo has crafted. Ideal for closing the year by slowing down, rediscovering the magic of the coffee ritual and letting yourself be carried by the jazz—sip by sip.

FYI: you can book a table at this link.

Where: La Pampa 5501, Villa Urquiza; Belaustegui 802, Villa Crespo; Crisólogo Larralde 6293, Saavedra.

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5. SALTPALOOZA

A new edition of SALTPALOOZA is here, and it’s returning stronger than ever: new date, new lineup and the same delicious party that’s already a signature. Get your taste buds ready—restaurants like ÁcidoNiño GordoAjo NegroLabán Pâttiserie and more are coming together for a night that promises pure flavour. Plus, live music from Vinilos en la Vereda and a show by Otto Gross at Los Jardines de las Barquin—an actual oasis in the middle of Retiro.

The event takes place this Sunday, with two time slots (7pm to 9:30pm and 10pm to midnight). Capacity is limited and so is the food, so arrive early or get your ticket beforehand to avoid missing out. If you’re feeling spontaneous, you can still show up and buy on the spot (subject to availability).

FYI: presale available at this link.

Where: Suipacha 1422.

6. FestĂ­n in Mar del Plata

The last long weekend of the year is coming, and if you’re thinking about a mini getaway to Mar del Plata, you can’t miss the fourth edition of Festín, in Villa Mitre.

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Both Saturday and Sunday, from 2pm to 11pm, you can drop by and enjoy this gastronomic fair packed with options: sushi, pizza, burgers, sweets and much more from a variety of local producers. Everything you need to taste the best bites of La Feliz. And as if that weren’t enough, there will also be talks and live music throughout the day. Check out the full lineup in this story.

FYI: entry is free.

Where: Lamadrid 3870, Villa Mitre, Mar del Plata.

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