Buenos Aires Herald 
Buenos Aires is bringing the culture this weekend — from literature and film festivals to pizza championships and Japanese cuisine, here’s your recommendations to get you out and about.
Thursday 25 through Sunday 28
Various locations around Buenos Aires
Free entry
This weekend, Buenos Aires hosts the 17th International Literature Festival (FILBA), a must for all book lovers. The festival brings together international authors from Spain, Colombia, Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Finland, the UK, Canada, and Latin America, alongside Argentina’s top writers, for four days of free events.
Visitors can attend interviews, workshops, poetry recitals, performances, and talks, offering a rare chance to meet authors in person — whether in discussions, behind the scenes, or over coffee. FILBA also features an open library for book exchanges, a bookstore with signed editions, and night events with wine and poetry. You can also expect film screenings in collaboration with MUBI, the full program of events is available online.
Fifth Scuola Pizzaioli Championship
Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 — 2 to 8 p.m.
La Rural (Campionato pavilion entrance on Av. Sarmiento 2704, Palermo)
Free access with a general FIT ticket or directly through the Campionato pavilion entrance
This weekend, La Rural will host the fifth edition of the Campionato Scuola Pizzaioli, South America’s premier Italian pizza competition. Pizzaioli from across Argentina and nine countries — including Italy, Brazil, Chile, and Venezuela — will compete in 12 categories, from classics like Margherita STG and Romana in Teglia to innovative creations such as Pizza in Pala and Social Pizza.
Visitors can watch the action, enjoy tastings of Italian products, and attend workshops and masterclasses led by international pizza masters, including Vincenzo Capuano and Marco Carlesso. Families will enjoy the Mini Pizzaioli category which showcases young talent, as well as special skills competitions like Freestyle and Più Veloce.
VECINE: Villa Crespo Film Festival
Runs through Sunday 28
Various venues across the city
All events are free, tickets need to be reserved online in advance
Villa Crespo once again becomes the hub of Argentine independent cinema with the sixth edition of VECINE. This neighborhood festival offers a week of free screenings, special programs, and open-air activities across venues like Club Benito Nazar, Casa Brandon, La Faustina, and Ruth Benzacar Gallery.
The program includes national shorts and feature films in competition, with winners decided by audience vote, plus highlights like Imágenes en fuga, a showcase of audiovisual works from the visual arts, and Fuck you! El último show José Luis García’s documentary on the last show by legendary 1980s band Sumo.
Friday 26 to Sunday October 5
Various participating restaurants around the city
Celebrate the seventh edition of Gastro Japo Food Week with over 40 restaurants, cafés, pastry shops, and delivery services each offering exclusive menus and activities inspired by Japanese cuisine and culture.
This year’s spotlight is on sake, Japan’s traditional rice-based drink, paired with izakaya-style dishes like yakitori, donburi, and tempura. Pastry shops will add a sweet twist, combining specialty coffee with wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets) and yogashi (Japanese-inspired Western desserts).
The festival theme, Otsukaresama, expresses gratitude after a day’s work, echoing the spirit of Japan’s after-office gatherings. Expect collaborative pop-ups and cultural activities. To join, just stop by participating venues listed on Instagram and enjoy a taste of Japan.