Hey Santiago parents! This first full weekend of January is going to be HUGE because Teatro a Mil kicks off! Don't miss the massive, free street parade, El gigante y los niños Wara Wara, on Saturday. For something less crowded, check out the Festival de Cine Las Condes for some cool outdoor movie vibes. Get planning!
Quick Picks
El gigante y los niños Wara Wara
Museo de Bellas Artes
Catch the giant street theatre parade for free downtown!
Festival de Cine Las Condes 2026
Parque Araucano
A full festival of critically acclaimed films, perfect for an indoor escape.
31 Minutos: Don Quijote
Centro Cultural Chimkowe
Your little ones will love the beloved puppets in this special Teatro a Mil performance.
El gigante y los niños Wara Wara
This is the massive, unmissable street theatre opening for Teatro a Mil, featuring 7-meter giant puppets! Find out where the parade of time-traveling kids and the giant are stopping near you for a truly epic sight.
Why we picked it: It’s the grand, free opening spectacle of the city's biggest theatre festival with giant puppets!
Festival de Cine Las Condes 2026
Kicking off this weekend, this film festival brings critically acclaimed international movies to an outdoor setting. It’s a great way to beat the heat if you catch an evening screening or get out of the sun for a bit.
Why we picked it: A limited-run film festival with curated international films happening right now in the city.
La Negra Ester
A hugely popular and colourful theatre piece running this weekend as part of the summer programming. It’s a classic Chilean play that’s always a good night out.
Why we picked it: Limited run of a famous local theatre production running right on Saturday night.
PARCAS. LA VOZ, EL OJO, LA CARNE
Another free, high-caliber show from Teatro a Mil, this one is a flamenco piece that was highlighted by the director. Check the official site to see if a performance is happening on Saturday or Sunday near you.
Why we picked it: It's a critically recommended, free performance as part of the massive city-wide festival.
Festival de Cine Las Condes 2026
The film festival is running all weekend in Parque Araucano. It’s a great way to see quality cinema under the summer sky before the other big festivals take over.
Why we picked it: First weekend of a brand new film festival, so you get to be among the first to see the selection.
La Negra Ester
Catch the second show of this cult favourite on Sunday evening before it moves on. It's a vibrant, memorable piece of Chilean theatre.
Why we picked it: The last chance to see this specific production this weekend before the next run.
PARCAS. LA VOZ, EL OJO, LA CARNE
If you missed the Saturday show, check the Teatro a Mil schedule for a Sunday performance of this intense flamenco piece in another location across the city. It's a unique cultural injection.
Why we picked it: Another chance to see a high-quality, free, site-specific performance from the festival.
31 Minutos: Radio Guaripolo 2
Okay, this one's technically in Viña del Mar next weekend, but if you're driving to the coast, this 31 Minutos show is massive and you should book now. For this weekend, stick to the free street shows!
Why we picked it: Shows the high demand for the most popular kids' acts around this time, even if this specific date is next week.
31 Minutos: Don Quijote
Yes, it’s *Teatro a Mil*, but 31 Minutos is a must-see! This is their take on Don Quixote; sadly, the only Santiago show listed is later, but check for other free Teatro a Mil shows on the weekend!
Why we picked it: It’s 31 Minutos, an absolute Chilean cultural icon, and part of the big festival this weekend.
El gigante y los niños Wara Wara
If you missed the Saturday kickoff, this parade with giant marionettes will be hitting Pudahuel the following week! Keep an eye on the Teatro a Mil site for other weekend community stops that might pop up.
Why we picked it: It's the same incredible street show, demonstrating how the festival spreads across different 'comunas' this month.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Santiago this weekend?
The best free option is the start of Teatro a Mil! Check out the massive street parade, El gigante y los niños Wara Wara, on Saturday at 21:00, starting near the Museo de Bellas Artes. There are also other free Teatro a Mil shows happening in various comunas—check their full schedule!
What can I do with toddlers this weekend?
While the 31 Minutos show is next week, the El gigante y los niños Wara Wara parade on Saturday is free and amazing for all ages, including toddlers, as it takes over the streets. Look for other kid-focused street theatre from Teatro a Mil happening in a neighbourhood near you.
Are there any cool, non-standard events this weekend?
Absolutely! The Festival de Cine Las Condes 2026 offers unique outdoor cinema screenings in Parque Araucano. Plus, the opening night of Teatro a Mil’s free street shows like El gigante y los niños Wara Wara is the definition of a one-off, must-see Santiago summer event.