Bogotá Becomes a Grand Stage for the Imagination: The 3rd International Biennial of Arts for Children Is Coming

The highly anticipated 3rd Biennial of Arts for Children arrives in Bogotá this year with the inescapable question: “What do we play when we inhabit the world?” The answer is expected to emerge over fourteen days of fun and through four themes throughout the city: Play and Territory, Space and Environment, Enjoyment and Creativity, and Digital Languages. 

To set the tone right from opening day, "Chumba la Cachumba" the District Institute of the Arts (Idartes) Literary Picnic at San Carlos Park, promises an afternoon where books come to life through music, puppet theater, illustrated concerts, and astonishing stories, inviting everyone to enjoy art and reading under the Bogotá sky.. 

Another unmissable activity is “Journey Among the Stars” at the Bogotá Planetarium, a multisensory, immersive experience that transports visitors to the universe, especially designed for young children. 

The Biennial is also about discovering Bogotá’s cultural venues 

Other major cultural venues bringing the Biennial to unconventional locations include the El Ensueño Theater in Ciudad Bolívar, where “Body Rhapsody” by the Peruvian company Hugo e Inés will be performed, and the Compartir Sumapaz Cultural Center - Pilona 10, featuring “The Circus of Wonders,” a puppet and clown theater production by the Colombian puppet collective El baúl de la fantasía. 

Meanwhile, the CDC La Victoria presents “Una insectópolis llamada Bosquetá,” an educational concert that combines music, dance, and theater to teach children about the connections between life, nature, and caring for the planet.  

And downtown, which is also part of the cultural event at the National Museum, where “Profundo” will be presented—a production that explores the underwater world through characters, objects, and soundscapes that bring to life the story of Abby, a little fish who, along with her ocean friends and her wise grandfather Barau, embarks on an intrepid journey. Meanwhile, the Luis Ángel Arango Library presents 'History of Music' by Canada's Buzz Brass woodwind quintet, an unusual musical journey spanning from Ancient Greece, through the Roman Empire and the chants of medieval monks, all the way to the music of movies and video games like Star Wars and Mario Bros. 

And at the Miguel Urrutia Art Museum - MAMU, families can experience 'Museum of Monsters,' an interactive project by artist Nicolás París that invites audiences to bend down, stick out, listen to, search, and let their imaginations soar; perhaps finding a footprint, a key, a stone, or some character that has inhabited the museum all along.  

An excuse to explore the city through art 

In October, Bogotá becomes a great place for family fun. After some excitement at the National Museum or the Planetarium, it’s worth exploring other spots and experiencing the city together. We invite you to visit the Museum of Modern Art of Bogotá (MAMBO), Independence Park, or take a stroll through La Macarena in downtown Bogotá.  

If you’re planning to go to La Candelaria, you can continue your adventure at the Gold Museum, the Botero Museum in Bogotá, and the historic streets of downtown, turning your family day out into a true adventure filled with art, culture, history, and the city itself.  

And if you are heading to the south of the city, visit the Illimani Viewpoint Park (El Parque Mirador Illimani) in Ciudad Bolívar—a public space and viewpoint located at the top of the final TransMiCable station (Mirador del Paraíso), offering one of the most sweeping panoramic views of all Bogotá. You can also learn about street art and resilience through its famous graffiti. It's the perfect way to combine culture, entertainment, and learning, exploring the city, and creating unforgettable memories with the kids. 

And if you're looking for more experiences involving games, art, music, and creativity, the little ones can discover the world of science and technology at Maloka, which will feature Halloween-themed activities throughout October. 

The Biennial’s grand finale will take place on the first day of November with the event “Babies in the Park” at Lovers' Park, where, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., children can interact and play with art, nature, and their families. This event is expected to attract around 6,000 children and their families. It’s the perfect way to conclude the journey by visiting western Bogotá near Simón Bolívar Park and other green and cultural spaces such as Children's Park and the Virgilio Barco Library.  

The Biennial shows that learning about Bogotá can also begin with play; it is an invitation for families to explore the city, discover its cultural spaces, and find in every corner a new opportunity to create, learn, and marvel. 

Events and experiences you can't miss

• Journey Among the Stars: A visual and immersive journey for the little ones. (Sunday, October 18 – Bogotá Planetarium).
• Chumba la Cachumba Literary Picnic: An experience combining reading, play, and music in public spaces. (Sunday, October 18 – Bosque San Carlos Park – Between Carrera 13 and 13A with Calle 31A and 31F Sur).
• Montaña Hoguera: A recommended stage and visual arts production within the program. (Sunday, October 18 – El Parque Theater – Carrera 5 # 36 – 05).
• Body Rhapsody: A performance centered on movement and body language. (Sunday, October 18 – El Ensueño Theater –Transv. 70D # 60 - 90 sur).
• Albert: The Triumph of the Imagination: A science theater production that introduces knowledge to childhood in a playful way. (Sunday, October 18 – Bogotá Planetarium – Calle 26B # 5 – 93).
• Concierto Colcha de retazos: Featuring singer-songwriter Diana Hernández, María Mulata, with her work nominated for Best Children's Music Album at the Latin Grammy Awards, weaving a vast map across Colombian fauna, flora, and soundscapes. (Sunday, November 1° – Luis Ángel Arango Library, Concert Hall – Calle 11 # 4 – 14).

For more information, see the complete schedule at https://nidos.gov.co/bienal-2026/programacion  

And remember that Bogotá gives you more. Download the app and discover its tourism offerings at VisitBogotá