When is a good time to visit Madrid? Festival time is one of the choices. You should not be surprised that there are a plethora of music festivals in Madrid with its sensational Mediterranean and semi-arid climate. Warm temperatures year-round make the city a popular place to enjoy outdoor activities like festivals and carnivals so it just makes sense that you will find so many in Madrid.

From the Carnaval and Masquerade Ball Festivals at the Circulo de Bellas Artes in February to the Bime Live Festival at the Bilbao Exhibition Center in October, there are so many music festivals in the Spanish capital of Madrid every year, we cannot list them all here.

In fact, Madrid is one of the most popular music festival venues in the world due to its vicinity to both the Mediterranean Sea as well as the Atlantic Ocean. Beaches, bonfires, and booze are all the rage in Madrid and its neighboring cities of Barcelona and Malaga.

Just about all of the festivals in and around Madrid are outdoors, which makes it so important to have warm weather year-round like it is here. Be sure to pack your bathing suits, sunblock, and beach toys! There are plenty of beaches in Madrid and the other cities nearby. Be sure to enjoy them when the music is done!

At the concerts and festivals, you can see performances by international artists like Michael Bolton and Macy Gray, new headliners like Glass Animals and Crystal Fighters, or popular artists like Imagine Dragons, Foo Fighters, Pearl Jam, and Smashing Pumpkins. Each one of these music festivals has its own set of venues from alternative music to zydeco so there is something for everyone.

So, pack your warm-weather clothes and sunglasses and head for Madrid to see some of the best festivals in the world no matter what genre you follow. We have a few tips for you as you get ready to see the sights and groove to the sounds. First, take part in the festivals hands-free and store extra bags and gear at a Madrid luggage storage spot. And to learn how to get from one festival to the next, read our guide on how to get around Madrid. Lastly, have an amazing time!

The best music festivals in Madrid in 2022

Tomavistas 2022

If you don't have your tickets for Tomavistas Music Festival 2022 yet, you may want to start planning for next year. The fun at this Madrid Festival starts on May 19th and goes until the 22nd at IFEMA Feria de la Madrid with some big names in pop, rock, and alternative music.

Some of the festivals' features besides live music include delicious food, drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic), dancing, and happy people enjoying it all. Celebrate the beginning of summer with a lineup of fantastic artists like Trashi, Suede, Goat Girl, and the Kings of Convenience. Tickets start at $58.

Boombastic Festival Madrid

Spending 3 days in Madrid? On June 10th and 11th at the Caja Magica, the Boombastic Music Festival of Madrid will be back to bring the best of today's music together in one space. The lineup includes Spain favorites like Nicki Nicole, Duki, and Hens as well as others from around the world.

It is not just one genre to enjoy at this festival with a group of different artists such as new world, jazz, indie rock, and even the blues. Besides all that, you can also join in some of the activities, see some sensational art, and enjoy other events. Tickets start at $104.

Fan Fan Fest de Madrid 2022

This is one of the most popular music festivals in Madrid, held for just one day at the IFEMA Feria de Madrid on June 11th. Since it is only one day, you need to get your tickets fast before they run out. Besides the live music, you can enjoy exceptional local and international cuisines as well.

The festival features a lineup with some amazing artists like the Black Eyed Peas, Sophia Ellar, La La Love You, David Otero, and Lyrical. The party starts at 3 PM and runs until 3 AM with tickets starting at $37 for general admission, $106 for front stage, and $212 for the VIP Experience.

A Summer Story 2022 Ciudad del Rock Madrid

If you want to hear a story told by the beauty and charm of electronic music, this Summer Story festival at Ciudad de la Rock is where to be in Madrid from June 17th through the 18. But this is not your typical music festival or concert. This is one huge dance festival.

The lineup of performers this year includes Tiesto, Third Pary, The Martinez Brothers, DJ Nano, Blake, and Amelie Lens. The huge electronic music is on the outskirts of the Spanish capital of Madrid in a giant open space in Arganda del Rey. Tickets start at $47 for general admission.

Paraiso Festival

In the middle of Madrid City Centre at the University of Madrid (Universidad Complutense de Madrid), you can find the Paraiso Festival behind the University Faculty of Information Sciences. There will be live music from a variety of international artists and local bands as well as food, drinks, and other events.

The live concerts will begin at 6 PM on June 24th and continue throughout the weekend with artists like Yahaira, Jeremy Underground, Chico Blanco, CC: Disco!, Ben UFO, and Baiuca. The festival also offers a dance stage, gaming zones, and relaxing areas. Tickets start at $73 for general admission.

Resurrection Fest

If you are looking for some rock music, check out the Resurrection Fest in Viveiro. From June 29th until July 3rd, this is one of the best music festivals for rockers of all kinds. Just minutes from the city centre of Madrid, this giant rocker's fantasy takes place at Plaza Fuente Nueva in Tabanera de la Monte.

Besides rock, they also have hardcore punk, heavy metal, and punk rock like Scorpions, Slipknot, Korn, and Iron Maiden. Others you may have heard of include Mastodon, Jinjer, Deftones, and Megadeth. Ticket prices begin at $90 for general admission.

Mad Cool Festival July 2022

Truly the most well-known music concert party in Spain, the Mad Cool Festival July 2022 is a big hit with everyone. Now in its fourth edition, music fans can enjoy electronic music, indie rock, alternative music, pop, and even some heavy metal music.

See live acts by Pearl Jam, Foo Fighters, Arctic Monkeys, The Cure, Tame Impala, and Metallica at the UCM Campus on Alejandro de la Sota Avenue. You can choose from one-day tickets for July 6th through the 10th or buy a whole five-day pass for the best deal. General admission tickets start at $82.

Mad Cool Sunset Festival

September in Madrid is beautiful and it is the perfect month for a festival of any kind. On September 10th, 2022, the Mad Cool Sunset Festival holds its first event ever with the main act of Rage Against the Machine. Mad Cool ragers say this is going to be one of the best after-parties in Spain.

This is like part two of the Mad Cool Festival in July with similar music. But this is for one day only and features a new edition of acts like Glass Animals, Montell Fish, Sylvie Kreusch, and Yard Act. The festival tickets start at $94 for general admission and $175 for a VIP ticket.

DCODE Festival

The DCODE festival is a two-day music concert that has been in Madrid for 10 years. This year, the first one since Covid-19 hit, will be held at the UCM Campus on Cantarranas Complex behind the Faculty of Information Sciences on September 10th and 11th. You will enjoy 18 straight hours of awesome music from family shows to heavy metal rockers.

The lineup for the DCODE Festival is still not complete but past years included Amaral, Belako, and Vetusta Morla. This is the most anticipated music festival in Spain with a nice combination of adult concerts as well as activities for kids. In fact, Kids Corner is a popular spot featuring face painting, games, and stories.

Jazz Madrid

This year, the international jazz music festival is featured by Madrid Destino and has a variety of jazz concerts, festival events, and a celebration of the end of summer throughout the whole month of November 2022. Besides live music, you can attend exhibitions, debates, lectures, and other jazz-related events.

Known by locals as the most important international jazz festival in Spain is held in various venues on the campus of UCM. See big names from all over the world like Gregory Porter, Carmen Paris, Jorge Pardo, Ambrose Akinmusire, and Woody Allen. You don't want to miss this international jazz festival. Tickets start at $50 for general admission.

Music Festivals Near Madrid

Primavera Sound 2022

Start the summer off right with Primavera Sound from June 2nd until the 12th at Forum Park (Parc del Forum). That is 10 full days and nights of live music, food, and other events and activities. Some of these include Brunch on the Beach, Primavera Pro 2022, and Musical Biographies.

See legendary groups like Arcade Fire, Iggy Pop, Pavement, and Public Enemy as well as Beck, The Gorillaz, Tyler the Creator, and Radiohead. It is definitely worth the extra six hours drive from Madrid, Spain for this special festival. Tickets start at $90. If you miss this one, they have various venues as well.

Rock Fest Barcelona

Real rockers do not mind that they have to drive an extra six hours to get to this summer music festival. The City of Barcelona is the perfect place for this heavy metal and rock event at the Parc de Dan Zam happening from June 30th to July 2nd. Previous festivals have seen performances by Aerosmith, Ozzy, ZZ Top, and Alice Cooper.

There are two main stages so there is always something going on. Another smaller stage called the Rock Tent Stage is where to go to see the upcoming talent and local bands. When the bands are done at 3 AM, the DJs take over so you can keep partying all night long. The tickets are sold as 3-day passes only and they start at $199.

Vida Festival 2022

Sponsored by Vida Records & Friends, the Vida Festival Barcelona will knock your socks off from June 30th until July 2nd. Some of the headliners include Alt-J, Belle & Sebastian, Cat Power, Destroyer, and Parcels.

Other acts you may see this summer are Rhye, Shego, Mishima, Cosmen, Boye, and Amaia Miranda. Besides the four days of indie and other forms of music, you can let the children play at The Nest or take a tour of the city. Tickets start at just $15.

Barcelona Beach Festival July 2022

For one day only, on July 2nd, Barcelona Beach is going to be packed with electronic music lovers like you to enjoy 12 straight hours of live summer music. On the Mediterranean coast at Forum Park (Parc del Forum), celebrate summer on the beach. Where else would you want to enjoy the summer in Barcelona?

The city welcomes Marshmello, Don Diablo, Vini Vici, and Timmy Trumpet to name a few. The single-day event includes art, drink bracelets, exclusive bars, on-stage access, and a backstage tour. Tickets start at $88 for general admission, $209 for premium, and $597 for VIP.

Cala de Mijas 2022

Where can you go to see a lineup with the Arctic Monkeys, Kraftwerk, Blossoms, and Venturi all in one spot? The Cala de Mijas Festival September 1st to the 3rd on the shores of Malaga. It is only about four hours from Madrid and includes Indie, rock, alternative, and many other genres of music.

Past years' lineups have included bands like The Cure, Tame Impala, and Hot Chip. No matter what your favorite song, genre, or venue, you are sure to find something you like in this lineup. General admission tickets start at $80.

Planning to stay some more days in Madrid?

There is plenty to do in Madrid once the music stops! From museums (don't miss the Royal Palace of Madrid) to shopping on Gran Via to excellent dining, this terrific city is the place to be all year round. Read our guide on the best time to visit Madrid and consider planning your festival fun around the season that suits you best.