If you’re craving a music festival that pulses with raw energy, anti-establishment spirit, and the sound of Colombia’s alternative underground, the Altavoz Festival in Medellín is a must-experience cultural force. Since its launch in 2004, this government-supported yet fiercely independent event has become a sonic lightning rod for punk, metal, hip-hop, hardcore, ska, and experimental music scenes across Latin America — all with a distinctive Medellín flavor that keeps it honest and alive.
Whether you’re planning your first festival trip to Colombia or are already backpacking through South America, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know — from navigating the city to understanding the vibe and making the most of this electrifying weekend of sound.
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What Makes Altavoz Festival So Unique
Altavoz isn’t just a music festival — it’s a statement. Unlike many events with corporate sponsorships and polished lineups, Altavoz keeps its soul rooted in youth movements, street culture, and musical resistance. The lineup is a genre-smashing mix of punk, rap, reggae, death metal, and everything in between, giving stage time to both grassroots acts and international icons that share its rebellious DNA.
Supported by Medellín’s Secretary of Culture, it exists in a rare space — institutional backing with a community-first, anti-mainstream heart. The goal has always been about platforming voices that challenge the norm, giving Colombia’s underground a place to get loud, get heard, and get noticed on a much bigger scale.
What’s New for This Year
This year, the festival is bringing some exciting changes to make your experience even more unforgettable. One of the biggest updates is the new layout at Parque Norte with expanded outdoor spaces, giving more room for installations, art zones, and interactive experiences. Expect to see more immersive elements and creative setups scattered throughout the venue, making it feel like a citywide celebration of music and art.
In terms of programming, there’s a strong focus on diversity and inclusion. This year, you’ll find even more female-fronted bands, LGBTQ+ artists, and genre-blending performances, as the festival continues to spotlight a wide range of voices and sounds that represent the future of music.
Keep an eye out for these updates and more — each year brings a fresh twist to an already legendary festival!
Altavoz Festival 2025 Playlist
Get ready for Altavoz Festival 2025 with a curated playlist of bands from this year’s lineup! Hit play and immerse yourself in the performances that will light up the festival in Medellín. Discover new acts and get a preview of the energy that’s about to take over the stage!
*The 2025 Altavoz Festival lineup is still under wraps, but once the bands are announced, we’ll add a curated playlist featuring this year’s standout artists!
Bands That Have Played the Festival Before
Over the years, Altavoz has welcomed a stunning range of artists — from local legends to international trailblazers. It’s a lineup that reflects just how broad and boundary-pushing the festival’s reach has become.
Notable Past Performers
- Masacre (Colombia) – Death metal icons with a fierce underground following.
- Aterciopelados – Grammy-winning alt-rock duo that helped shape Colombia’s musical identity.
- Total Chaos (USA) – A long-standing punk band from California that brought the global street-punk scene into the mix.
- Nepentes – One of Medellín’s most beloved hardcore bands, known for their politically charged lyrics.
- LosPetitFellas (Bogotá) – A jazzy, funky fusion of hip-hop, rock, and spoken word.
- La Pestilencia – Punk pioneers who helped kickstart Colombia’s alternative movement in the ’80s.
Altavoz Festival Classics Playlist
Celebrate the legacy of Altavoz Festival with this playlist of past performances! Featuring iconic bands from years past, this collection highlights the festival’s best moments and gives you a taste of the incredible acts that have defined it. Whether you’re revisiting old favorites or discovering new legends, this playlist captures the heart of Altavoz.
What the Crowd and Vibe Are Like
Altavoz draws a passionate, expressive crowd — pierced punks, skate kids, metalheads, hip-hop heads, and political misfits all converging for a celebration of loud, raw culture. You’ll feel Medellín’s punk legacy in the air, alongside a new generation of artists and fans who use music as resistance and release.
There’s no influencer scene, no posturing. Just community, noise, and an intense love for the music. If you’re the type of person who thrives in authenticity and doesn’t mind the grit, you’ll fit right in.
What to Expect at the Festival
The main shows at Parque Norte usually run over a long weekend in early November, though there are local qualifying events and warm-up concerts weeks in advance. Shows often kick off mid-afternoon and push into the night with headliners taking the stage after dark.
Don’t expect VIP lounges or luxury setups — this is a boots-on-the-ground, dirt-under-your-nails kind of festival. You’ll be standing for hours, elbow-to-elbow with strangers who care about the music as much as you do. Expect to sweat, shout, and maybe even get pulled into a spontaneous pit if you’re up front.
Tickets and Entry
Here’s the best part: Altavoz is completely free. Yes, really. Thanks to Medellín’s public funding model, access to the main festival is open to all — no wristbands, no tiered pricing, just a community coming together for the love of music.
You’ll usually register for entry in advance through the official festival portal, especially if capacity limits are expected. Bring valid ID — a passport is fine — and arrive early, as entry lines can get long depending on set times.
Food and Drink Options
Festival food here is street-level and satisfying — nothing too fancy, but plenty of flavor. You’ll find food stalls both inside Parque Norte and just outside the gates, where local vendors set up to serve the hungry crowd.
Festival Favorites
- Arepas con queso – Grilled cornmeal cakes stuffed with cheese, a Colombian staple.
- Empanadas – Deep-fried, handheld perfection filled with meat, potatoes, or cheese.
- Salchipapas – A chaotic but glorious pile of sausage, fries, and sauce.
- Fresh juices – Mango, guava, lulo — refreshing and cheap.
- Cerveza Club Colombia or Aguila – Popular local beers, typically cold and abundant.
There are vegetarian and vegan options — especially among the pop-up vendors surrounding Parque Norte — but it’s good to bring snacks just in case lines get long.
Where to Stay in Medellín
You’ll want to be close to the action but also have a spot to recharge. These neighborhoods strike a good balance of budget-friendliness, access to transport, and post-show vibes.
El Poblado
This is Medellín’s most popular area for tourists, filled with hostels, boutique hotels, and vibrant nightlife. It’s further from Parque Norte, but metro access makes it manageable.
Recommended stays:
- Selina Medellín – Trendy and social with a creative, youthful vibe.
- Rango Hostel – Great for meeting other travelers, with comfy shared and private rooms.
Laureles
A calmer, more local-feeling neighborhood, closer to Parque Norte with great food and coffee scenes.
Recommended stays:
- Wandering Paisa Hostel – Affordable, relaxed, and close to transit.
- Inntu Hotel – Sleek, modern, and walkable.
Estadio/Suramericana
Closest to the festival site — ideal for those who want to skip long commutes.
Recommended stays:
- Hotel Dorado la 70 – A convenient option just a few stops from Parque Norte.
- Hostal Cattleya – Friendly and basic, but well-located for festival access.
Getting Around Medellín
The Medellín Metro is fast, clean, and safe — and it’s your best friend during Altavoz. Parque Norte is just a short walk from Universidad Station (Line A). Trains get packed during the festival, so be patient and keep your belongings close.
Uber and InDrive also work well in the city, but be prepared for traffic if you’re relying on them during peak times.
Other Things to Do in Medellín
If you’ve got time to spare before or after the festival, there’s no shortage of culture and scenery:
- Comuna 13: Once one of the city’s most dangerous neighborhoods, now a hub of graffiti art, hip-hop, and street performances.
- Parque Arví: A stunning eco-park accessible by cable car — a peaceful contrast to the chaos of the pit.
- Museo Casa de la Memoria: A sobering but vital museum chronicling Colombia’s conflict and reconciliation efforts.
What to Wear and What to Bring
Comfort rules the day at Altavoz. Most of the crowd goes for black tees, combat boots or sneakers, and whatever gear they won’t mind sweating in. You’ll be outside a lot, and Medellín’s climate is tropical and unpredictable — think sun, then rain, then heat again.
Essentials:
- ID or passport
- Portable charger
- Reusable water bottle (check if it’s allowed)
- Cash and card
- Sunscreen and maybe a poncho
- Earplugs (trust us)
Leave valuables behind — this isn’t the time for flashy gear or anything you’d hate to lose in a mosh pit.
Tips for First-Time Festival-Goers
- Arrive early — Lines build fast, and you don’t want to miss the bands that hit hardest.
- Download offline maps and info — Data can be unreliable inside the park.
- Stay hydrated and fueled — Long hours, big crowds, loud music — pace yourself.
- Don’t overplan — Some of the best sets are the ones you stumble into without expecting it.
Official Resources
Follow Altavoz on their official channels for lineups, updates, and live coverage:
- Official Site: altavoz.medellin.gov.co
- Instagram: @altavozfest
- Facebook: facebook.com/altavozfest
- Twitter: @AltavozFest
Don’t Miss These
- Rock & Metal Festival Packing Guide — Pack smart, stay sharp, and hit the fest ready for anything.
- Navigating Music Festivals Abroad — Skip the rookie mistakes and get the most out of your next fest overseas.
Final Thoughts
Altavoz is more than a music festival — it’s Medellín’s heart on full volume. With its radical ethos, eclectic lineups, and fierce local pride, it’s one of the most genuine musical experiences in Latin America.
Whether you’re traveling solo or with friends, make room in your journey for this unapologetically loud, passionate, and unforgettable event. Bring grit, bring curiosity, and get ready to be moved by music that matters.
To get a better sense of the city’s music culture and where the rock and metal scene thrives, check out our Guide to Medellín’s Rock and Metal Scene. It’s the perfect primer for anyone looking to explore beyond the festival.
If you’ve been to Altavoz before, drop your thoughts in the comments — what was your favorite part, what should first-timers know, and what do you recommend bringing? Your experience might be just what someone else needs to make the most of their trip.
*Note: The artwork featured in this article is custom-created and not affiliated with the festival.