Feria de Bogotá

About

Feria de Bogotá is Colombia's capital city's vibrant annual celebration featuring bullfighting events, concerts, craft markets, children's zones, and cultural exhibitions spread across the Corferias Exhibition Center and various city locations. This festive tradition transforms Bogotá into a family-friendly carnival atmosphere with something for every age, from interactive children's pavilions to traditional Colombian performances. It's a fantastic opportunity for international families to experience authentic Colombian culture while enjoying rides, games, and entertainment designed specifically for kids.

What to Expect

Families will find a sprawling event with multiple zones including dedicated children's areas with rides, bounce houses, and interactive games, artisan markets selling colorful crafts and toys, live music performances, traditional food stalls, and cultural exhibitions. The atmosphere is lively and festive with locals and tourists mixing together. Expect large crowds, especially on weekends, vibrant colors, loud music, and the enticing aromas of Colombian street food. The main Corferias venue is spacious and organized, while satellite events throughout the city offer neighborhood celebrations with a more intimate feel.

Highlights for Kids

• Colorful carnival rides and games in the dedicated children's zone with age-appropriate attractions
• Live performances featuring traditional Colombian music, folk dancers in vibrant costumes, and interactive cultural demonstrations
• Artisan markets where kids can watch craftspeople create traditional Colombian toys and souvenirs
• Food sampling opportunities to try kid-friendly Colombian treats like obleas, algodón de azúcar (cotton candy), and fresh fruit cups
• Interactive cultural pavilions teaching about Colombian traditions, coffee production, and regional customs through hands-on activities

Pro Tips for Families

1. Purchase tickets online in advance when possible to avoid long entry lines, and bring printed copies as internet connectivity can be spotty inside the venue
2. Download a Spanish translation app before arriving, as most signage and staff communications are in Spanish, though some vendors at Corferias may speak basic English
3. Bring Colombian pesos in small bills (avoid relying on credit cards at smaller stalls) and establish a meeting point with older kids in case of separation in the crowds
4. Visit the Corferias main venue early in your trip to pick up a printed program of satellite events happening throughout the city during the fair period—many neighborhood celebrations are free and less crowded

Best Time to Visit

Weekday mornings (10am-1pm) offer the smallest crowds and cooler temperatures, especially important given Bogotá's high altitude sun. Weekends are significantly busier but feature more live performances and special activities. If visiting on weekends, arrive right at opening time (typically 10am) to enjoy attractions before peak afternoon crowds. Avoid late afternoons on weekends when lines for popular rides can exceed 45 minutes. Mid-week attendance around 11am provides the best balance of available activities and manageable crowd levels.

Food & Drinks

The fair offers extensive Colombian food options including empanadas, arepas, grilled meats, and fresh tropical fruit that most kids enjoy. For picky eaters, look for stands selling pollo asado (grilled chicken), papas rellenas (stuffed potatoes), or simple arepas with cheese. Sweet treats include obleas (wafer cookies with caramel), churros, and fresh jugos naturales (fruit juices). Bring reusable water bottles as Bogotá's high altitude (2,640m/8,660ft) requires extra hydration—refill stations are available. Food prices are reasonable (meals typically $3-8 USD per person) but quality varies, so follow the crowds to popular stalls. Note that food safety standards differ from North America, so choose thoroughly cooked items and avoid raw vegetables for sensitive stomachs.

Parking & Access

The Corferias Exhibition Center is located in western Bogotá and is accessible by taxi, Uber, or TransMilenio (Bus Rapid Transit) with the closest station being Corferias. Taxis and Uber are recommended for international families unfamiliar with the bus system and typically cost $5-12 USD from tourist areas like La Candelaria or Zona Rosa. Paid parking is available on-site but fills quickly on weekends; arrive before 10am to secure a spot (approximately $5-8 USD for the day). The venue is generally stroller-accessible with paved walkways, though some outdoor satellite events in the city may have cobblestone streets. Keep in mind Bogotá traffic can be heavy, so allow extra travel time, especially during weekday rush hours (7-9am, 5-8pm).