From the world’s biggest Spanish-language book fair, to experimental theater, to a martini-fueled audio bar, here’s where to go and what to see this weekend in Buenos Aires.

Buenos Aires International Book Fair

Thursday April 24 to May 12 — Monday to Friday 2 to 10 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. 

La Rural (Av. Sarmiento 2704)

ARS$5,000 to $8,000, children under 12 enter free

The 49th edition of the Buenos Aires International Book Fair is back as the largest book fair in the Spanish-speaking world. The nearly three-week event draws more than a million visitors and more than twelve thousand publishing professionals. 

The fair features more than 1,500 cultural activities including author talks, book signings, poetry readings, microfiction sessions, and storytelling events. A full daily program of activities and events is available online. Entry includes book vouchers and discount coupons for use at the fair and participating bookstores.

This year’s official opening ceremony takes place on Thursday 24 at 6 p.m., led by Argentine writer Juan Sasturain. “Night of the Fair” is on Saturday, April 26, with free admission from 8 p.m. onwards.

FAUNA

Runs through Sunday 27

Held across various venues in La Boca

Free entry

FAUNA, the Artistic Festival of the National University of the Arts (UNA), returns for its fifth edition, transforming La Boca into a cultural circuit. The only university festival of its kind in Argentina, expect a vibrant multidisciplinary artistic experience with the theme of “We build worlds and defend them.” 

This edition features 145 productions selected by a jury of artist-educators from across the university’s departments. This biennial event showcases the work of over 350 artists — students, graduates and resident companies. Events are held across six venues, including the UNA’s Arts Production and Outreach Center, the Film Museum, and Usina del Arte.

The festival’s programming spans visual arts, technopoetry, theater, dance, concerts, performances, film screenings, literary works in short fiction, poetry, and essays. Most visual installations can be viewed daily from 4 to 9 p.m. at Paseo de las Artes, check out the catalog online for a detailed list of event times.

“SONS — Ser o no ser” Immersive Theater

Show runs through May 4 — Thursdays through Saturdays at 9 p.m., Sundays at 8 p.m.

Sala Sinpiso GEBA (Julio A. Noble 4100, Palermo)

Tickets start at ARS$28,000, can be purchased online

The latest creation from legendary Spanish theater company La Fura dels Baus is now showing in Buenos Aires for a limited run. This immersive production reimagines Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” through La Fura’s signature blend with 360-degree projections, immersive sound, and performers who share the space with viewers.

Directed by Carlus Padrissa, one of La Fura’s founding members, this deconstruction of “Hamlet” explores themes of madness, fate, freedom and mortality through a multisensory format that challenges traditional theater conventions.

French Film Festival

Thursday through Wednesday April 30

Cinépolis Recoleta (Vicente López 2050)

General entry is ARS$10,000, tickets can be purchased online

Featuring a diverse selection of French films, expect to find everything from comedy to animation to horror, with a lot of dramas. The full programming is available online with trailers and an agenda of show times.

The latest works from some very well-known figures in the French cinema industry, the films were selected to portray a wide range of foreign cinema to please both cinephiles and casual movie-goers. 

The festival’s special guest Alain Guiraudie, director of “Misericordia,” will give a Q&A with the public after the festival’s opening showing at 7 p.m. Thursday. 

Victor Audio Bar

DJ sets Thursday from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m., Friday and Saturday from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m.

Victor Audio Bar (Soler 5130, Palermo)

This new Palermo bar isn’t just another “new Palermo bar.” Specializing in martinis, classic cocktails and good music, it offers an active listening experience (read jukebox and records) set in a mid-century inspired swankily cool space.

The menu includes food as well with vintage options ranging from fried chicken, to mac and cheese, to banana sundaes.

This week there’s a lineup of two special guests DJing each night. Expect a different vibe with each DJ — from Nico Cota’s funky hip hop soul, to the old school classics of FRSH.