Get Out!: Books, bars and big nights out

Buenos Aires’ cultural calendar is in high gear this weekend, with an offer that spans from the landmark 50th Buenos Aires International Book Fair to symphonic pop, rock musicals and chef-led collaborations.  All across the city, concerts, immersive dining experiences and grassroots bar gatherings round out a diverse lineup, including stadium shows and intimate pop-ups celebrating food, wine and community.If you didn’t make plans this weekend, rest assured: the Herald’s got you covered. Buenos Aires Book Fair April 23 to May 11 2 to 10 p.m. (Monday thru Friday), 1 to 10 p.m. (Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays)La Rural (Av. Santa Fe 4201)Tickets AR$8,000 (Monday–Thursday), AR$12,000 (Friday—Sunday)April 25 is free admission day The Buenos Aires International Book Fair, the most important literary event in the region, will celebrate its 50th anniversary this year. Hundreds of publishers and bookstores will spread over 45,000 square meters offering their titles. The event will also host over a thousand activities, featuring visits by renowned authors that include Nobel Prize-winning writers J.M. Coetzee and Mo Yan and other international guests and local figures.    Highlights include a Jorge Luis Borges tribute on the 40th anniversary of his death and a Reading Marathon with books that were censored by the military dictatorship. There is also the Sant Jordi celebration on the 23rd featuring a book release in Plaza Italia; the traditional City Night on Saturday the 25th with free admission from 8 p.m.; and special activities with this year’s guest country Peru, such as a performance by the National Folkloric Ballet and the Symphony Orchestra on 26th at the Centenario Park Amphitheater. Bar Abierto, special edition  Casa La Colifata (Defensa 1344-50)April 26, from 1 p.m.Free admission Martina Alfuso’s Bar de Viejes project sheds light and promotes classic, neighborhood bars off the café notable circuit. Through their Instagram account, Bar de Viejes (roughly translated to “Old People’s Bar”) has mapped and portrayed several hundred bars across Argentine cities, organizing regular gatherings that include live music, literature and games.  For their eighth anniversary, they co-organize Bar Abierto with La Pulpería Argentina, NGO La Colifata Radio (created by patients of mental health public hospitals), and Antigourmet.Expect random neighborhood anecdotes in a friendly gathering, featuring live radio broadcasts, tango, parrilla and vermouth. Retiro Abierto – Galleries version April 24, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.Retiro neighborhood (circuits: Arroyo, Florida, Suipacha, Reconquista) More than 50 galleries, studios and cultural spaces throw open their doors as Retiro turns into a walkable art circuit. Acoustic sets, interventions and pop-up food offerings animate the streets, inviting visitors to explore the area’s creative pulse through four themed routes. More information and schedule here. MUSIC Symphonic ABBA April 25, 9 p.m.Teatro Opera (Av. Corrientes 856) The Edelweiss Orchestra, directed by Mariano Frumento, will recreate the Swedish pop icon’s major hits with 41 musicians on stage. Yes, they will play Mamma mia. Elena Roger, Charly García and the British Invasions Wednesdays to Saturdays, 8:30 p.m., Sundays 7:30 p.m.San Martín Theater (Av. Corrientes 1530)Tickets starting at AR$28,000 Elena Roger premieres a rock opera about the 1806 British invasion, narrated through the songs of Argentine rock legend Charly García. Based on a script by director Ricardo Hornos, the show features more than 30 people on stage plus a live band, and provides a contemporary perspective on a founding episode of Argentine history. Premiered on April 18, the last show is scheduled for August 2. Dream Theater April 24, 9 p.m.Movistar Arena (Humboldt 450)Admission AR$80,000 Legendary prog-metal band returns to Buenos Aires with its classic lineup and a unique 3-hour show that celebrates the anniversary of their landmark album Parasomnia plus a revisit to the greatest hits of their 40-year history. The opening act at 8 p.m. is local alt-metal band Genova NTVG April 25, 9 p.m.Ferrocarril Oeste stadium (Avellaneda 1240) Immensely popular Uruguayan rock band No Te Va Gustar recently launched Florece en el caos (Blossoms in chaos), their first album in five years. Now it’s time to kickstart a world tour with the new songs, beginning at their beloved Buenos Aires. RESTAURANT POP UPS Huniik at Elena Four Seasons April 28, 8 p.m.Elena – Four Seasons (Posadas 1086)AR$98,000Reservations at [email protected] Renowned Mexican chef Roberto Solís — head of Huniik and a leading figure in the new Yucatecan cuisine — comes to Elena Restaurante, invited by chefs Juan Gaffuri and Nicolás Díaz Rosaenz for a unique experience, using ancient local techniques in a contemporary format.  Corte Charcutería & Enófilo Enoteca April 24, 6 to 9  p.m.Echeverría 1290Free admission, pay what you consume A street-side gathering that pairs music on vinyl with wines and artisanal cold cuts. The format is simple: show up, grab a spot and order as you go. The menu includes two charcuterie boards prepared in-house — a smaller option with two cuts and two cheeses, and a larger, shareable board with five cuts and three selected cheeses.  On the wine side, Enofilo Enoteca — a subscription-based wine club, shop and tasting room that focuses on small and mid-sized producers — will pour tastings by the glass, a three-label flight or a full five-wine experience. Osaka Guest Chef: Javier Rodríguez from El Papagayo April 23Osaka Buenos Aires (Concepción Arenal 2913)AR$130,000 per person, wine pairing included.Reservations at +5491128150727 Osaka Buenos Aires will host Córdoba’s El Papagayo for a one-night collaboration led by chefs Javier Rodríguez and Osaka’s own Cindy Higa. The dinner pairs Osaka’s refined nikkei cuisine — rooted in Japanese-Peruvian technique and balance — with Rodríguez’s more austere, fire-driven approach shaped by seasonality and minimalism. Rather than blending styles, the experience leans into contrast, letting each kitchen’s identity stand on its own across a shared menu. The result is a dialogue between precision and restraint, where difference becomes the point. Friendly Fire: Gastón Riveira & Maximiliano Matsumoto April 28, 8 p.m.La Cabrera (José A. Cabrera 5099)Reservas: +5491168754000 La Cabrera’s open kitchen series Friendly Fire will feature Mihura Mansion’s Maximiliano Matsumoto as a special guest of house chef Gastón Riveira. While coming from different traditions, both chefs share the same care for produce, cooking points and technical precision.  Riveira transformed La Cabrera into one of the most recognizable names in contemporary Argentine grilling, while Matsumoto developed a career marked by versatility and a cuisine that blends classic technique, Japanese sensibility, and a contemporary interpretation of the product. The dinner will be paired with Luigi Bosca wines.