Argentina has plenty to offer in terms of scenery and attractions, but don't forget its great calendar of events and festivals during summer. Whether you're looking for exciting spectator sports, cultural experiences or music concerts, Argentina has it all this summer. So without further ado, here are some of the must-do festivals in Argentina in summer 2015:

Summer (January-March): Events & Festivals

  • The Dakar Rally: is already under way this year in Latin America (confusingly, but we're not complaining), as it races from Buenos Aires, across Northern Argentina, into Chile and Bolivia, before heading back to the capital on 17 January. Follow the stages on the Dakar 2015 website if you want to catch the action along the route.[caption id="attachment_2830" align="aligncenter" width="610"]Carnival kicks off in January in Gualeguaychú. Carnival kicks off in January in Gualeguaychú. / source[/caption]
  • Gualeguaychú Carnival: Brazil's not the only place to spend Carnival! Gualeguaychú hosts Argentina's biggest Carnival celebration, which takes place every Saturday between the 10th of January and 28th of February. The action takes place in the Corsódromo, the equivalent of Rio de Janeiro's Sambadrome, with samba parades and competitions.
  • Tour de San Luis: San Luis, the province tucked between Mendoza and Cordoba, hosts Tour de San Luis, the biggest cycling competition in Latin America from 18-25 January. The demanding race is the perfect way to kickstart the 2015 cycling season.
  • National Festival of Folklore: Cosquín may be just a small town in Cordoba, but it's become famous thanks to the National Festival of Folklore (Festival Nacional del Folklore). From 24 January to 1 February this 10 day folk festival will transform the town as it celebrates folkloric music, dance, poetry and traditions.
  • The Cosquín Rock Festival: Cosquín isn't just famous for folklore, but for rock as well. The 14 February - 16 February -The Cosquín Rock Festival is another highly anticipated event, although it now takes place at the Aeródromo Santa María de Punilla, in Cordoba province, from 14-16 February. Celebrating its 15th year,  expect a great line-up of local rock bands, and a few international bands as well.
  • Quebrada del Humahuaca Carnival: Another fantastic option to celebrate Carnival is in Quebrada del Humahuaca, Jujuy. The celebration in this culture-rich corner of Northern Argentina combines indigenous, Spanish and creole customs, creating a unique take on Carnival in a stunning setting. It takes place from 14-17 February, while celebrations in nearby Tilcara last into early March.
  • The National Hops Festival: If you're a beer lover and are planning to be in Patagonia between 17 and 20 February, don't miss the National Hops Festival in El Bolsón. This hippie town near Bariloche is famous for its excellent craft beer. The festival pays homage to this important plant for the beer industry, with shows, activities and plenty of beer tasting.
  • The Fiesta Nacional del Sol: Between 24 and 28 February, the Fiesta Nacional del Sol (National Festival of the Sun) takes place in San Juan. This cultural festival celebrates the province, its culture, history and economics. Expect a week of parties, events, shows and the crowning of the Queen of the Sun. [caption id="attachment_2827" align="aligncenter" width="610"]The Grape Harvest Festival is one of the highlights of the year in Mendoza. The Grape Harvest Festival is one of the highlights of the year in Mendoza. / source[/caption]
  • The Grape Harvest Festival (Fiesta de la Vendimia): Mendoza kicks off wine harvest season in the best way possible, with their annual Grape Harvest Festival, which takes place in Mendoza from 1-10 March. Some of the event's highlights include the blessing of the crop, with the image of the Virgin of Carrodilla, who is said to bless the harvest, the harvest carrusel, a grand show and the electing of the Harvest Queen. And let's not forget about all the wine!
  • The 17th annual National Trekking Festival: It takes place in El Chaltén. Dates have not been released yet, but expect this one to take place in early March. It's not just about hiking though; this festival encompasses all things outdoors, including trail running and mountain biking, not to mention live music and parties! Keep your eye out on Chaltén Hoy for the latest details.
As you can see there is plenty to see and do in Argentina in summer 2015. Don't forget to also check out 2015's unmissable events in Buenos Aires! For more information on things to do in Argentina this year, visit our website. This article has been modified.