Bad Bunny, The Book Fair, Star Wars, Swimming Pools, and Hiking Trails: Need I Say More?

Today, Friday, May 29, the AU students who have just spent three weeks in Brussels will arrive in Madrid. Welcome!!!!!!

1) Yes, it’s true—Bad Bunny is coming as well! 😉 The Puerto Rican singer is visiting Madrid as part of his new worldwide tour DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS.

Where: Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium

Metro: Las Rosas (Line 2) and Canillejas (Line 5)

When: May 30 and 31; June 2, 3, 6, 7, 10, 11, 14 and 15.

There are still tickets available: https://www.ticketmaster.es/artist/bad-bunny-entradas/979454

2) But it’s not all about Bad Bunny this weekend—“finde,” as Spaniards informally call the weekend ("fin de semana"). There is also a major book fair:

Since its inauguration in 1933, the Madrid Book Fair has continued to grow and contribute to the city’s cultural life. In 2026, it reaches its 85th edition, taking place this spring in El Retiro Park, from May 29 to June 14, 2026, with humor as its central theme.

This event will feature authors such as Jonathan Coe, Kevin Johansen, Eva Hache, Liniers, Maitena, Bob Pop, and David Safier, among others. The 85th edition will pay tribute to key figures in humor, literature, and contemporary creation, including Les Luthiers, Kurt Vonnegut, Jorge Ibargüengoitia, Nicanor Parra, and Rafael Azcona. There will also be a special tribute to A Confederacy of Dunces, John Kennedy Toole’s novel, now considered one of the great contemporary classics of literary satire.

FLMadrid26 will bring together a total of 366 booths along the Paseo de Coches in El Retiro, with participation from bookstores, publishers, distributors, and official institutions. The fair will also include dedicated spaces for publishers’ associations from other regions, independent publishers, and projects such as Indómitas, Editoriales Singulares, Archipiélago, and the Plaza of Science and Universities.

Where:

The Retiro Park 

Metro:

Atocha (Line 1), Estación del Arte (Line 1), Ibiza (Line 9), Retiro (Line 2)

When: May 29 – June 14

More info: https://www.ferialibromadrid.com/

3) The largest exhibition in the world created by and for fans of the iconic Star Wars saga.

A unique experience celebrating more than 40 years of galactic history, bringing together over 600 collectible items and more than 50 unique sculptures in one space.

The exhibition "The Fan Empire Strikes Back" arrives in Madrid after great success in cities such as New York, London, and Paris, offering visitors a one-of-a-kind experience as a vibrant tribute to the saga’s legacy. Visitors can see over 600 collectible items, including life-size figures, sculptures, photographs, posters, and iconic costumes.

When:

Wednesday to Sunday, until July 5

Where:

Espacio Delicias

Address:

Paseo de las Delicias, 61 (entrance via the Railway Museum)

Metro: Delicias (Line 3)

Website:

https://imperiofancontraataca.com/

4) And if it’s too hot, you can always go to a public swimming pool (I recommend buying tickets online in advance, as explained in this video).

5) Or you can head out to the countryside, where temperatures are usually a bit lower. Or you can visit small towns around Madrid. In these older posts, you can find recommendations for nice places to hike or visit:

HIKING TRAILS AROUND MADRID

https://exploringwithauspain.blogspot.com/2023/09/hiking-trails-around-madrid.html

EXCURSIONS AND VISITS

https://exploringwithauspain.blogspot.com/search?q=excursions

Food, Photography, Music, Roses… Madrid Has It All

MADRID FOOD FEST

The Railway Museum will host the first edition of this major gastronomic festival on May 23 and 24, bringing haute cuisine within reach of all audiences. It will be a gathering of renowned chefs from Michelin-starred and Repsol Sun-awarded restaurants, including Miguel Carretero, Dani Ochoa, Lucía Grávalos, and Juan D’Onofrio. They will reinterpret their most iconic dishes in a creative and surprising street food format.

https://www.madridfoodfest.com/

Location: Paseode las Delicias 61

Metro: Delicias (Line 3), Palos de la Frontera (Line 3)

May 23: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM

May 24: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Tickets

PHOTOESPAÑA

Every summer, Madrid becomes a key meeting point for the world of visual arts and photography. With exhibitions held in major museums, cultural centers, and art galleries, as well as a wide range of activities related to each year’s theme, PHotoESPAÑA offers the opportunity to explore the latest trends in photographic art and the newest projects by internationally renowned artists.

The 2026 edition will take place from May 13 to September 13, featuring numerous exhibitions by photographers and visual artists.

Under the title “Reimagining”, the 29th edition focuses on photographic creativity, experimentation, and the exploration of the limits of the image, as well as questioning reality and authority. The festival seeks to celebrate curiosity, imagination, freedom, and rebellion. It also pays tribute to adolescence and youth—a stage of life in which we project ourselves into the future and see ourselves constantly moving forward.

PHotoESPAÑA offers the chance to discover the latest trends in photographic art, as well as the most recent projects by internationally acclaimed artists. The festival was first held in June 1998, with the main goal of giving photography a prominent place within public institutions and increasing the visibility of gallery work.

You can find different locations, schedules, and further information here: https://phe.es/exposiciones/

MAUDES ELECTRONIC AND TECHNO MUSIC FESTIVAL

                               

The new edition of the electronic and techno music festival Maudes Festival will take place on May 23, 30, and 31 at Parque Enrique Tierno Galván. This themed and immersive musical experience combines electronic music with culture and art. In 2026, it is presented under the slogan “The Green Nation” and features performances by artists such as Argy, Alex Wann, Arodes, Fisher, Les Castizos, Âme, and The Blessed Madonna, among others.

This open-air music festival brings together art, commitment, culture, and electronic techno music, offering a unique industrial-style experience that blends retro-futuristic elements with an atmosphere unlike any other in Madrid. It also includes a wide variety of attractions and experiences throughout the event.

This new edition in Madrid has confirmed the participation of leading artists in the genre, including Argy, Alex Wann, Arodes, Fisher, Les Castizos, Âme, and The Blessed Madonna, among others.

In addition to the musical performances, the festival offers a range of complementary activities, including art-related experiences, experiential brand stands, games, and interactive activities. There will also be a dedicated area focused on social and environmental commitment, promoting equality and diversity through its responsible policies under the hashtag #behappier.

Location: Parque Tierno Galván (CalleMeneses, 4)

Metro: Arganzuela-Planetario (L6), Méndez Álvaro (L6)

More information and tickets here: https://maudesfestival.com/

26th POPULAR NEW ROSES COMPETITION "VILLA DE MADRID"

The Rosaleda del Parque del Oeste (Rose Garden) hosts the 70th edition of the International New Roses Competition “Villa de Madrid,” an event that has established the city as an international reference in the world of roses. The event is divided into two competitions: the 26th Popular Competition, taking place from May 15 to 20, and the International Competition, held on May 22. A total of 82 new rose varieties from 12 countries will participate in these competitions.

During the first week, from May 15 to 20, the Popular Competition invites residents and visitors to choose their favorite rose variety among the entries. Voting will be open both in person at the Rose Garden and online, allowing everyone to take part. Those who vote in person will receive a freshly cut rose as a gift while enjoying the unique atmosphere of the garden.

On May 22, the International New Roses Competition will take place. Due to the final evaluation of the rose plants, the Rose Garden will remain closed to the public until 4:00 PM. This internationally renowned event has established itself over the past seven decades as one of the most important in the field of roses. Beyond its botanical relevance, the competition is highly valued for its participatory nature—especially the Popular Competition, which allows people to vote for their favorite variety, highlighting the emotional connection between visitors and the roses. The winning variety will receive the “Rosa de Madrid 2026” award, a distinction highly appreciated by both growers and the public.

On May 20, the final day of the Popular Competition, a range of special activities will be held for all audiences. Both children and adults can enjoy a cultural and educational program, including painting workshops, crafts, educational games about nature and the environment, and the presentation of a commemorative stamp issue related to the competition. In addition, at 7:00 PM, there will be an outdoor concert performed by the Arcos School Orchestras, rounding off a festive and family-friendly day.

The Rose Garden was designed in 1955 by Ramón Ortiz, head gardener of the Madrid City Council. Covering an area of 32,000 square meters, it is home to around 20,000 rose bushes each year, representing more than 650 different varieties of modern roses (around 400 low-growing varieties, with the rest including climbers, weeping forms, standard roses, and others). Several ponds complete the layout of one of Madrid’s most emblematic gardens.

In 2006, the Rose Garden received the “Award of Garden Excellence” from the World Federation of Rose Societies, recognizing it as one of the most outstanding rose gardens in the world.

Location: Calle de la Rosaleda 1

Metro: Argüelles (L3, L4, L6)

https://concursorosasmadrid.com/

Welcome to Madrid! Some Ideas for this Weekend

If you’re not afraid of crowds: Every year on and around May 15th, Madrid honours its patron saint, San Isidro Labrador, with a packed programme of events featuring concerts, shows and an endless range of activities for all ages. Tradition meets modernity in the week-long festivities that see Madrileños dress up and dance chotis in the streets and enjoy picnics with friends and family in the Pradera de San Isidro Park: Official program in Spanish.

Spain is not a confessional state—neither Catholic nor affiliated with any other religion—according to our Constitution. However, culturally and traditionally it is heavily influenced by Catholicism. You can notice this in its festivities. Over one hundred miracles have been attributed to Isidore the Labourer, who was born and died in the Spanish capital. He was believed to have a special ability for finding water, and one of the festivities’ biggest traditions sees chulapos and chulapas drinking saint’s water from the spring next to the Chapel of San Isidro. Another tradition that lives on to this day is attending the Romería outdoor celebration in San Isidro Park. The park, better known as the Pradera de San Isidro (San Isidro’s meadow), can also be found in some of Goya’s paintings.

(Text based on https://www.esmadrid.com/en/whats-on/sanisidro-madrid)

There are several locations for the activities (check the schedule), but the main is the San Isidro meadow, which is at Paseo de la Ermita del Santo, 74, and the nearest metro stations are Marqués de Vadillo (Line 5) and Urgel (Line 5).

Other activities:

Craft fair: Paseo de Recoletos once again becomes a space dedicated to craft lovers, hosting a new edition of the Spring Fair, which brings together artisans from different disciplines who come to the city center with their latest creations.

**Paseo de Recoletos_Metro Banco de España (L2), Colón (L4) — May 13 and 30, from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., continuously.**

48th Antique and Second-hand Book Fair: Paseo de Recoletos will host the 48th edition of the Antique and Second-Hand Book Fair From 30 April to 17 May 2026, bringing together specialist booksellers from across Spain. Organised since 1977 by the Madrid Association of Antiquarian Booksellers, the 2025 edition featured 37 participating bookshops—23 from Madrid, 5 from Barcelona, and one each from Sevilla, Pamplona, Granada, Salamanca, Zaragoza, Huesca, Valencia, and 2 from Segovia. Thousands of books were on offer, with prices ranging from just one euro for the most affordable editions to several thousand euros for genuine bibliographic treasures such as first editions, incunabula, rare books and original manuscripts.

Flea Market "El Rastro": El Rastro is a famous open-air flea market in Madrid that has existed since the 18th century. It is held on Sundays from around **9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.** (although some shops in the area open every day) and is located in the La Latina neighborhood, mainly along Calle de la Ribera de Curtidores. The nearest metro stations include La Latina, Puerta de Toledo, and Embajadores.

And in general, check our blog :-) There are many ideas for places to enjoy films, parks, music, exhibitions...

After the Battle!

Exams and final assignments are coming to an end! Congratulations! Some of you are finishing today, and others only have a little left. For those with free time and no plans this weekend and next week, here are a few ideas:

TECHNO, FASHION, AND URBAN CULTURE FESTIVAL

IFEMA is hosting the first edition in the capital of Fury Festival, one of the most prominent events in hard techno. With a lineup that includes names such as Jowi, Kruelty, and Toxic Machinery, the festival lands in Madrid after establishing itself as an international benchmark within the genre.

Tickets: https://es.ra.co/events/2207438

Also at IFEMA: urban fashion and streetwear, live music performances, talks with public figures, giveaways… Scrapworld returns once again to the capital with the aim of offering a weekend full of experiences and, above all, the best urban fashion brands at both national and international levels. The eighth edition comes back to Madrid with an event that brings together fashion, music, art, and urban culture, serving as a meeting point for brands, designers, and exhibitors. The new edition of Scrapworld will take place at IFEMA Madrid, Pavilion 8, on April 25 and 26.

Tickets: https://tickets.scrapworld.es/

Location: Av. Partenón 5

Metro: Feria de Madrid (Line 8)

 

MEDIEVAL MARKET

This weekend, the Madrid town of El Escorial is hosting its own Medieval Market, full of activities, food, handicrafts, performances, and children’s attractions, among many others. With your public transport card, you can travel by train to this beautiful town in 45 minutes to one hour.

LITERARY FESTIVAL

A new literary festival set to energize the activity of bookstores and libraries across the region. This year, La Noche de los Libros evolves and transforms into LIBROMAD, MADRID BOOK WEEK, specifically dedicated to reading enthusiasts of all ages, offering a multidisciplinary program. More than 130 bookstores, 120 libraries, and 300 authors and artists are taking part in LIBROMAD, Madrid’s Book Week. Enjoy over 400 activities across more than 100 municipalities in the Community of Madrid.

From Thursday, April 23 to Sunday, April 26, 2026.

Several locations.

Further information: https://libromad.madrid/2026/index.html

DESIGN MARKET

Organized at the headquarters of the Official College of Architects of Madrid (Garden Floor), Pop Arq Store returns as a showcase for the various products created by its architects. These range from furniture, lighting, goldsmithing, and jewelry to costume jewelry, textiles, fashion, décor, leather goods, accessories, technology, and gastronomy. With a highly personal approach, each product is designed, manufactured, and sold by the architects themselves, who will be present at their stands to explain to interested visitors how each item was created.

More information: https://www.timeout.es/madrid/es/noticias/gratis-y-este-fin-de-semana-vuelve-el-mercado-de-diseno-y-artesania-a-esta-joya-arquitectonica-de-madrid-060525

Location: COAM, Calle Hortaleza 63

Metro: Chueca (Line 5)

GAVIRIA PALACE AND DALÍ

This 19th-century palace is located on Calle Arenal, a stone’s throw from Puerta del Sol. Built between 1846 and 1847 by architect Aníbal Álvarez Bouquel, it was commissioned by banker and stockbroker Manuel Gaviria y Douza, Marquis of Gaviria. One of the most sumptuous palaces of its time, it is an example of Palazzo style architecture. Inaugurated by Queen Isabel II in 1851, this Palace was well-known for the parties it hosted, which could be seen by passers-by through the balconies. Boasting a wonderful interior, particularly noteworthy are the frescoes in the exhibitions rooms, painted by Joaquín Espalter y Rull. The building was declared a Place of Cultural Interest in 1977 (...)

Following extensive renovations, the palace reopened its doors on 25 March 2026 to host the permanent exhibition Infinite Dalí, dedicated to the sculptural artworks Salvador Dalí created from 1973 onwards and showcasing his lesser-known facet with a collection of 14 sculptures full of cultural references. These pieces, from the Clot collection, were created during one of the Dalí’s most mature and experimental phases and showcase the evolution of his artistic language towards forms that combine technical precision with the dreamlike freedom inherent to his creative universe. Each sculpture constitutes an exercise in virtuosity that underscores the versatility of an artist who never ceased to explore new means of expression.

Text from https://www.esmadrid.com/en/tourist-information/palacio-de-gaviria

Location: Calle del Arenal 9

Metro: Sol (1,2,3) and Opera (2,5, R)

Tickets: https://www.coleccionclot.com/

ENJOY IT!

A Quiet Weekend Before the Exams

After a few quiet days, here are some plans for the last weeks of the term. If you need a break from studying this weekend:

🎬  Original version movie theaters — and you know there are plenty more in Madrid):

• Cine Yelmo Ideal (Metro: Sol / Tirso de Molina)
• Cines Renoir Princesa (Metro: Plaza de España / Ventura Rodríguez)

You can watch Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair or Project Hail Mary. If you feel like a different kind of cinema, you could also go for Hamnet or even cult classics like Léon: The Professional. Remember going to the movies in Madrid is pretty affordable.

🖼️ Exhibitions:

• Free exhibitions listed on the Time Out website: https://www.timeout.es/madrid/es/arte/exposiciones-gratuitas-en-madrid
• Another idea for free exhibitions: the Thyssen Museum at night! Tickets for this special time slot, which allows free access to the Thyssen Museum’s temporary exhibitions, cannot be obtained online. To access floor -1 between 9:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. free of charge, you must queue at the museum itself. Entry will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis until capacity is reached.

• Discounted admission for students: Exhibition on Helen Levitt, influenced by Henri Cartier-Bresson, covering her work from the 1930s to the 1980s and her street photography in New York. Fundación Mapfre Sala Recoletos (Metro: Banco de España).

🌸 Outdoor event (Madrid Río Park):

• Madrid Río (Metro: Príncipe Pío / Puerta del Ángel)

From Friday until April 21: a cultural event about Macao with night light shows and activities (15:00–21:00), including traditional dances (fan and lion dance), music, and Chinese opera… and good food :-)

More info: https://www.timeout.es/madrid/es/noticias/madrid-rio-nueva-pista-de-despegue-a-macao-las-puertas-de-casa-de-campo-se-llenan-de-platos-especiales-chinos-un-show-de-luces-danzas-tradicionales-041526

📚 Next week: Golden Age Week (Barrio de las Letras)

• Starts April 20, 17:00
• Opening: guided tour from Plaza de las Cortes (Metro: Banco de España / Sevilla)
• Closing (April 26): El acero de Madrid at Plaza de Santa Ana (Metro: Antón Martín / Sol)

More info: https://www.esmadrid.com/agenda/semana-siglo-oro-barrio-letras

Holy Week Traditions and Other Ways to Enjoy the Break in Madrid

The long‑awaited break before the final stretch is finally here! Many of you will be traveling outside of Spain, but some might prefer to take the opportunity to enjoy our country—or even Madrid—without the stress of classes.

THE HOLY WEEK TRADITIONS

In any case, it might be useful for everyone to learn a bit about this season in Spain.

For a general and brief overview (history, food...), you can read this older post (there is a very cool video that can give you a good idea of what it is!!):

https://exploringwithauspain.blogspot.com/2023/02/already-planning-what-to-do-in-easter.html

Is this photo impressive—or maybe a little unsettling? Check out the post above to learn the meaning behind those hooded penitents and the processions.

And for people with a sweet tooth, you can find other delicious things to try here:

https://exploringwithauspain.blogspot.com/2023/03/for-students-with-sweet-tooth.html

One option is to visit some of the small towns near Madrid where Holy Week plays a major role. Places like Alcalá de Henares, El Escorial, Chinchón, Morata de Tajuña, Torrejón de Ardoz, or Parla are all very close to the city. Some of them are truly beautiful spots with significant monuments, while others may not stand out for their landmarks—but they all share the distinction of having Holy Week celebrations officially recognized as being of tourist interest. On this website you’ll find descriptions, photos, schedules, and more. It’s in Spanish, but I’m sure Google Translate will help you get through it. 😉

And of course, if you’re thinking of traveling around Spain, places like Seville and Málaga (and Andalusia in general), as well as Cuenca, Zamora, or Valladolid, are among the most impressive destinations to experience Holy Week processions.

What about staying in Madrid? Here are the dates, times, and main routes for the processions in town: 

https://www.esmadrid.com/en/whats-on/easter-processions-madrid

And of course, there will be plenty of other things happening in Madrid besides the processions. These are only some examples: 

THE COMIC FAIR

Matadero Madrid will become the major hub of the ninth art from March 26 to 29 with the second edition of the Madrid Comic Fair. The event brings together bookstore and publisher booths, book signings, panel discussions, workshops, screenings, and professional activities. And the Matadero space is something you really shouldn’t miss: Matadero Madrid is a former slaughterhouse transformed into one of the city’s most vibrant cultural centers. It’s located at Plaza de Legazpi, 8, and you can get there easily by Metro—just take Line 3 to Legazpi station, which leaves you right at the entrance.

DANCE

Also at Matadero you can enjoy Olvidadas (a Las Sinsombrero) at Centro Danza Matadero.

The dancer and choreographer Mercedes de Córdoba presents a contemporary dance piece rooted in flamenco that pays tribute to "Las Sinsombrero", the women artists and intellectuals of the Generation of ’27 who were silenced and forgotten by history. Some of you have already seen the exhibition about Maruja Mallo at the Reina Sofía Museum. She was one of "Las Sinsombrero".

These are just some examples... Madrid is full of concerts, exhibitions, movies... these days Explore the city!!!!

AU Photo Contest Winner

It is a pleasure to announce that Elizabeth Hudson has won first prize in our Photo Contest with this kaleidoscopic picture:

  

Here you can check out the other amazing participating photos!!!!

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