During the summer Donostia becomes a location for free open-air festivals. Do you prefer to take off your shoes and dance on the sand on the beach, or would you rather listen to music in the shade of a tree? The choice is yours!
Jazzaldia
From 19 to 27 July, Zurriola beach is the venue for many free concerts, such as Jamie Cullum, The Beach Boys or Anari. This year the 60th festival has both Basque groups and groups from other countries, and it is a classic attraction for locals and also anyone who wishes to visit us.
Photo: Donostiako Jazzaldia
Glad is the day
In August (3th) we move from the beach to the shade of the trees for the free Glad is the day festival in the Cristina Enea Park in the city centre. The festival was created in 2016 on the criteria of the European Capitals of Culture, and features a craft and fashion market in addition to the free concerts.
Photo: CC BY-SA Donostia Kultura – Glad is the day 5# 2019
Did you know that the name of the festival, “Glad is the day”, is a play on words, by way of a tribute to Donostia environmentalist Gladys del Estal?
Boga Boga Festibala
From 12 to 14 September 2025, Donostia will host the second edition of this independent music festival with local DNA in emblematic and unique venues in the city and its surroundings, such as the open-air Chillida Leku museum, Aiete Park and the Kursaal terrace.
Photo: Parque de Aiete
And finally, we mustn’t forget the city’s “big week” or summer fiesta, “Semana Grande/Aste Nagusia”!
Aste Nagusia
Aste Nagusia will be staged from 9 to 16 August this year, with countless activities for all ages and types of people: an attack on La Concha beach by pirates, for example, plus firework competitions and free concerts all over the city.
