Heady summers, long nights and time off from work allow us to indulge in all sorts of fun. No matter your age, life stage or persuasion there’s a music festival to suit everyone.
Souvenirs don’t always have to be physical things. Music is the soundtrack to our lives, so they say, and everyone takes home that special ‘holiday song’ as a lasting memory. Much easier to carry home than a straw donkey!
What better way to create a whole music memory album of your holiday, than by attending one of the upcoming festivals? Now these are not in the same league as Glastonbury or Coachella but that’s a good thing, why? Well tickets are often still available weeks before the festival date and they’re relatively small so no conflicting time slots.
There might be a festival close to your planned holiday destination, so browse our list of some of the hottest Spanish music festivals to hit the calendar each year.
Marbella Starlite
When? 13th June – 29th August 2025
This eagerly awaited annual event has celebrities, pop stars, and Marbella’s elite reaching for their Louboutins at the chance to see Lionel Ritchie, Norah Jones, Anastacia, Sara Baras, and more over the course of an event that runs well over a month in total. In true Marbella style, the Starlite’s a glamorous affair – no dust or porter loos here. Instead it’s very much a case of see and be seen, with the chance to rub shoulders with the rich and famous at an important annual social event for the town.
More information: Starlite Marbella or contact our Guest Experience Team to book your tickets or VIP entrance.
Arenal Sound – Arenal de Burriana
The Arenal Sound 2025 festival will take place from July 30 to August 3, 2025, in Burriana, Castellón, Spain. This marks the festival’s 15th anniversary.
The first beach-side Arenal Sound was in 2010, and with its location on the Costa del Azahar about 60km outside Valencia it’s proved very popular with a younger crowd, camping and hanging out on the beach. You’ll require energy for this one – it lasts for six days.
The lineup includes artists such as Bad Gyal, Jhayco, Gonzy, Steve Aoki, Melendi, Rels B, and Omar Montes, among others. Performances will be spread across multiple stages, including the Heineken Main Stage, Negrita Stage, Repsol Stage, and Cutty Sark Stage.
More information: Arenal Sound Festival
Nerja Cave Music Festival
© Nerja Cave Music Festival
The Nerja Cave Music Festival (Festival de Música de la Cueva de Nerja) will take place from 21st June to 17th August 2025. This prestigious summer event features a diverse lineup of artists performing in the stunning natural setting of the Nerja Caves.
More information: Nerja Cave Festival
Marenostrum Fuengirola
© Marenostrum Fuengirola
When? From April to September each year
One of the first festivals on the Costa del Sol with staying power is Marenostrum Festival. Its location is stellar next to the coast and castle Sohail. Never short of big name artists, during 2023 we enjoyed Robbie Williams, Morat and Pablo Alboran.
Marenostrum Fuengirola 2025 is scheduled to take place from May 3 to August 23, 2025, at the iconic Castillo Sohail in Fuengirola, Málaga. This year marks the festival’s 10th anniversary, featuring a diverse lineup of over 40 artists across various genres.
More information: Marenostrum Festival
Mad Cool Festival – Madrid
The Mad Cool Festival will take place in Madrid from 10th July to 13th July 2025. The festival features a diverse lineup of national and international artists. The festival will conclude on Sunday 13th July with a special electronic music day in collaboration with Brunch Electronik.
The event will be held at the Iberdrola Music venue in the Villaverde district of Madrid, offering a spacious and well-equipped setting for attendees. This year’s lineup includes headliners such as Olivia Rodrigo, Kings of Leon, Alanis Morissette, Nine Inch Nails, Justice, Iggy Pop, and Olivia Rodrigo. The festival promises a diverse range of performances across various genres.
More information: Mad Cool Festival
Bilbao BBK Live
When? 10th July – 12th July 2025
When it comes to festivals there aren’t many in Europe that beat the location of Bilbao BBK Live – the Arriaz Mountains as a backdrop, views over Bilbao city, nearby beaches and stunning sunsets at the end of the day. It’s simply stunning. The music starts late so it’s ideal for visitors as you can sunbathe during the afternoon or even see some sights in the city. If this year’s line-up – featuring the likes of Kylie Minogue, Pulp, Michael Kiwanuka and Raye – doesn’t tempt you, then we’re not sure what will.
More information: Bilbao BBK Live
Festival Internacional de Benicassim – Castellon
When? 17th July – 19th July 2025
FIB to its friends, with four days of non-stop rock, alternative, indie and electronic music in a beach setting, Benicassim has become a permanent fixture on the Spain festival circuit. Running for 24 years, tickets are quickly sold out, so if you still want one you’ll have to start hunting.
The most successful music festivals now offer more than just music and FIB, being something of a veteran now, is no different. We want more from our festival experience, and FIB delivers – expect to see a short film festival, fashion shows, art exhibition, and a festival of dance and choreography, with educational arts courses provided by a local university, too. If you’re bored by all of that there’s even a water park just down the road for a cooling respite. This year’s lineup features headliners such as The Black Keys, Thirty Seconds to Mars, Residente, Bloc Party, and Olly Alexander. Additionally, prominent Spanish indie acts like Viva Suecia, Love of Lesbian, La Casa Azul, and Miss Caffeina will also perform.
More information: Festival Internacional de Benicassim
Like our pick of the best summer music festivals in Spain? For more after dark activities, check out our guides to the best Marbella nightlife and beach clubs.
Ben Cooper
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