Las Palmas: A City of Events All Year Round
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is a vibrant city with events throughout the year. Thanks to its exceptional climate, there's always something happening: from the famous Carnival to international concerts, weekly markets and traditional festivals.
This guide will help you plan your visit to coincide with the most interesting events, or simply discover what's available during your stay.
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Main Events 2026
Las Palmas Carnival 2026
The Las Palmas Carnival is one of the most important in Spain and the second largest in the world after Rio de Janeiro. For almost six weeks, the city transforms into an explosion of color, music and fun.
#### Key Dates 2026
| Event | Date |
|-------|------|
| Carnival Opening Ceremony | January 23 |
| Drag Queen Gala | February 20 |
| Carnival Queen Gala | February 21 |
| Main Parade (Cabalgata) | February 28 |
| Burial of the Sardine | March 1 |
#### Locations
- Santa Catalina Park: Main stage, galas and concerts
- Las Canteras Promenade: Carnival beach bars, festive atmosphere
- Mesa y López: Main parade route
- Vegueta: Murgas and comparsas (musical groups)
#### Carnival Tips
- Book accommodation early: Prices rise and availability drops
- Buy tickets online: Galas sell out weeks in advance
- Costume required: Don't go out without a costume, it's tradition
- Public transport: Use bus or taxi, the center is closed to traffic
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Canary Islands International Music Festival (FIMC)
The FIMC is Spain's most important classical music festival, with over 30 years of history. World-renowned orchestras and soloists perform across all the Canary Islands.
#### Dates 2026
- Start: January 8
- End: February 7
- Duration: 4 weeks
#### Venues in Las Palmas
- Auditorio Alfredo Kraus: Main venue
- Teatro Pérez Galdós: Chamber concerts
- Iglesia de San Francisco de Borja: Baroque music
#### Tickets
- Price: €15-60 depending on concert and seating
- Sales: fimc.es and box offices
- Discounts: Students, seniors, multi-concert passes
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TransGranCanaria
One of the world's most prestigious ultra trail races. It attracts over 10,000 runners from 70 countries.
#### Dates 2026
- March 4-8
- Distances: 128km, 85km, 60km, 42km, 30km, marathon
#### Route
- Start: Agaete (128km) or various points
- Finish: Santa Catalina Park, Las Palmas
- Cumulative elevation: Up to 8,200 meters (128km)
#### For Spectators
- Finish at Santa Catalina: Festive atmosphere, arrivals throughout the day
- Aid stations: Accessible by road
- Runner's fair: Santa Catalina Park, days before
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San Juan (Midsummer Night)
The most magical night of the year. Thousands of people celebrate on Las Canteras beach with bonfires, music and a midnight swim.
#### Date 2026
- Night of June 23-24
#### Traditions
- Beach bonfires: Lit at sunset
- Midnight swim: Tradition to purify oneself
- Jumping the bonfire: Seven times for good luck
- Burning the old: Write wishes and burn them
#### Locations at Las Canteras
- Playa Chica: Family atmosphere
- La Cícer: Young, surfer vibe
- Auditorium area: City-organized bonfires
#### Tips
- Arrive early: From 8pm the beach fills up
- Bring your own food/drinks: Beach bars have long queues
- Be careful with bonfires: Keep a safe distance
- Don't swim alone: Currents can be strong at night
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Las Canteras Sand Nativity
The world's largest sand nativity scene and a unique Christmas tradition. International artists sculpt over 3,500 tons of sand into spectacular figures.
#### Dates 2026-2027
- Opening: December 15, 2026
- Closing: January 8, 2027
- Hours: 10:00-22:00 (extended on holidays)
#### Location
- Las Canteras Beach, Playa Chica area
- Free admission
#### The Event
- Sculptors: 15-20 international artists
- Figures: 200+ sand sculptures
- Night lighting: Especially beautiful at sunset
- Guinness Record: World's largest sand nativity
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Monthly Events
January
| Event | Date | Description |
|-------|------|-------------|
| Three Kings Parade | January 5 | Parade through Triana and Mesa y López |
| FIMC | Jan 8 - Feb 7 | Classical music festival |
| Carnival Start | January 23 | Opening at Santa Catalina |
February
| Event | Date | Description |
|-------|------|-------------|
| Carnival | All month | Galas, murgas, parades |
| Drag Queen Gala | February 20 | Carnival's most famous event |
| Main Parade | February 28 | Grand main parade |
March
| Event | Date | Description |
|-------|------|-------------|
| TransGranCanaria | March 4-8 | International ultra trail |
| Burial of the Sardine | March 1 | End of Carnival |
| Easter Week | Variable | Processions in Vegueta |
April
| Event | Date | Description |
|-------|------|-------------|
| Book Fair | Mid-April | San Telmo Park |
| Earth Day | April 22 | Ecological activities |
May
| Event | Date | Description |
|-------|------|-------------|
| Canary Islands Day | May 30 | City-wide celebrations |
| Theatre Festival | All month | Teatro Cuyás and Pérez Galdós |
June
| Event | Date | Description |
|-------|------|-------------|
| LPA Film Festival | Mid-June | Cinema at Santa Catalina |
| San Juan Night | June 23 | Beach bonfires |
| Corpus Christi | Variable | Flower carpets in Vegueta |
July
| Event | Date | Description |
|-------|------|-------------|
| WOMAD | Mid-July | World music festival |
| Carmen Festival | July 16 | Maritime procession |
| Summer Concerts | All month | Outdoor at Auditorium |
August
| Event | Date | Description |
|-------|------|-------------|
| San Ginés Festival | August 25 | Arrecife patron (day trip to Lanzarote) |
| Summer Nights | All month | Outdoor cinema |
September
| Event | Date | Description |
|-------|------|-------------|
| Fiesta del Pino | September 8 | Patron of Gran Canaria |
| Romería del Pino | September 7 | Pilgrimage to Teror (popular excursion) |
| Atlantic Pride | Mid-September | LGBTQ+ festival |
October
| Event | Date | Description |
|-------|------|-------------|
| Film Festival | Late October | Independent cinema |
| Halloween | October 31 | Themed parties |
November
| Event | Date | Description |
|-------|------|-------------|
| Day of the Dead | November 1-2 | Canarian traditions |
| Black Friday | Last Friday | Shopping in Mesa y López |
December
| Event | Date | Description |
|-------|------|-------------|
| Sand Nativity | Dec 15 - Jan 8 | Las Canteras Beach |
| Christmas Market | All month | Santa Catalina Park |
| New Year's Eve | December 31 | Party at Santa Catalina |
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Weekly Markets
Mercado del Puerto
The most popular gastro market in Las Palmas. Modernist architecture from 1891 designed by engineers from Gustave Eiffel's studio.
- Days: Monday to Saturday
- Market hours: 7:00-15:00
- Gastro hours: 11:00-00:00 (Fri-Sat until 02:00)
- Distance: 800 meters from Casita Palmera
Vegueta Market
Traditional market in the historic quarter. Fresh local produce.
- Days: Monday to Saturday
- Hours: 6:30-14:00
- Specialties: Tropical fruits, Canarian cheeses, fresh fish
- Distance: 2 km (10 min by bus)
Las Palmas Flea Market (San Telmo Market)
Antiques, vintage clothing and crafts market.
- Day: Sundays
- Hours: 9:00-14:00
- Location: San Telmo Park
- Distance: 1.5 km
Santa Brígida Agricultural Market
The best farmers market on the island. 20 minutes by car.
- Day: Saturdays and Sundays
- Hours: 8:00-14:00
- Recommendations: Cheese, wine, fruits
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Sports Events
Surfing and Water Sports
- La Cícer Surf Championships: Various throughout the year
- Las Canteras Swimming Crossing: June/July
- Regattas: Las Palmas Port, various events
Running and Trail
- TransGranCanaria: March
- Las Palmas Half Marathon: October
- Las Canteras Beach 10K: May
- Gran Canaria Marathon: January
Other Sports
- Canary Islands Rally: May
- International Chess Tournament: December
- Tennis Open: February
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Concerts and Music Festivals
Auditorio Alfredo Kraus
Home to the city's main concerts. 100 meters from Casita Palmera.
- FIMC: January-February (classical music)
- International concerts: All year
- Opera: October-May season
Festivals
- WOMAD Las Palmas: July (world music)
- Canarias Jazz: July
- Heineken Music Fest: Variable
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Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Las Palmas Carnival 2026?
The 2026 Carnival officially starts on January 23 with the opening ceremony and ends on March 1 with the Burial of the Sardine. Main events are the Drag Queen Gala (February 20) and the Main Parade (February 28).
Do I need a costume for Carnival?
Not mandatory, but highly recommended. Going without a costume during Carnival is considered "out of place." You can buy cheap costumes in local shops or improvise.
Is the Sand Nativity free?
Yes, the Las Canteras Sand Nativity has free admission. It's open from December 15 to January 8, from 10:00 to 22:00.
What's the best event for families?
The Sand Nativity (December-January) and the Three Kings Parade (January 5) are ideal for families. San Juan Night too, especially in the Playa Chica area which is quieter.
Are there music events throughout the year?
Yes. The FIMC (January-February) for classical music, WOMAD (July) for world music, and the Auditorio Alfredo Kraus programs concerts throughout the year.
Do events get cancelled due to rain?
It rarely rains in Las Palmas, but some outdoor events may be modified. Carnival has covered alternative venues. Always check the event's official website.
Where do I buy event tickets?
- Carnival: carnavaldelaspalmas.com
- FIMC: fimc.es
- Auditorium: auditorioalfredokraus.es
- General events: entradas.com, ticketmaster.es
What's the best time to visit Las Palmas?
Any time is good thanks to the climate. If you're looking for specific events:
- Carnival: January-February
- Quiet time: September-October
- Beach: May-October
- Special Christmas: December (Sand Nativity)