On May 13, Madrid fully embraces the San Isidro atmosphere, and the free concerts scattered throughout the city are largely to blame.
That night (and much of the afternoon), the outdoor stages begin to serve as a preview of the patron saint’s big day: there are options for those seeking traditional classics, up-and-coming bands, electronic music to close out the night, and events designed to get the party started before May 15.
At San Isidro Park, you can enjoy a full night’s entertainment without leaving the lawn. At 7:00 PM,Mari Pepa de Chamberíkicks off the lineup on the Castizo Stage with a repertoire that evokes a traditional street festival: chotis, cuplés, and neighborhood songs for those who want to experience the most traditional side of the festivities. At 8:00 PM,Amor Líquidotakes the stage on the main stage, with a live indie pop set and danceable beats that serve as the perfect bridge between the traditional and the wildest night. And at 9:30 PM, it’sCarlangas’ turn to close out the day with guitars, rowdy rock, and a show that usually turns the lawn into a festive mosh pit.
To coordinate your schedule and not miss a thing, check the Madrid City Council’s official San Isidro Festival program and filter by date (May 13) and the “music” category: from there, you can see the rest of the artists, the stages where they’re performing, and how much time you have to get from one part of the city to another between concerts.