Benedito Calixto’s street fair: a colorful Saturday in the city.

Held in the Pinheiros neighborhood since 1987, the street fair at Benedito Calixto Square is a must in São Paulo’s alternative agenda. Every Saturday, from 9am to 7pm, the block is packed with stalls, mainly of antiques and handicraft products. However, it is also possible to find jewelry, toys and vintage clothing. The key is to arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds and search for unique and well-preserved items.

After you are done shopping, make a stop at the food tents in the middle of the square and treat yourself to delicious typical Brazillian food –“pastel” (deep fried dough with different fillings), “tapioca” (cassava flower crepe), “bolinho de bacalhau” (codfish cake) and “acarajé” (bean cake with spices, tomato, onion, shrimps and a peanut cream). If you decide to stick around, you will also be able to enjoy a live band playing “chorinho” (the New Orleans jazz of Brazil) from 2:30pm to 6:30pm.

The square also hosts literary and gastronomic projects. On Saturdays, “O Autor na Praça” occupies a tent to promote literature. Each edition launches one book and invites the author for a chit-chat. On Thursdays (6pm to 10pm) and Sundays (12pm to 6pm), the square hosts the “Panela na Rua” project (at number 85). Personally selected by chef Luiza Hoffmann, you can find some of the best food trucks in town!

Besides the fair, the area around Benedito Calixto has several bars, restaurants and stores. Don't miss visiting Mercado Pop, for instance. This collaborative store is located in one of the corners of the square (Rua Teodoro Sampaio, 1041) and offers a common space for independent professionals in fashion, design and gastronomic fields. On the second floor, you will find more food options and a small organic market.

The store Gibiteria is another highlight. You will find it right in front of the square, in the first floor of the gallery “Como Assim?!...” (at number 158), the store specializes in comic books: a great place for kids! On the ground floor of the gallery, you can also find fashion, design and art exhibitors. Lastly, on the underground, there is this little cozy and casual restaurant, that even locals have not heard of – one of the secret jewels of Benedito.

If you are in the mood for Brazilian food, there are two other great options in the area. If you would like to taste traditional food from Minas Gerais, go for “leitão à pururuca” (roasted pig) or “galinhada” (chicken stew) at Consulado Mineiro (at number 74), and if you want to try some of the best Northeast foods in São Paulo, stop by the informal Bar do Biu (Rua Cardeal Arcoverde, 772/776) and savor the “baião de dois” (rice, beans, dried meat, cheese and bacon) or a “vaquejada” (dried meat, with onions and cheese). Just remember to arrive around noon to any of these restaurants to avoid waiting in line.

And in case you were wondering, Benedito Calixto was one of the great Brazilian painters from the 20th century. The square is named after him.

Have you ever been to Benedito Calixto? Share more “insider” tips with us!

Information

Address: Praça Benedito Calixto, Pinheiros.

Opening hours: Saturdays, 9am to 7pm.

Parking lot: Estapar, at Rua João Moura, 790, Pinheiros, one block away from Benedito Calixto Square. Open 7am to 9pm, on Saturdays.