Orihuela Tardeada festival returns with Crystal Fighters and free Friday entry

Orihuela’s Tardeada indie music festival returns for its second edition on Friday, September 18 and Saturday, September 19 at the Los Huertos fairground.

Following a debut in 2025 that attracted more than 12,000 people during the main festival days, organisers are expanding the event with two stages, food and social areas, and a line-up combining established performers with emerging and local talent.

Crystal Fighters headline two-day indie festival

International band Crystal Fighters heads this year’s line-up, with a wide selection of Spanish artists also appearing across the two days.

Alvaro de Luna, Xoel Lopez, Zahara Rave, Funambulista, Karavana, Samurai and Amatria are among those scheduled to perform, alongside Juanca DJ Set Supersubmarina.

Local and emerging artists will also be given space on the programme, while the introduction of two stages will allow organisers to expand the amount of live music available during the festival.

Tardeada is being held at the Los Huertos fairground as part of Orihuela’s September celebrations for the Virgen de Monserrate.

Friday admission will be completely free

One of the most significant changes for the second edition is free admission on Friday, September 18.

The arrangement will allow anyone to visit the festival site and enjoy that day’s programme without having to purchase a ticket.

Organisers are also expanding the facilities around the music itself, with dedicated food and social areas intended to make Tardeada a wider two-day festival experience.

Orihuela Town Hall hopes the event can establish itself as a regular fixture in the city’s September calendar following the response to its inaugural edition.

First Tardeada attracted more than 12,000 people

More than 12,000 people attended during the main days of the first Tardeada festival in 2025.

The council said the event also brought wider benefits to Orihuela, with increased activity reported among hotels, restaurants and other local businesses.

Organisers estimated that approximately €2.1 million in economic activity was generated around the 2025 festival.