Mar del Plata is the most popular destination for conventions in Argentina after Buenos Aires. Mar del Plata has a wide range of services in this sector. The summer season hosts over fifty theatrical plays.
Shows and festivals
* The Mar del Plata International Film Festival, the only competitive accredited film festival in Latin America.
* The Fiesta Nacional del Mar ("National Sea Festival") with the election and coronation of the Sea Queen and her princesses, which takes place in December as the official inauguration of the summer season.
* The Premios Estrella de Mar ("Sea Star Awards") which honor the best stage plays and shows of the season.
* The Valencian Falles week, a local reenactment of the Valencian event conducted by the Valencian community.
* The Mar del Plata Fashion Show, along with a number of fashion parades that gathers the best haute couture designers.
* The Fiesta Nacional de los Pescadores (National Fishermen's Festival), a colourful display of seamen tradition and cuisine.
* Mar del Plata has also hosted the 1995 Pan American Games, the 2003 Parapan American Games, the 2005 FIBA Under-21 World Championship, and co-hosted the 1978 FIFA World Cup and the 2001 FIFA World Youth Championship.
* Since 1987 Mar del Plata annually hosts the Mar del Plata Marathon, in early December.
* The 53rd International Mathematical Olympiad was held in Mar del Plata in 2012.
The local Government sponsors a Symphonic Orchestra, as well as a Conservatorium and a School of Classical and Modern Dance.
Nightlife
Mar del Plata has a wide variety of clubs located by district: the area of Alem street and Irigoyen (known for its quantity of pubs and nightclubs) and the coast and Constitution Avenue
