Santander's Summer 2026 Cultural Agenda: Jazz, Opera, Cinema, and Cheese

Santander, Spain, has become a summer cultural hub. The 7th Santander Jazz Festival runs July 29–August 1, opening with legendary pianist Kenny Barron. The 3rd edition of 'La clásica va por barrios' offers six classical recitals, starting July 30 at Centro Cultural Dr. Madrazo with tubist Beltrán Jorge Herrero and violinist Gabriela Crespo. The 7th Feria del Queso de Cantabria takes place July 31–August 2 in Jardines de Pereda, featuring 14 cheesemakers. Santander Music 2026 (July 31–August 1) headlines Guitarricadelafuente, Rigoberta Bandini, and Rusowsky. A masterclass by artist Jay Kaes, designer of the festival's image, will be held at Centro Botín on July 31. The 75th Festival Internacional de Santander opens with Mozart's 'The Magic Flute' conducted by David Afkham and directed by Rolando Villazón. On July 31, the documentary 'En la línea del horizonte' about painter Roberto Orallo screens at Centro Cívico Tabacalera, followed by a talk with Orallo and director Iñaki Pinedo. The 27th Feria del Libro Viejo de Santander runs August 1–23 in Plaza Alfonso XIII, with 16 bookshops and a theme of 'Los otros del 27'. A film cycle 'Raffaello Matarazzo: Anatomía del melodrama' starts August 3 at Centro Cultural Doctor Madrazo. The Biblioteca Central de Cantabria hosts 'Tardes de cine español' in August, screening 'Celda 211', 'Eva', 'La noche inesperada', and 'Mi gran noche'.