And almost before we knew it, fall arrived. It seems that if you blink in Madrid, you’ll miss something. That’s why we recommend staying up to date on the changes coming to the city: the Puerta de Alcalá will no longer be isolated in its roundabout before the end of the year, and you can now walk under its arches thanks to the renovations that are restoring the monument to its pre-1960s appearance. In addition, Usera now features a welcome arch designed by Okuda San Miguel.
As for transportation, the Metro is returning to normal with the Moncloa station back in operation. And on the heritage front, the Royal Palace is preparing to reopen the Royal Pharmacy at the end of the year—after twelve years closed to the public—with access to its herbariums, medicine cabinets, and the Art Deco laboratory where, among other items, Queen Isabella II’s travel first-aid kit is kept.
To wrap up this introduction, here’s the guide to October’s exhibitions and the list of free things to do in Madrid. Without further ado, here’s everything happening in Madrid this weekend:
Visit more than 100 buildings closed to the public
This long weekend, the Open House Madrid architecture festival opens the doors to more than a hundred buildings and studios in the city that are usually closed to the public, such as the Beatriz Building and the Spanish Institute of Cultural Heritage (pictured), among others.
Acrobatics, theater, circus… and a story of Lost Boys who fly, grumpy pirates, and an island where anything is possible. *The Island of Neverland* premieres this week at Espacio Delicias—a family-friendly event that tells the story of Tempesta, Captain Hook’s daughter.
Last weekend to see the Altar of the Dead at Casa de México
One of the most eagerly anticipated installations every fall in Madrid. The spectacular Altar of the Dead by the Casa de México Foundation is dedicated this year to Mexican composer Agustín Lara and recreates elements of traditional cemeteries in Michoacán. It can be visited free of charge with a prior reservation, only through November 8.
Try the Corona de La Almudena
Created in the late 1970s by the bakers’ guild, the Corona de La Almudena is the most traditional sweet treat of this time of year. Although at first glance it resembles the roscón de Reyes, its dough does not contain orange blossom water and is topped with cherries, cream, or almonds. Madrid’s bakeries offer it with traditional fillings: whipped cream, pastry cream, or truffle.
Beyond the culinary scene, the capital celebrates its patron saint with five days of events: concerts by the Municipal Symphonic Band, opera, and parades featuring the traditional floral offering, culminating in the Virgin’s procession through the streets of Mayor, Santiago, Requena, and Bailén.
Home-style cooking and a family-friendly atmosphere right on Calle la Ruda. If you’re in the mood to round out your cultural plans this weekend with a classic meal, El Rincón del Patas is a traditional restaurant in the Cascorro neighborhood (El Rastro) run by the Martín Guerrero family. It’s known for its home-style cooking—tripe, Russian salad, award-winning La Mancha ratatouille, and molletes de pringá—and for its warm, cultural atmosphere.
A rap festival in Vallecas
Madrid Urban Fest took place last weekend in Vallecas, with a program dedicated to urban culture. On Friday, November 6, Ambkor will perform at 8:30 p.m., while on Saturday, November 7, Javs, Todo el rato, and Suzete will take the stage at 8:00 p.m. Also on Saturday, street dancer Nanox will lead a master class in popping and locking, the two styles of urban funk dance.
The artwork covering the Palacio de Cristal
The iconic building in the Retiro Park is taking advantage of its restoration process to unveil a new look, courtesy of artist Andrea Canepa. The installation, inspired by pre-Columbian culture, envelops the Retiro’s Crystal Palace with 1,000 square meters of printed fabric that creates a circular visual narrative. This artistic intervention transforms the construction site tarp into a gigantic urban “bundle” that will remain visible throughout 2026. It is an immersive experience that invites citizens to walk around the monument to discover the piece’s vibrant colors.
Who hasn’t fantasized at some point about kicking out the neighbor upstairs? Casa Blonda takes that temptation to the extreme in *Sirena*, the black comedy that has just opened at the Teatros Luchana. A landlady decides to evict her tenants on the sixth floor to build her dream duplex, and an unexpected death turns the building into a veritable battlefield. Not even the worst homeowners’ association meeting goes that far. The play is written by Irene Esteban and Marta Levenfeld and directed by Juan Ceacero.
The Arganda Train has already resumed service and this fall celebrates the 140th anniversary of the line’s inauguration; its century-old steam locomotives and a 1901 saloon car remain in service.
The route operates on the first Saturday of the month and every Sunday during the season, and this weekend will be one of the occasions when you can ride the 19th-century train car from La Poveda Station. The trip takes about 40 minutes, and the ticket price is €3.
La Cabra brings its famous cardamom buns and specialty coffees to Madrid. If you’re in the mood for a delicious break between plans, check out this new spot: La Cabra, the Danish specialty coffee brand, has opened its first location in Spain at Calle Infantas 25 (Chueca), combining a café and artisan bakery with cardamom buns and high-end coffees. The shop is housed in a building dating back to 1855 and offers items such as cardamom buns (€4.90), canelés (€2.90), and coffees that can cost over €25.
One of the most iconic musicals in history, *Cabaret*, returns to Madrid’s theater scene in a production that’s everything we remember (songs like “Willkommen,” “Money, Money,” and “Cabaret” itself…) but so much more: the chance to be part of the show, since the audience seating area is part of the Kit Kat Klub, the very setting where the action unfolds.
Thus, the audience mingles with actors and dancers, resulting in the most immersive version of this show we can remember. Additionally, the cast features the surprising addition of Mario Vaquerizo as Emecee, marking his debut in the musical theater genre.
Candlelight’s candlelit concerts have already illuminated countless venues throughout the city. Historic buildings such as the Ateneo de Madrid and the Círculo de Bellas Artes, hotels like the Wellington and the Four Seasons, and new venues such as the Ilustre Colegio Oficial de Médicos and the Galería de las Colecciones Reales are just some of the many settings hosting these events.
This weekend, like almost every other, these venues and many others are hosting Candlelight concerts for all tastes and ages. From tributes to classical composers to more contemporary artists, as well as tributes to the most spine-chilling horror movies or TV series like *Bridgerton* or *Game of Thrones*. A unique show that will make your weekend shine even brighter.
Brach Madrid has resumed its Sunday brunch, one of the most extensive in the city, with over 60 options including cold, hot, and sweet dishes. The hotel, designed by Philippe Starck and located in a building on Gran Vía, holds many stories within its walls (such as the fact that Victor Hugo lived there as a child).
The best part? You don’t need to be a hotel guest to sit down for this brunch—just make a reservation in advance, because the hype is real. Matcha, collagen-enriched drinks, meat, fish… and even pastries from their own bakery.