Best salsa festivals 2026 — where to dance abroad

Tips for your first salsa congress

• Know your style room. Big congresses run LA (On1), New York (On2) and Cuban rooms — wander, but know what you mostly dance so you can find your people.
• Book early. The host-hotel block sells out first, and that's where the late-night social and the after-parties happen.
• Workshops are optional. Some dancers come purely for the social floor and the shows. Don't feel you must do every class.
• Pace yourself. Several nights to 4–5am is a marathon — hydrate and sleep.

FAQs

Do I need a partner to go to a salsa congress?

No. Workshops rotate partners and the social floor is built for dancing with people you've just met. Most people travel solo or with friends.

What's the difference between a salsa festival and a congress?

Very little in practice — both are multi-day events with workshops, parties and shows. "Congress" tends to imply a larger, more international line-up. They share this calendar.

Are these festivals only salsa?

Most are multi-style — you'll usually find bachata and often kizomba rooms alongside salsa. The line-up is on each event's page.

How do I find salsa festivals on specific dates or near me?

Use the festivals calendar and filter by country and month, or browse all salsa events — classes and socials too — via the directory.