Madrid enters the first weekend of November with a diverse schedule of events ranging from American football celebrations to the traditional festivities honoring the Virgin of Almudena. The city is preparing for a high-profile NFL presence at the Santiago Bernabéu, while simultaneously observing religious and cultural milestones that define the capital’s local calendar.
NFL Activities at Plaza de España and Casa de las Alhajas
The city is leaning into its role as a host for American football with the upcoming matchup between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Atlanta Falcons at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium, scheduled for Sunday, November 8. In the days leading up to the game, the NFL is hosting free programming for the public.
The NFL Experience Madrid will occupy the Plaza de España on November 6 and 7, operating from 10:00 to 19:00. The site will feature interactive activities, a flag football field, musical performances, and appearances by league legends, team mascots, and cheerleaders. Simultaneously, the Casa de las Alhajas will host the NFL House Madrid from 12:00 to 20:00 on both days, offering fans a chance to view the Vince Lombardi Trophy and 60 Super Bowl championship rings. Attendees must register for these events via the NFL OnePass app.
Feast of the Virgin of Almudena
Madrid celebrates its patron saint, the Virgin of Almudena, with a series of religious and cultural events centered around November 9. The schedule includes a traditional triduo at the cathedral from November 6 to 8. The main mass is set for November 9 at 11:30 in the Plaza de la Almudena, followed by a procession to the Plaza Mayor and a return to the cathedral.
Additional events include a solidarity floral offering from November 7 to 10 and musical performances, including a concert by the Municipal Symphonic Band on November 6 at 20:00 and an appearance by the City Council’s Orfeón Sociedad de Conciertos on November 8. On the same day, a parade of traditional Madrid groups will travel from the cathedral to the Plaza de la Villa. The celebration concludes with the distribution of 1,000 portions of the traditional Corona de la Almudena pastry.
Performances and Architectural Tours
The 44th edition of the Autumn Festival (Festival de Otoño) begins on November 6 and runs through November 26, bringing international theater, dance, and performance art to venues such as the Teatros del Canal, Conde Duque, and the Teatro de La Abadía. Meanwhile, the twelfth edition of Open House Madrid takes place from November 5 to 8, offering 70 free activities to explore historic buildings and spaces that are typically closed to the public.
New sites for this year’s architecture festival include the Hotel Mercer Madrid, Espacio Castellana, Espacio Clara del Río, and the Madnum complex. Visitors can also access the palaces of Liria and Fernán Núñez, the Italian Embassy, and the Real Fábrica de Tapices.
Model Trains and Sushi Festival Fill Event Spaces
Rail enthusiasts have a dedicated event at the Palacio de Convenciones in the Casa de Campo, where Expomodeltren 2026 will run from November 6 to 8. This exhibition features over 400 meters of tracks and scale models, including historical reproductions of the Villaverde, Tarazona, and Goya stations. The display includes vintage locomotives and steam depots alongside trade stalls and children’s activity areas.
For culinary interests, “The Sushi Fest” runs from November 5 to 8 at the Centro Multiusos Alcalde Bonifacio de Santiago in Las Rozas. Ten restaurants—including Miss Sushi, Teikit, and Yokaloka—are competing to create the best eight-piece sushi tray. The event is free to attend, and visitors are invited to vote for their preferred dish before a winner is announced at the end of the four-day festival.
Madrid Hotel Week Experiences
Several boutique hotels are participating in Madrid Hotel Week with curated experiences. On November 8, the CoolRooms Palacio de Atocha will host a bookbinding workshop with wine and cheese in its historic 1852 ballroom. The Pestana Plaza Mayor Madrid will feature a jazz and cocktail evening on November 7. The Palacio de Liria offers combined tours and brunch packages on November 6 and 15, while the Gran Hotel Inglés provides yoga sessions followed by breakfast on November 7 and 14. All hotel-based activities require advance reservations through the respective venues.
Worth a look
