The 69th edition of the Manizales Fair kicked off this Saturday, January 3, and will run through Sunday the 11th in the capital of Caldas, establishing itself from the very first day as a meeting point for tradition, culture, and entertainment. The opening marked the start of nine days of celebration with offerings for different audiences: family-oriented activities during the day, artistic expressions and traditional events, as well as concerts and programming for adults as night falls.
From early on, the city breathed in a festive atmosphere in neighborhoods and rural areas, where Feria en tu Barrio and Feria en tu Vereda promoted everything from live music to dance performances and community gatherings. At the same time, classic venues such as the Palogrande Sports Complex and Los Fundadores Theater hosted sports and cultural proposals on a first day that blended the local with the large-scale.
The official opening was accompanied by shows in Bolívar Square and other emblematic spaces, along with a wide array of free and ticketed activities that project a massive influx of visitors throughout the week. More than 300 events have been scheduled, according to authorities, who expect a significant economic impact for the city and the region, with concerts, sports competitions, gastronomic showcases, and entrepreneurship fairs integrated into the traditional fair agenda.
The 2026 Manizales Fair kicks off in Colombia
The Manizales Fair is not limited to a single type of audience or a single form of expression. From the very first days, the city offers a program that includes musical gatherings, cultural showcases, sports activities, and alternative festivals. The emblematic horseback parade, which traditionally brings together thousands of riders and enthusiasts, is being held today, Sunday, along a route that connects different sectors of the city and reaffirms the importance of equestrian tradition within the fair.
At the same time, spaces such as the Fondas and Arrierías were inaugurated, where tropical music, vallenato, and other expressions liven up the festive nights. During the first days, the Tropical Night with Los Hermanos Medina offered an intense experience for those seeking a more nocturnal atmosphere within the fair. Other venues have promoted family-friendly and cultural experiences, such as the Rum Museum at the Niza Lookout, which allows visitors to appreciate local flavors and knowledge from morning through night.
Sports also play an important role in this edition. 3×3 basketball, the international billiards tournament, skating, cycling circuits, and ultimate competitions are just some examples of the range of free activities that invite participation from the entire community. These initiatives, organized in collaboration with local entities, aim to integrate physical activity with popular celebration and to consolidate the fair as a platform for both emerging and established athletic talent.
Music and concerts are a central axis of the program. The opening concert in Bolívar Square drew thousands of attendees and ignited the festivities, featuring renowned artists who attract both locals and tourists.
Throughout the week, festivals such as the ONE Electronic Music Festival, the Hip Hop Festival at the Media Torta de Chipre, and the Youth Festival at Ernesto Gutiérrez Park expand the musical offerings with diverse genres ranging from electronic music to rock and urban sounds. These proposals seek to connect with broad and varied audiences, reinforcing the perception of the fair as an inclusive and dynamic space.
Alternative events also play a significant role: activities such as Nampa Básico, gatherings of music aficionados, and rock festivals offer alternatives to more traditional concerts, while entrepreneurship spaces, gastronomy, and commercial fairs complement the fair experience with proposals for all interests.
Tradition and modernity: the essence of the celebration
The Manizales Fair combines classic elements with initiatives that reflect cultural and social change. Alongside the traditional International Coffee Queen Pageant, which in previous editions has been one of the most anticipated moments and which this year continues to draw attention for its international reach, there are events that promote local culture, youth participation, and innovation in entertainment formats.
Popular fairs such as the Fondas and Arrierías not only revive regional customs but also generate a vibrant economic space for merchants, artisans, and small business owners. This component, together with the intense sports and cultural agenda, creates momentum that goes beyond entertainment and becomes a driver of the local economy.
The 69th Manizales Fair moves forward with the intention of preserving its century-old tradition while incorporating new artistic and cultural expressions. From music and sports to gastronomy and community life, this edition presents a diversity that reflects the cultural richness of the Coffee Region and positions the event as one of the most comprehensive and anticipated fairs in the country, right in this month of January, traditionally filled with festive events in various regions of Colombia.
While the celebration continues through January 11, what was experienced on its first day—just as in the previous 68 editions—makes it clear that the blend of tradition, spectacle, and citizen participation will continue to draw thousands of people to the streets, venues, and plazas of Manizales, once again consolidating the Fair as an unmissable fixture on Colombia’s cultural calendar.