Happy Carnival weekend in Quito! We have fantastic parades and free cultural activities lined up for Saturday, plus a unique bird census on Sunday. Don't miss the big Corso de Carnaval celebration Saturday morning.
See our top picks
Carnival Parade in Carcelén Alto
Parque de Carcelén Alto
The main Carnival street parade for Saturday morning entertainment.
Wilson Paccha Exhibition: 'Lightning Barks'
Centro Cultural Metropolitano
A free, indoor art exhibition—perfect for winding down Sunday afternoon.
Voice Workshop for Children
Laboratorio de Letras, Parque Urbano Cumandá
A dedicated, free vocal/singing workshop for kids 6-12 on Saturday afternoon.
· February 28
10FREE : Join the vibrant Carnival parade celebrating the season before Lent. Expect artistic groups, music, and a lively community atmosphere in northern Quito.This is a major, free, outdoor cultural celebration happening right in the middle of the target weekend.
WEAVING AND CROCHET MEETUP : A collective gathering focused on crochet and weaving techniques. A chill indoor activity perfect for creative teens and adults.It's a recurring Saturday event taking place this weekend, perfect for a calmer cultural activity.
GUITAR WORKSHOP (MORNING SESSION)FREE : Free, ongoing guitar practice and learning session at Parque Cumandá. Open to kids, teens, and adults starting from age 8.Consistent Saturday morning activity at Cumandá, great for music-loving families.
DRUM AND DJEMBE WORKSHOP (PERCUSSION)FREE : Learn to play drums and djembé in this free percussion workshop at Cumandá Park. Open to the whole family.Free, interactive percussion workshop happening all morning Saturday.
COMMUNITY VIOLIN ENSEMBLEFREE : A free, community-focused music session using didactic materials to build bonds through shared musical appropriation.It's a recurring Saturday event at Cumandá specifically designed for community building through music.
CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOP: A STORY CAN BE A DREAM (GROUP 2)FREE : This workshop provides narrative tools for short story writing. Since it's open to all ages, it’s perfect for creative families to work together.Open to 'Todo Público' on Saturday morning, making it the most accessible writing workshop this weekend.
FREE : An evening event featuring lights and colors, recognizing youth working for the northern neighborhoods. Great atmosphere after the afternoon parades.A distinct Saturday evening cultural event focused on community recognition.
VOICE WORKSHOP FOR CHILDRENFREE : A fun and safe space for kids (6-12) to work on basic vocal techniques, breathing, and rhythm through games and songs.Free, dedicated session for younger kids (6-12) on Saturday afternoon at Cumandá.
: A powerful and heartbreaking theatrical piece about loss and guilt. Recommended for families with teens (13+).It's a specific evening theatre performance listed only for Saturday, Feb 28.
: Enjoy live salsa and cumbia music from various orchestras in this Saturday festival. A great way to experience local Ecuadorian rhythms.A specific musical event confirmed for Saturday, Feb 28, offering evening entertainment.
· March 1
4FREE : This is your last chance to catch Paccha's exhibition, which showcases dreamlike symbolism and the aesthetics of popular neighborhood language. Perfect for a relaxed cultural outing.It is explicitly ending on Sunday, March 1st, making it a 'last chance' opportunity for the weekend.
FREE : Get up early for a conservation mission! Join birdwatchers to observe and record aquatic birds near Pintag. This is a great educational, early morning outdoor activity.Unique, educational, outdoor opportunity on Sunday morning focused on nature/science.
: While the submission deadline is Monday, the general prize announcement suggests an associated exhibition or viewing opportunity related to contemporary art in Quito.It's the only art prize listed that spills into the target weekend (deadline Mon, Mar 2), suggesting public viewing opportunities.
SUNDAY BIKE RIDEFREE : The popular weekly street closure for cyclists takes place again this Sunday. Grab your bikes and enjoy a safe ride down major avenues.It's the recurring Sunday outdoor activity that's perfect for active families.
Also On· anytime this weekend
4FREE : A great morning activity to learn how to take better photos using just your mobile phone. A fun, creative skill-building session.It's a scheduled Saturday activity that focuses on a modern, accessible skill for all ages.
: Celebrate World Whale Day with experiential tours at the Yaku Water Museum. It’s an engaging way to learn about ocean life and conservation.A scheduled Saturday experience at a top family attraction focusing on a special environmental theme.
FREE : If you have a family dog, bring the responsible caregiver to this early Saturday session focusing on basic training and responsible ownership. Kids ages 6-12 are specifically mentioned for participation.Early Saturday morning session that directly involves younger children (via their caregivers) in responsible pet ownership.
: Explore an exhibition showing the trajectory of art from Quito into the wider country. Very affordable entry prices for families.Confirmed to be running Sunday, March 1st, offering a low-cost cultural dip in the city center.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Quito this weekend?
This weekend (Feb 28-01) features several free options, including the main Carnival Parade in Carcelén Alto on Saturday morning, the Cell Phone Photography Workshop at Plaza Belmonte, and musical workshops like the Drum and Djembe Workshop at Parque Cumandá.
Are there any outdoor activities for families on Sunday, March 1st?
Yes, the recurring Sunday Bike Ride (Cíclopaseo) will take place, closing major streets for cycling. Also, for early risers, there is the La Mica Waterfowl Census for bird watching.
What is happening related to the Carnival celebrations?
The biggest specific event listed is the Carnival Parade in Carcelén Alto on Saturday from 9 AM to 3 PM. Additionally, the Carnival of Lights and Colors in San Carlos offers an evening event Saturday.
