February events in Patagonia

Since 1979, Castro has celebrated the traditions of Chiloé in its Municipal Park: pit-cooked curanto, milcao and other typical food, a crafts fair, music and dancing, and demonstrations of farm work. It is held over a weekend in February, with free admission; in 2026 it took place on February 21 and 22.

El Calafate celebrates the anniversary of the naming of Lake Argentino with concerts at the Anfiteatro del Bosque, a crafts fair, food, sports competitions and the main ceremony with a floral tribute. It is organized by the Municipality of El Calafate; it is held in February, around the 15th, and lasts six to ten days.

A tribute to La Trochita and its railway workers in El Maitén, the capital of the narrow-gauge train: shows, a float parade, gaucho skills, artisans and producers, and rides on the Old Patagonian Express. It is held in February, usually on the second weekend, on the grounds opposite the station.

The big summer festival of the city of Neuquén: nights of concerts by national artists, the «Neuquén Emprende» fair, food and cultural spaces at Isla 132, on the Limay River. It is organized by the Municipality of Neuquén; in 2026 it ran from February 5 to 8.

In the second half of February, El Bolsón celebrates its hop crop with a beer garden, national and regional shows and a producers’ and artisans’ fair, at the Municipal Sports Center grounds, with free admission. The 48th edition was held in 2026, from February 19 to 22.

The end-of-harvest celebration of the Upper Valley: three nights of shows with national artists at the Municipal Fairgrounds, the Guess the Apple’s Weight contest, the Fruit Packers contest, a production circuit for children, producers, artisans and food. Admission is free. It takes place in February, Friday to Sunday; in 2026 it ran from February 20 to 22.

In February, the Río Negro town of Los Menucos celebrates the National Flagstone Festival, one of the most significant in the Southern Region, which pays tribute to one of the mainstays of the local economy, the quarrying of flagstone and porphyry, and to those who work in it.

Historically, flagstone and porphyry production has been an important contribution to the local economy because of the income it has generated and the labor it employs.

The festival includes a crafts fair, the election of the queen, shows by regional and national artists and an equestrian festival.

In February, Junín de los Andes dresses up in tradition to celebrate the National Camp Tender Festival. This popular celebration shines with its rodeos and an excellent artistic quality, which make it the greatest celebration of Argentine folklore in southern Neuquén. It began as a tribute to the puestero (camp tender) and his rural work, which contributes enormously to the development of the area. During the days of the festival, visitors from all over the province and the country enjoy singing and dancing shows by national, regional and local artists, and a magnificent display of criollo skills.

In 2026 it was held from February 11 to 15 at the Centro Tradicionalista Huiliches grounds. The 2027 edition is scheduled for February 3 to 7.

In February, the traditional LoiSuites Chapelco Golf & Resort Open Championship is held at the Chapelco Golf & Resort. It is played over 36 holes in the full handicap medal play format, with categories for men and women. The awards are presented at the resort clubhouse at the end of the tournament.

In mid-February, Villa La Angostura is filled with flowers to celebrate the National Garden Festival. Residents show off the decoration of their parks and gardens, which compete for the best garden award. The event includes shows by well-known artists, a float parade, a crafts and regional products fair, a food court, workshops and exhibitions.

In 2026 it was held from February 14 to 17. For 2027, the Villa La Angostura Tourism Office has announced February 5, 6 and 7.

In early February, Puerto Deseado hosts the Patagonian Shark Fishing Contest. The event attracts anglers from all over the country and abroad, and has earned the city the nickname of "Southern Shark Capital". Organized by the Piedra Toba Fishing Club, it is divided into two categories, shore and boat fishing, held in different areas inside the estuary. Besides the competition, there is a festival with musical shows and the election of the shark king and queen. The event takes place at the Caleta Zar grounds, on Uruguay Bay, 25 km from the city.

For two days in February, Lago Puelo celebrates the National Forest Festival. There are sports activities for athletes and families alike, rodeos, axemen contests and artistic performances. Children can enjoy shows with clowns, ventriloquists, balloons, games and songs. There is also a parade of candidates for the election of the forest queen, photography exhibitions and displays of workshops and regional products.