Events2 min
Aqua Mater: Sebastião Salgado's Water Photography Comes to Madrid
A new Salgado exhibition brings nearly 100 photographs to a former water reservoir beside Plaza de Castilla.
Section
Events & Things To Do
A practical Madrid calendar for headline dates, seasonal events, festivals, public holidays, and useful things to plan around.
Latest guides
Start with the newest event plans
Use the calendar below for dates, then jump into the latest practical guides when we have one.
Events3 min
Madrid Weekend Guide: 23–25 October 2026
Choose between a free art stop at Cibeles, English-language family theatre at Matadero, a new Baroque exhibition and Sunday's flock through the old centre.
2026 reference
Dated festival calendar
This is a reference to the programmes listed during 2026, including past events. It is not a live calendar. Check the organiser's current programme before travelling or booking.
Apr-May25 Apr-11 May
SportLa Caja Mágica
Mutua Madrid Open
One of the world's premier clay-court tennis tournaments, with night sessions known for atmosphere.
May2 May 2026
Public holidaySol, Malasana, Madrid Rio, Latina
Dos de Mayo: Day of the Community of Madrid
Madrid's regional holiday, with official acts, a historical reenactment in Puerta del Sol, free concerts, and an evening drone show.
May8-17 May 2026
FestivalCitywide
Fiestas de San Isidro
Madrid's defining local celebration, with the May 15 feast day, concerts, traditional dress, chotis, rosquillas, and Pradera de San Isidro plans.
May9, 10, 16, 17 May 2026
Electronic musicCaja Mágica, Usera
Brunch Electronik Madrid Spring Season
Four open-air Brunch Electronik sessions at Caja Mágica, with Saturday dates running 17:00-00:30 and Sunday dates 16:00-23:00.
May-Sep13 May-13 Sep 2026
CultureCitywide
PHotoESPAÑA 2026
Nearly 100 photography and visual-arts exhibitions across Madrid and other cities, many free, running through the summer.
May-Jun29 May-14 Jun
CultureRetiro Park
Madrid Book Fair
Hundreds of stands and author signings unfold through Retiro Park in one of Madrid's best-loved events.
Jun-Jul3 Jun-31 Jul 2026
MusicReal Jardín Botánico Alfonso XIII, Ciudad Universitaria
Noches del Botánico
Tenth-anniversary edition with 54 concerts and 60+ artists across two months, from Omega 30 aniversario to Rigoberta Bandini and Ethel Cain. Doors usually open at 19:30.
Late Jun26 Jun-5 Jul
FestivalChueca and citywide
Madrid Orgullo (MADO Pride)
One of Europe's largest Pride celebrations. The main parade is Saturday 4 July, running from Atocha to Colón along Paseo del Prado.
Jul7 Jul-25 Aug 2026
CultureCitywide
Veranos de la Villa
Madrid's official summer programme brings concerts, theatre, dance, cinema and circus to outdoor venues across July and August.
Jul8-11 Jul 2026
MusicIberdrola Music, Villaverde
Mad Cool Festival 2026
A major summer music festival with global headliners, multiple stages, and a large international crowd.
Aug5-8 Aug 2026
FestivalEmbajadores / El Rastro
Fiestas de San Cayetano
First of Madrid's August verbenas. Feast day is 7 August, with balconies in mantones de Manila, paper garlands, and concerts around Plaza de Cascorro.
Aug9-12 Aug 2026
FestivalLavapiés
Fiestas de San Lorenzo
The middle verbena, with the 10 August feast day centred on Lavapiés: street food, music and dancing around the neighborhood's 17th-century church.
Aug14-17 Aug 2026
FestivalLa Latina
Fiestas de la Virgen de la Paloma
The peak of Madrid's August street-party cycle. Main day is 15 August, with castizo dress, chotis, processions and packed La Latina nights.
Aug15 Aug 2026
Public holidayCitywide
Asunción (Assumption Day)
National public holiday. Many shops shut and Madrid is quieter than usual outside the La Paloma festivities.
Oct-NovAll season
MusicMultiple venues
JAZZMADRID
A citywide jazz season with large venues, intimate clubs, international artists, and free events.
