Mad Cool Festival 2026 celebrates its 10th anniversary with the most spectacular lineup in the festival’s history, transforming Madrid into Europe’s ultimate summer music destination from July 8-11, 2026. Headlined by rock legends Foo Fighters, indie powerhouse Florence and The Machine, alternative icons Twenty One Pilots, and gothic rock royalty Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds, this milestone edition showcases Mad Cool’s evolution into one of the world’s most prestigious multi-genre festivals.
Taking place at Valdebebas-IFEMA in Madrid, Spain’s vibrant capital city, Mad Cool 2026 brings together over 100 artists spanning rock, indie, electronic, hip-hop, and pop across four unforgettable days. This 10th anniversary celebration promises the festival’s biggest production yet, with enhanced stages, expanded capacity, and exclusive performances marking a decade of music innovation in Madrid.
Essential Details for Mad Cool Festival 2026
- Dates: July 8-11, 2026
- Location: Valdebebas-IFEMA, Madrid, Spain
- Tickets: Available at madcooltickets.com
- Airport: Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (15 minutes from venue)
- Transport: Metro Line 8 connects directly to IFEMA, with special festival shuttle services
Who’s Headlining Mad Cool Festival 2026?
Wednesday, July 8 – Opening Night Rock Explosion
Foo Fighters – Dave Grohl and rock’s most reliable stadium band deliver their explosive energy and decades of anthems including “Everlong,” “The Pretender,” and “Times Like These.” This marks their first Mad Cool appearance, bringing legendary showmanship and rock and roll authenticity to Madrid’s 10th anniversary celebration.
Moby – Electronic music pioneer brings his genre-defining catalog spanning “Porcelain,” “Natural Blues,” and “Why Does My Heart Feel So Bad,” showcasing the evolution from 90s electronica to contemporary electronic music innovation.
The War on Drugs – Philadelphia’s indie rock architects deliver their expansive, Americana-influenced sound featuring intricate guitar work and Adam Granduciel’s distinctive vocals on tracks like “Red Eyes” and “Under the Pressure.”
Wolf Alice – British indie rock quartet led by Ellie Rowsell brings their Mercury Prize-winning sound combining shoegaze, grunge, and pop sensibilities that have made them one of UK’s most acclaimed contemporary bands.
The Last Dinner Party – London’s rising indie rock sensations bring their theatrical baroque pop and guitar-driven anthems that have captured attention across European alternative music scenes.
The Warning – Mexican rock trio of sisters delivers powerful hard rock performances that showcase Latin America’s thriving rock music resurgence.
Jehnny Beth – Former Savages frontwoman presents her intense solo work combining post-punk energy with electronic experimentation and raw emotional performance.
Thursday, July 9 – Indie and Pop Excellence
Florence and The Machine – Florence Welch’s ethereal vocals and baroque pop grandeur create transcendent festival moments through hits like “Dog Days Are Over,” “Shake It Out,” and “King.” Her performances combine theatrical staging with genuine emotional connection, making her one of live music’s most captivating artists.
Jennie – BLACKPINK member brings her solo work to Mad Cool, representing K-pop’s global expansion and crossover appeal to Western festival audiences.
Lorde – New Zealand’s indie pop visionary delivers her introspective lyrics and innovative production across albums “Pure Heroine,” “Melodrama,” and “Solar Power,” creating intimate moments despite massive festival scale.
Teddy Swims – The Atlanta soul and R&B singer brings his powerful vocals and genre-blending approach that has made him one of contemporary music’s breakout stars.
Zara Larsson – Swedish pop star delivers infectious dance-pop anthems and powerhouse vocals that have dominated European charts and streaming platforms.
Renée Rapp – Broadway star turned pop sensation brings her theatrical performance background to contemporary pop music with powerful vocals and emotional storytelling.
Charlie Puth – Pop producer and vocalist showcases his musical theory expertise through perfectly crafted pop songs and impressive live vocal performances.
The Blaze – French electronic duo creates immersive audiovisual experiences combining house music with cinematic visuals and emotional depth.
GMAT – DJ set brings electronic dance music energy to Mad Cool’s diverse programming.
Friday, July 10 – Alternative Rock Dominance
Twenty One Pilots – Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun deliver their genre-defying blend of alternative rock, hip-hop, and electronic music through high-energy performances featuring “Stressed Out,” “Ride,” and “Heathens.” Their theatrical staging and audience interaction create unforgettable festival moments that transcend traditional rock performances.
Kings of Leon – Tennessee rock royalty brings two decades of Southern rock anthems including “Sex on Fire,” “Use Somebody,” and material from their extensive catalog showcasing their evolution from garage rock to stadium dominance.
Pixies – Alternative rock pioneers deliver their influential catalog of loud-quiet-loud dynamics and Black Francis’s distinctive vocals on classics like “Where Is My Mind” and “Debaser” that influenced generations of indie and alternative bands.
Halsey – Pop-rock artist brings her genre-blending approach combining alternative rock energy with pop accessibility, featuring hits from her diverse catalog and powerful live vocals.
A Perfect Circle – Maynard James Keenan’s alternative metal supergroup offers atmospheric intensity through intricate compositions from their acclaimed discography.
Interpol – New York post-punk revivalists deliver their moody, bass-driven sound and Paul Banks’s baritone vocals on tracks spanning “Evil” to their latest releases.
Sigrid – Norwegian pop artist brings her powerful vocals and anthemic songs that combine Scandinavian pop sensibility with international appeal.
Holly Humberstone – British singer-songwriter delivers her intimate indie-pop that has made her one of UK’s most promising emerging artists.
Midnight Generation – Brings contemporary indie rock energy to Mad Cool’s diverse Friday lineup.
Saturday, July 11 – Legendary Closing Night
Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds – Australian gothic rock icon delivers one of contemporary music’s most powerful and emotionally intense live experiences. Cave’s commanding presence and The Bad Seeds’ virtuosity create transcendent performances of “Red Right Hand,” “Into My Arms,” and material spanning his four-decade career.
Pulp – Britpop legends return with Jarvis Cocker’s theatrical showmanship and hits like “Common People” and “Disco 2000” that defined 90s British alternative music.
The Black Crowes – Southern rock veterans bring their blues-influenced hard rock and the Robinson brothers’ chemistry on classics like “Hard to Handle” and “She Talks to Angels.”
David Byrne – Former Talking Heads frontman presents his innovative solo work combining art rock experimentation with world music influences and theatrical staging that pushes live performance boundaries.
Kasabian – Leicester rock band delivers their swagger-filled indie rock anthems and energetic performances that have made them UK festival favorites.
Jalen Ngonda – Soul and R&B revivalist brings vintage-inspired vocals and modern sensibility to classic soul traditions.
The Vaccines – British indie rock band delivers their infectious garage rock energy and sing-along anthems across their extensive catalog.
Matt Berninger – The National’s frontwoman presents his distinctive baritone vocals in intimate solo performances showcasing his songwriting depth.
Notable Highlights Making Mad Cool 2026 Legendary
10th Anniversary Milestone Celebration Mad Cool Festival 2026 marks a decade since the festival’s inception, celebrating its rapid evolution from Madrid newcomer to one of Europe’s most prestigious music events. This anniversary edition features the festival’s biggest budget, most ambitious production design, and strongest lineup reflecting Mad Cool’s position among global festival elite.
Unprecedented Genre Diversity From Foo Fighters’ stadium rock power to Nick Cave’s gothic intensity, from Florence Welch’s baroque pop to Jennie’s K-pop crossover, Mad Cool 2026 demonstrates genre-defying curation that appeals to diverse music tastes while maintaining artistic cohesion and quality standards across all programming.
Madrid Summer Festival Experience July in Madrid offers unique festival atmosphere combining intense Spanish summer energy with the city’s legendary nightlife, cultural attractions, and culinary excellence. Mad Cool’s timing allows festival-goers to experience Madrid at its most vibrant, with extended daylight hours and the city’s summer festival season in full swing.
International Artist Representation The lineup spans artists from United States, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, France, South Korea, Sweden, and Norway, showcasing Mad Cool’s truly international scope and appeal to diverse European and global audiences.
Exclusive Spanish Performances Many artists on the Mad Cool 2026 lineup are making their only Spanish appearance of the year, with some performing their sole Iberian Peninsula show, making the festival essential for Spanish music fans wanting to see international acts without traveling across Europe.
Why Mad Cool Festival 2026 Will Be Legendary
Mad Cool Festival has established itself as Spain’s premier international music festival through consistent delivery of world-class lineups, superior production values, and strategic positioning in Madrid’s summer calendar. The 10th anniversary edition represents the culmination of a decade’s experience producing large-scale music events in one of Europe’s most exciting capital cities.
Valdebebas-IFEMA Venue Advantages The purpose-built festival venue at IFEMA offers Madrid’s best large-scale event infrastructure, combining massive capacity with efficient crowd management, multiple stages without sound interference, and comprehensive facilities including food vendors, merchandise areas, and rest zones. The venue’s proximity to Madrid airport and metro connections provides superior accessibility compared to remote festival locations.
Madrid Cultural Immersion Beyond the music, Mad Cool provides access to Madrid’s incredible cultural offerings. The Prado Museum, Reina Sofía Museum, Royal Palace, and Retiro Park offer world-class cultural experiences. Madrid’s legendary tapas scene, late-night dining culture, and vibrant neighborhoods like Malasaña and Chueca create unforgettable festival weekend experiences.
Spanish Festival Atmosphere Spanish festival culture brings unique energy combining passionate music appreciation with social celebration and warm Mediterranean hospitality. Mad Cool attracts Spanish audiences who create electric atmosphere through enthusiastic participation, sing-alongs, and the distinctive Spanish festival spirit that differs from Northern European festival cultures.
Production Quality and Innovation Mad Cool consistently invests in cutting-edge production technology, featuring massive LED screens, state-of-the-art sound systems, and spectacular lighting designs that rival any global festival. The 10th anniversary edition promises enhanced production values celebrating the milestone with visual spectacles matching the lineup’s quality.
Affordable European Capital Festival Compared to festivals in London, Paris, or Amsterdam, Madrid offers exceptional value through reasonable accommodation costs, affordable dining, and excellent public transportation. This accessibility makes Mad Cool attainable for international travelers and young festival-goers building European festival experiences.
Insider Tips for Mad Cool Festival Veterans and First-Timers
Accommodation Strategy for Madrid Book hotels or apartments in central Madrid neighborhoods like Sol, Gran Vía, Malasaña, or Chueca for easy metro access to IFEMA. Madrid’s metro system makes staying downtown practical while enjoying the city’s nightlife and culture between festival days. Hostels near metro stations offer budget-friendly options with social atmospheres perfect for meeting other festival-goers.
Master Madrid Metro System Purchase a Multi Card (Tarjeta Multi) for unlimited metro travel during festival dates. Line 8 connects directly to IFEMA station, with service extended during festival hours. The metro system operates efficiently with frequent trains, making car rentals unnecessary for festival attendance.
Weather Preparation and Hydration July in Madrid reaches 30-38°C with intense sun exposure and low humidity. Bring high-SPF sunscreen, wide-brimmed hats, and light-colored breathable clothing. Hydration becomes critical in Spanish summer heat. Festival provides water refill stations, but bring reusable bottles and hydrate consistently throughout days.
Spanish Dining Schedule Adaptation Madrid dining operates on Spanish schedule with lunch 2-4pm and dinner 9-11pm. Restaurants near the festival fill quickly, so arrive early or make reservations. Explore Madrid’s incredible tapas culture in neighborhoods like La Latina, where small plates and drinks provide affordable, authentic Spanish culinary experiences.
Festival Schedule and Stage Navigation Download the official Mad Cool app for real-time set times, stage locations, and festival maps. The IFEMA venue spreads across large area, so plan 10-15 minutes walking time between stages. Arrive early for must-see headliners as popular performances reach capacity.
Language Considerations While Madrid is increasingly English-friendly, basic Spanish phrases enhance experiences and demonstrate cultural respect. Many restaurants, shops, and locals appreciate attempts to speak Spanish, even poorly. Learn basics like greetings, ordering food, and asking for directions.
Explore Madrid Beyond Festival Hours Dedicate time to experience Madrid between festival days. Visit world-class museums in the mornings before afternoon heat. Explore Retiro Park for relaxation. Experience Madrid’s legendary nightlife in Malasaña and Chueca neighborhoods. The city’s compact center allows comprehensive exploration despite festival commitments.
Festival Survival Essentials Bring portable phone chargers as service and navigation drain batteries quickly. Wear comfortable shoes for extended standing and walking across venue. Apply sunscreen multiple times daily. Establish meeting points with friends as mobile service can be unreliable during peak attendance.
This represents Spain’s most prestigious international music festival, combining world-class programming with Madrid’s cultural richness and Spanish summer energy.
Final Thoughts
Mad Cool Festival 2026 celebrates a decade of music excellence with its most ambitious lineup yet, bringing together rock legends, pop superstars, indie innovators, and emerging artists for four days of unforgettable performances in Spain’s vibrant capital. With Foo Fighters’ raw power, Florence and The Machine’s ethereal beauty, Twenty One Pilots’ genre-defying energy, and Nick Cave’s commanding intensity, this 10th anniversary edition promises career-defining moments and once-in-a-lifetime performances.
The combination of world-class programming, superior production quality, Madrid’s cultural offerings, and Spanish festival atmosphere makes Mad Cool 2026 essential for serious music fans. This isn’t just a festival but a complete cultural experience combining cutting-edge music with Spanish history, cuisine, art, and the legendary Madrid summer energy that creates unforgettable memories beyond the performances themselves.
Secure your Mad Cool Festival 2026 tickets at madcooltickets.com and prepare for Madrid’s ultimate music celebration.
