Outings and excursions · El Calafate
National Lake Festival: El Calafate celebrates the naming of Lake Argentino
Photos: Gobierno de Santa Cruz · Wikimedia Commons
Concerts, a crafts fair, sports and the anniversary ceremony, every February by Argentina’s largest lake.
Every February, El Calafate celebrates the lake that gives it life. The National Lake Festival commemorates the naming of Lake Argentino, which Francisco Pascasio Moreno named in February 1877, and fills the town with music, sports and a fair for a week or more. It is organized by the Municipality of El Calafate, with the support of the Government of Santa Cruz.
What to see and do
- Nights of concerts at the Anfiteatro del Bosque, with national and regional artists.
- A crafts fair and food, every night.
- Sports competitions: in 2025 there was, among others, a motorcycle race and a car show.
- The main ceremony for the anniversary of the lake’s naming, with a floral tribute, flag bearers and music in a square downtown.
When it takes place
It is held in February, around the 15th, the anniversary of the naming; depending on the year it lasts six to ten days. In 2023 it ran from February 12 to 20 and in 2025 it began on February 10. The date and line-up of each edition are announced by the Municipality of El Calafate.
February is high season in El Calafate, so it is best to book ahead. See accommodation in El Calafate.
Getting there
El Calafate International Airport is about 22 km from town. The Perito Moreno glacier is about 80 km away, and El Chaltén about 220 km.
