Things to do in summer in Madrid
Things to do in summer in Madrid
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Summer is the time to kick back and relax. As the days get longer and the weather improves, Madrid offers a whole host of events and activities to suit all tastes. The best music festivals, rooftop terraces and swimming pools, summer cinemas, traditional festivities...The city certainly doesn't rest in the summer months.
A FESTIVAL FOR THE WHOLE SUMMER
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Veranos de la Villa Festival 2026
TAKE THE PLUNGE!
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Madrid has a large number of public swimming pools managed by the City and Regional councils. As the warmer weather arrives, swimming pools kick off the summer season as they open up in the middle of May.
ENJOY THE LAID-BACK LIFESTYLE
Enjoy the latest releases and classic films at the largest drive-in cinema in Europe.
Explore the city in a healthy, sustainable way. Through the Madrid 360 initiative, the city reaffirms its commitment to sustainability and improving environmental protection.
Madrid boasts an array of public parks and gardens from Casa de Campo, Spain's largest green space, to El Retiro Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The lake is one of the symbols of the Retiro; visitors can hire boats or simply relax on the steps.
FALL IN LOVE WITH OUR SUNSETS
Between the Royal Palace and La Almudena Cathedral, this observation deck offers wonderful vistas of the Casa de Campo and Campo del Moro parks.
A 2nd-century Egyptian temple donated to Spain following the construction of the great Aswan Dam.
Great observation deck at Cibeles Palace, from which you can enjoy stunning panoramic views of the city.
A rooftop terrace on which you can enjoy a wide range of cocktails as you take in the wonderful views.
Enjoy wonderful vistas of the city from this observation deck. Open Tues-Sun (except for special dates). Don't miss the souvenir store!
This lake, with exceptional views of Madrid, is a recreational area where people of all ages can spend their free time.
BEAT THE HEAT
Try some fabulous flavours in Madrid’s great ice cream parlours.
With over 2,800 hours of sunlight per year, our city is one of the sunniest capitals in Europe. In these two shops, one classic and the other modern, you’ll find the perfect summer accessory.
CELEBRATE OUR FESTIVITIES
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Madrid Pride
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August Fiestas
THE BEST FESTIVALS
Live concerts in a beautiful natural setting featuring performances by leading national and international artists such as Morrissey, Van Morrison, Texas, Kool & The Gang, Roxette and Santana (Complutense University Botanical Garden. 4 Jun-31 Jul).
New edition of this highly diverse festival of Ibero-American music (Venue to be confirmed. July 2026).
The great summer festival will be holding its ninth edition in 2026 (Venue and dates to be confirmed. 10 to 12 July in 2025).
Latest edition of this festival that brings together the best Latin music with Justin Quiles and Bryant Myers, among others (Iberdrola Music. 19 and 20 July). Tickets on sale
The festival brings together some of the leading national and international pop, indie and electronic artists, such as Anastacia, Olly Alexander, Melanie C, Chanel, Julieta or A*Teens (Recinto Ferial Torrejón de Ardoz. 19 and 20 September).
AND OUR TERRACES....
As soon as the heat starts to kick in, Madrid opens up its terraces, on pavements or the rooftops of hotels and emblematic buildings.
SPORTING EVENTS
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Fifth edition of the grassroots football tournament that seeks to educate children (Centro Deportivo Alcalá de Henares. 20-25 June).
Finished
The continent's top athletes will compete in the European Team Championships (Estadio Vallehermoso. 27-29 June).
Enjoy a thrilling horse racing experience at La Zarzuela Racecourse all year round (2 March to 28 December 2025).
Finished
The Vallehermoso Stadium and its spectacular lime green track is hosting this international event that will bring together top athletes (19 July 2025).
For yet another year, the Spanish cycling tour will finish in Madrid with the classic final podium in front of the Cibeles and the City Council Building (14 September 2025).
CULTURAL EVENTS
The emotional connection with the earth and its forms of life through around one hundred works spanning five centuries (Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum. Till 24 Sept).
The eighth edition of this outdoor cinema presents a hybrid programme that unites film and live performances (Plaza Matadero. Thursdays to Sundays. 3-27 July).
Flamenco show based on the photographic vision of this art by Ruvén Afanador from Colombia (Teatro de la Zarzuela. Tuesday to Sunday. 10-20 July).
The largest musical production ever seen in Spain. Over 112 million people around the world have already seen it! (Teatro Lope de Vega. Tuesday to Sunday). Buy tickets!
An authentic flamenco show featuring mesmerising dancing, singing and guitar playing (Teatro Flamenco Madrid at Teatro Alfil. Monday to Sunday).
The first exhibition that presents a comprehensive overview of the influence of the books featuring Alice (CaixaForum Madrid. Till 3 August).
Installations by the Portuguese artist, one of the most outstanding creators on today’s artistic scene, have transformed the halls and gardens of the palace (Liria Palace. Till 31 August).
Discover the history of football through original kits worn by some of the best players at this one-of-a-kind museum right beside Puerta del Sol.
Around 200 works, some of which have never been seen before, make up this first major European retrospective of the Lebanese-born artist (Reina Sofía Museum. Till 25 Aug).
Exhibition that recaptures the poetic and theatrical intensity of the British photographer's images (Teatro Real. Till 11 June 2026).
The great contemporary art party in which galleries and museums kick off the new season (Various locations. 11-14 September 2025).
The dancer celebrates the 25th anniversary of her dance company with a show playing tribute to the great Paco de Lucía (Teatro Gran Vía. Thursday to Sunday. 11 Sept-12 Oct).
DON’T MISS
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Landscape of Light. Paseo del Prado and El Retiro Park
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Madrid's Climate
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DON’T MISS
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Outdoor Bars and Cafés
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2025 Music festivals & concert series
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Madrid Events Calendar: 2025
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Things you can only do in Madrid
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Out for Tapas in Madrid
THE CITY FROM ABOVE
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Madrid Viewpoints
DON’T MISS
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The Best Areas for Shopping
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Outdoor bars and restaurants next to a park
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Gourmet Markets and Gastronomic Spaces
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Madrid Fountains
and also
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Late dining in Madrid
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Live Music
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Madrid through the seasons
Musicals
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Musicals in Madrid
