Madrid’s Weekend Extravaganza: San Isidro, Museum Day, and More (May 13-17)
Madrid continues its vibrant celebration of the San Isidro festivities, offering a packed program of concerts, traditional events, and family-friendly activities. Additionally, from May 13th to 17th, the city presents a wide range of options to enjoy exhibitions, dance, cinema, music, and special performances for Circus Week. This guide details everything you need to know to make the most of your weekend in Madrid.
🎉 San Isidro Festivities: A City-Wide Celebration
The San Isidro festivities are in full swing, transforming Madrid into a hub of music, workshops, and activities for all ages. Key locations for these events include the Pradera de San Isidro, Plaza Mayor, Jardines de las Vistillas, and Matadero Madrid.
Upcoming Highlights:
- Wednesday, May 13th:
- Traditional performance by the Federation of Traditional Madrilenian Groups. Fairground of San Isidro Park, 6:00 PM.
- Concerts by Amor Líquido and Carlangas. Pradera de San Isidro, 8:00 PM and 9:30 PM.
- Thursday, May 14th:
- Feria de la Cacharrería. Plaza de las Comendadoras, 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM.
- LOS40 60th Anniversary Concert featuring Miguel Ríos, Celtas Cortos, OBK, Sole Giménez, and Nena Daconte. Plaza Mayor, 7:00 PM.
- Verbena with the Nuevo Versalles Orchestra. Matadero Madrid, 8:30 PM.
- Concerts by Vicente Calderón and Rubén Pozo y Los Chicos de la Curva. Pradera de San Isidro.
- Friday, May 15th:
- Solemn Mass of San Isidro. Royal Collegiate Church of San Isidro, 10:00 AM.
- Giants and Big-Heads Parade through the Pradera. 10:15 AM.
- Procession of San Isidro and Santa María de la Cabeza. Departing from the Royal Collegiate Church, 7:00 PM.
- Concerts by Las Ketchup and Los Chunguitos y familia. Pradera de San Isidro.
- Fireworks display. Pradera de San Isidro, 11:59 PM.
- Saturday, May 16th:
- ‘El Madrid antiguo’ Parade with Giants and Big-Heads. Historic Center, 11:00 AM.
- 42nd Festival of Madrilenian Dances. Plaza Mayor, 12:00 PM.
- RE-CHULOS traditional fashion show. Jardines de las Vistillas, 11:30 AM.
- Concerts by La Bien Querida, Baiuca, and Fangoria. Plaza Mayor and Pradera de San Isidro.
- Verbena with the Invictus Orchestra. Matadero Madrid, 8:30 PM.
- Sunday, May 17th:
- 73rd Folklore Exhibition of Regional Houses. Plaza Mayor, from 11:30 AM.
- Popular San Isidro Verbena. San Isidro Park, 2:00 PM.
- Concerts by Las Migas, La Paloma, and Xavibo.
- ‘Resplandor’ fireworks display. Pradera de San Isidro, 11:00 PM.
🏛 International Museum Day: Free Activities and Special Programs
Madrid’s municipal museums are celebrating International Museum Day with a special free program, including workshops, theatrical performances, dance, family activities, and participatory proposals.
Featured Activities This Week:
- Friday, May 15th:
- Theatrical performance “San Isidro de Mayrit.” Museum of History of Madrid, 10:30 AM – 8:00 PM.
- Saturday, May 16th:
- Family workshop “The Laboratory of the Past.” Museum of San Isidro. The Origins of Madrid, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM.
- Prehistory energizers. Museum of San Isidro. The Origins of Madrid, 11:30 AM and 12:30 PM.
- Sunday, May 17th:
- Workshop-show “Greguerías: museum on the run,” by Tejido Conectivo company. Museum of Contemporary Art of Madrid, 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM.
- Theatrical performance “Felipe II’s Madrid.” Museum of San Isidro. The Origins of Madrid, 12:00 PM.
- Open-air painting day. Hermitage of San Antonio de la Florida, from 9:00 AM.
- Historical theatrical performance. Alameda Castle, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM.
💃 Dance: Contemporary Expressions
- “Oasis of Serenity” by Laura Ramírez Ashbaugh
- Venue: Contemporánea Condeduque. Calle del Conde Duque, 11.
- Dates: Wednesday, May 13th and Thursday, May 14th, 7:30 PM.
- An absolute premiere exploring mystical and cinematic visions through the body.
- “Greguerías: museum on the run” by Tejido Conectivo
- Venue: Museum of Contemporary Art of Madrid. Calle del Conde Duque, 9.
- Date: Sunday, May 17th, 11:30 AM (workshop) and 12:30 PM (participatory dance show).
- A unique scenic proposal combining a workshop and a show, inspired by Ramón Gómez de la Serna’s creative universe.
🎞 Theater: Homages and Intrigue
- “The Adventure of the Word”
- Venue: Teatro Fernán Gómez. Plaza de Colón, 4.
- Dates: Wednesday, May 13th to Sunday, May 17th, 7:30 PM.
- Directed by Juan Carlos Pérez de la Fuente, starring Nancho Novo and Marta Poveda, based on Fernando Fernán Gómez’s entry speech to the Royal Spanish Academy.
- Circus Week: “Madrid a la carpa”
- Venue: Teatro Circo Price. Ronda de Atocha, 35.
- Dates: May 13th to 17th.
- Features performances by four circus companies: “Sin solo” by Faltan7 (Wednesday, 7:30 PM), “Fakir Testa” (Thursday, 7:30 PM), “Fuman Artist” (Saturday, 7:30 PM), and “Play Time” by Kanbahiota & Chisgarabís (Sunday, 7:30 PM).
- “Eight Women”
- Venue: Centro Cultural Nicolas Salmerón (Chamartín). Calle de Mantuano, 51.
- Date: Saturday, May 16th, 6:00 PM.
- Tamerlam Teatro presents an adaptation of Robert Thomas’s work, a suspenseful tale of ambiguous characters.
- “A Night with Federico”
- Venue: Teatro Municipal de Vallecas. Calle del Paso de Villamanrique, 3.
- Date: Saturday, May 16th, 7:00 PM.
- A sensory journey through the passions, aromas, and colors that marked the life of the poet Federico García Lorca.
🎥 Cinema: Blockbusters and Documentaries
- “Brief History of the Blockbuster” Cycle: Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
- Venue: Cineteca Madrid. Plaza de Legazpi, 8.
- Date: Sunday, May 17th, 12:00 PM.
- Family cinema within a cycle honoring blockbusters.
- Screening of “Sorda”
- Venue: Auditorio Joaquín Rosado (Moncloa-Aravaca). Calle de Santa Pola, 22.
- Date: Thursday, May 14th, 7:00 PM.
- A film by Eva Libertad, winner of three Goya awards, exploring motherhood for a deaf woman.
- Documentary Screening: “El Archivo Bastardo”
- Venue: Edificio Sociocultural Marta Escudero Díaz-Tejeiro-Villaverde. Calle del Calcio, 1.
- Date: Friday, May 15th, 6:30 PM.
- An intimate exploration of family enigma, followed by a discussion with the director.
- Silent Film Cycle with Piano in Arganzuela: “The Hunchback of Notre Dame”
- Venue: Centro Dotacional Integrado Arganzuela Ángel Río. Calle de Canarias, 17.
- Date: Thursday, May 14th, 7:00 PM.
- Projection of the 1923 version of “The Hunchback of Notre Dame.”
🎵 Music: From Tributes to Gospel
- “Las noches del castillo”
- Venue: Castillo de la Alameda. Avenida de Logroño, 179.
- Dates: Friday, May 15th and Saturday, May 16th, 10:00 PM.
- Outdoor cultural cycle with concerts and scenic proposals. Friday features “Recuerdos Locos,” a tribute to El Canto del Loco. Saturday offers “La lírica en el cine” by Matritum Cantat, a candlelight concert.
- I International Organ Concert Cycle
- Venue: Basílica de Jesús de Medinaceli. Plaza de Jesús, 2.
- Date: Saturday, May 16th, 12:30 PM.
- Features Spanish performer Esther Ciudad on a recently restored symphonic organ.
- “An Afternoon of Boleros” with Teresa Yanet Dúo
- Venue: Centro Sociocultural García Lorca (Carabanchel). Calle de Eugenia de Montijo, 105.
- Date: Saturday, May 16th, 7:00 PM.
- Cuban duo Teresa Yanet (voice) and Ebani Hermida (piano) present an intimate approach to bolero music.
- Madrid Gospel Voices
- Venue: Centro Cultural El Torito (Moratalaz). Avenida de Moratalaz, 130.
- Date: Saturday, May 16th, 7:00 PM.
- The Madrid Choral School offers an authentic gospel experience.
🏛 Heritage and Walks: Explore Madrid
- New “Anda Madrid” Itineraries
- The “Anda Madrid” initiative expands its walking routes, now featuring nine essential stops including the Beti Jai, El Capricho, Metropolitano stadium, Quinta de los Molinos, Tierno Galván-Planetario Park, Caja Mágica, Usera (Madrid’s Chinatown), Palacio de Vista Alegre, and San Isidro Park.
- Guided Routes through Valdebebas Forest Park
- Venue: Parque Forestal de Valdebebas-Felipe VI and Parque Princesa Leonor. Avenida de las Fuerzas Armadas, 11.
- Date: Sunday, May 17th, 9:00 AM.
- A 90-minute family-friendly guided tour to explore the park’s natural beauty and learn about its flora and fauna.
🖼 Exhibitions: A Journey Through Art and History
- “Madrid Between Eras” by Andrés Valentín Pérez Serén
- Venue: Museo de Historia de Madrid. Calle de Fuencarral, 78.
- Dates: Until October 4th, Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM.
- A unique visual journey through Madrid’s past and present using refotography.
- “The Beauty of Dreams” by Paloma Casado
- Venue: Centro Cultural La Vaguada. Avenida de Monforte de Lemos, 36.
- Dates: Until June 5th, Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM.
- A suggestive exhibition of 39 oil paintings exploring a surrealist universe.
- “Azkarate vs. Azkarate”
- Venue: Espacio Cultural Serrería Belga. Calle de la Alameda, 15.
- Dates: May 14th to June 28th. Tuesday to Friday, 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Saturdays, 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM; Sundays, 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM.
- Part of PHotoESPAÑA 2026, confronting Isabel Azkarate’s iconic photographs with new creations.
- “Photobook Space”
- Venue: Espacio Cultural Serrería Belga. Calle de la Alameda, 15.
- Dates: May 14th to June 28th. Tuesday to Friday, 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Saturdays, 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM; Sundays, 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM.
- An exhibition exploring the diversity and complexity of contemporary photobooks.
- “75 Years of Cinematographic Art Direction. Gil Parrondo, Creator of Dreams”
- Venue: Centro Cultural Casa del Reloj. Paseo de la Chopera, 10.
- Dates: Until June 30th. Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM.
- A retrospective of the two-time Oscar winner Gil Parrondo’s creative process, featuring awards, sketches, and film stills.
✍🏻 Workshops: Unleash Your Creativity
- Creative Writing Workshop “Imagination on Paper!”
- Venue: Centro Cultural El Torito (Moratalaz). Avenida de Moratalaz, 130.
- Date: Thursday, May 14th, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM.
- An opportunity to play with words and create stories or poems with Felícitas Jiménez.
📚 10th Puente de Vallecas Book Fair
The 10th edition of the Puente de Vallecas Book Fair continues on Peña Gorbea boulevard, honoring writers Carmen Laforet and Mary Shelley. Open Monday to Friday from 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM, and Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM and 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM.
Featured Activities This Week:
- Wednesday, May 13th:
- 5:30 PM: Poetic-choral recital by Poekas group and La Horizontal choir.
- 6:30 PM: Presentation of “Dios y Atleti” and “Merece la peña” by Txus Rojas and Carmen García.
- 8:00 PM: Poetic-musical performance “Poesía de ensueño” by Notting Hill.
- Thursday, May 14th:
- 6:00 PM: Awards ceremony for the “Vallecas calle del libro” micro-story contest.
- 7:00 PM: Poetry recital “Las cuatro elementas” with Rocío Scharfhausen, Anita Wonham, Alicia Cristina, and Concha Parada Puig.
- 8:00 PM: Presentation of “Ramoncín. Don’t take your eyes off the road (diary of a tour)” by guitarist Gabriel Abril, accompanied by Ramoncín.
- Friday, May 15th (San Isidro Holiday):
- 12:30 PM: Character creation workshop for teenagers and novice writers by Monse Saavedra.
- 1:30 PM: Presentation of “Demonios y nihilistas. El Dostoyevski político” by Costas Despiniadis, presented by translator Juan Merino.
- 8:00 PM: Performance by the Chulapos de Puente de Vallecas and Coplas by Alberto Moreno.
- Saturday, May 16th:
- 12:00 PM: Interview with cupletista Carmen Bermejo.
- 7:00 PM: Talk: “Mary Shelley and Carmen Laforet: between Frankenstein and Nothing” by Pepa Hidalgo.
- 8:00 PM: Presentation of “Nadie nace en un cuerpo equivocado. Éxito y miseria de la identidad de género” by José Errasti.
- Sunday, May 17th:
- 12:00 PM and 12:30 PM: Interviews with film director Juan Manuel Bajo Ulloa and actress Loles León.
- 1:00 PM: Presentation of “La joven y el maestro” by Iñaki Reyes, presented by Ramoncín.
- 8:00 PM: Ballet by Compañía Arts: “Homage to Miguel Hernández,” “Carmen,” and “Don Quijote.”
👧👶 Plans with Children: Fun for the Whole Family
- Espacio Abierto Quinta de los Molinos
- “Tana”
- Venue: Calle de Juan Ignacio Luca de Tena, 20.
- Date: Saturday, May 16th, 12:30 PM and 5:30 PM.
- A theatrical piece for children aged 0-5, inviting them to interact with nature and animals.
- “Spring Notebook”
- Date: Saturday, May 16th at 11:15 AM, 1:00 PM, 4:15 PM, and 6:00 PM; Sunday, May 17th at 4:15 PM and 6:00 PM.
- An activity for children aged 7 and up, exploring Quinta de los Molinos through research and observation with a special notebook.
- “Fantastic Binomials”
- Date: Saturday, May 16th and Sunday, May 17th, at 10:30 AM, 11:45 AM, and 1:00 PM (Saturday also at 5:00 PM and 6:15 PM).
- A workshop for children aged 0-5, inspired by Gianni Rodari’s idea of connecting unconnected words to create imaginative stories.
- “Little Creatures of the Park”
- Date: Saturday, May 16th, 12:45 PM, 4:00 PM, and 5:45 PM.
- An activity for children aged 4 and up, reflecting on the elements and living beings of the Quinta park and creating their own creatures.
- “Tana”
- Retiro Puppet Theater. Avenida de México, 4. “San Isidro Titititero”
- “The Death of Don Cristóbal”
- Date: Friday, May 15th, 6:00 PM.
- For ages 6 and up.
- “The Horrible”
- Date: Saturday, May 16th, 6:00 PM.
- For ages 5 and up.
- “Traveling Rag”
- Date: Sunday, May 17th, 6:00 PM.
- For ages 3 and up.
- “The Death of Don Cristóbal”
- Daoiz y Velarde Square (Retiro): Family Day
- Date: Saturday, May 16th, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM and 4:30 PM – 7:00 PM. Children’s theater at 7:00 PM.
- A free day of leisure, culture, and coexistence for all ages, concluding with the children’s show “Dr. Panoptes and the Total Eclipse.”
- Municipal Public Libraries: Storytelling
- “The Trunk of Lost Stories” with Pingüi. Wednesday, May 13th, 5:30 PM, Dámaso Alonso Public Library (Chamartín).
- “Gotina and Her Friends” with Andrea Ortúzar. Wednesday, May 13th, 6:00 PM, José Saramago Public Library (Fuencarral-El Pardo).
- “In Less Than a Rooster Crows” with Silvina Rodríguez. Thursday, May 14th, 6:00 PM, Canillejas Municipal Public Library (San Blas-Canillejas).
- “Meow, Meow” with Israel Hergón. Thursday, May 14th, 6:00 PM, Francisco Umbral Municipal Public Library (Villaverde).
- Hortaleza Cultural Center. Calle de Santa Virgilia, 15. Screen-Free Saturdays: “Secret Agent Gymkhana”
- Date: Saturday, May 16th, 10:30 AM.
- A playful workshop for children aged 6-12, where they become secret agents to save the world.
- Orcasur Cultural Center (Usera). Plaza del Pueblo, 2. “The Adventures of the Little Mouse Pérez and the Magic Key”
- Date: Saturday, May 16th, 12:00 PM.
- A musical about a wicked ogress who steals the key that transforms toys into gifts.
- El Torito Cultural Center (Moratalaz). Avenida de Moratalaz, 130. Robotics Courses
- Date: Saturday, May 16th, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (10-14 years old) and 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM (8-10 years old).
- Robotics workshops for young enthusiasts of electronics, computing, and artificial intelligence.
Enjoy your weekend in Madrid!
