Cartagena is buzzing this weekend, April 4th and 5th, with the tail end of the XVI Festival del Dulce y Comida Típica, plus ongoing cultural music events. We've also rounded up the best year-round spots for outdoor fun, like the Castillo and the Aviary.
See our top picks
Relax at Bolivar Park
Parque de Bolívar
A central, free spot in the Walled City to watch the world go by on Sunday.
Short Film Screening: Flavors in Image
Plaza de los Coches
A relaxed, culture-focused evening film event happening Saturday in the city center.
Afternoon Fun at Flanagan Park
Bocagrande neighborhood
A park in Bocagrande explicitly designed with children's safety and fun in mind on Saturday.
· April 4
5SWEET TREATS AND TYPICAL FOOD FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE ZONE : This is a great chance to taste traditional Cartagena sweets and foods while connecting with local history. The afternoon features a pedagogical experience zone specifically designed for children.This is one of the only specific activities explicitly marked as a 'pedagogical experience zone for children' happening on Saturday.
SACRED CHOIRS AND MUSIC FESTIVAL CONCERT : Part of the larger Holy Week cultural agenda, this concert blends religious and musical tourism. It's happening concurrently with the food festival activities in the Plaza de los Coches area.It’s a cultural evening concert happening in a main square on Saturday.
TRIBUTE TO THE KEEPERS OF KNOWLEDGE : A special presentation honoring the local matrons who keep Cartagena's culinary traditions alive. A deeper cultural dive than just eating sweets.It’s a unique, specific ceremonial event focused on cultural preservation happening Saturday afternoon.
SHORT FILM SCREENING: FLAVORS IN IMAGE : Catch a screening of regional short films focused on food and flavor. A great, relaxed indoor/evening activity after a busy day.An evening screening event happening on Saturday that is likely calm and engaging for families.
AFTERNOON FUN AT FLANAGAN PARK : Head over to Bocagrande for this local park designed specifically for children's safety and fun. It's a great afternoon stop if you are staying near the beach area.This park is explicitly mentioned as being designed for children's safety and entertainment, available Saturday afternoon.
· April 5
3: Catch the official closing ceremony of the major food festival this Sunday evening in the Plaza de los Coches. Stick around for the subsequent choir performance!It marks the grand finale of the massive food festival, happening just before the final music event.
FREE : Sunday is the final day of Holy Week, often featuring major religious processions and concerts in the historic churches. This is a deep dive into local tradition.Sunday is the culmination of Semana Santa, a significant family tradition in Cartagena.
AMAZING COLOMBIAN CHOCOLATE AND CACAO WORKSHOP : Spend about 105 minutes learning about and making your own chocolate creations. This is a hands-on, sweet activity perfect for Sunday.It is a specific, engaging, hands-on activity that is inherently fun for kids and runs on Sunday.
Also On· anytime this weekend
4: Head out to Barú to visit the largest aviary in the Americas, home to 1,800 birds including the Andean Condor. Plan for about two hours inside.It's a major, unique, family-friendly natural attraction available Saturday.
: Take a boat excursion to see marine life at the Oceanarium, including dolphins, and enjoy lunch at a beach club in Barú. A full day on the water!A classic Cartagena day trip that guarantees sun and dedicated animal viewing for the kids on Sunday.
: Explore the massive 17th-century fortress and its tunnels, offering incredible panoramic views of the city. Kids love climbing and imagining battles here.A top-tier historical site perfect for physical exploration, available all day Saturday.
FREE : Take a break from the hustle in the central park. Kids can play while you admire the sculptures and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the city center.It’s a completely free, central spot to let younger children move around on Sunday.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Cartagena this weekend?
The best free option this weekend is visiting Bolivar Park (Parque de Bolívar) on Sunday to relax and observe city life. Additionally, attending the general Holy Week processions (Sunday, April 5th) is typically free.
Which events are specific to this weekend (April 4-5)?
The main features are the final days of the XVI Festival del Dulce y Comida Típica, which includes special children's zones on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, plus the XVI Festival de Coros y Música Sacra on both evenings at Plaza de los Coches.
Are there any good outdoor activities for Saturday, April 4th?
Yes, Saturday is great for history at the San Felipe de Barajas Castle, exploring the city's culture during the Sweet Treats Festival's afternoon sessions, or enjoying the sunset Catamaran cruise which includes a folk dance show.
