Events
Festivals in Almería 2025 – Complete Guide to Summer Events and Music
Published June 29, 2025 | Category: Events
Almería is gearing up for a vibrant festival season with flamenco, electronic music, local fairs, and cultural celebrations taking place across the province this summer. From Dreambeach to traditional ham fairs, discover what’s on the calendar.
Upcoming Festivals in Almería Province: Summer 2025 Guide
Festivals in Almería
Summer in Almería is synonymous with vibrant festivals, music, dance, and cultural traditions that reflect the rich heritage and diversity of the province. Whether you are a fan of electronic beats, passionate flamenco rhythms, or authentic local fairs, there is something for everyone in Almería’s summer events calendar. This comprehensive guide highlights the major festivals and cultural events that will light up the province in the coming weeks and months, helping residents and visitors alike plan unforgettable experiences.
Dreambeach Almería: The Ultimate Electronic Music Festival
Set to take place from 7 to 10 August 2025, Dreambeach is one of Spain’s most prominent electronic music festivals. Located at the beach areas of El Toyo and Retamar, this massive event draws crowds from all over Europe and beyond. Dreambeach 2025 promises a spectacular lineup featuring international artists such as Steve Aoki, Fatboy Slim, Amelie Lens, and a rare festival appearance by Will Smith. New for this year is an immersive 360-degree stage and an upgraded sound system delivering 500 kW of pure audio power, ensuring an electrifying experience for all attendees.
The festival site transforms the otherwise tranquil beachfront into a bustling hub of music, dance, and light, with multiple stages, chill-out zones, and food courts. Accommodation fills up quickly in nearby Almería city and surrounding villages, so festival-goers are advised to plan ahead.
Festival Flamenco y Danza de Almería: A Celebration of Tradition
From 10 to 19 July 2025, the streets and venues of Almería city will host the 58th edition of the Festival Flamenco y Danza. This prestigious event is a must-see for enthusiasts of traditional Andalusian culture. The festival’s programme includes performances by renowned flamenco guitarist Tomatito and jazz pianist Michel Camilo, showcasing the fusion of flamenco and jazz. Dance lovers can look forward to the ‘Tres a Compás’ series and captivating ballet performances staged at historic locations around the city.
The Festival Flamenco y Danza offers an authentic window into the soul of Almería, with events that appeal to both aficionados and curious newcomers. The festival atmosphere spills into local plazas and bars, where impromptu music and dance sessions are common during these days.
Local Food Fairs and Music Events: July Highlights
July in Almería province is rich with local fairs that blend gastronomy, culture, and music. On 5 July 2025, the Feria del Jamón y Embutidos will take over Serón, a charming mountain village famous for its cured ham. The fair includes demonstrations by expert ham cutters, tastings of local delicacies, and competitions celebrating the region’s culinary expertise. The event is both a feast for the senses and a showcase of local pride.
On the same day, Albox hosts its Rumba Festival, an evening event dedicated to vibrant rumba rhythms. With tickets ranging from €20 to €25, attendees can enjoy live music from popular rumba groups, dancing, and festive food stalls well into the night. The festival has become a staple of Albox’s summer calendar, drawing visitors from nearby towns and villages.
Candil Rock and Youth Fest: Music for All Tastes
Candil Rock, scheduled for 28 June 2025 in Huércal de Almería, is a beloved fixture for rock music fans. This free festival is renowned for its inclusive atmosphere, attracting families and music lovers of all ages. Local and national rock bands take to the stage, providing an evening of powerful live performances in a relaxed outdoor setting.
Meanwhile, Youth Fest in El Ejido takes place on 5 July 2025 at the rugby pitch of Almerimar. This event targets younger audiences, combining live music with interactive activities, street art, and sports. The festival is designed to foster community spirit and celebrate youth culture in Almería’s western coastal region.
Concerts and Special Events in El Ejido and Almerimar
The Al Natural festival on 12 July 2025 offers another unmissable musical event, with performances from acclaimed Spanish artists including Mikel Izal, Shinova, Merino, Nixon, and Agro DJ’s. This festival is held in El Ejido and blends pop, indie, and electronic styles to create a rich and diverse programme that appeals to a wide audience.
Later in the month, on 19 July 2025, Antonio Orozco will perform at the Plaza de Toros in Almería city. Known for his soulful voice and emotive songs, Orozco’s concert is expected to be a highlight of the summer’s musical offerings.
Theatre and Cultural Performances
Beyond music, Almería’s summer is enriched by theatre and cultural shows, particularly at the historic Teatro Cervantes. This season’s schedule includes:
- 28 June – Pride Be Free 2025
- 1 July – “El sueño de una noche de verano”
- 3 July – “Prohibido suicidarse en primavera”
- 8 July – “Incendios, siempre incendios”
- 10 July – “Madre, el dramón padre”
- 12 July – Tribute concert “Verano del 78”
- 18 July – “José Padilla Universal” lyrical recital
Traditional Festivals and Local Fiestas
Almería’s smaller towns and villages come alive in summer with their own local fiestas and religious celebrations. Highlights include:
- 5 July – Fiesta del Voto in Adra
- 5 July – Virgen del Mar in Serón
- 11 July – Fiesta del Jamón in Vícar
Other celebrations include San Pedro in Cuartillas and La Curva (Las Marinas), with street parties, parades, and community dinners forming the core of these authentic village events.
Why Almería Festivals Stand Out
What makes Almería’s festivals unique is their blend of international appeal and local authenticity. Dreambeach draws global music fans, while the Festival Flamenco y Danza honours centuries-old traditions. Small-town fairs like those in Serón and Vícar showcase local products and communal spirit. Together, these events highlight the province’s diversity and the warmth of its people.
Planning Your Festival Season
Accommodation in popular areas such as Almería city, El Ejido, and coastal resorts like Retamar fills up fast, particularly during major festivals like Dreambeach. Transport options include regional buses, trains, and car rentals, with extra services often added during large events.
Visitors are advised to check event details ahead of time, as schedules and lineups may change. Comfortable clothing, sun protection, and staying hydrated are essential during outdoor summer events in Almería’s warm climate. Whether attending a beachside rave or a village fair, embracing the local customs and atmosphere will enrich the experience.
A Summer to Remember
Summer in Almería isn’t just a season — it’s a celebration. Dance into the night at Dreambeach, feel the passion of a flamenco performance, or share jamón with locals at a village fair — each event invites you to become part of the province’s vibrant spirit. These festivals aren’t just entertainment — they’re moments that bring people together. Living here or just passing through, summer 2025 offers countless chances to make memories that linger long after the music fades.
For more updates from across the province, visit our News section or browse the Events category.
Events
Almería Western Film Festival 2025: Honoring Charo López, Roque Baños and More
Published September 16, 2025 | Category: Events
TL;DR: The 15th Almería Western Film Festival (AWFF) takes place from October 8–12, 2025 in Tabernas. This year honors Charo López, Roque Baños and John Maclean, while presenting a rich program of films, activities, and cultural events.
The Almería Western Film Festival 2025
Table of Contents
- Festival Overview
- Special Honorees 2025
- Official Selection and Screenings
- Parallel Activities and Workshops
- Cultural and Tourism Impact
Festival Overview
The Almería Western Film Festival 2025 (AWFF), the only European festival dedicated exclusively to the western genre, will take place from October 8 to 12, 2025 in Tabernas and the iconic film sets of MiniHollywood Oasys and Fort Bravo Texas Hollywood. Over the years, AWFF has become the most prestigious western film event in Europe, attracting directors, actors, musicians, and cinema lovers from around the globe.
Special Honorees 2025
This edition places special emphasis on landscape and community as narrative and iconographic elements, offering a fresh perspective on deserts, frontiers, and the spirit of the West. To highlight this vision, several Honorary Awards will be granted:
- Premio Tabernas de Cine – awarded to Spanish actress Charo López, a key figure in classic western films shot in Almería.
- Premio Leone in Memoriam – dedicated to Italian actor Gian Maria Volonté, remembered for his roles in films such as *For a Few Dollars More*.
- Premio Spirit of the West – to Scottish filmmaker John Maclean, who revitalized the genre with a contemporary vision.
- Premio Desierto de Tabernas – honoring Spanish composer Roque Baños for his musical contributions to films shot in Almería.
- Premio a la Difusión del Género Wéstern – recognizing Italian historian Carlo Gaberscek for his research and promotion of the western legacy.
Official Selection and Screenings
For the first time, the Official Feature Film Selection will include ten international titles, reflecting the vitality of the genre worldwide. Highlights include:
- The Ecstasy of Gold. The Treasure of Jesse James (USA–Italy, 2025), directed by Federico Alotto – opening film.
- Adiós al amigo (Colombia, 2024) and El vaquero (Colombia, 2025), both featured in the “Latin Frontiers” section.
- The War Between (USA, 2025) by Deborah Correa, and Eastern Western (USA, 2025) by the Grozdanova sisters.
- Sirat (Spain, 2025) by Oliver Laxe, winner of the Cannes Jury Prize.
- Tokyo Cowboy (USA–Japan, 2024) and Mash Ville (South Korea, 2025), showcasing Asian western cinema.
Special screenings outside the competition include Dead Souls by Alex Cox and the closing film Tornado (UK, 2025), directed by John Maclean, blending western themes with samurai cinema.
The festival will also feature 27 short films, divided across international, Andalusian, and “Made in Almería” sections, plus a documentary focus under the “Panorama” program.
Parallel Activities and Workshops
AWFF is not only about screenings but also about cultural immersion. The program includes:
Cultural and Tourism Impact
The festival strengthens Almería’s position as a hub for film tourism and cultural heritage. By showcasing international cinema alongside the unique landscapes of Tabernas, AWFF reinforces its role as a reference point for both locals and global visitors.
For more updates from across the province, visit our Events category.
Events
Sunwaves Festival – Dates, Line-Up, Tickets & How to Go in 2025
Published September 3, 2025 | Category: Travel Tips
TL;DR: Sunwaves Festival 2025 takes over Roquetas de Mar from September 4–8 with marathon minimal, techno and house sets by the Mediterranean. Find dates, venue, first-wave line-up, ticket options and the new SW Bus Pass below.
Sunwaves Festival Almería 2025 – Your complete guide
If you love long, immersive DJ sets by the sea, Sunwaves Festival Almería 2025 is back from 4–8 September in Roquetas de Mar. This guide covers the essentials: dates, location, line-up highlights, ticket options, the new SW Bus Pass for easy transport, and practical tips. For ongoing event updates across the province, check our Latest News page.
Dates & location
Sunwaves returns to Spain for its second Almería edition from Thursday 4 September to Monday 8 September 2025. The venue is the coastal area known as Salinas de San Rafael (Abandonadas) in Roquetas de Mar, set by the Mediterranean with wide sandy stretches and open skies — a perfect match for sunrise and sunset sessions.
Official info and on-site details: Sunwaves SW36 – Official page.
What to expect: the Sunwaves format
Sunwaves is built around the music first: extended sets, precision sound, and a minimalist stage aesthetic that keeps the focus on the groove. Expect two stages running across the weekend, with a chill area to decompress between sessions. The vibe is intimate yet international — dancers travel from across Europe for these marathon sequences.
Line-up highlights
The first wave for 2025 in Almería features established names and scene favorites, including Dubfire, East End Dubs, Franky Rizardo, Margaret Dygas, Raresh, Sonja Moonear, Priku, Cap, Dan Andrei, Andrei Ciubuc, Joey Daniel, Mahony, Mason Collective, Melanie Ribbe, Ilario Alicante, Alexis Cabrera, Gescu and more to be announced. Check the official page and socials for the full timetable and final updates.
Tickets & access
You’ll typically find several options:
- Festival Pass (multi-day access)
- Backstage / table options (limited availability)
- Day tickets (if released for specific days)
Availability can change close to the event, so purchase via the official link: Buy tickets – Sunwaves SW36.
Local note: Roquetas de Mar City Council has confirmed the festival weekend in the Las Salinas area. For community notices or practical municipal info, see the official Roquetas de Mar announcement.
Getting there & SW Bus Pass
By car: Roquetas de Mar is around 25–30 minutes from Almería city by road, depending on traffic. Follow local signage to Las Salinas and event directions as you approach the venue.
SW Bus Pass: Sunwaves operates a festival shuttle connecting Roquetas de Mar / Aguadulce with the site. Options generally include a festival-long pass and single rides. Expect night services to the venue and morning returns. Exact stops, hours and booking are published via Sunwaves’ official channels closer to showtime.
Local tips to plan your trip
- Stay nearby: If you want minimal transfer time, base yourself in Roquetas de Mar or Aguadulce.
- Beach-ready footwear: Parts of the site sit on sand — pack trainers you don’t mind getting sandy.
- Sun & hydration: Early afternoons can still be hot in September. Bring sunscreen and stay hydrated.
- Cashless & ID: Bring a valid ID and a charged card; check on-site payment methods via the official page before you go.
- Plan your exits: If you’re not using the shuttle, arrange a reliable ride home, especially after sunrise sets.
FAQ
When is Sunwaves Festival Almería 2025?
From Thursday 4 September through Monday 8 September 2025.
Where is it held?
In the Las Salinas area of Roquetas de Mar, specifically at Salinas de San Rafael (Abandonadas), right by the Mediterranean.
How do I get tickets?
Buy only via official sales linked from the Sunwaves website: SW36 official page.
Is there a shuttle?
Yes — the SW Bus Pass runs between town and the venue, with night services to the site and morning returns. Check Sunwaves’ channels for exact timetables.
Planning a longer stay around the festival? Explore the town, beaches and dining in Roquetas de Mar, and keep an eye on our Latest News for event updates across the province.
For more updates from across the province, visit our Latest News or browse the Events category.