5 free events in Madrid from September 11 to 18: Nacha Pop and Heritage Nights

The back-to-school and work season typical of September brings sadness and nostalgia. After a short summer for some, Madrid has prepared a cultural and leisure offer that will revive the energy of the capital during the coming week. For those who want to enjoy Madrid without spending money, the cultural agenda offers a wide selection of free activities to join the festive atmosphere and rediscover some of its most emblematic spaces. From the arrival of the first Madrid edition of Formula 1 to the Ciudad Lineal festivities with the Nacha Pop concert.

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Formula 1 ‘Fanzones’ around Madrid

Madrid becomes a showcase for Formula 1 this weekend. Different spaces and activities linked to the Spanish Grand Prix have been prepared, with proposals such as simulators, exhibitions, and experiences related to the world of motorsport. It’s an incredible plan because it doesn’t require being a Formula 1 fan and the activities are designed for a large part of the public to better understand the world of racing and have fun.

• Date: September 12 and 13.
• Place: Three large spaces in Callao, Colón, and Gran Vía.
• Transport: Callao Metro (L3 and L5). Serrano Metro (L4) and Gran Vía Metro (L1 and L5).

Nacha Pop in Ciudad Lineal

The patron saint festivities of Ciudad Lineal never disappoint. As every year after the holidays, this Madrid district brings a wide variety of leisure, cultural offers, and concerts. This edition, the legendary group born in the Madrid Movida in the 80s will play in the La Elipa neighborhood for the nostalgic and those who still enjoy pop-rock from the last century.

• Date: September 11, 10:15 p.m.
• Place: Ciudad Lineal Fairgrounds.
• Transport: La Elipa Metro (L2).

Heritage Nights of Alcalá de Henares

Alcalá celebrates Heritage Nights, with historic buildings and monuments of great cultural relevance open until midnight. In addition, there will be visits, music, theater, dance, street performances, and family activities. There are proposals in places such as Cervantes’ Birthplace, the Archaeological and Paleontological Museum, the Santa María Tower, and Complutum. Some activities require reservation.

• Date: September 11 and 12.
• Place: Different spaces in Alcalá de Henares: Casa Cervantes, Archaeological Museum, Santa María Tower…
• Transport: Cercanías (C2, C7, C8).

Centroamérica Cuenta Festival

This festival reaches its 13th anniversary since its founding in 2013 by the Nicaraguan writer and Cervantes Prize winner, Sergio Ramírez, with the purpose of contributing to the projection and dissemination of Ibero-American literature from and for Central America.

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From September 14 to 18, Madrid will bring together more than 40 Ibero-American writers, booksellers, critics, cultural managers, and journalists in dialogues, book clubs, book presentations, university visits, and more. All activities are free until full capacity is reached.

• Date: September 14-18.
• Place: Various spaces: Instituto Cervantes, Casa América, CentroCentro, public libraries…
• Transport: Banco de España Metro (L2), Chueca Metro (L5), Sevilla Metro (L2).

Alta Fidelidad: music + cinema in Arganzuela

The Alta Fidelidad festival brings a mix of football, literature, and music to Arganzuela. On Friday the 18th, at 7:00 p.m., the Nave de Terneras will host live ‘Saber y empatar’, a podcast that talks about football with humor and culture, featuring journalists and writers. Admission is free until full capacity is reached.

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• Date: September 18, 7:00 p.m.
• Place: Nave de Terneras at the Casa del Reloj Cultural Center.
• Transport: Legazpi Metro (L3 and L6).