Monday — the start of the working week and usually people’s least favorite day. While Monday is typically associated with feeling glum, bored or still a little hungover from the weekend, in Medellín, there’s plenty going on to make Mondays exciting. Whether you’re just passing through the City of Eternal Spring or living here on a long-term basis and looking to find new hobbies, here are the best things to do in Medellín on Mondays.
Join Barrio Central’s trivia night
Where: Circular 2 # 68-123
When: 8pm – 10.30pm
Cover: Free
Barrio Central is a British-run bar in Laureles and is particularly well-known for its bi-monthly trivia nights. Paisas and foreigners alike flock to the bar to flex their knowledge over a variety of categories, including science, history, sports, film, and music.
A maximum of six people can make up a team, and the winners take home $50,000 COP in bar credit, plus craft beers for each team member. The quiz is also a great opportunity to practice Spanish, as questions and answers are given in both Spanish and English.
Reservations have to be made before 7.45 pm on Monday via (+57)5407965 or (+57)3136214659. We recommend arriving early to the trivia, as tables get filled very quickly.
Watch jazz at El Acontista
Where: Calle 53 #43-81
When: 8pm – 11pm
Cover: Free entry (minimum $15,000 COP menu spend per person)
Located in El Centro, El Acontista is one of Medellín’s best hidden gems. The chic bar/restaurant also happens to be a bookstore, filled with floor-to-ceiling rows of classic stories.
Every Monday, the venue hosts live musicians, ranging from jazz to blues, acoustic and country, to entertain the mostly Paisa crowd. The ambiance is cozy, the service friendly, and the prices cheap – what more could you want for a slightly bleak Monday evening?
There’s no cover for the event but attendees are asked to spend at least $15,000 COP on items from the menu (can be food or drink).
Be part of the community at Lunes de Ciudad
Where: Plazoleta de San Ignacio, Carrera 45 #47-66
When: 7 pm
Cover: Free
Taking place in Medellín since 2013, Lunes de Ciudad is an organization that encourages dialogue among communities in countries throughout Latin America. Every Monday, people from all backgrounds are welcome to join the discussion on topics like peace, coexistence, security, urban sustainability, governance, and democracy.
The events sometimes have guest speakers or politicians attend, so really are an opportunity to really have your voice heard or better understand Colombia.
Salsa away with DANCEFREE
Where: Calle 10A #40-27
When: 9.30pm – 4am
Cover: Free
DANCEFREE is a private salsa school in El Poblado. On Mondays, they host an evening filled with live music and a dance floor full of swaying hips. From 8 pm until 9.30 pm one of the expert teachers leads a group salsa class, and from 10 pm onward, salsa and bachata musicians take to the stage.
The event is suited to both professional dancers and those looking to learn the basics of Latin movement. So, either come alone and be prepared to make new friends or bring a friend/partner and plan to get close and sweaty.
No reservations are necessary to join the event.
Party at Fonda la Chismosa
Where: Calle 18 # 35-81
When: 8pm – 4am
Cover: Free
Monday is no excuse not to make the most of Medellín’s awesome party scene. And, there’s no night more authentically Paisa than a fonda — a colorful bar with neon lights, lots of kitsch decorations, performers, and flowing Aguardiente.
Located up in Las Palmas, Fonda la Chismosa is a fantastic experience where visitors can dance, drink, and be very merry. The drinks are a little more expensive than usual in Medellín but the vibrant atmosphere and general wackiness are well worth it.
Want to fill your itinerary with events on other days? Check out our ‘things to do’ guides for Saturday and Sunday, or keep yourself thoroughly entertained throughout the week on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
For other fun activities to do while you’re in Medellín, don’t forget to visit our article “Top 10 events of the week in Medellín” where you can find a variety of events from art exhibitions to movie nights, free language exchanges, classical music concerts, theater nights, gastronomy, and much more.
