Free Events Santiago Sunday: Fairs, Festivals, and Football on 16 August 2026
Chile · What’s On
Looking for free events in Santiago this Sunday? You have a packed day of cultural and sporting options ahead.
Free things to do in Santiago today
Head to Bookish Fest today for its final day at Casa de los Diez. The venue is at Santa Rosa 179, Santiago Centro, and the fair runs from 11:00 to 19:00.
Entry is free, confirmed by Pauta.cl and Meteored Santiago. For a different vibe, visit the Feria de consumo consciente in the southern sector of Plaza Ñuñoa.
This fair runs through today, with free entry as well. However, exact hours are not published, and the street address is not fully verified in sources.
Bookish Fest offers a diverse literary program, including book stalls and author talks. The final day often features special discounts and activities.
The conscious consumption fair focuses on sustainable and local products. It is a good place to find eco-friendly goods and artisan crafts.
Both events are free, making them budget-friendly options for a cultural Sunday. They are easily accessible by public transport in Santiago.
Film and Theatre Festivals Kick Off
The Santiago International Film Festival, SANFIC, opens today and runs until 23 August. Screenings are at venues like Centro Arte Alameda, but ticket prices are not published.
Opening day is confirmed by Paris2Tokyo and Hostelworld. Families can enjoy FAMFEST 19, the International Performing Arts Festival for Children and Youth, which continues today.
FAMFEST has at least two shows for ages 13-17, but times and venues are not published. Tickets are available via Passline, but prices are not listed.
SANFIC is a major cultural event in Chile, showcasing national and international films. It typically includes premieres, short film competitions, and director Q&A sessions.
FAMFEST 19 is dedicated to family-oriented theatre, promoting arts education. The festival features works from Chilean and international theatre companies.
Both festivals offer diverse programming, but attendees should check official sites for schedules. The lack of published prices means visitors need to verify on-site.
Football and Evening Events in the Capital
Football fans can watch Colo Colo play O’Higgins at Estadio Monumental David Arellano. The match is at Avenida Marathon 5300 in Macul, with a 17:30 kick-off.
Ticket prices are not published, but date, time, and venue are verified. For an evening gathering, the RIMAN EXPERIENCE starts at 19:00 at Hotel NH Ciudad de Santiago in Providencia.
RIMAN is free on Eventbrite, but street address is not provided. Start time and free entry are confirmed.
Colo Colo is one of Chile’s most popular football clubs, and home games draw large crowds. O’Higgins from Rancagua are competitive opponents in the Primera División.
The RIMAN EXPERIENCE likely involves networking or a cultural meetup, though specifics are unverified. The hotel venue is near public transport, but exact location needs checking.
For sports fans, arriving early is advisable due to stadium security checks. For the evening event, confirm the hotel’s address via navigation tools.
A Free Gastronomic Festival by the Coast
Travel to the Valparaíso Region for the Festival Gastronómico del Congrio in El Quisco. The event is at Espacio Pinomar in the town center, starting at 12:00 today.
This is the final day of the festival, with free entry. The full street address is not published, but it is described as being in the very center of El Quisco.
The source, ChileEsTuyo from Sernatur, confirms the date, start time, and free entry. The closing time is not specified.
El Quisco is a coastal town about 100 km from Valparaíso, known for its beaches. The festival celebrates the local conger eel, a traditional Chilean seafood.
Attendees can sample various dishes prepared with congrio, from stews to fried preparations. It is a family-friendly event with chances to meet local chefs.
Since it is free, visitors can enjoy the food without a ticket. Consider arriving early to avoid crowds, as the festival is popular among regional tourists.
Museums Open Free on Sunday
The Museo Nacional de Historia Natural in Santiago is open today with free entry. Located near the Quinta Normal metro station, its Sunday hours are from 11:00 to 17:30.
This is confirmed by Meteored Santiago. It is the only museum in the area with explicitly documented free Sunday entry in our sources.
No other museums in Santiago or Valparaíso have confirmed free entry for today in the available information. The museum’s collections include natural history exhibits, such as the skeleton of a fin whale and Chilean flora and fauna displays.
It is an educational visit for all ages. The Quinta Normal park surrounds the museum, offering green spaces for a picnic.
The metro station is on Line 5, making access convenient. Check the museum’s website for any special exhibitions or events.
The free entry policy may be temporary, but it is in effect for today.
Practical Tips for Your Sunday
Plan your day by prioritizing events that require travel, such as El Quisco vs. Santiago activities. Use the Metro for Santiago events, with Quinta Normal station for the museum.
For the football match, consider taking a taxi or rideshare to Estadio Monumental. For RIMAN, verify the hotel’s exact address using an online map, as the street is not listed.
Bookish Fest and the museum are within walking distance of metro stations, making them easy to combine. The Plaza Ñuñoa fair is best reached by metro to Ñuñoa station.
Food options at the Congrio Festival are available but may be limited; eat before or after. For SANFIC, check the festival’s official app for last-minute screening times.
If attending FAMFEST, contact the Passline ticket service for real-time show schedules. Free events do not require reservations, but arriving early is recommended.
For a full day, start with the museum at 11:00, then lunch, and head to Bookish Fest. Later, catch the football match, but arrive by 17:00 for security.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best free event in Santiago today?
Bookish Fest at Casa de los Diez is a great free option, running from 11:00 to 19:00 on Santa Rosa 179. The Museo Nacional de Historia Natural is also free and open from 11:00.
Are there any paid events happening today?
Yes, the Colo Colo vs O’Higgins football match is on today, but ticket prices are not published. The SANFIC film festival also starts today, with prices not yet available.
What events are happening in Valparaíso today?
The Festival Gastronómico del Congrio is in its final day in El Quisco. It starts at noon at Espacio Pinomar, and entry is completely free.
Is there anything for families with teenagers today?
FAMFEST 19 has programming for the 13-17 age group today. Specific show times and venues are not published, but it is a dedicated family theatre festival.
How can I get to the Museo Nacional de Historia Natural?
The museum is near the Quinta Normal metro station on Line 5. You can walk from the station to the museum entrance, but the exact address is unverified.
Sources
- Meteored Santiago weekend guide
- Pauta.cl weekend panorama article
- ChileEsTuyo (Sernatur) event listing
- Eventbrite listing via La Bicicleta Verde
- Weekendgoals
- Paris2Tokyo travel feature on Chile in August 2026
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