Mallorcan ensaimada, artisans, and the best dry chorizo: a feast of flavor and tradition for a long weekend getaway.

A new long weekend is here—with Friday, August 15th, a holiday for tourism—and many are starting to plan a getaway . A day trip , to escape the city for a bit or break from the routine. Or a one- or two-night getaway to a small town.

For both, here's a look at the popular, traditional, and gastronomic festivals planned at several destinations in the province of Buenos Aires for these coming days.

A good excuse to decide and go out for a walk.

From Friday, August 15th to Sunday, August 17th, starting at noon, at the Cultural Station (25 de Mayo Avenue and Manny Interchange). Admission is free.

The centerpiece is the Third Rodriguense Empanada Competition. There will be live shows, entrepreneurs, and artisans.

“The Rodriguense Empanada Festival is a clear example of how gastronomy can be a driving force for local development and a meeting point for the community,” said Pablo Fernández, director of municipal tourism (www.instagram.com/municipalidadgr; www.facebook.com/MunicipalidadGR).

From Friday the 15th to Sunday the 17th, starting at 11 a.m., at the Municipal Public Promenade, with free admission.

Over the three days, various activities are offered, such as the preparation and tasting of the traditional ensaimada in its various forms , workshops related to Mallorcan culture, and tasting of typical dishes.

There will be no shortage of music - shows by local artists - and traditional dances (www.instagram.com/sanpedromunicipio/ - www.facebook.com/sanpedrobuenosaires).

A food fair will take place on August 15 and 16, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and promises to bring together more than 100 producers. There will be tastings, talks about the products on display, live cooking, and shows for the whole family.

There are also play areas for children and food trucks. The meeting center is the Hydrobiological Station, located on Lastra and Juárez Avenues, and admission is free. (www.instagram.com/turismochascomus).

With its railway heritage , community museum, and strong collective identity, this town of 300 inhabitants is preparing to celebrate the Fiesta de la Mujer Campesina (Festival of Rural Women) on Sunday the 17th, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

In addition to the formal ceremony recognizing the 2025 Rural Woman Award and a parade of women on horseback, the celebration will also feature a gastronomic tour, which will include typical dishes such as knife-cut lamb empanadas , authentic stars of Crotto's extensive culinary universe, as well as roasted suckling pig, fried cakes, and regional products.

The exhibition is completed with an exhibition of artisans, musical performances , games and recreational activities (www.tapalque.tur.ar).

From Friday the 15th, at 2:00 p.m.; Saturday the 16th, at 9:30 a.m.; Sunday the 17th, from 8:00 a.m., at the Train Station.

Reining test, horse riding , bonfire, food stalls, artisan and entrepreneur fair, and a family dance and dance group on Friday and Saturday evenings. Featuring leading figures from the national traditionalist scene . Fee-based admission (www.turismo.tresarroyos.gov.ar).

On August 15, 16, and 17 at the Municipal Sports Center (La Rioja No. 100), the fair will feature artisans from across the country , who will exhibit their creations and perform live shows so the public can learn about artisanal techniques and processes.

A wide variety of products and a buffet prepared by the Foreign Communities of Tres Arroyos.

From Friday the 15th to Sunday the 17th, starting at 11am, in Pinar del Norte (Alameda 202 and Calle 303) and with free admission, artisanal chocolate pastries will be the star.

For three days, the Pinar del Norte, home to the Hansel and Gretel-inspired wooden house (created in 2021), becomes an enchanted walkway. Among eucalyptus paths and children's playgrounds, more than 200 artisans, 42 chocolatiers, 22 food stands, 17 food trucks with innovative offerings, five local brewers, and six PUPAs (Small Food Production Units) are set up, combining local flavors, knowledge, and creativity.

Beyond the sale of products, there are free cooking demonstrations, shows by local and guest artists, raffles, play areas for children, and tours to learn about the forest reserve and its history (www.gesell.tur.ar).

Saturday the 16th, starting at 8:00 p.m., and Sunday the 17th, starting at 10:45 a.m., at the Comodoro Py Agricultural Club.

This festival was first celebrated in 2001, initiated by a group of women associated with the Florencio López Public Library. The goal was to create a celebration representative of the town and inspired by the area's historical productive activities.

The first day features the lighting of bonfires , a folklore festival with local artists, and popular dancing.

The following day, the reining tests will take place, along with the traditional gathering of folk groups , the institutional parade of antique machinery, the Creole parade, and the herd marshalling.

In the afternoon, the club reopens its doors with artistic performances, a contest to choose the best dry chorizo , and the candidates for the flower of the land.

The chorizo is Creole, farm-raised, made with its own recipe. And each producer swears theirs is the best. Entrance fee applies (www.instagram.com/fiestadelchorizoseco.py).

This year's cake, which will take place on Sunday the 17th starting at 2:00 PM, will be 115 meters long, and 300 liters of hot chocolate will be distributed. There will also be a bouncy castle, carnival games, and a fire truck ride. The event takes place at Plaza Adolfo Alsina, with free admission (www.monte.gob.ar).

Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th, at 2 pm at the Sunset Parador, on Pinolandia Avenue and La Costa.

More than fifty artists from both Spain and abroad will be tattooing live . There will be a competition with prizes, raffle for tickets, and 10 x 10-centimeter tattoos, available through necochea.tur's social media channels. The activity has a fee (www.instagram.com/necocheatur).