Concerts in Colombia: Live music and culture in Bogotá

Since 1995, the Mayor's Office of Bogotá, through the District Institute of the Arts (Idartes) and with the initiative of numerous artists, has gifted the city with free events that allow the enjoyment of different musical genres for several days.

Thanks to the reception of the first edition of Rock al Parque, the city realized it could create musical spaces for all tastes. The growth and evolution of these events have been so significant that in 2012 Bogotá was declared a Creative City of Music by UNESCO. So, if you didn't know, Bogotá offers various venues for music lovers, both for those living in the capital or the country, as well as international visitors interested in experiencing the best concerts in Colombia.

Rock al Parque

Rock al Parque is the largest free rock festival in Latin America. More than 300,000 people attend every November at Simón Bolívar Metropolitan Park to listen to their favorite bands outdoors. The event's lineup includes national bands (winners of a large contest, where prizes also include scholarships, job opportunities, and studies) and international bands.

The party takes place on three stages where performances are held, and the audience can watch the bands they want. The festival features various food stalls, merchandise stands, and brand activations are present in the park to enrich the attendees' experience.

All shades of rock, from funk and rap to power metal, converge on these stages, where the volume and reverberation of the sound unite people from all corners of Latin America and the world. Jumping and "pogos" are the highlights of the night for the audience who enjoy the rhythm of singers, guitars, basses, and powerful drums.

Rock al Parque is not only experienced at Simón Bolívar Park. It can also be enjoyed through numerous educational spaces, such as traveling photo exhibitions shown in libraries and public squares around the city. Film cycles about rock and an academic section promoting knowledge through talks and conversations about this rich musical genre are also part of the cultural offerings surrounding the event.

Jazz al Parque

Another concert in Bogotá, promoted by the mayor's office, is the Jazz al Parque Festival. This event, attended by more than 40,000 people over a weekend, typically takes place in mid or late September. Parque El Country opens its doors to musicians of all nationalities who perform different versions of a single musical genre. Additionally, for a few days, Bogotá becomes a musical stage with circuits, master classes, and small free events in universities and auditoriums around the city, showcasing the festival as one of the best concerts in Colombia.

From classic to contemporary jazz, including fusions with other musical genres. At the festival, you can listen to Bogotá bands and international groups with great careers, giving a cosmopolitan air to this party that promotes art and culture. It's a celebration where saxophones, tubas, pianos, and other jazz instruments are played by musicians on stage, adding magic to the capital's days.

Salsa al Parque

Salsa al Parque is another famous concert in Bogotá, usually held in the second half of the year. This event gathers more than 150,000 attendees who enjoy salsa in all its forms, from classic salsa to new trends. Simón Bolívar Park vibrates for two days with the sounds of trumpets, timbales, and voices echoing Caribbean and African heritage. This festival not only offers music but also dance workshops and academic meetings that allow attendees to fully immerse themselves in salsa culture.

More Festivales al Parque

Bogotá is not only about rock, jazz, and salsa. The city fills with music and culture through a series of festivals encompassing more musical genres and artistic expressions, representing the diversity of rhythms in the country, making Festivales al Parque a must-visit for anyone exploring concerts in Colombia:

Joropo al Parque (Plaza de Bolívar): held in June, this festival brings the sounds of the Eastern Plains to the heart of the capital. It's a space to enjoy the harp, cuatro, and maracas, as well as the traditional Llanero tap dance.
Colombia al Parque (Parque de los Novios): usually held in August, this festival honors the country's musical diversity and serves as a platform for emerging artists. Here you can find genres like vallenato, cumbia, bambuco, and other folk rhythms representing Colombia's cultural richness.
Hip Hop al Parque (Simón Bolívar Park): held in October, it is the largest of its kind in Latin America, bringing together hip-hop lovers with performances by rappers, breakdancers, and graffiti artists, promoting urban culture and its various artistic expressions.
Popular al Parque (Parque Metropolitano El Tunal): this festival, held in September, highlights Colombian popular music, including genres like ranchera, norteña music, and carrilera, offering a platform for artists representing the tradition and modernity of these styles.
Vallenato al Parque (Media Torta and Simón Bolívar Park): held in August, this event is one of the newest in the Festivales al Parque lineup. It was created to promote and preserve this representative genre of Colombian folklore and to promote new musical talents.
Gospel al Parque (Simón Bolívar Park): held in August as part of the Summer Festival, this festival brings together local and international gospel choirs and groups. Attendees enjoy performances ranging from traditional gospel to modern fusions.

Festivales al Parque are part of Bogotá's cultural agenda. — Photo by the Secretary of Culture, Recreation, and Sports.

Bogotá invites you to plan and participate in these Festivales al Parque. Experience music in all its forms and enjoy the cultural richness that the capital offers. These events are free and designed to be a celebration of music and culture. Don't miss the opportunity to be part of this vibrant musical scene. Check the dates and plan ahead to enjoy these concerts in Colombia: they are a unique experience that changes and improves each year.