Home  /   South America  /  Santiago Events  / Fiestas Patrias Santiago

Fiestas Patrias Santiago 2026

Fiestas Patrias is the most wildly celebrated annual event in the Chilean capital, Santiago.

  • Event Dates

    From: Thursday, September 17, 2026
    To: Saturday, September 19, 2026

  • Key Highlights

    • Sexy Guys
    • Live Shows
    • The Parties
    • The Military Parade

Fiestas Patrias Santiago 2026

The Fiestas Patrias is the most important, festive, and purely Chilean holiday. Fiestas Patrias marks the historical beginning of the independence process for Chile and celebrates the Chilean armed forces, respectively. Fiestas Patrias is the most widely celebrated annual event in the country. The festival is held close to the spring equinox of the Southern Hemisphere and doubles as a spring festival.

  • Are you visiting Santiago for Fiestas Patrias? Stay in the Bellavista district, home to the city's best gay bars and clubs. The Aubrey is a gay owned hotel boutique hotel rated “Superb” by guests with beautiful decor and just steps from the bustling life of Bellavista.

The Festival

  • Next Edition: The Fiestas Patrias begin on September 17 with “Día de la Cueca,” which in 2026 will fall on a Thursday and run until the 19th September.
  • There are many ways to experience Fiestas Patrias in Santiago, and they almost all include barbeque food, folk music and dance called La Cueca Chilena, and Chilean wine. Make sure you visit at least one Fonda, a public celebration typically held in temporary venues. Some of the most famous ones are at Parque Padre Hurtado and Parque Inéz de Suárez, but there are dozens more throughout Santiago.
  • Typical menus inside a Fonda include empanadas, barbequed meats skewered with bread, and sweets like alfajores. The most popular drink is Chilean red wine, and the most traditional is the lightly alcoholic chicha– a cider drink made from corn or apples. Pisco, the national spirit of Chile, is served with soda and in cocktails.

The Gay Fonda

  • The Gay Fonda takes place at Av LIbertador Bernadrdo O Higgins and features live acts, dancers, pop hits, reggaeton and more.

The Military Parade

  • The military holds an impressive parade in Parque O'Higgins on September 19th. This officially marks the end of Fiestas Patrias. In reality, this “official” end of the celebration is rarely acknowledged. Festivities continue in one form or another until everyone needs to return to work the following week; rested, happy, and ready for the springtime.

Event Date Rules

  • Within Chile, the Fiestas Patrias is known as the Dieciocho, or “18th”, because the celebration occurs on September 18th. Unofficially, the celebration can last for around a week, depending on when it falls.

Gay Santiago

  • Santiago has one of the most diverse gay scenes in South America. Bellavista is the main gay area of Santiago, home to the majority of the city's bars, clubs and hotels. The Neighbourhood is located northeast of the main Plaza de Armas between the Mapocho River and San Cristóbal Hill.
  • Bombero Nuñez is the gay street in Bellavista and the epicentre of all things gay in Santiago. Bellavista is home to hip restaurants, art galleries and museums, a charming neighbourhood full of character with a laid back, bohemian vibe.
  • Stay in the heart of Bellavista at the Hotel Boutique Castillo Rojo, a “Superb” rated hotel with stylish rooms and exceptional service.

The Bars

Gay bars don't get busy in Santiago until after 10 pm. Most are also closed on Mondays, so when planning your night out, bear this in mind. Santiago must be home to more drag queens than anywhere we've ever been. It seems almost every bar hosts regular shows, so be prepared for some sassy shows! No tourist is safe.

  • Station RestoBar – One of the biggest bars in Santiago with a large terrace and cute guys. Also serves delicious food.
  • Contramano Restopub – Great for “La Previa”, or pre dancing drinks with cabaret shows and happy hours.
  • Bar 105 – Famous for its darkroom event on Thursdays. Always busy, small but popular.
  • Burdel – Sexy dancers, excellent dance floor, younger guys and two for one promo all evening.
  • Farinelli  – Table seating drag shows every evening from 11 pm. Great fun.
  • Dionisio – One of the oldest gay bars in Santiago with local drag acts.

The Clubs

  • Ex Bunker – Busy weekend club with hot Chilean guys and a mix of ages. Open until 5 am, busy from 2 am.
  • Ex Femme – Two different dance halls with Tech and Pop. Regular host to the popular Toby parties.
  • Il Divino – Gay Superclub with space for 3000 people, two dance halls and a mix of music and performances. Located about 20 to 30 minutes taxi ride from Bellavista.
  • Illuminati – HIpster gay club with younger guys and lots of cheesy pop music.
  • Fausto Discotheque – Longest running club in Santiago with drag queens, muscle men DJs and dancers. Host of a very popular bear and otter party on Fridays.
  • Limon – Popular on Mondays when everywhere else is closed with Latino hits and a pretty young crowd.
  • Blondie – Large club spread out over four rooms with an alternative vibe.

Santiago also hosts a second pride event, the Open Mind Festival in November each year in Plaza Italia.

Recommended Hotels

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

Hotel MagnoliaHotel Altiplanico Bellas ArtesThe Singular Santiago, The Aubrey Boutique Hotel

Map of Gay Santiago

Constitución 317, Santiago, Providencia, Región Metropolitana, Chile

The Aubrey offers 15 beautifully appointed en-suite bedrooms, each with a unique character & most with balconies and terraces. With daily complimentary bottled water. Turndown service is provided & they all have stylish bathrooms with Hansgrohe showers. Its designer-furnished rooms have LCD TVs, 300-thread cotton bedding & free Wi-Fi

BOOK NOW

Merced 294, Santiago, Región Metropolitana, Chile

Featuring an outdoor pool and a spa and wellness centre, The Singular Santiago offers accommodations in Santiago. Free WiFi access is available here. Rooms at The Singular Santiago feature heating, a private bathroom, cable TV and a minibar. Breakfast is included. At The Singular Santiago guests will find a restaurant and a fitness centre.

BOOK NOW

Bellas Artes, of. 301 B, Las Condes - Av. las Condes 11283, Santiago, Región Metropolitana, Chile

The spacious & bright rooms feature a modern décor. Each has air-conditioning, cable TV and a private bathroom with a hairdryer. Breakfast is included & can be enjoyed onsite daily. At Hotel Altiplanico Bellas Artes guests will find a 24-hour front desk & complimentary tea, coffee & hot chocolate. Other facilities include a concierge desk & laundry facilities.

BOOK NOW

de Chile - Huérfanos 539, Santiago, Región Metropolitana, Chile

Rooms at Hotel Magnolia are equipped with extra long beds, a private bathroom with slippers, a minibar, a coffee machine, a flat-screen cable TV, a safety-deposit box, air-conditioning and heating. Bed linen and towels are also included. Guests will be granted executive lounge access. Free WiFi & a full complimentary breakfast served daily.

Address: Dardignac 142, Recoleta, Región Metropolitana, Chile

  • Limón Santiago is a high-energy gay nightclub in Bellavista, popular with a young, local crowd.
  • Open year-round, it features DJs, go-go dancers, and affordable drinks in an inclusive setting.
  • A top spot for late-night dancing and socialising in Santiago.
  • Open: Daily 10pm-3.45am

Instagram

Address: Bombero Núñez 388, 8420372 Recoleta, Santiago, Región Metropolitana, Chile

  • Contramano Restopub is a popular gay bar in Santiago’s Bellavista district, known for drag shows, cabaret, and strong cocktails.
  • The stylish space combines a relaxed dining vibe with lively entertainment.
  • Friendly service and a mixed crowd make it ideal for pre-club drinks or a full night out.
  • Open: Daily 8pm-3am, (Monday & Tuesday Closed9

Facebook

Address: Bombero Núñez 105, 8420483 Santiago, Recoleta, Región Metropolitana, Chile

  • Bar 105 is a gay bar in Santiago’s Bellavista area, offering a casual vibe downstairs and a more adventurous fetish zone upstairs.
  • Known for good drinks, friendly service, and a chilled crowd, it’s a popular spot to start or end the night.
  • Inclusive, low-key, and fun.
  • Open: Wednesday 9 pm–3 am
    Thursday 9 pm–3:45 am
    Friday & Saturday 9 pm–4:45 am
    (Closed Sunday, Monday, Tuesday)

Instagram

Address: Bombero Núñez 111, Recoleta, Región Metropolitana, Chile

  • Dionisio Divas offers high-energy drag and comedy in a cozy, intimate atmosphere.
  • With welcoming service, affordable drinks, and lively performances, it’s a must-visit gay bar in Santiago for a fun, engaging night out.
  • Open: Daily 9pm-4.45am (Closed Monday  & Tuseday)

Facebook

Address: Sta. Filomena 10, Recoleta, Región Metropolitana, Chile

  • Hangar Bellavista is a high-energy gay-popular dance club in Santiago’s Bellavista district, popular for Latin pop, reggaeton, and wild foam parties and go-go dancers.
  • It draws a young, lively crowd with late-night hours, friendly staff, and a fun, inclusive vibe.
  • A top choice for weekend dancing and socialising.
  • Open: Daily  5pm-3.40am (Friday & Saturday till 4.45am)

    Website

Address: Antonia López de Bello 125, Recoleta, Región Metropolitana, Chile

  • Club Soda is a lively dance club in Santiago’s Bellavista, known for reggaeton, go-go dancers, and a buzzing patio.
  • It draws a mixed crowd of gay men and allies who come for the fun beats and inclusive atmosphere.
  • With two dance floors and affordable drinks, it’s a top late-night destination.
  • Open: Wednesday & Thursday 12am–4am
    Friday & Saturday 12am–5am
    Sunday 12am-4.45am
    (Closed Monday & Tuesday)

Instagram

Address: Av. Sta. María 832, Providencia, Región Metropolitana, Chile

  • Fausto Discotheque is one of Santiago’s longest-running gay clubs, celebrated for its grand, gentleman’s‑club interiors with marble staircases and wood-panel accents.
  • It draws a diverse crowd of gay men and allies for late-night entertainment—from drag spectacles and live performances to themed nights like Bears on Fridays.
  • With multiple dance floors, three bars, and a dark room, it delivers a classic, full-on queer nightlife experience in Providencia.
  • Open: Wednesday & Thursday 11.30pm–4am
    Friday Saturday & Sunday 11.30pm–5am
    (Closed Monday & Tuesday)

Facebook

Address: Antonia López de Bello 133, Recoleta, Región Metropolitana, Chile

  • Bar Moulin Rouge in Santiago is a cozy late-night gay bar with drag shows, karaoke, go-go dancers, and themed dance parties.
  • Located in Bellavista, it draws a fun, mixed crowd to its intimate cabaret-style space.
  • Strong drinks and a rooftop terrace add to the lively, welcoming vibe.
  • Open:Daily 9pm-4am (Friday & Saturday till 5am)
    (Closed Sunday) 

Instagram

Address: Antonia López de Bello 133, Recoleta, Región Metropolitana, Chile

  • Illuminati is a late-night gay-friendly club in Santiago’s Bellavista, known for pop and Latin beats, go-go dancers, and a lively crowd of gay men and allies. It features a main dance floor, lounge areas, and friendly staff. A fun, inclusive spot for partying into the early hours.
  • Open:Wednesday & Thursday 12am–3.35am
    Friday Saturday & Sunday 12am–4.40am
    (Closed Sunday, Monday & Tuesday)

Instagram

Address: Sta. Filomena 63, Recoleta, Región Metropolitana, Chile

  • Zotano is a lively gay bar in Santiago’s Recoleta district, known for strong margaritas, drag shows, and karaoke nights.
  • It draws a friendly mix of locals and tourists, with English-speaking staff and a welcoming vibe.
  • A top choice for casual, high-energy gay nightlife.
  • Open: Daily 8pm-4am

    Instagram

Address: Bombero Núñez 169, Recoleta, Región Metropolitana, Chile

  • Ex Femme is a high-energy gay nightclub in Santiago’s Bellavista, with two dance floors, go-go dancers, and drag-themed nights.
  • It draws a mixed crowd of gay men and allies for pop, techno, and reggaeton beats.
  • It’s a go-to for spontaneous, late-night fun.
  • Open: Wednesday to Sunday 12am-5am
    (Closed Monday & Tuesday)

Facebook

Address: Bombero Núñez 159, Recoleta, Región Metropolitana, Chile

  • Ex Bunker is a late-night gay club in Santiago’s Bellavista, known for its large dance floor, go-go dancers, drag shows, and DJ-led parties.
  • It draws a lively crowd of gay men and allies and is a popular spot for weekend events and big themed nights.
  • Open: Friday & Saturday 12am till 5am

Instagram

Address: Bombero Núñez 68, Recoleta, Región Metropolitana, Chile

  • Farinelli Divas is a cozy drag cabaret bar in Santiago’s Bellavista, known for sharp-witted queens, themed nights, and a welcoming energy—especially for gay men and allies.
  • With cocktails, small plates, and a lively vibe, it’s a top pick for a fun, intimate night out.
  • Open: Wednesday 8.30pm-12am
    Thursday & Sunday 8.30pm-2am
    Friday & Saturday 3.30-4am
    (Closed Monday & Tuesday)

Instagram

Address: Antonia López de Bello 126, Providencia, Región Metropolitana, 

  • Club Burdel is a cozy gay cabaret bar in Santiago’s Bellavista, offering drag shows, karaoke, and a laid-back, welcoming vibe.
  • Popular for pre-drinks and small-stage comedy, it draws a friendly mix of locals and visitors.
  • A fun, relaxed stop before heading to bigger clubs.
  • Open: Monday–Thursday 22:00–04:00
    Friday & Saturday until 05:00
  • (closed on Sundays)

Facebook

Address: Antonia López de Bello 64, Providencia, Región Metropolitana, 

  • Station RestoBar is a welcoming, gay-friendly hub where drinks, food, and company come together.
  • The modern yet cozy ambiance, lively weekend vibes, and patio scene make it a standout destination for both locals and visitors.
  • Open: Monday to Friday 6.30pm-2am
    Saturday 8.30pm-2.30am, Sunday 6pm-12am

Facebook

Recommended Hotels in Santiago

Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in Santiago that keep you close to all the shops,restaurants & bars

Hotel Magnolia
5 Star, Luxury

Hotel Magnolia
Booking.com
  • 5 Star, Luxury: Executive lounge access, extra long beds.
  • A short walk to the gay bars.
  • Private bathroom, minibar.
  • Luxurious stay with extra long beds, complimentary breakfast, and executive lounge access.

Altiplanico Bellas Artes
5 Star, Readers Choice

Hotel Altiplanico Bellas Artes
Booking.com
  • 5 Star, Readers Choice: Bright rooms, modern décor.
  • Close to the gay district.
  • Air-conditioning, private bathroom.
  • Spacious rooms with modern décor, air-conditioning, and inclusive of breakfast.

The Singular
5 Star, Great Value

Booking.com
  • 5 Star, Great Value: Outdoor pool, spa, wellness centre.
  • A short taxi ride to the gay bars.
  • Heating, minibar, cable TV.
  • Offers an outdoor pool, spa, wellness facilities, free WiFi, and breakfast.

Aubrey Boutique
4 Star, Location

Booking.com
  • 4 Star, Location: Unique rooms, stylish bathrooms.
  • Close to the gay district.
  • LCD TV, free Wi-Fi.
  • Features beautifully appointed en-suite bedrooms with stylish bathrooms and modern amenities.

Video Guide to Santiago

Discover the best things to see an do in Santiago

Aubery Hotel Santiago

Other Events in September

The Big Bear Romp

From: Aug. 13.2026 - To: Aug. 16.2026
The Big Bear Romp is four fun-filled days of experiencing the best Big Bear has to offer during its most popular season
BENIDORM PRIDE

Benidorm Gay Pride

From: Sep. 01.2026 - To: Sep. 06.2026
With a week-long series of flamboyant events leading up to the Playa Levante big parade
Spirit of Boise Balloon Festival

Spirit of Boise Balloon Festival

From: Sep. 02.2026 - To: Sep. 06.2026
For five magical days each summer usually over Labor Day weekend Boise skies fill with fanciful balloons during the Spirit of Boise Balloon Festival
Bears on Ice Reykjavik

REYKJAVIK BEAR

From: Sep. 03.2026 - To: Sep. 06.2026
Bears on Ice is a bear event where bears, admirers and friends take over the Reykjavik´s gay scene for weekend in September.
Southern Decadance

Southern Decadence

From: Sep. 03.2026 - To: Sep. 07.2026
Southern Decadence New Orleans is a top gay Labor Day Weekend destination, one of our world's major annual gay events with circuit parties & gay fetish events