Best events in Madrid 2025

In a vibrant and culturally rich city like Madrid, there’s always something to do. From traditional festivities to sports, music, and art events, you’ll never run out of plans.

Here’s a selection of the most exciting events taking place in Madrid this year. Take note of Madrid’s cultural highlights for 2025!

Culture & Events in Madrid 2025

Whether you’re passionate about art and history or prefer concerts and theatre performances, this guide brings you a selection of Madrid’s top events in 2025.

Popular festivals and events

Madrid’s cultural calendar is packed with traditional celebrations that reflect Spain’s rich history, customs, and folklore.

• San Antón Festivities (12 – 17 January). The lively San Antón festivities fill the streets of Madrid with processions, pet blessings and activities for the whole family.


• Madrid Carnival (1 – 5 March). Carnival transforms the city into a huge parade of colour, music and extravagant costumes.


• Semana Santa (11 – 30 April). This religious festival features solemn processions, sacred music and a reflective atmosphere. A time to immerse yourself in Madrid's cultural and religious tradition.


• San Isidro festivities (15 May). In May, Madrid celebrates its patron saint, San Isidro, with festivals throughout the city, concerts and traditional dances. An opportunity to share in the joy and devotion of the people in the city.


• LGTBIQA+ Pride (27 June – 6 July). Madrid is one of the world's top destinations for LGTB Pride festivities. Parades, concerts and cultural events highlight the importance of inclusion and equality.


• August Festivities. Every August, Madrid’s neighbourhoods come alive with local celebrations and street events.


• 12 October Parade (12 October). Spain's National Day culminates with the impressive 12th October Parade, a display of armed forces and patriotic events.


• Almudena Festivities (9 November). Honouring Madrid’s patron saint, the Virgin of Almudena, with processions, dancing, and traditional sweets.


• Christmas in Madrid (late November – early January). The city glows with festive lights, Christmas markets, and a magical atmosphere.

Fairs and exhibitions

Madrid is a key hub for international fairs and exhibitions, attracting visitors from around the world.

• FITUR Madrid (22–26 January). The world’s leading tourism trade fair brings together thousands of industry professionals in Madrid.


• Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week (19 – 23 February; September). Fashion takes centre stage at the Madrid Fashion Week, where emerging and established designers present their most innovative creations.


• The Titanic Legend – Immersive Exhibition (Daily). A journey back in time at Madrid Artes Digitales, offering a first-hand experience of the famous shipwreck.


• Madrid Design Festival (6 February - 15 March). Explore creativity and innovation at the Madrid Design Festival, a showcase of design going from architecture to contemporary art.


• ARCOMadrid (5 – 9 March). Contemporary art takes over Madrid with an international fair that brings together galleries and artists from around the world.


• Harry Potter: The Exhibition (until 16 March). A must-see interactive experience featuring real artefacts from the iconic saga.


• Leonardo Da Vinci (until 13 April). An immersive recreation of The Last Supper at the Nomad Museum.


• Madrid Book Fair (31 May - 16 June). One of the most important literary fairs in the Spanish-speaking world, this year celebrates its 83rd edition in El Parque del Retiro.


• Open House Madrid (late September). Discover Madrid's unique architecture with Open House, an event that gives you access to emblematic buildings and allows you to learn about their history and design.

• El Greco: Santo Domingo el Antiguo (18 February – 15 June). A special exhibition showcasing the works El Greco created for Toledo’s monastery.

Sports events

Sport plays a key role in Madrid’s event calendar, from participatory events like marathons to high-profile competitions.

• Mutua Madrid Open (21 April – 4 May). One of the top ATP and WTA tennis tournaments, bringing world-class players to Madrid.


• Movistar Half Marathon (6 April). A scenic route through the city, passing by Madrid’s most iconic landmarks.


• Zurich Madrid Marathon (27 April). A must-attend event for running enthusiasts, offering 42k, 21k, and 10k distances.


• NFL Madrid 2025. American football lands in Spain, with the Miami Dolphins playing an official NFL game at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.


• Harlem Globetrotters (15 May). The legendary basketball entertainers bring their spectacular tricks and skills to Madrid.


• La Vuelta (14 September). Spain’s biggest cycling event concludes in Madrid, finishing at the iconic Plaza de Cibeles.

Music, theatre & live performances

Madrid is a must-visit destination for major concerts, theatre productions, and opera performances. The city’s own “Broadway,” Gran Vía, offers a stellar musical theatre programme.

• Concerts in Madrid 2025. The capital will host some of the biggest national and international artists this year—check out our article for details.


• Carmen (8 – 18 May). Celebrating 150 years since its premiere, Bizet’s Carmen returns in a special production by the Antonio Gades Company.


• La Traviata (24 June – 23 July). One of Verdi’s masterpieces at Madrid’s Teatro Real.


• Festival Río Babel (4 – 5 July). A diverse music festival featuring Spanish, Latin, and international artists.


• Mad Cool Festival (10 – 12 July). One of Europe’s biggest music festivals, bringing top global artists to Madrid.


• Noches del Botánico (6 June – 29 July). An intimate concert series in a stunning botanical garden setting.


• Veranos de la Villa (July – August). Madrid comes alive with open-air music, theatre, and cultural events.


• Sara Baras – Vuela (11 September – 12 October). A tribute to the legendary Paco de Lucía by Spain’s renowned flamenco dancer.


• El Mago Pop – Nada es imposible. Europe’s top illusionist returns to Madrid after his Broadway success with a brand-new show.


• Wicked – The Musical (Premiere 3 October). The Broadway sensation, recently adapted for the big screen, makes its debut in Spain at Teatro La Latina.


• JazzMadrid (November). Madrid’s streets and venues resonate with world-class jazz performances.


• Alegría – Cirque du Soleil. Cirque du Soleil’s most iconic production returns to Madrid to celebrate 25 years since its first performance in Spain.

Explore Madrid's cultural events from The Principal

If you are coming to discover Madrid's cultural and festive scene in 2025, we invite you to stay at our 5-star hotel in Gran Vía, located in one of the most central avenues of the capital.

At The Principal Madrid you will find a luxury urban refuge with an elegant decoration and the most exclusive services. We invite you to enjoy exquisite Spanish cuisine at the Ático restaurant. In the hotel's wellness area you can follow your sports routine or enjoy a relaxing massage or treatment.

Book your stay at The Principal Madrid!