Cartagena Colombia events are a true reflection of the city’s vibrant spirit, cultural depth, and global relevance. Known for its colonial architecture, Caribbean coastline, and rich history, Cartagena has also become one of Latin America’s most dynamic destinations thanks to its year-round calendar of festivals, cultural celebrations, international conferences, and artistic events.
Whether you are visiting Cartagena for the first time or returning to experience the city in a more curated way, 2026 offers one of the most complete and diverse event calendars in recent years. From world-class music and film festivals to traditional celebrations rooted in local heritage, there is always something happening in Cartagena.
This guide highlights the confirmed Cartagena Colombia events for 2026, organized by month, to help you plan your trip around the experiences that best match your interests.
Why Cartagena events matter in 2026
In 2026, Cartagena stands out not only for its beauty and history, but also for its consistent cultural programming throughout the year. Major events are strategically distributed across the calendar, allowing travelers to plan visits around festivals, conferences, and iconic celebrations rather than a single peak season.
Cartagena Colombia events are among the main reasons travelers search for things to do in Cartagena, Cartagena festivals, and the best time to visit Cartagena. Planning a trip around these events creates a deeper connection with the city, offering authentic cultural encounters and unforgettable moments beyond traditional sightseeing.
Cartagena Colombia Events Calendar 2026
January – February 2026
- Cartagena Festival de Música: January 4 – 12, 2026 One of Latin America’s most prestigious classical music festivals, celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2026. Concerts take place in historic theaters, churches, and iconic venues across the Walled City, blending world-class music with Cartagena’s colonial charm.
- FAREX – Feria de Artesanías de Exportación: January 3 – 12, 2026 An important artisan and export fair held at the Cartagena Convention Center, showcasing Colombian craftsmanship, design, and traditional techniques.
- Fiestas de Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria & Festival del Frito Cartagenero: January 24 – February 2, 2026 A traditional celebration combining religious devotion with one of Cartagena’s most beloved food festivals, highlighting iconic Caribbean street food and local flavors.
- Hay Festival Cartagena de Indias: January 29 – February 1, 2026 An internationally recognized festival of literature, ideas, journalism, and culture, bringing together authors, thinkers, and artists from around the world.
March – April 2026
- Festival ConCuerda: March 3 – 13, 2026 A city-led cultural program focused on music, artistic creation, and community engagement across multiple neighborhoods in Cartagena.
- Semana Santa & Festival de Música Sacra: March 29 – April 5, 2026 Holy Week in Cartagena combines religious traditions with sacred music concerts held in historic churches and cultural spaces throughout the city.
- Encuentro Nacional de Comisiones Fílmicas: April 6 – 10, 2026 A key industry event bringing together film commissions and audiovisual professionals from across Colombia.
- Festival Internacional de Cine de Cartagena de Indias (FICCI): April 14 – 19, 2026 Founded in 1960, FICCI is the oldest film festival in Latin America. The event showcases international and Latin American cinema through screenings, panel discussions, workshops, and special events across the city.
- Titirifestival Cartagena / Temporada de Teatro y Títeres: April 2026 A cultural season dedicated to puppet theater and performing arts, offering family-friendly programming and artistic performances.
May 2026
- Festival Mundial de Salsa y Bolero: May 2026 A vibrant celebration of rhythm and dance, featuring salsa and bolero performances by national and international artists.
- Festival de Arte Femenino de Cartagena: May 2026 An artistic festival highlighting women creators through visual arts, music, performance, and cultural dialogue.
- PROCEMCO 2026 – Congreso del Cemento y el Concreto: May 6 – 8, 2026 A major industry congress focused on construction, engineering, and innovation, attracting professionals and academic leaders from across the region.
- Festival Folclórico “Colombia Canta”: May 29 – 31, 2026 A folkloric music and cultural festival celebrating Colombia’s diverse regional traditions through music, dance, and performance.
June 2026
- Anniversary of Cartagena de Indias: June 1, 2026 A civic celebration commemorating the founding of Cartagena, marked by cultural activities and institutional events.
- Noche de San Juan: June 24, 2026 A traditional Caribbean celebration rooted in symbolism, music, and local customs.
June 2026
- Rock Imperium Festival: July 3 – 5, 2026 An international rock and metal festival featuring major global acts and attracting music fans from around the world.
- La Mar de Músicas: July 17 – 25, 2026 A renowned world music festival celebrating global sounds, with a special country focus on Ecuador in 2026.
July 2026
- Rock Imperium Festival: July 3 – 5, 2026 An international rock and metal festival featuring major global acts and attracting music fans from around the world.
- La Mar de Músicas: July 17 – 25, 2026 A renowned world music festival celebrating global sounds, with a special country focus on Ecuador in 2026.
September 2026
World Engineering Education Forum (WEEF 2026): September 22 – 25, 2026 An international forum bringing global leaders in engineering education, innovation, and research to Cartagena.
November – December 2026
- Independence Festivities of Cartagena de Indias: Approximately November 10 – 15, 2026 Centered around November 11, these iconic celebrations commemorate Cartagena’s independence with parades, music, dance, and citywide festivities.
- Festival Náutico de Cartagena & Bololó del Arsenal: November 13 – 14, 2026 Maritime celebrations that combine nautical activities with traditional community festivities.
- Día del Músico Cartagenero: November 22, 2026 A tribute to local musicians and Cartagena’s rich musical heritage.
- Super Navidad Cartagena & Christmas Artisan Market: December 17 – 26, 2026 Holiday celebrations featuring festive lighting, cultural performances, and artisan markets throughout the city.
Planning your trip around Cartagena Events
Planning your visit around Cartagena Colombia events allows you to experience the city at its most authentic. Major festivals often coincide with high demand for accommodations, dining, and transportation—especially in the Walled City and Getsemaní.
Elite Journey Cartagena provides personalized concierge services to help you plan every detail, from accommodations and private transportation to curated cultural experiences and insider recommendations. With local expertise, your visit becomes seamless, elevated, and unforgettable.
Experience Cartagena through its celebrations
Cartagena’s event calendar reflects the soul of the city—diverse, expressive, and deeply connected to its heritage. Whether you’re drawn to music, film, literature, gastronomy, or traditional celebrations, Cartagena Colombia events in 2026 offer something for every traveler.
Plan your journey around these moments, and discover Cartagena not just as a destination, but as an experience that stays with you long after you leave.
