The most awaited event in Peru’s national rock scene, the Lima Vive Rock music festival, will take place in the capital in just two weeks. Last year’s event attracted thousands, and this year’s should be equally popular. With over twelve hours of music, a food fair, and more, it’s a great way to learn about the Peruvian music scene and culture.

Tens of thousands of visitors are expected to attend Lima’s Mistura Food Fair, will take place next month from Sept 5^th through 14^th at the Costa Verde of Magdalena del Mar. This year’s theme is Biodiversity & Nutrition. As always, there will be dancing, talks and forums, and demonstrations. As an improvement over prior events, there will be more vegetarian options this year (they have been scarce in Peruvian cuisine and in prior Mistura fairs), such as quinoa burgers.

Centered around Miraflores, San Isidro, and Barranco, Lima’s nightlife offers everything from electronica to cumbia. As long as you observe some basic safety rules (calling for registered taxis rather than taking one off the street, and keeping an eye on your drinks), you can have the time of your life at clubs and bars that range from lounge-y to raucous. Here are some great choices for different types of scenes:

Each August 30^th, Peru celebrates a national holiday in honor of the first saint of the Americas, Saint Rose of Lima. The event is marked by heavy drinking, musical bands, and costumed folkloric dances. Roving street vendors hawk old-fashioned Peruvian sweets and desserts, toys, and religious paraphernalia. Although different neighborhoods host their own parties, celebrations center on a procession through the central streets of Lima and to the saint’s hometown just outside of the city, Santa Rosa de Quives.