Yes, this weekend it’s all about Argentina’s quarterfinals match against Switzerland. But there is life apart from the World Cup (apparently), and Independence Day on July 9 will offer a chance to catch some folklore concerts and traditional peñas, as well as steaming bowls of locro. 

Once Thursday’s celebrations wind down, you can keep the momentum going before the match with acclaimed musicians, one-off restaurant pop-ups and a rare chance to revisit Richard Linklater’s beloved Before films on the big screen. 

As always, the Herald’s got you covered. 

Independence Day traditional celebrations

July 9
9 a.m. to 11 a.m. (Casa de la Cultura, Av. de Mayo 575)
2:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. (Usina del Arte, Agustín R. Caffarena 1)

On July 9, Buenos Aires City will celebrate Independence Day with concerts, folklore peñas and activities in museums, cultural spaces and iconic stages. At Casa de la Cultura, the former building of La Prensa newspaper, the program includes music and dancing shows as well as hot chocolate and churros.

Usina del Arte will be one of the main gathering spots, hosting a traditional peña: a day of music, dance and tradition with folk rhythms curated by DJ Ana Z, dance lessons, and a closing performance by Oiga! Orchestra

Before Sunrise + Before Sunset at Cine York 

July 11, 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Cine York (Juan Bautista Alberdi 895, Olivos)
Free admission, first come-first served

Before the national football team destroys our nerves again on Saturday night’s  quarterfinals, Cine York will host a perfect quiet afternoon with Richard Linklater’s marvelous Before Sunrise and Before Sunset, two-thirds of the trilogy that taught us everything we wanted and didn’t want to know about love. 

Relax and dive into the complexities of love, cinephilia, heartbreak, and the wonderful talents of Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy. 

Independence Day Locro

Might sound like a contradiction, but on July 9, Independence Day, we’re all subjected to a city-wide quest for locro. This typical corn stew became a national holiday dish only half a century ago, with the 1960s boom of folklore music and a cultural search for national identity. Today, it’s the Argentine’s favorite meal on national holidays, and restaurants all over town will be offering their own versions.

Apart from basically every bodegón in the city, other restaurants on the more sophisticated and cool side of the spectrum will be serving locro as well, many with takeout options you should definitely reserve in advance. 

Santa Evita
Julián Álvarez 1479

The lines outside the most Peronist restaurant in Buenos Aires are proof their locro is one of the city’s best — as they themselves state: “locro is not just a dish, it’s memory, gathering and roots.” You can either purchase takeout portions in advance or make a reservation to have it in the salon. Whatever you choose, hurry up, because demand is high. You can reach them via Whatsapp.

Abreboca
Fraga 541

In its hidden and beautiful Andalusian patio, Abreboca will celebrate Independence Day with two menu options. The first one is an empanada plus locro or lentils stew, a pastelito and two glasses of wine. The other, more informal, features the house specialty: homemade charcuterie, cheese, liverwurst, bread and a glass of wine.

Sifón
Jorge Newbery 3881

Sifón will celebrate Independence Day with a special edition of locro, available from July 9 to 12 — or until it’s sold out. As part of the celebration, the restaurant will exceptionally open for lunch on Thursday and Friday starting at 12 p.m., in addition to its regular weekend hours. 

Their locro will come in two versions: the traditional one (white corn, lima beans, kidney beans, pork sausage, chorizo, ham, and bacon) and the vegetarian choice (white corn, lima beans, kidney beans, pumpkin, sweet potato, and corn on the cob).

Picarón
Av. Dorrego 866

Picarón will offer three Argentine dishes for lunch: fried matambre empanadas (two for $14,000), locro with pork belly and trotters ($22,000), and for dessert, a twist on the classic vigilante cake with homemade quince paste and artisanal goat cheese ice cream. Starting at 12:30 p.m. with or without reservations.

Condarco
Av. Dorrego 901

One of the coolest corners in Chacarita will offer a hearty locro stew with chorizo, bacon, and meats; homemade fried empanadas with meat or a mix of cheeses; and choripanes from their street parrilla. All at very wallet-friendly prices. 

Enjoy it on their heated outdoor seats, in their small, vintage-style dining room, or order in advance for takeout.

Aire Libre
Av. del Libertador 6327

An urban garden in the middle of Nuñez, Aire Libre’s plant-filled dining room will offer a menu that includes one choice of empanada appetizer (beef or corn) and a classic locro stew made with select ingredients and slow-cooked to enhance its flavors. The dessert is the traditional vigilante: a mixture of Brie cheese and quince in syrup.

MUSIC

La Fernández Fierro

July 11, 9 p.m.
Club Atlético Fernández Fierro (CAFF), Sánchez de Bustamante 772
Admission AR$ 27,000

The celebrated pioneer of the “new tango” movement of the Noughties will perform new songs from their 2024 Basta album, plus their most famous classics.

Ricardo Arjona

July 9, 9 p.m.
Movistar Arena (Humboldt 450)
Admission: AR$ 120,000

Colombian star closes his historic 20 sold-out shows in Buenos Aires with his Lo que el Seco no dijo tour. 

Hnos. Ibarburu

July 10, 8.30 p.m.
Centro Cultural Cuerda Mecánica, Juramento 4686
Admission AR$35,000

Highly praised twins Martin and Nicolás Ibarburu are two great talents from Uruguay that have played with artists like Jaime Roos, Rubén Rada and Fito Páez during the last decades. Now they will showcase their joint instrumental project at the series of shows under the Sures umbrella.

POP UPS

Mambo anniversary lunch with Alcanfor

July 11, noon
Mambo (Malabia 820)

Villa Crespo restaurant Mambo is marking its first anniversary with a month-long series of guest chef collaborations celebrating open-fire cooking, friendship and shared ideas. On Saturday, July 11, chef Santiago Pérez and Calvin Daniele will welcome Julián Galende, of Alcanfor, for a special lunchtime event. 

The one-off menu blends Mambo’s wood-fired cooking philosophy with Galende’s distinctive approach, creating a collaborative dining experience that highlights some of Argentina’s most exciting contemporary culinary talent. Reservations are recommended

A Coruña Spanish pop-up at El Patio de Mabel

July 11, noon to 4 p.m.
El Patio de Mabel (Dr. Adolfo Dickman 1100)

Spanish cantina A Coruña is leaving its home in Versalles for a one-day pop-up at El Patio de Mabel in La Paternal. Chefs Carolina Giuliani and Vanina Heredia will join Luciano Lucho Pacello and his team for a collaborative menu inspired by Galician cuisine, featuring tapas, paella and dishes created exclusively for the occasion. 

Live music by singer-songwriter Joaco Burgos and a vinyl soundtrack will round out the relaxed afternoon.