After dark, on the first Tuesday of the month from September through May (except January), Old San Juan comes alive with art. This is when Gallery Nights or Noches de Galerias takes place. It sounds so refined.

How It Started

It began in the mid-1990’s to encourage people to come into Old San Juan in the evening and spend some money. They had some art galleries stay open late one night per month, to give people a chance to visit the art galleries that normally close early. They hoped for working people to come into town for the evening and not only look at and maybe buy art, but then have dinner and drinks before heading home. It was a huge success and it still continues today.

Come For the Art

That is the main concept that is promoted today in all the guide books. It is a lovely evening from 6:00pm until 9:00pm (or so). Many art galleries, art museums, and the art school stay open late and welcome people in to see the art, sometimes offering wine and hors d’oeuvres. Oftentimes, the artists are there and are happy to discuss their work with you. Sometimes there are mini concerts and musicians around.

Over the years, it has grown to include the areas outside the galleries and into the streets and squares. You will find a large number of “artists” (who work in all different mediums and all skill levels) displaying and selling their works on the streets. Even a number of local craftsmen get into the action. So you can find everything from earrings to candy for sale! This crafts fair is mainly held in the San Jose plaza, on the corner of San Sebastian and Cristo Streets.

We know a number of artists and have attended many times. We usually leave by about 10:00pm and have enjoyed the event in its very classic spirit. The early part of the evening is very family-friendly. The more adventurous (I admit, we are kind of fuddy-duddies, not really into the crowded nightlife) people stay for a drink or two …

Stay for the Party!

And this is the part that they don’t advertise too much … There are two sides to this monthly event.

Once the galleries close, the younger crowd that has come into town gets the street parties started. All the bars along San Sebastian street have great drink specials and the streets fill with young adults, drinking, dancing, singing and just plain hanging out and people watching! Live bands show up and jam sessions start and a party atmosphere prevails (though sometimes marred by the occasional fight or wasted-person’s shenanigans).

This is the party place to be for young adults - this is not a family-friendly atmosphere. This mini-San Sebastian street festival goes until the early morning hours (around 4:00am).

If you’re driving into the Old City, you’ll want to get there early. To be closest to many of the galleries (and bars!) park in the Ballaja’s parking lot under the Plaza del Quinto Centenario by El Morro.

So depending on your mood, Gallery Nights can be a sophisticated evening with the arts, or a crazy crowded street festival. Just time your visit accordingly and you will enjoy your evening in Old San Juan.

These event are free and open to the public.

Noches de Galerias occurs on the first Tuesday of the month from September through May, excluding January.

Call 787-721-6363 for more information.

You can locate San Jose Plaza on our Interactive Island Map