Parque de la Retreta
Cali's vibrant cultural hub, alive with music, events, and local flavors, especially after sunset.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Vibrant atmosphere, live music
Parque de la Retreta
Best Time
Vibrant atmosphere, live music
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Cali's vibrant cultural hub, alive with music, events, and local flavors, especially after sunset.
"The atmosphere is just wonderful! It truly comes alive in the early evening."
🎯 Evening is Best
Visit after sunset for the best atmosphere and comfortable temperatures. The park truly comes alive at night!
🍻 Try Local Drinks
Don't miss out on Lulada, Cholao, and Champus. Perfect for enjoying the Colombian beer scene.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Live Music & Cultural Events
Various stages and areas within the park
Experience the vibrant cultural heart of Cali with live music, festivals, and performances. A true taste of local life.
Tascas Poker & Casetas Colombia
Designated event areas
Enjoy local beers, traditional drinks, and lively music at these popular pop-up event spaces, especially during Feria.
Biodiversity & Community Stands
Green zones
Discover local entrepreneurs and initiatives focused on biodiversity and sustainability. A chance to support local causes.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Evening Vibes & Events
Beat the Heat & Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Evening is Best
Visit after sunset for the best atmosphere and comfortable temperatures. The park truly comes alive at night!
🍻 Try Local Drinks
Don't miss out on Lulada, Cholao, and Champus. Perfect for enjoying the Colombian beer scene.
🎶 Check Event Schedules
The park hosts many festivals and concerts. Look for schedules for Sucursal Fest or Feria de Cali events.
💰 Affordable Entry
Casetas Poker often have an entry fee around $10,000 COP which includes a beer.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Evening is Best
Visit after sunset for the best atmosphere and comfortable temperatures. The park truly comes alive at night!
🍻 Try Local Drinks
Don't miss out on Lulada, Cholao, and Champus. Perfect for enjoying the Colombian beer scene.
🎶 Check Event Schedules
The park hosts many festivals and concerts. Look for schedules for Sucursal Fest or Feria de Cali events.
💰 Affordable Entry
Casetas Poker often have an entry fee around $10,000 COP which includes a beer.
🩸 Blood Donation Opportunities
During major events like COP16, blood donation drives are often set up.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the wonderful atmosphere at Parque de la Retreta, especially in the evenings when it truly comes alive with music and culture. It's praised as a safe and enjoyable place to experience local drinks and vibrant events, particularly during the Feria.
"The atmosphere is just wonderful! Didn't know it was every Thursday and Friday. The culture there catches you, and you want to be part of it."
Leo Suarez
"Don't miss this place when you come to Cali. If you're crazy, visit during the heat of the day. However, if you want to enjoy yourself, then visit after sunset. It truly comes alive in the early evening."
Jon-C Stubblefield
"A nice urban park with plenty of space to walk around and surrounding spots where to enjoy music and have some Colombian beers in a safe atmosphere."
Jose L. Gerhartz
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Parque de la Retreta is conveniently located near the CAM (Centro Administrativo Municipal) in Cali. Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available and a common way to reach the park. Public buses also serve the area, making it accessible for budget travelers.
While street parking might be available in the vicinity, it can be challenging, especially during events. It's often recommended to use taxis or ride-sharing services to avoid parking hassles.
During the Feria, public transport and taxis are highly recommended due to increased traffic and crowds. Many attendees opt for ride-sharing apps for convenience.
The park generally offers flat pathways suitable for walking. However, specific event areas might have uneven terrain. It's advisable to check event details or contact organizers for specific accessibility information.
Depending on your starting point, it can be a pleasant walk from some downtown areas. However, consider the heat and distance, especially during the day. Taxis are a quick option if you're short on time.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General entry to Parque de la Retreta is usually free. However, specific events hosted within the park, such as concerts or festivals like Sucursal Fest or Casetas Poker, may require paid admission.
The park itself is generally accessible during daylight hours. However, the vibrant evening activities and event spaces like Casetas Poker typically open in the late afternoon or early evening, often around 5 PM or 6 PM and run until late.
The Casetas Poker during Feria de Cali usually have an affordable entry fee, often around $10,000 Colombian Pesos, which typically includes a complimentary beer.
Parque de la Retreta frequently hosts a variety of events, including music festivals, cultural celebrations, and community gatherings. It's best to check local event listings or social media for the most up-to-date information on upcoming happenings.
Yes, during certain major events like COP16, blood donation drives are organized at Parque de la Retreta, offering a chance to contribute to vital causes.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Expect a wonderful, vibrant atmosphere, especially in the evenings. It's a place where culture, music, and community come together, making you want to be part of it.
The park is known for hosting live music, cultural events, and festivals. You can also find areas with food and drink vendors, and during special occasions like Feria, themed areas like Casetas Poker are set up.
Parque de la Retreta is generally considered a safe place, especially when visiting during organized events and in the evenings when it's more populated. It's a good place to walk around and enjoy music and drinks in a safe atmosphere.
For the best experience, visit after sunset when the atmosphere is lively and the temperatures are more comfortable. Thursdays and Fridays are particularly popular for evening events.
During the Semana de la Biodiversidad, the park hosted stands with families and entrepreneurs focused on nature. While many events are evening-focused, check for daytime family-oriented activities or festivals.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You can find typical Colombian drinks like Lulada, Cholao, and Champus. During events like Feria, you'll also find beer vendors and food stalls offering various local treats.
While the park itself might not have permanent restaurants, it's surrounded by areas with dining options. During events, temporary food vendors and pop-up bars like Casetas Poker offer a wide array of refreshments.
Prices can vary, but entry to event areas like Casetas Poker often includes a beer for around $10,000 COP. Other drinks and snacks will have individual pricing, generally considered reasonable for the experience.
Food options can vary greatly depending on the specific event. It's advisable to inquire with vendors directly about vegetarian or vegan choices, as traditional Colombian fare might be more meat-centric.
Tascas are temporary event spaces, often set up during major festivals like Feria de Cali. They typically feature live music, dancing, and a selection of drinks, providing a lively social gathering spot.
📸 📸 Photography
The park offers a great backdrop for photos, especially during evening events with colorful lights and lively crowds. Capture the energy of live performances or the unique ambiance of the Casetas Poker.
Generally, personal photography and videography are allowed for non-commercial use. However, for professional shoots or if filming events, it's always best to check with event organizers or park authorities beforehand.
Expect a mix of ambient lighting from the city, stage lights during performances, and decorative lighting for events. This can create dynamic and atmospheric shots, but may require adjusting camera settings for low-light conditions.
The park is located near the Centro Administrativo Municipal (CAM), which can serve as a landmark. The vibrant event setups, like the Casetas Poker, also make for unique photographic subjects.
While daytime offers a green space, the park truly shines after sunset. Capturing the transition from dusk to night, with the lights and activity, provides the most compelling photographic opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🎶 Music Lovers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Vibrant Event Scene of Parque de la Retreta
Visitors should always check local event listings or social media for the park to stay updated on what's happening. The atmosphere is particularly electric during these organized events, drawing large crowds eager to partake in the festivities. It's a place where you can truly feel the pulse of Cali's vibrant culture and community spirit.
Experiencing Cali's Flavors at the Park
During major events like the Feria de Cali, the park becomes a focal point for temporary food and drink vendors. The Casetas Poker and Tascas Club Colombia are prime examples, offering a variety of local beers and often featuring live music, creating a lively social scene. While specific vegetarian or vegan options might require direct inquiry with vendors, the emphasis is on enjoying local tastes in a festive setting. The affordability of entry fees, often including a beer, makes these experiences accessible to a wide range of visitors.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit