Quick answer: Benidorm's large concerts and TV events take place at the Palau d'Esports l'Illa (home of Benidorm Fest), the open-air Julio Iglesias Auditorium and Benidorm Palace. A new venue, Benidorm Arena, is planned inside the town's bullring, with building work due to start in December 2026. It will not be ready for Benidorm Fest 2027, which stays at l'Illa on 23–30 January.
The venues at a glance
| Venue | Type | Best known for |
|---|---|---|
| Palau d'Esports l'Illa | Indoor sports and events hall | Benidorm Fest, RTVE's televised song contest |
| Julio Iglesias Auditorium | Open-air auditorium | Summer concerts and the Iberia Festival |
| Benidorm Palace | Dinner-and-show theatre | Variety show four nights a week, special gigs |
| Benidorm Arena (planned) | Converted bullring | Future concerts and large events |
| Centre Cultural | Theatre and cultural centre | Dance, music and theatre programmed by the council |
Palau d'Esports l'Illa
The municipal sports hall has hosted Benidorm Fest since the contest began. For the fifth edition, organisers moved the jury area out of the hall to fit an extra stand, and the 2027 edition keeps that layout and capacity (El Español).
Benidorm Fest 2027 runs from 23 to 30 January, with semi-finals on Tuesday 26 and Thursday 28 January and the final on Saturday 30 January. The council aimed to put tickets on sale in November 2026 and expects hotel occupancy of around 90% that week. See our Benidorm Fest page for tickets and the Euroclub.
Julio Iglesias Auditorium
The open-air auditorium is named after the singer who found fame at the old Benidorm Song Festival, which ran from 1959 to 2006 and also launched Raphael (Alicante Plaza). It is the main stage for summer concerts, including the Iberia Festival of 80s and 90s pop each September.
Benidorm Palace
Benidorm Palace is best known for its variety show on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 22:00, but it also books one-off concerts and festival finales, such as the Elvis Festival. Details and prices are on our Benidorm Palace page.
Benidorm Arena: what we know
Benidorm Arena is the council's project to transform the bullring into a modern events venue. Speaking in September 2026, events councillor Jesús Carrobles said work on the bullring should begin in December "if all goes well". A later phase would add a roof, so the arena could host events such as Benidorm Fest (El Español).
No opening date, capacity or first concert has been announced. We will update this page when the council publishes the building timetable.
Other places to see live music
Most live music in Benidorm is free and happens in bars every night: tributes, party bands and solo singers. Start with what's on tonight or the live music bars guide. Benidorm's biggest former festival, Low Festival, moved to Torrevieja in 2026 (see Low Festival).
Concert venues: FAQs
What is Benidorm Arena? A planned events venue in Benidorm's converted bullring. Work was due to start in December 2026.
Where is Benidorm Fest held? At the Palau d'Esports l'Illa. The 2027 contest runs 23–30 January.
When will Benidorm Arena open? No opening date has been announced.
Where are concerts held in Benidorm in summer? Mainly at the open-air Julio Iglesias Auditorium.
Where can I find upcoming concerts in Benidorm? See our upcoming events page and events calendar.