Step Into Argentina for an Evening at the Festival Argentino

One of Arlington’s most joyfully improbable annual traditions is the Festival Argentino, now in its 39th year — a full-scale celebration of Argentine culture, music, and cuisine held each May at Kenmore Middle School Auditorium at 200 S. Carlin Springs Road. The festival welcomes hundreds of people annually with a variety of live musical and dance performances, great local and international vendors, interactive children’s entertainment, and delicious Argentine food, all operating under the auspices of the Embassy of Argentina and supported by Arlington Cultural Affairs. Since the first event in 1988, the celebration has grown steadily in both size and scope, with performances spanning tango, folklore, rock, and pop — with top artists flying in directly from Argentina alongside local performers. The gourmet asado — authentic Argentine wood-fired barbecue — is a particular draw, accompanied by traditional choripán (Argentine sausage with chimichurri), empanadas, and alfajores.

The $25 general admission ticket includes entry into a raffle for two round-trip airline tickets to Argentina. The 2026 festival falls on Saturday, May 23rd, from 3:30 to 10:30 p.m., with exhibitors and the gourmet asado opening first and the main show running through the evening. Free parking is available on site, and the venue is accessible from the Ballston Metro via Bus 4AB or 25B. Tickets at https://argentinefestial.org