Carnival of Bogotá &
El Festival de Verano 2023

Carnival of Bogotá & El Festival de Verano 2023

Every year in August, the residents of Bogotá commemorate the founding of the city (August 6th) and enjoy about 200 cultural and recreational activities in the city’s public parks, such as Cayetano, Canizares, Servitá and Timiza. Concerts and sporting events are also held during the festival.

• Visiting for the Summer Festival? The event attracts millions of visitors, so book your stay well in advance. Stay close to the venue, Parque Central Simón Bolivar and enjoy easy access to the show. The GHL Hotel is rated “Superb” and is highly rated for its location, breakfast options and spa facilities.

Carnival of Bogotá

• The Bogota Carnival centers on a costumed parade as the streets around Parque Simon Bolivar fill with dancers, artists, storytellers, puppeteers and folkloric performances.

The Festival

• Based mainly in Parque Simon Bolivar, the summer festival focuses on getting people outdoors. Opportunities range from attending professional competitions like boxing tournaments and taekwondo competitions to participating in local activities such as rock climbing, Zumba and Pilates. Be sure to take a kite (kite flying is extremely popular) or participate in the Night Bike Ride.
• El Festival de Verano opens with a large concert with live performances featuring national and international artists with more than 160,000 people in attendance. During the day, attendees can have fun on the Summer Mega Toboggan, on a wet surface, 350 meters long, in which people make the journey on floats in the shape of life preservers or doughnuts.
• The First Summer Food Fest offers a wide variety of foods, local delicacies, desserts and much more along the Plaza de Eventos and green areas of the Simón Bolívar Park.
• More than two and a half million attendees sign up for the Night Cycleway, who go out with their bicycles to ride the more than 126 kilometres of cycle routes established for this purpose, enjoying at no cost numerous cultural events, among which are the spectacular fireworks.

The Venue

• Parque Simon Bolivar – At 360 hectares, the Parque Metropolitano Simón Bolívar is slightly larger than New York’s Central Park, attracting more than 200,000 local park-goers each weekend. It’s a pleasant spot, with lakes, bike paths and walkways, public libraries, stadiums, and many events.
• The park is a 10-minute drive from the Chapinero district, home to the city’s gay bars and clubs who host special Summer Festival parties and themed events during the week leading up to August 6th.

Cafe Bars

• Village Cafe – Quirky and different, Village Cafe is a great place to begin your afternoon with a coffee or a light bite to eat.
• Estacion Cafe – Delicious cocktails and a varied dinner menu with a range of dishes.
• El Recreo de Adan – One of the city’s coolest gay bars and home to sexy waiters and a relaxed vibe. Note, there are two bars, one in Zona Rosa and one in Chapinero.
• Color House Cafe Bar – Long-running gay bar with a mix of patrons. Steps from the popular Theatron super club, and famous for playing camp pop music and anthems.
• Leos Bar Mistica – Fun atmosphere complete with Rumba shows, a bear night and karaoke.

Clubs

• Theatron de Película – Epic nightclub split into 12 mini clubs spread over five floors. Each club is devoted to a musical theme, from the 80s to Salsa.
• Punto 59 – A Colombian institution with a popular dance floor and fun vibe. Dance the night away over the weekend with hunky guys on the dancefloor.
• El Mozo – The city’s most stylish club with a beautiful terrace bar opens in the early afternoon. Hosts famous circuit DJs, Drag Queens and theme nights.

Saunas

• Baño Turco Saint Moritz – Longest running sauna in the city, recently renovated with shows, massages and cruising. Very bear-friendly.
• Complices Spa – Entertainment complex with Roman pool, Turkish baths, jacuzzi and private relaxation rooms.Popular with younger guys.
• Dagoas Spa – 24 hour sauna in Bogota with large pool, sauna, small bar, cages, slings a dark dungeon and masseur services.

Recommended Hotels

Here are the hotels we recommend with good reviews, close to all the action:

B.O.G Hotel,   Salvio Parque 93,   HAB Hotel,   Hotel 84 DC