Things to Do

Events Taking Place in San Juan

1. Carnaval de San Juan - February
   Historic capital city carnival featuring music, dance, colorful costumes, cultural activities, and community celebrations before Lent.
   San Juan
2. Concurso Nacional del Cuatro - December
   A prestigious competition showcasing Puerto Rico's finest cuatro players while celebrating the island's national instrument and rich musical heritage.
   San Juan
3. Concurso Nacional de Trovadores - May
   Annual competition showcasing Puerto Rico's traditional trova, where skilled troubadours perform and improvise poetic verses accompanied by the cuatro and guitar, preserving one of the island's most cherished folk music traditions.
   San Juan
4. Dia de los Reyes - January
   Three Kings Day is the traditional gift-giving holiday on the island, commemorates the day that the three Wise Men brought gifts to the Christ child. In La Fortaleza the governor honors the tradition by handing out gifts to island children.
   San Juan
   (787) 724-7171
   
5. Festival Casals - Year-round
   International classical music festival founded in 1957 by world-renowned cellist Pablo Casals. Features orchestras, chamber ensembles, and acclaimed soloists performing throughout San Juan.
   San Juan
   (787) 620-4444
   
6. Festival Cultural del Nino - September
   A family-oriented festival featuring children's entertainment, music, storytelling, arts and crafts, educational exhibits, games, and cultural activities celebrating Puerto Rican traditions.
   San Juan
7. Festival de Cine Europeo - April
   Annual European film festival featuring award-winning contemporary cinema from across Europe, presented in partnership with European embassies.
   San Juan
8. Festival de la Calle de San Sebastian - January
   This festival sponsored by the Institute for Puerto Rican Culture, take place in San Sebastian street for three days, celebrating Puerto Rican culture with a full program of parades, folkloric dances, music, food and crafts.
   San Juan
   (787) 724-0910
   
9. Festival de la Palabra - October
   International literary festival bringing together authors, poets, publishers, and readers through lectures, book signings, workshops, and cultural discussions.
   San Juan
10. Festival de Teatro Puertorriqueno - September
    Annual performing arts festival presenting contemporary Puerto Rican theater, classic productions, and experimental performances by local companies.
    San Juan
11. Festival Folklorico Internacional - January
    An international celebration of traditional music, dance, colorful costumes, and cultural heritage featuring folkloric groups from Puerto Rico and around the world.
    San Juan
12. Festival Internacional de Jazz de Puerto Rico - March
    Multi-day jazz festival showcasing local and international artists with concerts, educational workshops, and cultural activities.
    San Juan
13. Festival Internacional de Cine Fine Arts - October
    Puerto Rico's largest international film festival, showcasing independent films, documentaries, premieres, filmmaker discussions, and special screenings.
    San Juan
14. Fiestas Patronales de San Juan Bautista - June
    Every year, San Juan celebrates a patron saint festival. The festivities include dances, food, parades and religious processions.
    San Juan
    (787) 724-7171
    
15. Puerto Rico Heineken JazzFest - March
    One of the Caribbean's premier jazz festivals, attracting internationally recognized jazz musicians alongside Puerto Rican performers.
    San Juan
16. Puerto Rico Baseball Season - November
    Puerto Rican professional teams compete at the Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan and in other parks throughout the island. Seasons run Nov-Jan.
17. San Juan Bautista Day - June
    San Juan celebrates the island's patron saint with week-long festivities, including religious processions, music, dancing, games and beach bonfire parties. At midnight on the first day of festivities, revelers walk backward into the ocean or nearest body of water three or seven times to ward off evil spirits and renew good luck for the coming year.
    San Juan
    (787) 721-2400
    
18. Sofo Culinary Fest - August
    Sofo Culinary Fest is held twie a year and considered one of the most popular annual food festivals in Puerto Rico, this vibrant street festival transforms the historic streets of South of Fortaleza (SoFo) in Old San Juan into a massive open-air dining room. Featuring over 40 restaurants, bars and live music setup at various stages throughout. The festival is a great way to sample dishes and cocktails from some of the most popular restaurants in Old San Juan.
    San Juan
19. Gallery Nights - Year-round
    On the first Tuesday of every month, more than 30 galleries throughout Old San Juan stay open late with exhibitions, artist receptions, live music, and cultural activities.
    San Juan
    (787) 721-2400
    
20. Santurce Art Walk - Year-round
    Monthly art walk showcasing galleries, murals, local artists, restaurants, and live entertainment throughout the Santurce arts district.
    San Juan
21. Old San Juan Farmers Market - Year-round
    Local farmers and artisans gather regularly to sell fresh produce, coffee, baked goods, and handcrafted products.
    San Juan
22. Festival Internacional de Teatro Puertorriqueno - March
    Showcases Puerto Rican playwrights and theatrical productions.
    San Juan
23. Fiestas de la Cruz - May
    Traditional neighborhood celebration honoring the Holy Cross with music, prayers, and folk traditions.
    San Juan
24. Festival Folclorico Internacional - January
    Features folkloric dance and music groups from Puerto Rico and around the world.
    San Juan
25. Festival de Teatro Musical - January
    Celebrates musical theater with performances by local artists and theater companies.
    San Juan
26. Festival de Ceramica - September
    Showcases ceramic artists, demonstrations, and handcrafted works.
    San Juan
27. Puerto Rico International Fine Arts Film Festival - October
    Annual film festival showcasing Puerto Rican and international independent films, documentaries, and special screenings.
    San Juan
28. Festival de la Musica Puertorriquena - November
    Annual celebration of Puerto Rican music featuring concerts, traditional rhythms, and performances by local artists honoring the Island's musical heritage.
    San Juan
29. La Campechada - November
    Puerto Rico's premier arts and culture festival celebrating a distinguished Puerto Rican artist through exhibits, performances, workshops, and artisan fairs. The host city varies each year.
    San Juan