What to do in Madrid in spring
What to do in Madrid in spring
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Winter is finally loosening its grip, and the coldest months are behind us. With longer, brighter days ahead, Madrid’s great outdoors is calling. Picture strolls through parks bursting with colour, cocktails on rooftop terraces, and three months packed with exciting open-air events.
Updated March 2026
Festivals of faith and tradition
Thousands flock to the city to attend the processions and to enjoy the atmosphere created by the trumpets, drums and the hundreds of religious worshippers' bright and colourful attire (19-28 March).
A traditional festival that honours women and welcomes spring (Plaza de Lavapiés. 10 May 2026).
Every year on and around May 15th, Madrid honours its patron saint, San Isidro (Early May till 16 May 2027).
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Take part in a classic Madrid tradition—a joyful mix of old-fashioned charm, good luck rituals, and the sweet scent of freshly baked saint’s bread (Around 13 June 2026).
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Check out our selection of outdoor bars and restaurants located next to the city's greenest spots.
This puppet theatre hosts fantastic shows for children most Saturdays and Sundays.
Check out a host of ideas for enjoying a family day away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Spend the day at a UNESCO World Heritage site, hire a guide to teach you interesting historical and cultural facts about Madrid, or follow one of our themed itineraries to discover the city from a different angle.
Enjoying the nice weather
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Outdoor activities for spring
Madrid in action
The best jockeys in the equestrian world will be at the 116th edition of one of the not-to-be-missed events on the international calendar (Club de Campo Villa de Madrid. May 2027).
The world tour of the magicians of basketball is back to delight the public with their impossible dunks (Movistar Arena. 19 May).
Tradition and culture
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Cuesta de Moyano book stalls
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Tradition and Culture
THE BEST EXHIBITIONS
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The first retrospective in Spain devoted to the Danish artist that brings together around a hundred works (Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum. 17 Feb-31 May).
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Exhibition devoted to one of the leading Swedish painters from the end of the 19th century and early 20th century (MAPFRE Foundation. Recoletos Exhibition Hall. 19 Feb-17 May).
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Exhibition that brings together around 200 photographs by the American photographer in a comprehensive review of her career and her unique vision of the world (MAPFRE Foundation. Recoletos Exhibition Hall. 19 Feb-17 May).
Exhibition that takes visitors on a journey through the life and influence of one of the most powerful men of his time (CaixaForum Madrid. 9 Apr-4 Oct 2026).
Exhibition that analyses the impact of photography since its emergence in the 19th century as a new artistic discipline (Prado Museum. 13 Apr-5 Jul).
Exhibition that analyses the history and meaning of José Aparicio’s painting, The Year of Hunger in Madrid (1818) (Prado Museum. 27 Apr-13 Sept).
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Exhibition that brings together a selection of paintings inspired by the creations of the great Flemish painter (Juan March Foundation. 27 Feb-12 Apr).
A monograph devoted to the Polish artist whose work combines meticulous pictorial technique with provocative and subversive content (Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum. 26 May-6 Sept).
Exhibition exploring the profound mark left by Italian artists on the visual culture of the Iberian kingdoms. (Prado Museum. 26 May-20 Sept).
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A journey through the transformation process undergone by the Madrid museum over the past quarter of a century (Prado Museum. 9 Jun-27 Sept).
OFF-THE-BEATEN-TRACK MADRID
CULTURAL EVENTS
Europe’s most exclusive interior design exhibition is holding its 62nd edition (April-May 2027).
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Europe's largest fine foods fair is a must for professionals from the sector (IFEMA MADRID. 13-16 April).
Booksellers, authors and readers gather at one of the most traditional cultural events in the capital (El Retiro Park. May - June 2027).
On stage in Madrid
An authentic flamenco show featuring mesmerising dancing, singing and guitar playing (Teatro Flamenco Madrid. Monday to Sunday).
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The choreographer, Goyo Montero brings a modern dance production inspired by Bach’s Goldberg Variations (Centro Danza Matadero - CDM. 7-9 May).
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The Swedish dancer and choreographer, Mats Ek will lead this contemporary interpretation of Shakespeare’s classic play (Teatro Real. 7-10 May).
The best in live music
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Open air festival that is consolidated as one of the not-to-be-missed experiences for fans of electronic music (Caja Mágica. 9, 10, 16 and 17 May).
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Fourth edition of this charity gala devoted to zarzuela, which will include the performance of the renowned soprano, Ainhoa Arteta (National Music Auditorium - Sala Sinfónica. 14 May).
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The American artist will be coming back to Spain as part of her latest concert tour, The Locket Tour (Palacio Vistalegre Arena. 24 May).
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The singer from Puerto Rico will be performing ten concerts as part of his latest DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS World Tour (Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium. 30 and 31 May; 2, 3, 6, 7, 10, 11, 14 and 15 Jun).
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The experienced Italian pianist is coming to Spain to present a preview of his new project (Movistar Arena. 15 June).
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Tourist Trains
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Bike Rental in Madrid
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Quinta de los Molinos
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Enrique Tierno Galván Park
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Oeste Park
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Santander Park (Parque del Tercer Depósito)
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Linear Park of the Manzanares River
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Fuente del Berro Park
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Huerto de las Monjas
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Palacio del Príncipe de Anglona Gardens
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Vistillas Gardens
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Tropical Garden at Madrid - Puerta de Atocha - Almudena Grandes station
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El Retiro Rose Garden
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Madrid Events Calendar: 2026
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2026 Music festivals & Concert series
OUR MONTHLY MAGAZINE
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esMADRIDmagazine July / August
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Madrid through the seasons
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THE CITY FROM ABOVE
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Madrid Viewpoints
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Madrid Top 10
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Artisan ice cream parlours
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Charming street markets
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Music in Madrid
DON'T MISS
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The best places in Madrid to take a photo
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Have your phone at the ready!
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Getting around Madrid
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Gourmet Markets and Gastronomic Spaces
DON’T MISS
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Souvenirs from Madrid
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Theatres and concert halls
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Top Cultural Centres
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Amusement Parks and Zoos
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Escape Rooms
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Out for Tapas in Madrid
