Festivals & Culture on the Costa Tropical and Granada
Discover the best festivals and cultural events on the Costa Tropical, a vibrant calendar of live music, arts, and traditions for all audiences throughout the year. From summer music festivals, flamenco shows, and urban art events to family-friendly theatre and cultural programmes, the region offers something for every taste.
While the cultural agenda becomes especially intense during the summer months, with major festivals and concerts across coastal towns, there are events, performances, and cultural activities all year round, making the Costa Tropical and Granada a dynamic destination in every season.
Jazz en la Costa
A month-long event which takes place every mid-July in the stunning surrooundings of the tropical botanical park of El Majuelo in Almuñécar. Set beneath a flood-lit Moorish castle and surrounded by lush tropical vegetation, it offers a truly unique atmosphere. Many of the world’s most famous jazz musicians have taken part, including Mike Mainieri, Johnny Griffin and Benny Golson. The festival is well known for the eclectic nature of its roster: traditional standards and experimental jazz are complemented by rock, blues, funk and folk songs. Thus the sounds of London, Rio, and Havana join those of New Orleans. Visit the Festival website for the full programme.
Festival Música en los Rincones in Salobreña
Held during July and August in Salobreña, this series of concerts transforms summer nights into intimate musical experiences. Performances take place in carefully selected locations across the historic centre, as well as in Lobres and La Caleta.
The programme features a wide range of styles, from flamenco and blues to funk and acoustic music, offering visitors the chance to enjoy live performances in charming and atmospheric settings every Thursday evening.
Festival Tendencias in Salobreña
With more than 30 editions, this festival has become one of the key cultural events of the summer on the Costa Tropical. It is held during the first week of August and goes far beyond music, offering a multidisciplinary programme.
In addition to live concerts at venues such as the Auditorio José Martín Recuerda and Paseo de las Flores, the festival includes film screenings, talks, book presentations, and art exhibitions across different locations in Salobreña.
To facilitate access to the concerts, the Town Council of Salobreña provides a free shuttle minibus service from Plaza Goya to the main venues.
Today, the Tendencias Festival is a unique combination of music, art, and literature, established as a cultural benchmark in the province and an essential summer event on the Costa Tropical. Visit the Festival website.
Motril Puppet Festival Motríteres
Celebrated every December in Motril, this charming festival focuses on puppet theatre and performing arts for all ages. Organised by the Asociación Cultural La Majoleta, it forms part of the city’s Christmas cultural programme, transforming the city into a space full of imagination, creativity, and family-friendly theatre.
Motríteres is an puppet and marionette festival that brings together specialised theatre companies. Over several days, the city becomes a lively stage where specialised theatre companies present creative and engaging shows.
Performances are held in some of the city’s most iconic locations, including Teatro Calderón, central squares, and the Parque de los Pueblos de América (Templete area), bringing puppet theatre closer to both residents and visitors in an open and welcoming atmosphere. The festival’s free entry (subject to capacity) makes it a must-attend event within the cultural programme in Motril.
Beyond entertainment, the festival plays an important role in promoting performing arts and enriching local cultural life, filling the streets with magic, humour, and emotion. With each edition, Motríteres continues to establish itself as one of the most popular family festivals in the Costa Tropical.
If you are looking for cultural plans, things to do with kids, or unique events in the Costa Tropical, the Motríteres Festival is an experience not to be missed. Visit the festival website.
Salo Orgullo Salobreña Pride
Salo Orgullo, Salobreña’s LGBTQ+ festival, has become one of the most innovative and fast-growing cultural events on the Costa Tropical of Granada. More than just a music festival, it is a celebration of diversity that transforms the destination into a space of freedom, creativity, and community.
Over the years, the festival has developed a diverse and multidisciplinary programme that goes far beyond concerts. Salorogullo features cultural, social, and sporting activities for all audiences, including LGBTQ+ film screenings and theatre performances at the José Martín Recuerda Auditorium, talks and discussions, as well as an arts and crafts market along the seafront promenade.
Its open and participatory spirit is also reflected in outdoor events such as skate and football exhibitions at Playa del Peñón, and the main Pride parade, which runs through the town from this area to the Municipal Sports Centre, filling the streets with colour, music, and celebration.
The festival also makes use of unique local venues, such as the welcome party at El Lavadero de La Caleta, a spectacular seaside location that adds a distinctive atmosphere to the event.
The SALO Orgullo 2026 edition strengthens this vision by combining culture, tourism, and social commitment. Directed by David Quintana, the festival brings together artists such as Marta Sánchez and Miss Caffeina, while also incorporating inclusive fashion, urban art, and international participation, with Argentina as the guest country.
The main events will take place on July 3rd, 4th, and 5th at the Martín Pérez Municipal Sports Centre, featuring concerts, live shows, and a full weekend programme. Tickets for these main events can be purchased here.
Almuñecar Blues Fest
The Almuñécar Blues Fest is an international blues and rock festival held in the coastal town of Almuñécar, on the Costa Tropical of Granada. Its first edition took place in 2025, establishing it as part of the cultural calendar dedicated to both legendary and contemporary blues and rock music.
The festival is celebrated at the open-air Parque El Majuelo, offering two nights of live performances under the summer sky, featuring renowned international musicians and bands from different eras of blues and rock history.
It takes place at the beginning of July, over two consecutive nights, and has quickly positioned itself as a promising new reference in the live music scene of the region.
The Almuñécar Blues Fest brings together iconic names from the blues and rock world, offering a high-quality lineup designed for fans of authentic live music in an intimate yet powerful open-air setting.
Salobreña Sol Music Festival
The Salobreña Sol Music Festival brings vibrant energy to the picturesque coastal town of Salobreña. Held at the multi-purpose sports facility Polideportivo Julio Martín Pérez, this festival attracts music lovers from across the region and beyond. There are two main stages: the Main Stage, which hosts a diverse lineup of live performances from indie, rock, ska and pop to punk, and the Electronic Stage, dedicated to electronic music and dance. The event showcases both local talent and nationally acclaimed artists, offering an eclectic mix of genres that cater to a wide range of musical tastes.
Rey Balduino Music Festival
The Rey Balduino Music Festival is a classical music event held every summer in Motril. The festival is dedicated to the memory of King Baudouin of Belgium, who maintained a strong personal connection with the town, and serves as a cultural bridge between Spanish and European musical traditions.
The festival usually takes place in late July at the Teatro Calderón de la Barca, featuring a programme of high-quality recitals that include opera, classical music, and Spanish lyrical repertoire. Performances are typically offered with free admission (by invitation), making classical music accessible to a wide audience.
Each edition brings together renowned performers and emerging talents, with concerts ranging from Italian opera arias to Spanish song and chamber music, reflecting both European and national musical heritage.
Alborada Clásica International Festival
Held in February across Motril and Salobreña, this prestigious festival focuses on classical music and multidisciplinary cultural expression.
The festival presents a carefully curated programme featuring world-class musicians, chamber music, solo recitals, opera, and innovative classical productions. Performances are hosted in emblematic venues such as the Teatro Calderón de la Barca in Motril and the Auditorio Villa de Salobreña.
Over the years, Alborada Clásica has established itself as one of the most important winter cultural events in the region, known for its high artistic quality and for bringing together renowned international performers alongside emerging talent.
Beyond its musical offering, the festival also integrates literary and multidisciplinary elements, including book presentations and talks, enriching the cultural experience and expanding its artistic scope. It has become a key reference in the cultural life of the Costa Tropical, attracting audiences from across Andalusia and beyond. Visit the festival website.
Sexi Fest
The Sexi Fest is a new summer festival launched in Almuñécar, with its first edition taking place in 2026. Created with the aim of strengthening the town’s cultural and entertainment offering, the festival combines music and live shows in a large-scale open-air setting.
Held between late July and early August at the Estadio Municipal Francisco Bonet, the event spans several days and features a diverse programme that includes humor, pop, rock, and urban music, bringing together well-known national artists and popular live acts.
For the occasion, the stadium is transformed into a fully equipped venue designed to host a top-level event, featuring a professional stage, food and drink areas, controlled access points, full services, a VIP zone, and a high-quality sound and lighting system.
With a varied and accessible line-up designed to appeal to different audiences, Sexi Fest positions itself as a new addition to the Costa Tropical’s summer events calendar, aiming to become a reference point for live entertainment in the region. Visit the festival website.
Infierno Festival
The Infierno Festival is an urban music festival held in Salobreña. It takes place annually at the end of June over two days, bringing together some of the most prominent names in the Spanish and international urban music scene.
Focused on genres such as trap, reggaeton, and urban fusion, the festival has quickly grown into one of the most important events of its kind, attracting thousands of attendees and positioning Salobreña as a key destination for contemporary music.
Concerts are held in a large open-air venue at the Polideportivo Municipal Julio Martín Pérez, where multiple spaces are set up to enhance the festival experience, including leisure areas, gastronomy zones, and rest areas.
Organised by La Vendición Records, the festival stands out for its strong identity and connection to the urban music scene, featuring both established artists and emerging talent. In recent editions, it has gathered more than forty performers and thousands of fans, consolidating its status as one of the leading urban music festivals on the Costa Tropical. Visit the festival website.
Tropicalia Summer Music
The Tropicalia Summer Music is a concert series held every summer in Salobreña. It takes place over two weekends in August and features some of the best national artists from the current music scene.
The festival is hosted in an open-air venue featuring large-scale live concerts, establishing itself as one of the most important summer music events and a key highlight of the Costa Tropical’s summer cultural agenda, attracting audiences from across Andalusia and the rest of Spain.
As a prelude to the main concerts, the event also includes three free-entry themed parties, designed to build the atmosphere and kick off the musical programme in a more informal and festive setting. Visit the festival website.
Artepeazos Urban Art Meeting
The Artepeazos Urban Art Meeting is an international urban art event held in Salobreña. First launched in 2024, the festival has quickly established itself as a unique cultural initiative that transforms the town into an open-air museum.
Taking place in May, Artepeazos brings together renowned national and international artists who create large-scale murals, sculptures, and artistic interventions live in the streets. Over several days, visitors can witness the creative process in real time, interact with the artists, and explore how the artworks evolve across different locations in the town.
Beyond mural painting, the festival also incorporates disciplines such as sculpture, music, literature, and performance, offering a multidisciplinary cultural experience that connects art with the local community. Workshops and participatory activities further encourage public involvement, making the event accessible to all audiences.
Each edition leaves a lasting legacy, as many of the artworks remain permanently displayed in Salobreña, creating an evolving urban art route that can be enjoyed year-round.
Artepeazos has positioned Salobreña as an emerging reference point for urban art, combining creativity, community engagement, and cultural innovation in a dynamic and immersive environment.
Patios Flamencos Festival
The Patios Flamencos Festival is a traditional flamenco music cycle held every summer in Motril. Celebrated mainly throughout July, the festival transforms some of the city’s most emblematic spaces into intimate stages for live flamenco performances.
Rather than a single event, it is a series of concerts that take place over several weeks (often on weekends) featuring renowned flamenco artists alongside emerging talent. The programme blends traditional flamenco with more contemporary interpretations, showcasing the richness and evolution of this art form.
Performances are hosted in unique heritage settings such as historic patios, public squares, or venues like the Fábrica del Pilar, creating a close and authentic atmosphere that connects the audience with the roots of flamenco.
In recent editions, the festival has also embraced an open and accessible format, bringing flamenco back to the streets with free-entry concerts in emblematic locations, reinforcing its popular and inclusive character.
'Noches en el Castillo de La Herradura' Festival
“Noches en el Castillo de La Herradura” is a music festival held at the gardens of the historic La Herradura Castle, offering a unique experience of live music or theatre under the stars. This annual event transforms the castle into a vibrant cultural hub, attracting both locals and visitors.
Sexi Firmum Iulium (Almuñécar Classical Theater Festival)
Set against the backdrop of Almuñécar’s historic sites, this festival celebrates classical theater in all its glory. The ruins of the Roman aqueduct serve as a dramatic stage, providing a unique setting for timeless plays. It is held in September at the Parque del Majuelo and the Casa de la Cultura. Visit website.
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Festivals in Granada
The International Festival of Music and Dance
One of Spain’s most prestigious cultural events, this festival takes place in the enchanting Alhambra Palace and other historic venues in Granada. It brings together world-class musicians, dancers, and performers for a series of captivating concerts and dance performances. The streets of Granada are filled with music from the end of June to the beginning of July each year. More than 60 music and dance shows are held at venues throughout the city. These range from classical ensembles to jazz and world music. The festival website releases full details of the programme as soon as they are available.
Granada International Jazz Festival
The Granada International Jazz Festival is one of the longest-running and most important in Europe. Over the twenty-five years since the festival began, it has featured such national and international jazz figures as Miles Davis, Oscar Peterson, Charlie Haden, Art Blakey, Tete Montoliu, Dizzy Gillespie, Wayne Shorter and Herbie Hancock. The inclusion of such prestigious names has helped create a vibrant jazz movement in Granada that promotes contact and exchange of experiences between local and foreign musicians. The festival takes place every November. Visit Granada Jazz Festival website for further information and to make bookings.
International Granada Tango Festival
Tango is hugely popular in Granada, and every year the city hosts a Tango Festival with performances at venues around the city. The Tango World’s top artists have performed in its shows: Juan Carlos Copes, Horacio Ferrer, Susana Rinaldi, Miguel Zotto y Milena Plebs, Roberto Goyeneche, Amelita Baltar, Los Dinzel, Osvaldo Pugliese to name just a few. Each year the festival programme focuses on a particular personality or theme. Taking place in the month of March and stretching over five nights, the Festival offers spectacular shows, live music, dance classes, photographic exhibitions, poetry readings, cultural debates and much more. The Festival also organises return flights from selected UK airports to Granada Airport. Full details of the programme are available on the International Tango Festival website.
Granada Sound
The Granada Sound Festival celebrated in early September every year is the biggest music festival. It is a dynamic convergence of music and culture set against the backdrop of Granada’s historic charm. This annual musical celebration transforms the city into a vibrant hub of artistic expression, drawing music enthusiasts from across the country. The festival’s allure lies in its diverse lineup, spanning genres and catering to various tastes. From indie rock to electronic beats, it curates an eclectic blend of established acts and emerging local talents, fostering a sense of musical discovery. Beyond the music, the festival creates an immersive experience with food stalls, art installations, and an electric atmosphere. As the sun sets, the festival truly comes alive with mesmerizing light displays and pulsating performances, uniting the crowd in a shared euphoria. More than a music event, the Granada Sound Festival weaves cultural fusion, memorable nights, and a sense of community into its fabric. The festival is held at Cortijo del Conde, between Granada and Atarfe, near Mercagranada. Visit website
Sierra Nevada por Todo lo Alto Festival
The Sierra Nevada por Todo lo Alto Festival, the highest altitude music festival in Europe, is a standout event in Spain’s summer music calendar. This free two day (Friday and Saturday) event, held annually at the Plaza de Andalucía, Pradollano (2100 meters over sea level), takes place every August with several bands performing each night,. There are also morning activities for children. This blend of rock music, mountain environment, and family-friendly events creates a unique festival experience. With a lineup that includes both Spanish and international acts, the festival consistently showcases a diverse range of music genres, supported by local talent and music workshops for children, organised by the Granada-based Gabba Hey Music School, making it a memorable event for all ages. Free parking is available. Visit website
Hocus Pocus Festival
Otherwise known as the Festival of Magic. Granada is often called the “magical city”, so it is an appropriate location for an event of this kind. For a week in November magicians and masters of illusion gather here each year to display their skills and celebrate their craft. In addition to scheduled magic shows in theatres and clubs, there are impromptu performances throughout the city in bars, cafes and on street corners. You can pull a rabbit out of your hat in your own magic show, enjoy the live performances, or attend a workshop or lecture.
Tickets can be booked online from the Hocus Pocus Festival website.