Spain’s music season doesn’t end with summer, as blogger Sally Veall discovers. From the jazz-filled squares of Catalonia to the rock stages of Bilbao and flamenco theatres of Madrid, autumn brings an irresistible line-up of festivals for every taste.
Although summer may be over, Spain’s festival season is far from finished. October and November bring an impressive line-up of music events across the country, from indie gatherings in Madrid and Valencia to jazz celebrations in Catalonia and Andalusia. With cooler temperatures, smaller crowds and the same lively Spanish spirit, it’s the perfect time to enjoy a rich mix of sounds under autumn skies.
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What’s on this autumn?
Every October, my small Catalan town hosts a week-long Jazz Festival, part of the Festival de Jazz Costa Brava, which attracts some top local musicians as well as those from the international scene. This year was no exception, with an outstanding concert given by Kyle Eastwood (Clint Eastwood’s son) and his band in the theatre, which was full to the brim. Considering the calibre of the performers, the price for the tickets was more than reasonable, at just €25 or a reduced €20 for people over 65.
Midday on Sunday brought us a free big band concert by the local music school, which was first class. Sitting in the main square with a glass of wine and listening to the young people and their teachers play and sing some great classics was a great way to spend Sunday morning.
That was not all; on Friday night, we enjoyed another free concert, this time in a large cultural space that also hosts art from around the world. It was a wonderful performance by the local Josep Suquet Trio and Australian Adrian Cunningham, a master of sax, clarinet and flute.
It’s not only in my town that you can find great music: Spain as a whole is alive with rhythm and creativity. From bustling cities to coastal villages, there are festivals and live performances to suit every taste. So, let’s take a look at a few of the standout events happening around the country…
Festivals
Full Metal Holiday 2025, Mallorca – 13th to 20th October
From 13th to 20th October 2025, Mallorca becomes a haven for metal lovers as Full Metal Holiday returns to the island. More than just a festival, it’s a week-long celebration of pounding riffs, seaside energy and a close-knit community of fans who live and breathe the music.
BIME Live Festival, Bilbao – 28th to 31st October
BIME Live is a vibrant two-day festival held at the Bilbao Exhibition Centre, showcasing a dynamic mix of rock, pop and electronic music. Despite being a relatively new addition to Spain’s festival calendar, it has already attracted an impressive roster of artists, including The Chemical Brothers, Basement Jaxx, Placebo, Suede, Manic Street Preachers, Passenger, Imagine Dragons, Stereophonics, Crystal Fighters and PJ Harvey.
Granada International Jazz Festival – 30th October to 8th November
The Granada International Jazz Festival is one of the most important musical events of the autumn in Spain. The stunning and historic Teatro Isabel la Católica serves as the main stage for the festival’s headline concerts. However, the celebration reaches well beyond its walls, with more than 70 performances taking place in bars and clubs across the city and its surroundings.
Barcelona Jazz Festival – 9th October to 17th December
Over two months, more than 60 concerts are scheduled to take place around the city. The American Laurie Anderson will play on 10th November, Adrea Motis & Barcelona Gospel Messengers on 15th November and Chris Thile on 22nd November. Check out the full programme here.
Concerts
For those who enjoy classical music or flamenco, there is plenty to choose from with concerts in many of Spain’s larger towns and cities.
Classical
In Barcelona, the Palau de Música is hosting, among others, The Champs Elysées Orchestra on 23rd October, Mozart’s Requiem on 26th October and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra on 27th October.
The Chamber Orchestra of Europe is playing in Seville’s Teatro de la Maestranza on 16th November.
Flamenco
A Grand Flamenco Gala at the Teatro Capitol Gran Vía in Madrid will be held from 15th October to 26th November. Gran Gala Flamenco is a captivating showcase of everything that makes flamenco so enchanting. It brings together the art’s most iconic elements — castanets, flowing batas de cola, elegant fans and stunning costumes — all set to original music. Unlike many traditional tablaos, this performance treats audiences to breathtaking choreography and a truly theatrical experience.
Summary
The schools have reopened and people are back at work, but the music in Spain continues throughout the year and there will be a show or festival near you. Prices are generally very reasonable and often you’ll find a free concert. Jazz is popular in Spain, which is why there are a large number of jazz festivals, but you will also find some great small jazz clubs in towns all over the country, sometimes hidden away down a narrow street away from the centre. You may also be surprised at the quality of local musicians. In my area, we truly have a remarkable wealth of local talent, as do other regions and it is up to us to support them and live music in general.
