Your friendly guide to discovering the island’s cultural life
New to Las Palmas and Wondering What’s On?
So, you’ve landed in Las Palmas, or maybe you’re still planning the big move and you’re starting to wonder: “Where do I find all the cool stuff happening around here?” The beaches are amazing, yes, but what really gives this city its heartbeat is the culture: street festivals, live music, art shows, markets, and local traditions that pop up in every corner.
The tricky part? A lot of it isn’t easy to find, especially if you’re still getting used to the language or don’t know where to look. That’s exactly why I put this guide together, to help you plug into the cultural side of Las Palmas and feel like you belong here, not just live here. Let’s dive in!
1. LPA Cultura – The Easiest Way to Stay Updated
If you only check one website for cultural events in Las Palmas, make it LPA Cultura. It’s the official platform run by the city’s cultural department, and it’s honestly a lifesaver.
On the site, you’ll find everything from concerts and exhibitions to festivals, theater shows, and open-air cinema. They also regularly post updates on their Instagram, which I highly recommend following.
Whether you speak Spanish or not, the website is easy to browse and always up to date, from public concerts, theather festivals, art exhibitions, traditional fiestas
2. Follow Local Theaters & Cultural Venues
Some venues in Las Palmas host incredible events all year round. Bookmark or follow these:
- Teatro Pérez Galdós – Opera, flamenco, classical concerts
- Auditorio Alfredo Kraus – Jazz, orchestra, world music
- CICCA – Theater, exhibitions, indie films
- Gabinete Literario – Cultural talks, live music, and poetry nights
Each of these places has a website or social media page where you can find updated schedules, ticket info, and free events.
3. Social Media = Your Cultural Best Friend
Instagram and Facebook are gold mines for cultural content. Some accounts to follow:
- @cultura_laspalmas – Official city culture page
- @quehacerenlpgc – Great local guide for everything happening in the city
- @grancanariacultura – Covers the entire island’s cultural scene
Also join Facebook groups like:
- Expats in Gran Canaria
- Las Palmas Events
- Nomads GC – Live it Up Las Palmas
People post about free concerts, open mics, markets, yoga classes, creative workshops—you name it!
4. Explore Museums
These places often host workshops, artist talks, and events beyond their exhibitions:
- CAAM (Centro Atlántico de Arte Moderno) – Contemporary art, often with free admission
- Casa de Colón – History + culture, often hosts classical concerts
- Castillo de Mata
Most of them have websites with event listings or post them at the entrance. Pop in and ask!
5. Look Around – Posters & Flyers Are Everywhere
One of the most “local” ways to discover what’s happening is also the simplest: check the walls. Seriously.
Cafés, bookstores, coworking spaces, yoga studios, and even lamp posts are covered in flyers advertising everything from salsa nights to artisan markets to pop-up galleries. Some of my favorite finds came from these casual posters.
So next time you’re grabbing a coffee in Triana or walking through Vegueta, have a look around—you might stumble onto something great.
6. Don’t Miss the Local Fiestas
Gran Canaria’s culture is deeply rooted in its fiestas, and they’re more than just parties—they’re community celebrations full of music, food, and tradition.
A few must-see events in Las Palmas:
- Fiestas del Pilar (October) – Right in Guanarteme, full of live music and food stalls
- Carnaval de Las Palmas (Feb–March) – A huge celebration with parades, costumes, and concerts
- Noche de San Juan (June 23) – Celebrate summer with bonfires and fireworks on Las Canteras Beach
- La Rama (August) – Agaete – this legendary fiesta is worth the trip to the northwestern village of Agaete. Thousands of people dance through the streets waving branches to the beat of traditional music. It’s joyful, chaotic, and 100% Canarian.
Ask locals or check social media for details, it’s the best way to experience authentic Canarian culture.
7. Want to Support the Island? Get Involved
If you’re an expat living here or planning to move, joining local cultural life is one of the most meaningful ways to support Gran Canaria. Buying tickets to shows, attending workshops, and spreading the word about events helps keep the island’s creative spirit alive.
You don’t have to be fluent or a local, just show up, be curious and share the experience. It’s a great way to meet people, learn the language, and feel more rooted in this beautiful place.
Final Thoughts
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is more than just a sunny destination, it’s a city bursting with creativity, tradition, and expression. Once you know where to look, you’ll see that culture is happening all around you, every single day.
Whether you’re an artist, a culture lover, or just someone curious about life beyond the beach, I hope this guide helps you feel more connected and inspired.
And hey if you discover a cool event or hidden gem, share it with me! We’re all in this together 🌴🎶
