If you happen to be in the Basque Country this week, clear your schedule. This week brings a specific kind of magic here. While Pamplona’s legendary San Fermín festivals are wrapping up (ending July 14th), the musical torch is already being passed across the region.

From massive mountain-side rock festivals to coastal traditional fiestas and world-class jazz, music is quite literally in the air. Here are the absolute best plans  that we recommend you cannot miss:

The Big Festivals

• Bilbao BBK Live (July 9–12): The mountains are calling! Nestled on the green slopes of Mount Kobetamendi, this is one of Europe’s most unique festival settings. You can dance surrounded by nature while looking down at the entire city skyline.

 Don’t miss the free daytime concerts (Bereziak) down in Bilbao’s city center.

• Vitoria-Gasteiz Jazz Festival (July 13–18): As the weekend adrenaline cools down, the capital city of Álava hits a sophisticated groove. Starting Monday, world-class jazz melodies, street brass bands, and late-night jam sessions will fill the city’s medieval streets.

The Local Vibe: «Los Cármenes» Town Festivities

If you want to experience how locals actually celebrate summer, head to the coastal and riverside towns for the Fiestas de El Carmen starting this weekend. Expect incredible street food, txosnas (festive bars), and free open-air concerts.

• Santurtzi: The ultimate seafaring festival. Don’t miss the famous Sardinada (grilling fresh sardines right on the streets by the port) and the huge free concerts by the harbor.
• Barakaldo: The city transforms with vibrant street theater, family activities, and local rock bands playing late into the night in the main plazas.

Summer in the Basque Country is all about joining the rhythm of the streets. Whether you are holding a drink in a crowded square in Santurtzi or watching the sunset over Bilbao to an indie soundtrack, just follow the music!