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A practical Madrid calendar for headline dates, seasonal events, festivals, public holidays, and useful things to plan around.
Latest guides
Use the calendar below for dates, then jump into the latest practical guides when we have one.
The weekend of August 8-9 in Madrid centers on San Lorenzo's fiestas in Lavapiés — a water battle, a Sabina tribute, free kids' workshops — plus quieter paid and free options through Veranos de la Villa. A Level 2 heat alert and two ongoing metro closures shape how to actually get around, and Wednesday's total solar eclipse means this is the last full weekend to collect free glasses.
La Paloma runs August 13-16 in La Latina; this year its central day, August 15, coincides with a Saturday national holiday, which could mean a stronger weekend crowd for the religious core of the fiesta. Here's the real night-by-night lineup, what happens where, and how to avoid spending the evening stuck at the back of a crowd you can't see over.
A total solar eclipse crosses northern and eastern Madrid on August 12, 2026 — the region's first in over a century. Where to see totality, where to see a 99.95% partial from the city, how to get there without a car, and how to get certified glasses before free stock runs out.
Calendar
Scan the main dates first. Dedicated guides live separately and are linked when we have one worth reading.
One of the world's premier clay-court tennis tournaments, with night sessions known for atmosphere.
Madrid's regional holiday, with official acts, a historical reenactment in Puerta del Sol, free concerts, and an evening drone show.
Madrid's defining local celebration, with the May 15 feast day, concerts, traditional dress, chotis, rosquillas, and Pradera de San Isidro plans.
Four open-air Brunch Electronik sessions at Caja Mágica, with Saturday dates running 17:00-00:30 and Sunday dates 16:00-23:00.
Nearly 100 photography and visual-arts exhibitions across Madrid and other cities, many free, running through the summer.
Hundreds of stands and author signings unfold through Retiro Park in one of Madrid's best-loved events.
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.
One of Europe's largest Pride celebrations. The main parade is Saturday 4 July, running from Atocha to Colón along Paseo del Prado.
Madrid's official summer programme brings concerts, theatre, dance, cinema and circus to outdoor venues across July and August.
A major summer music festival with global headliners, multiple stages, and a large international crowd.
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.
The middle verbena, with the 10 August feast day centred on Lavapiés: street food, music and dancing around the neighborhood's 17th-century church.
The peak of Madrid's August street-party cycle. Main day is 15 August, with castizo dress, chotis, processions and packed La Latina nights.
National public holiday. Many shops shut and Madrid is quieter than usual outside the La Paloma festivities.
A citywide jazz season with large venues, intimate clubs, international artists, and free events.
