What's On In Madrid Spain This May

May is one of the best months to visit Madrid. The April rains slowly shift into sunshine-filled, warm days and both locals and visitors head out to enjoy the perfect weather. Here’s a list of what’s on in Madrid this May 2017.

1. Celebrate San Isidro

Park, Shop

The festival of Madrid’s patron Saint, San Isidro, is one of the best of the year. Officially occurring on May 15, the festivities last over a week, and everyone heads down to the Pradera, which are the festival grounds down by Madrid Río, to eat, drink, shop, picnic and listen to live music. Delicious donuts, called rosquillas, can be found at bakeries throughout the city around these dates. Fireworks occur in the Retiro Park and live music can be heard in squares all over town, so check out the official program for more details.

Paseo de la Ermita del Santo, 74, 28019 Madrid

Rosquillas are special donuts eaten in celebration of the San Isidro festival in Madrid |© Tamorlan/Wikipedia

2. Enjoy some flamenco

One of the most famous flamenco artists in Spain, Sara Baras is touring and her show, Voces will be in Madrid this spring through May 28, 2017. The almost two-hour performance will include dance, singing and guitar. Tickets start at 25 euros and are available here.

Teatro Nuevo Apolo, Plaza Tirso de Molina, 1, 28012 Madrid

3. See magic with Houdini

A special exhibit dedicated to famous magician Houdini, you’ll learn all about his life and fundamental tricks and secrets here. Houdini: Las Leyes del Asombro will go through May 28th and is open from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm everyday.

Fundación Telefónica, Calle de Fuencarral, 3, 28004 Madrid

Check out the Houdini exhibit |© Fundación Telefónica

4. Go to the ballet

The Cuban National Ballet will be performing Giselle, a story about a young German girl caught in a love triangle, in Madrid this season. The shows will run from May 10-14, 2017 and tickets, which start at 26 euros, are available here.

Teatros del Canal, Calle de Cea Bermúdez, 1, 28003 Madrid

5. Hear some EDM

If you love 90’s music, you shouldn’t miss the Love the 90s music festival happening May 13, 2017 featuring some of the best musicians of the 1990s. Jenny Berggren from Ace of Base, Technotronic, 2 Unlimited, Tina Cousins and many more will be playing. Doors open at 6 pm, and rumor has it karaoke will also be involved. Tickets start at 30 euros.

WiZink Center, Av. Felipe II, S/N, 28009 Madrid, Spain

6. Catch a bullfight

Although bullfighting is controversial and you may want to steer clear, they are still a popular cultural activity here in Madrid, and May is the season to see it. Bullfights happen almost daily in May in the beautiful Ventas bullring and tickets start as low as just 14 euros. You’ll have to select sol or sombra, though, when purchasing tickets, meaning the pricier tickets are located in the shade and not the sun.

Plaza de Toros Las Ventas, Calle de Alcalá, 237, 28028 Madrid

See a bullfight in Madrid |© Manuel González Olaechea y Franco/Wikipedia

7. Sing along with Ricky Martin

Ricky Martin will be bringing his Latin beats to Madrid on May 23, 2017 at 9:30 pm. Don’t miss the singer, who sings in Spanish and English, belt out some of his most famous hits like Livin’ La Vida Loca to a packed house. Tickets start at 76 euros.

WiZink Center, Av. Felipe II, S/N, 28009 Madrid, Spain

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