Events & Festivals in Bilbao

The magical arrival of the Three Wise Men marks Epiphany Eve. A spectacular evening parade with elaborate floats, music, and performers winds through the city center, culminating at the Arriaga Theatre. Children line the streets to catch sweets thrown from the floats. It's the traditional gift-giving day in Spain.

One of Europe's most important short film and documentary competitions. Screens hundreds of international films across various venues. Includes workshops, masterclasses, and meetings with filmmakers. A key event for cinephiles and industry professionals.

A energetic, if less extravagant than other Spanish cities, celebration before Lent. Features costume parades, street parties (verbena), and the traditional burial of the sardine. The atmosphere is lively in the Casco Viejo (Old Town) with music and dancing.

A fast, urban marathon with a scenic route passing major landmarks like the Guggenheim Museum, Euskalduna Palace, and the River Nervión. Includes a half-marathon and 10k race. Attracts thousands of international and local runners.

Bilbao's own version of the famous Seville fair. The Parque de Doña Casilda is transformed with rows of casetas (decorated tents) for dancing, eating, and socializing. Expect flamenco dresses (trajes de gitana), sevillanas music, and traditional Andalusian food and drink.

One of Spain's premier music festivals, held on a hillside with stunning views over the city. Features an eclectic mix of international rock, indie, pop, and electronic acts across multiple stages. Known for its excellent organization and green setting.

Bilbao's biggest and most important festival, nine days of non-stop celebration. Features daily bullfights, massive concerts, street theatre, fireworks competitions over the river, traditional Basque sports, and parades of giants and big-heads (gigantes y cabezudos). The city pulses with energy.

The feast day of Bilbao's patron saint, the Virgin of Begoña. A solemn mass is held at the Basilica of Begoña, followed by a procession carrying the Virgin's image. It's a key day during Aste Nagusia, blending religious devotion with the general festival festivities.

A unique marathon that starts at dusk, allowing runners to experience the city's monuments illuminated at night. The course is fast and urban. Includes shorter distance races. The finish line party is a major highlight.

A city-wide culinary competition where dozens of bars create a special pintxo (Basque tapas) and a cocktail for a fixed price. Participants get a passport to stamp as they try different offerings, voting for their favorites. A delicious way to explore the city's bars.

A festival dedicated to sacred music from various traditions and historical periods, from Gregorian chant to contemporary compositions. Concerts are held in Bilbao's most beautiful churches and historical venues, creating a profound acoustic and spiritual experience.

A prestigious competition showcasing traditional Basque dance (dantza). Groups from across the province perform intricate, energetic routines in colorful costumes. It's a colorful display of cultural heritage, discipline, and community spirit.

One of Europe's oldest and most important puppet theatre festivals. Features innovative performances for both children and adults from international companies. Includes street performances, workshops, and exhibitions that explore the art of puppetry.

International mountain and adventure sports film festival. Screens the best documentaries on climbing, skiing, exploration, and nature. Features exhibitions, talks with renowned athletes and explorers, and a large outdoor equipment fair.

A traditional Basque country fair marking the start of the Christmas season. Farmers and producers sell local products: txakoli wine, Idiazabal cheese, talos (corn tortillas), and chistorra sausage. Features folk music, dancing, and demonstrations of rural sports.

A uniquely Basque Christmas tradition. Olentzero, a charcoal-maker giant, descends from the mountains to deliver presents to children on Christmas Eve. A joyful, family-friendly parade with music, dancing, and the beloved figure of Olentzero carried through the streets.

The city center is adorned with spectacular light displays, especially along Gran Vía. On New Year's Eve (Nochevieja), crowds gather in the Plaza Circular to eat the 12 grapes at midnight with the chimes from the clock of the Bank of Bilbao building.