Pont de València
Weekend Digest | Corpus Christi, Open Art Events & Park Concerts
Weekend Edition · Thu 29 May – Sun 1 Jun · Published Thursday, 29 May 2026
Buen finde! This Valencia weekend marks 700 years of Corpus Christi — La Festa Grossa — with processions, giant puppets, costumed dances, and the city’s most beloved water fight, all in the historic old city. The teacher’s strike, including the encampment by Plaza de la Virgen is still ongoing, plus there are transportation strikes on MetroValencia. Whatever your plans this weekend, check Transit Valencia for the latest on transport alternatives and traffic diversions before heading out.
Corpus Christi
This year’s Corpus Christi carries extra weight: the festival turns 700, making it one of the oldest continuously running civic celebrations in Spain. Known locally as La Festa Grossa — the Big Festival — it is a mix of solemn religious procession, traditional costumed dances, towering gegants, and the famous water fight that draws residents of all ages into the streets of Ciutat Vella.
The main events fall on Sunday 7 June, centered in the historic old city. There is one unusual element this year: the teachers’ protest camp that has been occupying the square has agreed to move temporarily to allow the festival to proceed — giving Sunday’s celebrations an added layer of local context. Check Visit Valencia for full program and timings.
ARt Events
Russafart runs Friday through Sunday across Ruzafa, with studios, galleries, and independent spaces opening their doors for Valencia’s most neighbourhood-rooted art weekend. Concerts and workshops sit alongside exhibitions — a number of Pont de València readers are taking part. Some events may require booking; many are free.
On Sunday morning, Landscape Studio hosts a free Abstract Art Workshop from 10:30 to 12:30 as part of the festival — a good entry point if you want something hands-on.
Sources: Russafart 2026
Music & Performance
Turandot runs at the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía through 16 June. This is the final opera production of the season under Sir Mark Elder as Musical Director, and one of the largest the house has mounted — Puccini’s classic given a futuristic staging that makes full use of the Reina Sofía’s stage. Tickets required; book via Les Arts.
The Jardines del Palau Concert Series opens tonight in the gardens alongside the Turia Park. Valencia’s Symphony Orchestra performs free outdoor concerts every Thursday in June — limited seating, no booking needed, worth arriving early. Coming Thursdays: Broadway hits on the 11th, flamenco and classical on the 18th.
Acantha Lang, the Grammy-nominated soul artist, plays 16 Toneladas in La Saïdia on Sunday 7 June. Tickets required.
Jardi Electronic returns on Saturday at La Pergola de la Marina — an affordable outdoor electronic music series featuring local DJs. Tickets required.
Sources: Les Arts · Palau de la Música · 16 Toneladas · Jardi Electronic
sports & outdoors
Premier Padel Valencia P1 opens this Sunday at the Pabellon Fuente de San Luis in Quatre Carreres and runs through 14 June. The tournament brings the top players of the International Padel Federation to the city — good-value professional sport if you want to see the game at its highest level. Tickets required.
Sources: Premier Padel Valencia 2026
Coming up
International Jazz Festival — 24 June to 26 July, Palau de la Música. Headline acts this year include Esperanza Spalding, Liz Wright, and Joe Lovano. Some free concerts in the Jardines del Palau. Tickets required for main shows.
Pride Parade — Saturday 20 June. The following week, the Gay Games bring 6,000 amateur athletes to Ciutat València stadium in a show of solidarity for LGBTQ sport.
Sources: Palau de la Música · Gay Games
