Photo Contest Winner 2025

Congratulations Abigail! 

 

Thank you to all fifteen students who sent in beautiful photos from their time in Madrid. 

It was lovely to see the semester through your eyes. 

Holiday cheer has entered the city

 

✅ Free / Cheap Options

1. Encendido de las luces de Navidad en Cibeles
   📅 Saturday, 22 November 2025, 19:30 LaSexta+2Diario del Ayuntamiento de Madrid+2
   📍 Plaza de Cibeles, Madrid Diario del Ayuntamiento de Madrid+1
   💶 Price: Free (public event)
   ✨ Madrid officially kicks off its Christmas season with a spectacular light-show. There will be a live performance by Pablo López, a 3D videomapping projection on the Palacio de Cibeles, and fireworks. Cadena Dial+1
   💡 Tip: Arrive early to get a good spot — it's a very popular event.

2. Naviluz – Christmas Lights Bus Tour
   📅 From 23 November (runs daily per schedule) Time Out Global+1
   📍 Starting points vary; classic Madrid Christmas route (Gran Vía, Cibeles, Alcalá…) Time Out Global
   💶 Price: Tickets sold; check Naviluz website for current fares. La Guía Go+1
   ✨ A magical 50-minute bus journey through Madrid’s most iconic illuminated streets. Great for soaking in the holiday mood without freezing your feet off.
   💡 Tip: Book in advance — seats for evening rides fill up fast.

3. Festival de Otoño 2025 – Artes Escénicas
   📅 Runs until 30 November 2025 Madrid+1
   📍 Various venues: Teatros del Canal, Conde Duque, Teatro de La Abadía, etc. IFEMA Madrid
   💶 Price: Varies by show, but there are often more affordable tickets for student / reduced categories. web.comunidad.madrid+1
   ✨ This long-running festival features international theatre, dance, music, and performance art. It’s an excellent window into Madrid’s more experimental and cutting-edge cultural scene. Comunidad de Madrid
   💡 Tip: Look for less mainstream performances — they may be cheaper and more unique.

4. Medialab Matadero
   📅 Anytime (open cultural lab) Wikipedia
   📍 Matadero Madrid, Arganzuela Wikipedia
   💶 Price: Many talks, workshops, and installations are free or donation-based
   ✨ A participatory space for art, innovation, and digital culture. Even if you just drop in, it’s a cool spot to check out what local creatives are working on.

5. Espacio Solo – Museo de Arte Contemporáneo
   📅 Open most days (check their web) Wikipedia
   📍 Calle de Alcalá / Retiro area, Madrid Wikipedia
   💶 Price: Usually modest (check current ticket prices)
   ✨ A private but very accessible contemporary art collection. It’s a calmer alternative to the big museums and great for discovering modern artists.

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💶 Paid / Special Options

1. “My Fierce Ignorant Step” – Danza Contemporánea (Festival de Otoño)
   📅 21–22 November 2025 at Teatros del Canal (Sala Roja) Teatro Madrid+1
   💶 Price: Ticketed (check Teatro Canal for pricing)
   ✨ A powerful contemporary dance piece about youth, resistance, and human connection. A visually engaging show with deep emotional resonance.

2. “HÄXAN” – Teatro Performativo (Festival de Otoño)
   📅 22–23 November 2025 at Teatro Pradillo teatroscanal.com+1
   💶 Price: Ticketed
   ✨ A theatrical performance combining witchcraft, history, and myth. Perfect for a darker, more mystical evening out.

3. “Historia de Amor” – Teatrocinema
   📅 19–20 November 2025 (so it overlaps into your weekend) at Teatro Pradillo. teatroscanal.com
   💶 Price: Ticketed
   ✨ A poetic, cinematic-style theatre piece — like a romantic film brought to life on stage. Intimate, thoughtful, and artistically rich.

4. Teatro / Danza – Otra propuesta del Festival de Otoño
   📅 Check shows between 23–26 November (the festival runs through these dates) web.comunidad.madrid
   📍 Venues: Condeduque, Teatros del Canal, etc.
   💶 Price: Varies show to show
   ✨ There are multiple theatre and dance performances during this stretch — pick one that fits your mood (political theatre, poetry + movement, experimental work).

If you aren't away this weekend - here are some things Madrid has going on

 

✅ Free / Cheap Options

1. Free Exhibitions, Concerts & Workshops – “Cultural Week”
   📅 Dates: Ongoing through 14 Nov 2025 (and many days this week) RUSSPAIN.COM
   📍 Various cultural centers around Madrid
   💶 Price: Free
   ✨ A rolling programme of free art exhibits, live music, interactive workshops — good for casual afternoons with little cost and flexible timing.
   💡 Tip: Check individual venue websites for times & registration (some may require reserving).

2. Immersive Exhibition – Nike: Design in Motion
   📅 From 12 Nov 2025 to 25 Jan 2026 Tio tours madrid
   📍 TeamLabs / Madrid, Plaza de San Martín 1
   💶 Price: Ticketed (moderate cost)
   ✨ A stylish, immersive show tracing Nike’s design evolution—great if you’re into design, sport style, tech + culture.
   💡 Tip: Go early in the day if you want a quieter experience and better photos.

3. Jazz / Live Music Nights (cheap) – Various Venues
   📅 Thursday & Friday nights (13-14 Nov) Songkick
   📍 Venues like Sala Nazca, Café Berlín, La Riviera etc.
   💶 Price: Ticketed but often modest for earlier sets / local acts
   ✨ A fun way to experience Madrid’s nightlife with live music without the huge cost of big-arena shows.
   💡 Tip: Arrive early for best seats / cheaper entry.

4. Autumn Walk & Café Chill Route – Low Cost
   📅 Saturday or Sunday afternoon
   📍 Choose a scenic autumn route: Parque del Retiro → Barrio de Salamanca cafés → away from tourist rush Madrid Secreto
   💶 Price: Free for walking; café budget optional
   ✨ A relaxed alternative: soak in November’s autumnal light, leaves, atmosphere. Less event-heavy, more local-experience.
   💡 Tip: Take a camera, maybe stop in a lesser-known barrio like Arganzuela for something different.

5. Free Talks / Networking / Cultural Meet-Ups
   📅 Thurs-Fri
   📍 Venues such as around Nuevos Ministerios / Eventbrite listings Eventbrite
   💶 Price: Free or donation-based
   ✨ Great chance to meet local students, expats, network or join a themed talk/workshop for cheap.
   💡 Tip: Bring a notebook / business card if you like networking; arrive early to secure a spot.

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💶 Paid / Special Options

1. Concert – OneRepublic & Ella Henderson
   📅 Friday 14 Nov 2025 Songkick
   📍 Palacio Vistalegre, Madrid
   💶 Price: Standard concert ticket (check site for current pricing)
   ✨ Big-name pop show — ideal for a “night out” feel with a larger crowd and high-energy performance.

2. Flamenco Show + Tapas & Wine Tour
   📅 Available Thursday 13 Nov & Friday 14 Nov onward My Guide Madrid
   📍 Calle Mayor (central Madrid)
   💶 Price: Paid tour (includes show + food/drink)
   ✨ A cultural evening combining live flamenco with local cuisine — immersive, enjoyable for study-abroad students wanting something Spanish and memorable.

3. Musical / Theatre Performance – “Autumn Festival” Programme
   📅 Throughout Nov (pick this weekend) Idealista
   📍 Theatres in Madrid (check current listings)
   💶 Price: Ticketed (varies by show)
   ✨ Choose from dance, contemporary theatre or performance art — a bit more upscale but culturally rich.

4. Premium Live Music Venue – e.g., Halestorm / Bloodywood or Till Lindemann
   📅 Saturday 15 Nov 2025 Songkick
   📍 Venue: La Riviera, Madrid
   💶 Price: Ticketed (likely higher than smaller shows)
   ✨ For fans of rock/metal or wanting an intense live-music vibe; alternate style than mainstream pop.

Halloweekend!

 

✅ Free / Cheap Options

1. Candlelight – Special Halloween Concerts
   📅 Date: Various nights during next week
   📍 Locations: Iconic venues across Madrid (Círculo de Bellas Artes, Basílica de San Miguel, etc.)
   💶 Price: From ~ €15+ (cheaper seats)
   ✨ These concerts present music in candlelit ambiance, often with a Halloween or moody twist. A magical, atmospheric option that’s not as pricey as a big concert.
   💡 Tip: Book early — good spots sell out.

2. Paseos guiados “Miguitas” en Arganzuela (Free Guided Walks)
   📅 Ongoing (check day/time next week)
   📍 Starting point in Arganzuela
   💶 Price: Free
   ✨ A neighborhood walk series exploring the hidden corners, history, and local stories of Arganzuela. Great for getting off the beaten track and discovering quieter parts of Madrid.
   💡 Tip: Arrive early to reserve your spot; tours may be small.

3. Abierto x Obras – Exposición de Cristina Mejías: “Lengua en coro”
   📅 From Thursday onward (Matadero)
   📍 Matadero Madrid
   💶 Price: Many of the related activities are free / open to public (exhibition access often free) Madrid
   ✨ A contemporary art / intervention展 combining collective voices, text, performance. Good for art lovers wanting something experimental and local.

4. Exposición “Expresionismo. Un arte de cine”
   📅 Runs through much of October
   📍 Sala Mateo Inurria, Fundación Canal
   💶 Price: Free (exhibition) — check for special showings
   ✨ Exhibition exploring expressionism and its influence in film and visual arts. A quiet, thoughtful option mid-week.
   💡 Tip: Combine it with a walk along Canal or nearby cafés.

5. “5 Planes Gratis en Madrid” – Cultural Picks
   📅 Specific free events in that series (theater, workshops, performances)
   📍 Various cultural centers (Moratalaz, Arganzuela, Casa de América, etc.)
   💶 Price: Free
   ✨ This is a rotating list of top free things each week — plays, interactive installations, literary events. It gives you curated, zero-cost options. dondego.es+1dondego.es+1

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💶 Paid / Special Options

1. Yungblud Concert
   📅 Date: 11 October 2025 at 21:00
   📍 Venue: Palacio Vistalegre Arena
   💶 Price: Ticketed concert
   ✨ Yungblud’s high-energy show is perfect for fans of alternative / rock / pop. Expect a lively crowd and bold stage presence. dondego.es

2. Candlelight Concerts (non-free, premium seating)
   📅 Various nights
   📍 Same venues as the free ones, but better seats / exclusive editions cost more
   💶 Price: ~ €20–€30+
   ✨ Seats closer to stage, more immersive experience. If you really want the full effect, this is a good upgrade from the cheaper candlelight options. Madrid Secreto+1Fever+1

3. Teatro Calderón — Show / Musical
   📅 Dates through the next week (check schedule)
   📍 Teatro Calderón, central Madrid
   💶 Price: Ticketed (varies by show)
   ✨ A classic theatrical or musical performance in a historic theatre. Great for a “big night out”. dondego.es

4. “Rojuu en La Riviera”
   📅 Upcoming event in Madrid
   📍 Sala La Riviera
   💶 Price: Ticketed concert
   ✨ For fans of soul / R&B, this concert offers a nice contrast to big pop shows — more intimate venue, good vibes. Fever

Other fun events this week(end)

 

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🖼 Feriarte 2025 – Feria de Antigüedades y Galerías de Arte
📅 Dates: 18 – 26 October 2025
📍 Location: IFEMA Madrid, Pabellón 3, Av. del Partenón, 5, Barajas ifema.es+3ifema.es+3expofp.com+3
💶 Price: Entry tickets (usually modest); there is a jornada de puertas abiertas (open day) on 21 October (free entry) we-artonline.com+3Cinco Días+3ifema.es+3
✨ Spain’s major art & antiques fair: expect collections spanning decorative arts, archeology, contemporary art, jewelry, furniture, rare books, etc. colnaghi.com+3ifema.es+3ifema.es+3
🎤 Also includes “Foro Feriarte” debates / panels around “1492 y más allá” (cultural/artistic exchange) with free access to those attending the fair. ifema.es+1ifema.es+1

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🌆 Tapapiés 2025 (Gastronomy + Free Music in Lavapiés)

📅 Dates: 16 – 26 October 2025
📍 Location: Lavapiés neighborhood, various bars, plazas, public spaces LOS40
💶 Price: Tapas + drink combo ~ €3.50; tapas alone ~ €2.50 LOS40
✨ Street-food + world cuisine route, combined with free concerts in plazas (Ana Diosado, Arturo Barea, Cascorro, etc.) covering genres like rock, blues, jazz, folk LOS40
🎵 Perfect for wandering, sampling, and catching live music without big cost.

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🎭 “5 planes gratis en Madrid” (Free Cultural Picks of Oct 17–24)
📅 Dates: 17 – 24 October 2025
📍 Locations: Various (Moratalaz, Chamartín, Arganzuela, Casa de América) El País
💶 Price: Free
✨ Some options include:
• “Suavecita”, an Argentine play (17–18 Oct) in Moratalaz & Chamartín centers El País
• “Se respira en el jardín como en un bosque”, an interactive theatre installation (17–18 Oct, Arganzuela) El País
• A workshop “Geografías invisibles” (19 Oct) engaging audience participation El País
• A film screening “Penal Cordillera” + colloquio (23 Oct) at Casa de América El País

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🎟 Some Free Events from DondeGo / “Eventos Gratis Madrid”
📅 This week / month
📍 Various neighborhoods & cultural centers in Madrid dondego.es
💶 Price: Free
✨ A few examples:
• Madrid Urban Fest 2025 (24 Oct – 8 Nov) — concerts, urban art, workshops at Centro Cultural Pilar Miró dondego.es
• Festival Internacional de Teatro de Títeres de Madrid (20–26 Oct) — puppet shows and exhibitions across multiple venues dondego.es
• Halloween Fiesta en Paracuellos de Jarama — a full-day Halloween experience in the town (31 Oct) dondego.es
• Excursión al Palacete de Basilio Avial — guided tour, free, 25 Oct (11:00–13:00) dondego.es
• Exposición “Expresionismo. Un arte de cine” — art + film crossover exhibition, runs until 4 Jan 2026, at Sala Mateo Inurria (Fundación Canal) dondego.es
• Exposición “Tantos mundos en este” — in Museo Nacional de Antropología, from 11 Oct to 25 Jan 2026 dondego.es
• Ciclo de paseos guiados gratuitos por Arganzuela “Miguitas” — walking tours around Arganzuela district (free) until November dondego.es
• Casa de México – Día de Muertos — altar, cultural activities from 4 Oct to 9 Nov dondego.es
• “El sueño de la razón. Del Siglo de las Luces a la IA” — exhibition of engravings, classical + contemporary, at Espacio Fundación Telefónica (10 Oct – 5 Apr 2026) dondego.es

The start of spooky season

 

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🎃 Parque Warner – Halloween Scary Nights / Seasonal Horror Events

📅 Dates: Now through ~ 3 November 2025 (weekends + special nights) www.parquesreunidos.com+1www.parquesreunidos.com+1
📍 Location: Parque Warner, San Martín de la Vega (just outside Madrid)
💶 Price: Regular park ticket + “Horror nights” supplement (varies) www.parquesreunidos.com+1www.parquesreunidos.com+1
✨ Experience haunted mazes, scare zones, themed shows, and immersive horror nights after dark. Good mix of thrills & seasonal atmosphere.

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🏰 Parque de Atracciones – Halloween Shows & Haunted Houses
📅 Dates: Weekends and selected days during October 2025 Madrid Ticket+1www.parquesreunidos.com+1
📍 Location: Parque de Atracciones Madrid
💶 Price: Entrance fee to the park + extra for “pasajes del terror” (haunted houses) Madrid Ticket+1www.parquesreunidos.com+1
✨ During the daytime, there are costume parades, family-friendly themed shows, and decorations; by night, the horror attractions come alive.

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🚶‍♀️ Ghost / Legends Night Walking Tours
📅 Weeknights / this weekend (check availability)
📍 Meeting Point: Plaza de la Providencia (or similar central Madrid location) GetYourGuide
💶 Price: Modest fee (tour price)
✨ Explore Madrid’s darker past — tales of ghosts, legends, superstitions, the Inquisition, hidden alleys, and more. A great way to combine city exploration + spooky vibes.

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🕯 Candlelight: Special Halloween / Atmospheric Concerts

📅 Throughout October (including this week/weekend) Madrid Secreto+1My Guide Madrid+1
📍 Locations: Iconic venues around Madrid (Círculo de Bellas Artes, churches, historic spaces) Madrid Secreto+1My Guide Madrid+1
💶 Price: Starting ~ €15+ Madrid Secreto
✨ Expect musical performances by candlelight, often themed for Halloween (soundtracks, classical, moody pieces). Great for a more mellow, atmospheric evening.

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🧙 Noche de Muertos y Brujas – Círculo de Bellas Artes Halloween Party
📅 Date: Friday, 31 October 2025, ~22:30 to ~5:00 a.m. Madrid Secreto
📍 Location: Círculo de Bellas Artes, Madrid Madrid Secreto
💶 Price: (Event ticket, typically premium)
✨ A blend of Día de Muertos & Halloween: DJs, dancing, themed decor, and a mysterious, festive night in one of Madrid’s cultural landmarks.

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👻 San Isidro Cemetery Tour (Halloween / spooky edition)

📅 Dates: Around Halloween / late October 2025 Madrid Secreto

📍 Location: Cementerio Sacramental de San Isidro (historic cemetery in Madrid) Madrid Secreto
💶 Price: Tour fee
✨ Walk among the tombs, learn about historic mausoleums, stories of famous burials, and legends tied to the city’s dead. A quieter but evocative Halloween-adjacent activity.

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