Mad Cool 2026 Festival: Lineup, tickets, location, where to stay, and much more

The Madrid Mad Cool Festival is one of the most popular music events in the world, attracting music lovers from all over the globe. I have no doubt that the 2026 edition, the 10th anniversary of the event, will be bigger and better than ever, with a lineup of some of the biggest names in the music industry.

In this article, I will cover everything you need to know about the 2026 Mad Cool Festival in Madrid, including the final lineup, how to get tickets, prices, location, where to stay, and essential information.

What is the Madrid Mad Cool Festival?

Madrid Mad Cool is an annual 4-day music festival that takes place in Madrid, Spain. It has become one of the most popular music festivals in Europe.

The festival showcases a diverse range of music genres including rock, pop, indie, electronic, and hip-hop, and attracts some of the biggest names in the music industry.

The Mad Cool Festival 2026 promises to be even better than the previous years. The festival has been working hard to improve the experience for the attendees, with a commitment to make it more comfortable, enjoyable, spectacular, and memorable. It aims to provide a unique and global experience that cannot be missed.

Mad Cool Festival is not just about the music. It is a celebration of music, culture, and diversity, bringing people together from all over the world. The festival strives to be sustainable and safe, ensuring that the attendees have the best possible experience.

With its wide variety of music genres, the Madrid Mad Cool Festival caters to all music tastes, making it a must-attend event for music enthusiasts of all kinds, there is something for everyone at this festival.

Is Madrid Mad Cool worth it?

Yes, the Mad Cool Festival is definitely worth attending. With its impressive lineup of world-class performers from various music genres, it is an event that should not be missed by music lovers.

New features of Mad Cool

After listening to last years’ suggestions, the organization has decided to implement several interesting improvements that will undoubtedly enhance the attendees’ experience:

• Less stages to minimize overlaps between artists and sound leakage between stages.

• Reduced capacity and increased space to allow for better crowd flow.
• The doors will open one hour later to mitigate the summer heat in Madrid in July.

• More toilets, water points, and chill areas for rest and shade.

• Larger stage screens, an improved VIP area, and additional points to top up your wristband.

• Enhanced quality of food trucks, longer bars, and additional staff.

• More accessible and more sustainable to minimize the environmental footprint.

Mad Cool 2026: Dates and location

What are the Dates for Mad Cool 2026?

Madrid Mad Cool Festival 2026 will be held from July 8th to July 11th, 2026.

2026 Mad Cool location

The Mad Cool Festival and its popular Ferris wheel return, just like in 2024 and 2025, at the “Iberdrola Music” venue in Villaverde, the new Mad Cool Space close to Getafe.

Map of the venue

It is important that you have located the main points of interest and you can move easily between the stages, the catering area, the bathrooms, or the points of recharge of the wristbands.

The map of the 2026 Mad Cool Festival is already available.

How to get to the Mad Cool Festival in 2026?

More than 50,000 people will attend in 2026 at the new Mad Cool venue in Villaverde. To facilitate access to the festival for all attendees, the Madrid City Council advises the use of public transport:

Metro: My favorite option:

Line 3: Villaverde Alto Station

Bus: The following lines stop near the venue:

Line 22: Legazpi – Villaverde Alto (5:30 h – 23:45 h).
Line 79: Legazpi – Villaverde Alto. (6:00 h – 23:30 h)
Line T41: Villaverde Alto – Polígono Industrial La Resina. (6:30 h – 21:00 h)
Line N14: Cibeles – Villaverde Alto. (23:40 h – 05:50 h)

There will also be free shuttle buses from Getafe running from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM on Wednesday and Thursday, and from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM on Friday and Saturday.

Train: You can choose between these lines operating from 05:30 to 23:30:

Line C3: Stop at San Cristóbal Industrial.
Line C4: Stop at Villaverde Alto.
Line C5: Stop at Villaverde Alto.

How to return from the Festival?

As it happened in previous years, the mobility plan developed for 2026 includes extending the schedule of Metro Line 3 until 2 a.m. on Wednesday and until 3.30 a.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Attendees will access the Metro from Villaverde Alto station (Line 3), a 20-minute walk from the venue. It should be noted that trains will be running towards the center of Madrid, stopping only at Legazpi, Embajadores, and Sol Stations, but not at all the other stations along the usual route of Line 3.

It should also be noted that the same return schedule has been set for the C-5 train line, from Villaverde Alto to Atocha, with the added benefit of free travel.

Shuttle buses will also be available for attendees from Villaverde Alto to Legazpi and Atocha from 00:30 to 2:00 AM on Wednesday and from 1:30 AM to 3:30 AM from Thursday to Saturday. These buses will be located approximately 800 meters from the entrance of the Mad Cool venue.

Finally, there will be a specific taxi stop at the corner of San Eustaquio Street and Resina Street, and the recommended meeting point for VTC is at the corner of Valle de Tobalina Street and Ezequiel Street.

Mad Cool 2026 Lineup

The highly anticipated lineup for Mad Cool Festival 2026 has already been announced, including some of the biggest names in the music industry.

This year’s festival will be headlined by Foo Fighters, Florence + The Machine, Twenty One Pilots, Lorde, and Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, along with notable names such as The Black Crowes, Moby, Pulp, The War On Drugs, Wolf Alice, Pixies, Halsey, and South Korean artist Jennie, member of Blackpink, who has just released her solo debut.

Mad Cool 2026 Lineup by days

The 2026 final lineup has been announced.

Final Schedule

The 2026 final schedules have been published.

Wednesday 8th Schedule

Thursday 9th Schedule

Friday 10th Schedule

Saturday 11th Schedule

Mad Cool 2026 Tickets

When do Madrid Mad Cool 2026 tickets go on sale?

Tickets in pre-sale for Santander Bank customers and festival members will be available on December 1st at 10:00 am. General sales will open a few days later, on December 4th. Tickets will be available on their website, and Mad Cool members and Santander SMusic customers will also benefit from reduced rates.

If you purchase your tickets during the Santander presale, you’ll also get access to the festival through the FAST TRACK entrance.

VIP options will also be available for those who wish to enjoy a premium experience at the festival. Tickets can be purchased on the festival’s official website www.madcooltickets.com.

Mad Cool 2026 Ticket Prices

The price of Mad Cool Festival 2026 tickets will depend on the type of ticket you choose to purchase. The tickets include entrance to one or four days of the festival and delivery of the wristband to your home address in case you are a national or European buyer.

The 2026 Mad Cool ticket prices for the general public will be as follows:

• 4-day General pass: €240 (Spain) – €250 (International) + booking fee
• 4-day VIP pass: €425 (Spain) – €430 (International) + booking fee
• 1-day ticket: €95 (Spain) – €105 (International) + booking fee
• 1-day VIP ticket: €160 (Spain) – €170 (International) + booking fee

An additional fee will be charged for the FastScan E-ticket, this covers the costs of generating the tickets and providing access control at the event for faster entry.

Take into account that tickets cannot be exchanged or refunded once purchased. Make sure to double-check your purchase before completing the transaction.

What advantages does the Mad Cool VIP ticket include?

The VIP tickets for the Mad Cool Festival offer several benefits and advantages over regular admission tickets. The VIP experience at Mad Cool is designed to offer a more comfortable and elevated festival experience for those who are willing to pay for it.

VIP tickets include additional perks such as:

• Access to the site by the exclusive entrance: Avoid the general queue and access directly through VIP access.
• Access to the VIP area with a privileged view of the main stages from the terrace.
• Relaxation area with bar and restaurant service at reduced prices.
• Welcome Pack.

Santander SMusic Tickets

If you are a Banco Santander customer, you can access the purchase of Santander SMusic tickets.

These tickets are particularly appealing because they are priced below the general public tickets but also include, among other benefits, fast-track access to the festival, a free locker, as well as participation in various raffles.

How to Get Mad Cool 2026 Tickets

Tickets for Mad Cool Festival 2026 will be available on the official festival website, as well as through sales points expressly authorized by the Organization. It is extremely important to purchase tickets from a trusted source to avoid scams and fraud.

Payment Options

Mad Cool Festival 2026 tickets can be purchased using a variety of payment options, including credit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and SOFORT.

Ticket Delivery

Mad Cool Festival 2026 tickets will be delivered electronically via email or through the official festival app. Make sure to provide a valid email address and check your spam folder to ensure that you receive your tickets.

Madrid Mad Cool 2026 wristband

The wristband is the only access and payment method for the festival. It will work as your “ID” as a Mad Cooler. Once the ticket has been exchanged for the wristband, it becomes the element that certifies the acquired right.

Therefore, take care of your wristband to keep it in perfect condition. Keep your wristband when you leave the site because you will need it to enter again and to request a refund of the remaining balance of the wristband.

When will the Mad Cool 2026 wristbands be shipped?

The shipping of the wristbands will probably start in May 2026 and extend until late June 2026.

What happens if I lose my wristband?

In case you lose your wristband before the festival, you must contact pulseras@madcool.es. In case you lose it inside the festival, you must go to the incident area at the entrance of the venue to get a new access wristband that will invalidate the previous one.

Can I top up my wristband before arriving at the festival?

Yes, you can top up your wristband before arriving at the festival. We recommend that you do it in advance to avoid any waits. You can top up your wristband through the Mad Cool Area profile under the “Top up your wristband” section, through the official APP, using the QR code found on your wristband, and at the physical recharge points within the festival.

Food Court – Dining Options

Mad Cool 2026 will offer food for every taste:

• Burgers, wraps and hot dogs: Smokie Madrid; I Love Hot Dog; Ox&Roll Burgers; Beers Burgers; Pistola; American Bagels; Toril Burger and McDonald’s.
• Asian food: Wok on Fire; Punkchinesse Kebab & Falafel and Noodle Bar
• Italian food: El Rebost de L’Àvia and Pizzeria Nómadas
• Vegan food: La Falafelería and The Veggie Point
• Spanish food: La Salaína; Loiuko; Doña Chapata; Croquetas Oído Cocina Gourmet; Sabor a Pirineo; Arzábal; and Pata Negra Salamanca.
• Latin American food: Venezuelan Street Food
• Desserts: Artisan ice cream

Mad Cool Festival Rules and Regulations

To ensure the safety and enjoyment of all attendees, Mad Cool Festival has a set of rules and regulations that must be followed.

It is important to know the access rules since you cannot bring items into the venue, such as helmets, selfie sticks, suitcases, folding chairs, or metal bottles.

On the other hand, you are allowed to enter with a fanny pack and small backpacks (20x25x45cm). Don´t forget to check out the general terms and conditions here.

Food and drinks

Access with food and drink in the Mad Cool area will be allowed in quantities appropriate to their own consumption. These are the quantities allowed:

• Snacks, sandwiches, or similar products.
• 1 bottle of water of 50 cl maximum and without a cap (no glass, steel, or any other material that may be dangerous).

There will be a series of free drinking water points within the enclosure and different stands where a wide variety of food will be available for purchase.

Drinks may only be purchased at the bars set up for this purpose, with a prohibition on the sale of alcoholic beverages to minors under 18 years of age.

Rules of access for minors

Minors from 0 to 8 years of age: They do not need a ticket to access the premises. They must always be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. They need to obtain a specific wristband that they will have to pick up at the entrance to the Festival.

Children from 9 to 15 years old: They need a purchased ticket to access the venue. They must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian or, if they cannot, by a person of legal age authorized by their parent or legal guardian. These minors are not allowed to consume alcohol or tobacco on the premises.

Minors who are 16 and 17 years old: They need a purchased ticket to access the enclosure. They do not need to be accompanied by an adult. These minors are not allowed to consume alcohol or tobacco on the premises.

Also in the case of minors, it will be essential to carry at all times the national identity card or non-Spanish documents proving their identity (passport, …).

Where to stay?

Madrid offers a wide variety of accommodation options for festival-goers, including hotels, hostels, and Airbnb rentals.

For visitors who plan to spend the whole day at the festival and their accommodation, I would recommend choosing a hotel close to the festival grounds. This way, they can easily move back and forth between the hotel and the festival, take breaks whenever necessary, and fully enjoy the festival experience.

However, for those who want to explore all that Madrid has to offer in addition to the festival, it is more convenient to stay in the city center and use public transportation to get to the festival grounds. This allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in the city’s vibrant culture and attractions while still enjoying the festival. Public transport in Madrid is convenient, fast, and safe.

Best place to stay for the Mad Cool 2026 festival

Check out these 6 excellent places to stay for the Mad Cool 2026 festival, 3 close to the Mad Cool Space and 3 in the city center:

Close to the Mad Cool Space:

Eurostars Arenas de Pinto: The Eurostars Arenas de Pinto hotel is a great option for those looking for comfortable and affordable accommodations during the Mad Cool Festival. Located just a few minutes away from the festival venue, the hotel offers modern and spacious rooms equipped with all the necessary amenities for a comfortable stay.

Exe Getafe: The Exe Getafe hotel is a modern and stylish hotel located in the south of Madrid, just a short distance from the Mad Cool Festival. The hotel boasts spacious and comfortable rooms, all equipped with modern amenities. Its proximity to the festival and easy access to public transportation make it an ideal choice for visitors to the Mad Cool Festival.

Holiday Inn Express Madrid-Getafe: This hotel is located in an important commercial area, next to the Nassica shopping center and The Style Outlets. You know that this brand is known for providing comfortable and clean accommodations at a reasonable price point. It is a popular choice for travelers because of its practical amenities and complimentary breakfast.

In the city center:

Hard Rock Madrid Hotel: This is a popular choice for music fans and those seeking a fun hotel experience. It boasts an impressive collection of music memorabilia and a rock and roll theme that is evident throughout the hotel. The rooms are spacious and modern, and there is a rooftop bar with stunning views of the city.

Riu Plaza España: This hotel is located in an emblematic building in the popular Plaza España, close to the Royal Palace and Gran Via. If you like shopping, on the ground floor you will find the largest Zara store in the world. One of the standout features of the hotel is its stunning rooftop pool and the glass walkway, where you can stand 27 floors up with only the glass underneath you.

Catalonia Gran Vía Hotel: This stylish and modern hotel is located in the heart of Madrid, conveniently located near many of Madrid’s top attractions, making it a great choice for travelers looking to explore the city. The hotel also features a rooftop terrace with spectacular views and a pool that allows guests to cool off on the warmest days.

Keep in mind that it is advisable to book in advance to find available rooms on those dates and avoid high prices.

What´s the weather like at the Madrid Mad Cool festival?

Madrid Mad Cool Festival 2026 takes place in the summer months in Madrid, which means that the weather is typically warm and sunny. Temperatures can vary throughout the day, but you can expect daytime highs reaching the mid-30s Celsius (90s Fahrenheit) and nighttime lows dropping into the low-20s Celsius (70s Fahrenheit).

As with any outdoor event in summer, it is important to be prepared by wearing sunscreen, staying hydrated, and bringing appropriate clothing.

Final words

Mad Cool Festival 2026 is one of the most anticipated music festivals of the year and one of the best things to do in Madrid in the summer. With a diverse lineup, it promises to be an unforgettable experience.

Make sure to purchase your tickets early, plan your transportation and accommodation in advance, and familiarize yourself with the festival rules and regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

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