First International Local Markets Gathering 2026

In Bogotá, there are places where food tells stories, recipes are passed down from generation to generation, and every stall preserves a piece of the city's memory. Markets are much more than spaces to buy fresh fruits, vegetables, and produce: they are meeting points between the countryside and the city, settings for culinary tradition, and places where relationships are built around food and culture. On October 21 and 22, 2026, the capital will host the 1st International Local Markets Gathering, an initiative led by the Institute for the Social Economy (IPES) that invites people to discover the value of these spaces and discuss their role in the cities of the future. 

The event will take place at Corferias, as part of Expo Agrofuturo 2026, bringing together representatives from Colombian farmers' markets, merchants, vendors, international specialists, and participants to share experiences and explore new opportunities for transformation. The agenda will be guided by six main subjects: feeding, connecting, celebrating, caring, transforming, and governing. These themes will address topics such as food security, the connection between producers and consumers, culinary heritage, sustainability, circular economy, and the use of technology to strengthen the management of these spaces. The initiative aims to demonstrate that markets can evolve and meet current challenges without losing the identity, knowledge, and traditions that make them unique. 

For those looking to discover another part of Bogotá, this gathering also highlights the cultural, economic, and social importance of the markets in the city's daily life. Behind every product are farmers, merchants, families, and knowledge that connect different regions and enrich Colombian gastronomy. The initiative seeks to open a dialogue between local and international experiences, strengthen collaboration networks, and project new ideas for the future of these spaces. Thus, Bogotá becomes the setting for a conversation that goes beyond food supply, placing identity, sustainability, and gastronomic tourism at the center. Participation is free with prior registration; it's an opportunity to join this knowledge exchange and discover how markets can continue to nourish not only cities, but also their stories and communities.