Ferias in Torremolinos and Fuengirola. Colourful festivals on the Costa del Sol
One of the most distinctive features of this Spanish Costa del Sol are the ferias – the multicoloured fairs and festivals that take place…
For years, the Costa del Sol has been associated with beautiful beaches, a pleasant climate and some of Europe’s most popular holiday resorts. The growing interest in the region has led to the development not only of its tourist infrastructure but also of its cultural offerings. Festivals are playing an increasingly important role in promoting the Spanish coast; events such as Dreambeach, Sun & Thunder and the 101 Music Festival attract music fans from all over Europe.
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Sun & Thunder – one of the most important rock music events on the Costa del Sol
The Sun & Thunder Festival is one of the most important rock and metal music events on the coast. The festival lasts for three days; in 2026, it begins on Thursday 27 August and runs until Saturday 29 August. The programme features concerts by artists representing genres such as heavy metal, hard rock, power metal, thrash metal and symphonic metal.
The event takes place at Fuengirola’s largest concert complex – Marenostrum Fuengirola – right on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. The complex comprises two concert venues – the main Unicaja stage and the historic Sohail Castle. Away from the concert stages, there are 5 bars, 2 cocktail bars and 10 restaurants serving cuisine from around the world.
How do you get to the Sun & Thunder Festival from Málaga and Marbella?
The most convenient way to travel from Málaga is by the Cercanías C1 train, which connects Málaga Centro-Alameda with Fuengirola and stops at key locations such as the airport, Torremolinos and Benalmádena. There are also direct bus services from Málaga: the M-113 – Málaga → Fuengirola and the M-120 – Torremolinos → Fuengirola (via Benalmádena).
The event website and the Marenostrum Fuengirola website also feature maps showing the designated parking spaces for people with reduced mobility. However, the car park for other attendees is some distance from the concert venue and requires a walk of around 15 minutes.
Dreambeach Costa del Sol – a two-day electronic music festival
Until 2023, the festival took place in Villaricos, in the province of Almería. The 2024 and 2025 editions were held in El Toyo-Retamar, whilst in 2026 the event will move to the province of Málaga for the first time.
In 2026, it makes its debut under the new name Dreambeach Costa del Sol, and its 12th edition takes place at the Recinto Ferial on Juan Carlos I Street in Vélez-Málaga. As well as the festival’s new venue, the event features no fewer than four independent stages, each hosting simultaneous performances by artists representing various genres of electronic music – from techno and house to drum and bass and breakbeat.
Confirmed acts include, amongst others, the British duo Sasha & John Digweed and one of the leading figures on the Spanish techno scene – Andrés Campo.
Further information about the event, its venue and directions can be found on the festival’s official website.
101 Music Festival – a summer of music in Málaga
This is one of the most important festivals held in Málaga in the summer at the Plaza de Toros de La Malagueta – it takes place in the heart of the city at the former bullring. The organisers support non-profit organisations by donating 1 euro from every ticket sold to the Cudeca and Olivares Foundation charities.
Unlike other festivals, the 101 Music Festival takes place over several weeks, which means that during the festival – from the end of June to the end of July – Málaga is a very popular tourist destination. Tourists often stay for more than one night, which results in increased footfall in local shops, restaurants and bars.
How do I get to the 101 Music Festival?
You can get to La Malagueta by taking city bus routes 3, 11, 32 and C1. The nearest underground station in the city centre is Atarazanas, whilst the nearest Cercanías station is Málaga Centro-Alameda. Before travelling, it’s worth checking the current route on the transport operator’s app. The nearest car park to the venue is Parking Cervantes. The full programme of events and further information about the festival can be found on the event’s homepage.
See also:
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FAQ
Is it worth planning a holiday on the Costa del Sol to coincide with the festivals?
Yes. The summer festival season isn’t just about concerts by international stars, but also features numerous supporting events. The festival atmosphere rubs off on the coastal residents too, creating an incredible atmosphere and lasting memories.
Which festival on the Costa del Sol should you choose in the summer of 2026?
The choice depends primarily on your preferred genre of music. Sun & Thunder in Fuengirola is ideal for fans of rock and metal, Dreambeach Costa del Sol in Vélez-Málaga attracts lovers of electronic music, whilst the 101 Music Festival in the centre of Málaga features concerts by various artists, held over several weeks in the summer.
