Eat your way around the city this week

Bravas Fest at the Museo del Ferrocarril -- LINK 

Friday - 6 pm to 12 am

Saturday - 12 pm to 12 am

Sunday - 12 pm to 10 pm

Admission to the festival is free and has limited capacity that will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

The bravas will cost €4 and the other tapas between €5 and €12 , depending on the restaurant. The set menu option (bravas + drink) costs €7.5 if purchased in advance (up to the day before coming) and €8

C. de la Isla de Java, 2, Fuencarral-El Pardo, 28034 Madrid 

The Lavapiés neighborhood celebrates the fourteenth edition of Tapapiés, the Multicultural Tapas and Music Route from 17 to 27 October, in which more than 100 bars and restaurants in the area are participating with diverse culinary proposals to surprise those who come to sample them.

One of the world’s most traditional and international neighborhoods is once more holding the popular tapas route organized by the Lavapiés Traders’ Association and Cerveza El Águila is the sponsor of the fourteenth edition.

With more than 100 bars and restaurants from Lavapiés participating, the program also includes around thirty concerts, batucada bands, street parades, and outdoor children’s entertainment scheduled for weekends at midday and in the evening.

More info at LINK

Madrid - A Celebration of Cultures

Day of the Dead Casa de México - Altar of the Dead 2024 (October 2 -10 )
Every year, Fundación Casa de México in Spain throws a huge celebration to mark the Day of the Dead. From 2 October to 10 November, you can visit the Altar of the Dead inspired by the journey from the world of the dead to the world of the living through the senses. This year’s altar has been designed by Eugenio Caballero, one of Mexico’s most prominent artistic directors. As well as the altar, the foundation is putting on many more activities for you to learn all about this lovely tradition.

More info - follow LINK

Villanos del Jazz (13 September to 29 December)
As part of the Villanos del Jazz program, throughout the year Sala Villanos (although there are concerts in other venues) hosts performances by the biggest names on the national and international jazz scene with a view to popularising this genre among all audiences. The 2024 edition of the programme will take place from 13 September to 29 December and will feature renowned jazz artists such as Pat Metheny, Robben Ford, Richard Bona, Jack Broadbent and Bombino, among others.

Full programme and info LINK

Paul Durand-Ruel and the Twilight of Impressionism (September 15 - January 5) Fundación MAPFRE presents an exhibition on the life and work of Paul Durand-Ruel, pursuing two main goals: to introduce the public to this prominent art dealer and patron who protected and promoted art from his gallery in Paris, as well as from his headquarters in London and New York; and to contextualize and highlight the work of five artists of the post-Impressionist generation, Albert André, Georges D'Espagnat, Gustave Loiseau, Maxime Maufra and Henry Moret.

Free for students! 

More info and timing LINK

Madrid Architecture week!

Rediscover the city at this major event with guided tours of Madrid’s most iconic buildings and urban routes. From 4 to 17 October, the capital will once again open its doors, with Peru as the guest country. Come along and join in the fun!

One of the most eagerly awaited autumn events returns to our city. Organized by the COAM Architecture Foundation and Madrid’s Official College of Architects (COAM), it aims to reflect on the fundamental link between urban spaces, buildings, and the development of society. This year, Lima-Peru will be the guest city and country, both of which will be the focus of a major exhibition to be held at the COAM headquarters (No. 63 Calle de Hortaleza). Another exhibition, Le fil rouge. RPBW Architects, which is dedicated to the studio Renzo Piano Building Workshop will also be hosted here.

Once again, one of the highlights of this edition will be the guided tours of buildings that are not usually open to the public. Among others, experts will share their knowledge on La Zarzuela Racecourse (5th), La Casa de la Arquitectura (6th), the Chapel of Architects in the Church of San Sebastián (7th, 9th and 11th), Teatro Valle-Inclán (7th and 8th), Matadero Madrid (8th), Fernán Núñez Palace (12th), the Spanish Cultural Heritage Institute (9th), La Almudena Cemetery (9th) and the Espacio Cultural Serrería Belga cultural space (9th and 13th).

LINK for more info and dates 

If you are interesting in volunteering...

 Please follow this link to see some options! 

LINK

Language exchange options

Being in Madrid is all fun and games, but returning to the United States with a great grasp of the language takes more than class. Below are some fun and engaging options to practice your language skills and grow your social circle. 

Citylife has free events weekly LINK

These events are held right downtown at a bar, they are quite social. If you are a little overwhelmed by putting yourself out there, go with a friend! Location: Calle 365 – Calle Echegaray 18

Free Meetups organizes nice conversation groups exchange for all international people in Madrid. They choose English – Spanish speaking bars with friendly waiters and nice prices. Once you arrive at the bar you will be well received by our “open language exchange & intercambio de idiomas” Hostess. The hostess is going to explain how the dynamic will be and introduce you to the other participants. LINK

Would you rather not meet up at a bar or in a large group. Tandem is a great way to find a conversation partner. Create an account and find a match to go to a cafe, park, or walk. These exchanges allow you to practice your Spanish as well as help your partner with their English. LINK 

First Weekend in Madrid

A few options to get to know the city from different areas! 

See Madrid from above! Madrid is filled with rooftop bars and restaurants. Some are free, others have a small fee associated. 

RIU is the most famous as it is the tallest. Located at Plaza España, it looks out over the entire city and down into Casa De Campo. Access is on Calle del Maestro Guerrero and costs 5 euros between 11:00 am and 5:00 pm, and 10 euros between 5:00 pm and 12:00 am on weekdays and on weekends always 10 euros. The views are incredible (!) and definitely worth a visit for a drink or snack. 

Free access: 

La Tavernier 

Le Jardin de Diana

More rooftop options: LINK 

Check out some of Madrid's amazing art scene: 

As students (with your AU Spain cards) you have access to MANY museums for free. Take the time to check out The Prado, The Reina Sofia, Thyssen, Caixa Forum, etc. We will keep you updated on new exhibits in the coming weeks! 

Think LINK will show you everything that is on for that day in Riena Sofia and is a handy tool to save to your favorites. 

Many collections are in flux right now as the summer is coming to a close. Still, we promise to keep you updated with the new arrivals in the coming weeks. Regardless, the permanent collections in all the museums are incredible and worthwhile. 

Beat the heat and hang with the locals! 

           

All municipal pools are open to the public until  September 8, 2024.

Opening hours:
Morning pass: 10am to 3pm.
Afternoon pass: 4pm to 9pm.
All day pass: 10am to 9pm.

Tickets: sold online

Passes, valid for the morning, the afternoon or all day, have the following prices:
Young people (15 a 26): 1.80 € (all day pass: 3.6 €)

Favorites - Casa de Campo/Lago pool and Vincent del Bosque! 

Books in the Park

The Madrid Book Fair, also known as Feria del Libro de Madrid, is an annual event held in the Retiro Park. It’s one of the most traditional and popular cultural events in the city, attracting thousands of book lovers and literature enthusiasts every year.

In 2024, it takes place from May 31st to June 16th and features over 350 stalls set up along the Paseo de Carruajes avenue in the Retiro park.

These stalls offer a wide selection of literature. You can find books ranging from novels and autobiographies to cookery and poetry. And not everything is in Spanish, there’s also a wide variety of books in other languages.

Additionally, there are regular book signings by many well-known authors where visitors can meet their favorite writers.

Ireland Week in Madrid!

 From March 11th to 17th, the capital is blooming with activities on the occasion of Saint Patrick's Day!!!! Some interesting events took place yesterday, what can we do from today?

A group of musicians and dancers from the University College Dublin Dance Society will perform at the Ópera (Tuesday), Callao (Wednesday and Thursday), and Gran Vía (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) stations.

Gastronomy will also be present during Ireland Week to pay tribute to the wide variety of fresh products produced on the Emerald Isle. There will be a free tasting of Irish products at the Peace Market (C/Ayala 28. Metro Serrano and Velázquez, line 4) on March 12 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and on Wednesday the 23th from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Irish literature will have its special day on Thursday at the Desperate Literature bookstore (Calle Campomanes, 13. Metro Ópera, lines 2, 5, and Ramal), where the Irish author Shane Tivenan will read for the audience, who will also be entertained by the Irish music group Triantan.

At the Monumental Theater (c/ Atocha, 65. Metro Antón Martín. Line 1) you can enjoy the 'Saint Patrick's Day', a show that fuses the energy of Irish folk-rock with dance and the sound of the bagpipes. Among the participants, you will find members of the RTVE choir and orchestra, the Luna Celta Dance school, and the musical group The Green Tones.

On Saturday, March 16, Irish culture will come to Las Rozas and a picnic will be held at the Electrocor Football Club (here) accompanied by Irish music. Public will be able to enjoy Gaelic sports with the Madrid Harps GAA Sports Club.

In adition, on Saturday the traditional St. Patrick's parade will take place and there will also be the opportunity to continue enjoying Celtic rhythms in the Fitz Club room (Calle Princesa 1. Metro Plaza de España, lines 3 and 10) at 7 p.m. with a concert by Bras Rodrigo.

          

On Sunday at the Galileo Galilei (Calle Galileo 100, Metro Canal and Islas Filipinas, lines 2 and 7)  with a performance by the Irish Treble dance group. 

A summary of all this information in English here and more details (but in Spanish) here.

Chinese New Year in Madrid!

    

With the arrival of the Chinese New Year, which this year corresponds to the Year of the Dragon (starting on February 10th, 2024), Madrid is filled with activities to celebrate this important date. Among these activities (from February 2nd to 29th) is the Great Parade that will run through the streets of the Usera district on Sunday, February 11th, filling every corner of this popular area with music and color (to learn more about the Chinese community in Madrid read https://www.esmadrid.com/en/chinese-madrid)

You will probably also like the Spring Market, where attendees can buy, taste, and visit stands with crafts and a wide variety of Chinese products. You can also ask for your name in Chinese calligraphy, see exhibitions of traditional painting and many other surprises. Several food trucks will be distributed in the square where the public will be able to find a large selection of typical Chinese cuisine dishes.

All events with their dates and locations are here: https://madridchino.com/distrito-usera-madrid-chino/ (this website is only in Spanish, but can be easily understood with the help of a translator).

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Some options - all start at 3 euros

- sign language

- pilates

- yoga

- music jam sessions

- Spanish class

- Pop up night of Sicilian Street Food

LINK

Jazz Madrid !

 

Now through the 22nd of November there are events all over Madrid to experience the language of Jazz. 

There are all sorts of options, full concerts, expeditions, Jazz in clubs, etc. 

Here is the LINK to the programming. 

Some of the options are free, you just have to look! 

Start November with a laugh

After a long Halloweekend and short Halloweek it is time to kick off your third month in Spain!

Stand up comedy in La Latina is a perfect option for Saturday night socializing, it is also free and in English. 

LINK to tickets 

Laughing not your thing? More into fashion? 

San Bernardo Fashion Festival might be more your speed. Another free event. 

From their website: 

San Bernardo Fashion Road, an event created for and by lovers of fashion, design and original pieces.

We will have Fashion Popup with a selection of designers and brands of clothing, accessories and jewelry.

On this occasion we will have a very special space of fashion influencers, in collaboration with the GoTalents agency , who will be present with unique pieces from their personal closets.

And of course a Lineup with DJs and the Generator Hotel Bar open to enjoy the best cocktails.

We will wait for you!

Date: Saturday, November 4, 2023

Time: 1:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.

Price: free entry

LINK for more information

Luz Madrid Oct 27 - 29

This festival comprises of 22 different immersive light experiences. All around the city of Madrid various artists have created installations. Below is the link to the map to wander around after dark (from 8 pm to 12 am). Thousands of people will be out in the street to watch, engage with and experience each piece. 

Go out and enjoy this incredible festival! Send pictures to the blog - we would all love to see! 

LINK