Get Out!: Pope and Pride take over Buenos Aires

The city’s calendar comes with a few plot twists this week. Pope Leo XIV is drawing huge crowds for a Monday Mass and a Youth Gathering on Tuesday, turning parts of Buenos Aires upside down. On Saturday, the 35th Pride March will take over 9 de Julio with music, activism, and a new (and controversial) route to Congress — when the march wraps up, the party is only getting started, with a packed lineup of LGBTQ+ nightlife events. 

There’s plenty more on the agenda, too: rare cinema screenings, Hollywood favorites, major live acts and a dinner bringing two internationally acclaimed Argentine steakhouses together. 

As always, the Herald’s got you covered.

Get ready for Pope mania: Mass, music, and a city turned upside down Nov. 9, 10 a.m. (papal motorcade) and 11:30 a.m. (Mass)
Nov. 10, 8:15 p.m. (Youth gathering) 
Monumento de los Españoles (Av. del Libertador and Av. Sarmiento)
Free admission

Yes, you probably noticed that part of Buenos Aires is upside down. Pope Leo XIV’s visit is bringing major traffic restrictions, transport changes, and, of course, some very big gatherings (you can check the information here). 

The first major public event on his schedule is Monday’s Mass for families at Monumento de los Españoles, where at least one million people are expected to gather. The site is particularly symbolic: it is where Pope John Paul II celebrated Mass for Argentina in 1982. Admission is free and open to the general public, with pedestrian access points set up around the area. Attendees may bring mate, sunscreen, insect repellent, folding umbrellas, small backpacks and Argentine or Church flags with flexible poles.

You may be interested in: The Pope takes over Buenos Aires: All you need to know

The festivities begin earlier, at 10 a.m., when Leo will travel along Avenida del Libertador in the popemobile to greet the crowds. 

On Tuesday, the monument will host a gathering for young people at 8:15 p.m., featuring live performances by Nahuel Pennisi, Maggie Cullen, and Valentino Merlo. More than 160 food stalls and food trucks across seven locations will also be serving visitors throughout the area.

Pride takes over 9 de Julio Nov. 7, 10 a.m. (fair and activities); 4 p.m. (march)
Av. 9 de Julio, between Sarmiento and Av. Belgrano
Free admission

The 35th Buenos Aires Pride March takes over downtown this Saturday with a full day of music, activism and celebration. This year’s gathering comes with a change of route: because Plaza de Mayo will be part of the security perimeter for Pope Leo XIV’s visit, the march will set off from Lima and Avenida de Mayo at 4 p.m. and head toward Congress. Its rallying cry is “When hate advances, pride in the streets is resistance.”

The day kicks off at 10 a.m. with the Paseo del Orgullo, featuring stalls along Lima and Cerrito, between Sarmiento and Avenida Belgrano. More stands will be spread around Plaza Moreno and Plaza del Congreso, bringing the total to 450. The program also includes the first LGBTIQ+ Book Fair on Lima, the side avenue of 9 de Julio.

Live music will be another major draw, with performances by María Becerra, La Joaqui, K4OS, and Roze, among others. Visitors will also find rapid HIV-testing stations, while the march will bring renewed calls for sexual health, gender identity, diversity and human rights.

Pride after dark: Buenos Aires keeps the party going The Pride March is just the warm-up. The celebrations start early, with Guchito hosting a pre-march gathering from noon to 3 p.m., followed by Baltrónika from 4 p.m. at Balagan Café. 

Once the march wraps up, the city’s nightlife takes over. Options include La Durex, Fiesta Loca (10 p.m. to 6 a.m.) at Costanera 2851, Fun Fun (midnight) at The Shamrock Basement, Hiedrar at Club Deseo and 999 at Tucumán 133. 

Un Ratito kicks off at 6 p.m. at a secret location, while Fiesta Femme takes over Feliza from 8 p.m. until 6 a.m. Still going on Sunday? The famous Missa Orgullo starts at 6 p.m. at Niceto Vega 5699.

Éric Sadin: thinking beyond the machine Nov. 4, 6 p.m.
Teatro El Picadero (Enrique Santos Discépolo 1857)
Free admission; tickets available one hour before the event

French philosopher Éric Sadin returns to Argentina two years after his last visit to present El desierto de nosotros mismos, his latest book, published by Caja Negra Editora. A vocal critic of artificial intelligence, Sadin argues that generative AI is no longer merely a tool but a technology reshaping the human condition. 

He warns that people are increasingly handing over to machines not just technical and mechanical tasks, but also their ability to think, create, express themselves and relate to one another. The conference will explore his humanist perspective on the profound changes brought about by AI. Simultaneous translation will be provided.

FILM Bazofi film fest at MALBA Throughout November
MALBA (Av. Figueroa Alcorta 3415)

In November, MALBA Cine once again hosts resistance film festival Bazofi, the Filmoteca Buenos Aires’ annual feast of cinematic oddities. A must for film buffs, the event specializes in unearthing extraordinary films in every sense of the word. This year’s eclectic and offbeat lineup includes comedy gems such as Carl Reiner’s “Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid”, screened in 35mm, and Basil Dearden’s “All Night Long”, a 1962 reimagining of Othello featuring jazz legends Charles Mingus and Dave Brubeck.

Hollywood classics at Sala Lugones Cinephile temple Sala Lugones revisits two major figures from Hollywood’s golden age with programs devoted to John Huston and Frank Borzage. The first pays tribute to the American actor and filmmaker whose career spanned five decades of the 20th century, both in front of and behind the camera. Thirteen feature films trace his work, including “The African Queen” and “The Maltese Falcon”.

The second installment of “Frank Borzage, a Romantic in Hollywood” features a retrospective of the American director, one of the golden age’s foremost practitioners of melodrama, known for his deeply romantic approach to storytelling. His 1931 film “Bad Girl”, playing on Friday, Nov. 6, win Borzage his second Academy Award for best director.

Plus, Sala Lugones celebrates the 100th birthday of legendary filmmaker, producer and comedian Mel Brooks, with four screenings of his classic “Young Frankenstein.”  

POP UPS Two top steakhouses share the fire Nov. 11, 8 p.m.
Madre Rojas (Rojas 1600)
Reservations required

Two of Argentina’s most internationally acclaimed meat-focused restaurants are joining forces for a one-night dinner. On Wednesday, Madre Rojas will host Fogón Asado for a four-course menu prepared by chefs Juan Barcos and Sebastián Cardamoni, paired with wines from Luca Wines and Domaine Nico. Both restaurants rank among Argentina’s highest-placed entries in the World’s 101 Best Steak Restaurants list..

The menu opens with Fogón’s tataki with pickles and Madre Rojas’ Wagyu handroll, followed by rolled matambre and anticuchera-style Wagyu tongue. The main course explores different breeds and cuts, featuring smoked Limousin and island-raised British beef, with grilled vegetables and Wagyu-fat fries. Dessert is a dulce de leche flan pâtissier with blue cheese ice cream. A wine pairing accompanies each course.

MUSIC Lucio Mantel November 4, 8 p.m.
La Fábrica (Fitz Roy 1245)
Admission: AR$22,000

Talented singer-songwriter presents his last concert of 2026 in Buenos Aires. Setlist includes songs from his debut 2008 album “Nictógrafo” and his recent “Los ancestros”.

Ronnie Wood November 6, 9 p.m.
Movistar Arena (Humboldt 450)
Admission: AR$95,000

A legendary Rolling Stones guitar player arrives in Buenos Aires with his Ammo band, plus special guest Imelda May and local opening act Ratones Paranoicos.

Chango Spasiuk November 6, 9 p.m.
Teatro Coliseo (Marcelo T. de Alvear 1155)
Admission: AR$45,000-90,000

Argentine accordionist and chamamé master from Misiones province is revisiting his musical journey, blending traditional rhythms with string arrangements and cinematic visuals.

San Martín Vampire November 6, 9 p.m.
Niceto Club (Niceto Vega 5510)
Admission: AR$18,000

Dark, romantic and danceable cult-band in Argentine techno-pop led by Sergio Pángaro will play its final show celebrating the 25th anniversary of album “Debut y despedida.”