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/