What’s On This Weekend: Grand Openings & Sweet Endings
Buen fin de semana! Autumn is settling in, and Valencia is gearing up for a busy season. I’m introducing a new format for weekend highlights: curated events across the city, especially those free to enjoy. I’ll also be keeping the city calendar regularly updated with music, arts, sports, and more, so check in whenever you’re planning your week.
Roig Arena
Big news: the long-awaited Roig Arena is finally opening in Quatre Carreres. Valencia Plaza reports that the venue is wrapped in scale-like ceramic tiles, designed to soften noise and dazzle with light shows. This massive new concert and sports arena aims to be a cultural hub for Valencia, starting Saturday with a glittering tribute to Spanish icon Nino Bravo, accompanied by a live orchestra. In October, Valencia Basket will tip off its first Endesa League home games here. So, expect the arena to be buzzing from day one.
Curious? Here’s more in Spanish from El País.
Valencia Photo Festival
If you’ve spotted striking photos popping up in city plazas, that’s part of the International Photo Exhibition, running until 23 October. Many events are free, so it’s worth exploring.
This weekend highlights:
- Friday, 5 September at 7 pm – La Llotgeta opens The Long Walk by South African photographer Jürgen Shadeberg, chronicling Nelson Mandela’s life.
- Saturday, 6 September at 7 pm – The History Museum in Mislata opens a show of French naturalist Eugène Trutat’s historic photography.
Hemingway Routes
Love a bit of literary history? The city is once again running free walking tours following Hemingway’s time in Valencia. Tours are available in English, Spanish, and Valenciano, though you’ll need to register by email first. The first outings meet at Plaza del Ayuntamiento on Saturday (Spanish) and Sunday (English).
Circus Arts in Ciutat Vella
Plaza Nápoles y Sicilia will turn into a circus stage this weekend thanks to Migrats Circ. Expect daring acrobatics and high-energy performances every evening — all free.
Lago de Conciertos
If you’re in the mood for music under the stars, Berklee College of Music is back with its Lago de Conciertos series outside the Science Museum. On Friday, 5 September and again on Friday, 12 September, students will perform everything from jazz and soul to pop and Latin grooves. Free, fun, and right by the water.
Retail Therapy
Some extra shopping inspiration this weekend:
- Mercado de Tapineria is hosting its artisan market (2–7 September).
- Benicalap celebrates its patron saint festival with a medieval-style market full of natural and homemade goodies.
- Mercado Colón has La Séptima market running every weekend until November, showcasing 20+ local designers.
Food Cravings
If you’ve been craving shawarma (not döner kebab, there’s a difference), La Shawarmeria in Algirós has blown up on Instagram. I haven’t tried it yet, so if you do, please report back to Pont de Valencia.
And for dessert … You may have noticed, Valencia is becoming cheesecake central. Cheesecake purists have planted their flag at Bassk on Plaza del Ayuntamiento. Ciriaco on Plaza Redonda is offering a rainbow of flavors, including Oreo, Pistachio, and ‘Pink Panther’. Now there’s a new, budget-friendly, 99 Cheesecake, where a slice is just 99 cents.
That’s all for now — enjoy the weekend! And don’t forget to check the city calendar for the latest events.