Costa Blanca summer events bring music, shopping and fiestas

Chupinazo charm in Catral

Catral is preparing for one of the biggest fiesta weekends of the summer as the famous Chupinazo expands into a two-day event for 2026.

Now renamed Chupiweekend Fest 2026, the celebration will take place on 12 and 13 June with live music, DJs, performances and the unpredictable atmosphere that has made the festival famous across the Vega Baja.

This year marks the 18th anniversary of the Chupinazo, which has grown into one of the Costa Blanca’s best-known fiesta events. Thousands of people now travel to Catral each year to see the mystery themes, surprise performances and large-scale productions linked to the festival.

Previous editions have featured helicopter arrivals, giant zip lines across the square and rooftop performances inspired by La Casa de Papel.

The weekend begins on Friday night in Plaza del Ayuntamiento with a performance by José de Rico before the party continues at the SOS Festival with DJs and live entertainment.

The main Chupinazo Festival starts on Saturday morning, while the evening programme switches to punk rock concerts and more live music.

Organisers have confirmed that all concerts and activities will once again be completely free.

Access to the festival area will be via exit 730 on the AP-7 towards Torrevieja-Cartagena.

Open Night in Monovar

Monovar is preparing for the return of “Open Night” on 13 June with a full programme of shopping, music, food and street entertainment planned across the town.

Now in its third year, the popular event has quickly become one of the area’s biggest commercial and cultural celebrations, bringing together local businesses, live performances and family activities throughout the day and evening.

The day begins with a CrossFit demonstration organised by Ruben Fit gym before the Mercado Municipal hosts a vermouth session with live music from Los Kermans.

The official opening takes place at 7:00 PM with a parade through the streets of Monovar.

Dance schools from across the town will also perform throughout the evening, while Plaza de la Sala becomes one of the main activity areas with fashion shows, concerts, DJs and street performances.

Local businesses will once again bring their products outdoors, offering discounts, promotions and outlet sales as part of the event.

Visitors will also find food stalls, children’s entertainment and roaming performers.

Councillor Mª Amparo Maestre said the event continues helping support local businesses while showcasing Monovar’s commercial and cultural life and invited everyone to join the celebrations on 13 June.

Zoco fever in Elda

Elda is preparing for the return of its popular Moors and Christians market, known locally as the “Zoco”, with five days of shopping, food and fiesta atmosphere planned from 28 May to 1 June.

Once again, the market will fill the area around Plaza de la Concordia and is expected to become one of the busiest attractions during the town’s famous Moors and Christians celebrations.

This year’s event will feature 76 stalls selling crafts, fashion, jewellery, gifts and traditional products from across Spain. Visitors will also find handmade goods and artisan items from countries including Ecuador, Senegal and Egypt.

Food will once again be one of the biggest attractions, with stalls serving burgers, waffles, churros, pizzas, roasted potatoes, cured meats, ice cream and other festival favourites throughout the event.

The market opens on Thursday, 28 May, from 7:00 PM until 2:00 AM. From Friday to Sunday, it will run from 10:00 AM until 2:00 AM, while Monday’s final day will close at 11:00 PM.

Additional facilities, including security, surveillance and portable toilets, will also be available for visitors.

Elda Town Hall has also confirmed temporary changes to access at the Mercado Central car park during the fiesta period because of activities taking place in the town centre.