The world capital of tango hosts its annual festival during the city's coolest month — two weeks of milongas (tango dances), concerts, workshops, and the Mundial de Tango world championship. Buenos Aires invented tango in the working-class neighbourhoods of San Telmo and La Boca in the late 19th century, and the festival returns to those roots while also filling the city's grandest theatres. Free outdoor milongas in public plazas draw both serious dancers and fascinated onlookers. The World Championship final at the Luna Park arena is genuinely electric.
The free milongas in Plaza Dorrego (San Telmo) during the festival are a perfect entry point. The championship stage shows are ticketed and worth it. August is autumn in Buenos Aires — cool and beautiful, no tourist crowds.