The 42nd edition of Veranos de la Villa is bringing a diverse mix of cultural programming to Madrid during its seventh week, spanning from August 17 to August 23, according to the Área de Cultura, Turismo y Deporte del Ayuntamiento de Madrid. Organizers have curated a lineup featuring jazz jams, contemporary theatrical productions, classic zarzuela, and inclusive cinema screenings across historic venues like the Instituto San Isidro and Conde Duque.
This year’s festival highlights a wide range of artistic languages, offering open-air film events, musical fusions, and stage tributes. Performances and screenings are distributed across multiple iconic locations in the Spanish capital, providing accessible cultural options for residents and international visitors alike throughout the summer season.
For music lovers, the schedule incorporates major international performers and tribute acts. Theater enthusiasts can catch notable stage productions in atmospheric historic cloisters, while community-focused film cycles ensure accessible cinematic experiences for diverse audiences.
Musical Highlights: Jazz Jams and Flamenco Fusions
Latin Grammy winner Iván ‘Melón’ Lewis returns to the festival on Tuesday, August 18, performing at the Instituto San Isidro for an event titled Jazz Jam, as reported by festival organizers. Lewis previously performed at Veranos de la Villa on July 11 in Gigantes del Piano. Los Valdés. For this appearance, he will direct an improvisational session alongside his group and invited guest musicians to celebrate collective musical expression.
On August 19, Opera Garage presents Gitana at the festival, exploring themes of inclusion, freedom, and artistic understanding. The production follows Naima, a young Romani woman who aspires to become an opera singer, weaving together opera, zarzuela, and traditional popular song traditions fused with authentic flamenco styles.
Additional musical offerings during the week include a nod to classic Spanish lyric theater and international jazz standards.
Theatrical Productions at the Instituto San Isidro
The claustro of the Instituto San Isidro serves as the primary stage for several major dramatic works during the seventh week of Veranos de la Villa. On August 20 and 21, the venue hosts Dos Tronos Dos Reinas, a theatrical text written by Pepe Cibrián that chronicles the intense historical struggle for power between Elizabeth I of England and Mary Stuart. Actors Nacho Guerreros and Nicolás Pérez Costa star in the lead roles.
Following the historical drama, creator, actor, musician, and composer Aleix Martel transforms the same cloister space into a classroom setting for the musical production El Profesor on August 22 and 23. The piece uses music to examine the changing role and societal perception of educators from the 1970s up to the modern day through a critical and sensitive lens.
Inclusive Cinema and Cine Caliente Screenings
Film programming remains a core pillar of the 42nd edition, featuring both entertaining outdoor screenings and accessibility-focused cinematic events. The Cine Caliente cycle concludes on Tuesday, August 18, at the parque de la Bombilla. Presenter Laura del Val will accompany a screening of the film Lazos Ardientes with commentary, followed by a closing music set from DJ Gianluca Bonanno, according to the official festival schedule.
Meanwhile, the Colegio Profesional de Terapeutas Ocupacionales de la Comunidad de Madrid (COPTOCAM) continues its inclusive film cycle at the Conde Duque auditorium. On Thursday, August 20, the geriatrics working group of COPTOCAM will host an introductory colloquium prior to a screening of the film El Diario de Noa. The cycle concludes on Saturday, August 22, with a screening of Intocable accompanied by a discussion led by María Gaos and María Pinar of COPTOCAM.
To ensure full accessibility, organizers confirmed that all COPTOCAM film discussions will feature Spanish sign language interpretation. Furthermore, the movie screenings include subtitles, magnetic loop audio systems, and amplified sound equipment for attendees with specific sensory needs.
Weekend Agenda and Historic Tributes
The cultural calendar extends across multiple venues with specialized concerts and commemorative tributes. On Friday, August 14, Portuguese artist Teresinha Landeiro performs in the Instituto San Isidro cloister, showcasing her modern, light-infused approach to fado following the release of her 2024 album Para dançar e para chorar, which blends pop music with traditional folk influences.
On Saturday, August 15, the Conde Duque hosts a screening of Billy Elliot with an introductory colloquium hosted by COPTOCAM’s mental health working group. Simultaneously, the Instituto San Isidro hosts a Noche de Zarzuela en San Isidro, celebrating Spanish lyric theater with soprano Carmen Avivar, tenor Eduardo Sandoval, and pianist José Ramón Martín.
The week concludes on Sunday, August 16, in the Instituto San Isidro cloister, where American vocalist T.J. Jazz presents a tribute concert honoring jazz legend Billie Holiday. The performance guides audiences through a repertoire spanning bittersweet ballads and classic swing numbers.
Attendees interested in purchasing tickets or checking schedule updates can consult the official Veranos de la Villa portal managed by the Ayuntamiento de Madrid.
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