Madrid Autumn Festival

In November 2026, Madrid and other cities in the region will host the 44th Festival de Otoño de la Comunidad de Madrid — an international performing arts festival that brings together theatre, dance, performance and contemporary music. The festival will take place from 6 to 29 November and will present 29 productions from 18 countries across 13 venues in Madrid and the region.

One of the central themes of the autumn festival is cultural connections with the Americas. The theme is linked to the 250th anniversary of US independence, but the programme goes far beyond the American scene: audiences can expect productions from Latin America, the USA and Europe, dance performances, concerts and experimental projects. Participating countries include Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Germany, Mexico, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, Uruguay and others.

Madrid Autumn Festival programme

The main part of the programme will take place in Madrid, but several performances and events will extend beyond the capital to Móstoles, Rivas-Vaciamadrid, Aranjuez and other cities in the region. In total, the festival will bring together 29 productions from 18 countries, with the programme featuring 7 world premieres, 2 European premieres and 9 Spanish premieres.

The festival will open on 6 November at Teatros del Canal with PESSOA - Since I've Been Me by Robert Wilson, featuring Maria de Medeiros. Over the following weeks, theatre and dance performances, musical events and experimental projects will take place at venues across Madrid. These include Teatros del Canal, Contemporánea Condeduque, Teatro de La Abadía, Réplika Teatro, Sala Cuarta Pared, Teatro Pradillo and Sala Mirador.

The programme includes both major international productions and more intimate projects. Dance lovers should look out for Tambourines by Trajal Harrell and flesh chariot, chariot of flesh by Faye Driscoll and the Cullberg company. The theatre programme includes La ira de Narciso by Sergio Blanco, Mi madre y el dinero by Anacarsis Ramos, Un tiro cada uno by Laura Sbaraglia and Consuelo Iturraspe, El rincón de los muertos by Sebastián Rubio and Yanira Dávila, as well as many other productions.

The festival will not be without music either. American singer Sorvina will perform in Madrid — her concert will take place on 20 November at Sala de Cristal Teatros del Canal. She will present her debut album Oh, the Places You'll Go, which combines jazz rap, neo-soul, gospel and hip-hop.

Ticket prices vary depending on the performance and venue. For example, at Teatros del Canal, prices start at €9 and go up to €35, while buying tickets for several performances at once can give you a discount of between 20% and 50%. At Contemporánea Condeduque, tickets for festival performances cost €18, while at Sala Mirador they cost €16 when purchased in advance and €18 at the theatre. The full schedule, venue information and current ticket purchase links can be found on the festival's official “Espacios y entradas” page.

ÁGORA — meetings and free events

Festival de Otoño is not only about performances. Alongside the main programme, ÁGORA is an open space for meetings, discussions and other events that help audiences better understand the works presented at the festival. Participation in ÁGORA events is free.

In 2026, the programme is divided into four strands. Antesalas are short talks before selected performances, Diálogos are meetings with audiences after performances, while Paisajes de fondo is a series of themed discussions about theatre and contemporary performing arts. The new Incursiones strand invites audiences to move beyond the familiar theatre stage and experience theatre in unusual urban spaces.

For example, on 13 November, Mercado de Vallehermoso will host Habla el mercado — a sound and gastronomic walk through the market, during which visitors will hear stories from its vendors and visitors and will also be able to try small tastings. The event is part of the Incursiones programme and shows that, as part of Festival de Otoño, theatre can appear in places far beyond the theatre itself.

ÁGORA events take place at Teatros del Canal, Teatro de La Abadía, Teatro Pradillo and Mercado de Vallehermoso. It is best to check the schedule of individual meetings and free events on the festival's official website before visiting.

What else to see in Madrid

Festival de Otoño can be a great reason to visit Madrid for a few days. In between performances, you can explore the city centre, try the local cuisine and discover a different side of the city.

• Madrid's attractions — the city's main sights to see during your trip.
• Where to eat in Madrid and what to try — tapas, traditional dishes and interesting places serving local cuisine.
• Street markets in Madrid — an idea for a walk between festival events and a chance to see a different side of the city.
• Madrid transport: tickets, zones, prices and how to travel around the city for less — useful if you plan to visit several festival venues.