Novilladas Madrid 2026: Complete Calendar & Prices
The full Novilladas schedule at Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas in 2026 runs from April through September, with carefully spaced events on weekends and select weekdays, and ticket prices typically range from €15 for upper-tier seats to €90 for preferred shaded sections. For international visitors planning your first bullfight experience in Madrid, understanding when these youth-focused events take place—and how much they cost—lets you plan travel, budget accurately, and secure your preferred seats before popular dates sell out.
Novilladas matter because they offer a more accessible entry point into bullfighting: younger bulls, rising novilleros (bullfighters), and generally lower ticket prices make these events highly attractive for first-time attendees and culturally curious travellers. In this guide, you will learn the complete 2026 Novilladas calendar, real ticket prices in euros, strategic seat recommendations, plus tips on how to book the best seats using the booking widget.
What Are Novilladas and Why Attend in Madrid?
Novilladas are bullfights featuring novilleros—bullfighters who have not yet taken the alternativa (formal promotion)—and younger bulls. These events are a staple of the bullfighting calendar, offering high-quality action at more moderate ticket prices than full professional corridas.
At Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas, Novilladas traditionally run outside of the main San Isidro Fair, often scheduled on weekends from April through September. They attract both locals and visitors wanting to see emerging talent such as novilleros who may be future stars.Practical details:
- Typical start times: 6:30 PM (spring/summer)
- Seat capacity: 23,798
- Ticket price range: €15–€90
- Language support: English, French, German, Italian available for bookings
Attending a Novillada lets you enjoy a quintessential Spanish cultural event at a lower cost and with greater seat availability than high-profile corridas.
Novilladas Madrid 2026: Full Event Calendar & Prices
Below is the confirmed or expected Novilladas schedule for Madrid in 2026. Dates and linings are based on historical patterns and official releases from the Las Ventas calendar.
| Date | Day | Start Time | Price Range (€) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 Apr | Sunday | 18:30 | €15–€50 | Early-season Novillada |
| 19 Apr | Sunday | 18:30 | €15–€55 | Weekend event |
| 3 May | Sunday | 18:30 | €20–€60 | Growing demand |
| 17 May | Sunday | 18:30 | €25–€70 | Peak spring |
| 31 May | Sunday | 18:30 | €25–€75 | High interest |
| 14 Jun | Sunday | 18:30 | €30–€80 | Competes with San Isidro |
| 28 Jun | Sunday | 18:30 | €30–€85 | Summer highlight |
| 12 Jul | Sunday | 19:00 | €35–€90 | Prime summer date |
| 26 Jul | Sunday | 19:00 | €35–€90 | Late summer |
| 9 Aug | Sunday | 19:00 | €30–€85 | Holiday weekend |
| 23 Aug | Sunday | 19:00 | €30–€80 | August event |
| 6 Sep | Sunday | 19:00 | €25–€75 | Final Novillada |
For a complete annual view of Las Ventas events, see the official Madrid bullfighting schedule 2026.
How Much Do Novillada Tickets Cost?
Novillada tickets in 2026 range from €15 to €90 depending on date, section, and view. Here’s a breakdown by seating category:
- Andanada (upper tier): €15–€30
Best for budget travellers and those who prioritise attendance over proximity. - Tendido Sol (lower sun sections): €30–€50
Affordable with a clear view, though direct sunlight may be intense later in summer. - Tendido Sombra (shaded sections): €50–€90
Highly recommended for comfort and photo opportunities of the ring.
Strongly consider shaded tickets if your Novillada is scheduled after May; Madrid summer sun can affect your comfort.
If you want detailed seating diagrams and recommendations for Novilladas, see our complete Las Ventas seating guide.
When Should You Book Novillada Tickets?
For the best prices and seat availability, book as soon as your travel dates are fixed. Novilladas draw both locals and visitors, and shaded sections (tendidos sombra) on prime dates like 17 May, 12 July, and 9 August often sell out weeks in advance.
Booking milestones:
- 8–10 weeks before event: Full range of seats available
- 4–6 weeks before event: Many Sombra seats sold
- 2–3 weeks before event: Only limited shaded seats remain
Booking early ensures better seat selection and prevents last-minute price surges in popular categories.
Which Seats Are best for Novilladas?
Here’s a practical comparison of seat types for Novilladas at Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas:| Section | Comfort | Price (€) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sombra (Tendido 7–10) | High | €50–€90 | First-timers, heat sensitive |
| Sol (Tendido 1–6) | Medium | €30–€60 | Budget conscious |
| Andanada | Lower | €15–€35 | Cheapest access |
Personal recommendation: If this is your first bullfight, choose Tendido Sombra (Sections 8–10). These seats balance price with comfort and view, especially during warmer months.
How to Choose Your Novillada Based on Experience Level
If you are new to bullfighting, some Novilladas offer a more engaging atmosphere with recognized novilleros, while others are more local crowd-oriented.
Choose like this:
- Best for First-Timers: Mid-season dates (17 May, 31 May, 14 Jun) with €50–€90 shaded tickets.
- Best for Budget: Early April and late September dates with €15–€40 upper-tier tickets.
- Best for Photography: Evening summer dates with clear sky and golden light.
Additionally, consider pairing your Novillada visit with a guided walk to Las Ventas Plaza and museum, which provides cultural context before the event.
What To Expect at a Novillada
Novilladas generally feature:
- 6 young bulls
- Novilleros showcasing evolving technique
- Shorter overall event duration (approx. 2.5 hours)
- More accessible crowd and atmosphere
Typical start times are 18:30 in spring/summer and 19:00 in July–August. Arrive at least 30 minutes early to avoid queues and get seat-ready before the first paseíllo.
Frequently Asked Questions About Novilladas Madrid 2026
What is the difference between a Novillada and a full corrida?
A Novillada features younger bulls and novilleros, while a full corrida showcases seasoned matadors and older bulls. Novilladas are generally shorter and less formal but still emphasise key bullfighting techniques and tradition. Ticket prices for Novilladas are correspondingly lower, usually between €15–€90.
Are Novilladas good for first-time visitors?
Yes. Many first-time visitors find Novilladas a more approachable introduction because of the lower price points and energetic atmosphere. Seating in shaded sections (Sombra) enhances comfort during warmer months.
When do Novilladas usually start?
In 2026, most Novilladas at Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas start at 18:30 in April–June and 19:00 in July–September. Start times are confirmed during booking and on your ticket. For exact timetable, check the general bullfighting schedule 2026.
How early should I arrive?
We recommend arriving 30–45 minutes before the published start time. This gives you enough time to find your seat, enjoy a programme, and avoid last-minute lines at the entrance.
Can I choose my exact seat?
Yes. When booking through the online widget, you select your exact seat from the interactive map. Upper-tier seats are labelled clearly, and shaded options show real-time availability.
Are tickets refundable?
Tickets usually allow free cancellation up to 72 hours before the event. Some peak dates may have different policies, which are shown before checkout. Book worry-free with instant confirmation.
Is there English support?
Yes. When booking through our platform, you receive English, French, German, and Italian support from our team. This ensures clear communication and confidence in your purchase.
What prices should I expect?
Novillada ticket prices in 2026 range from €15 for Andanada to €90 for premium shaded seats. Prices vary by date and section, but this provides a clear expectation for budgeting.
Ready to Book Your Novillada Seats at Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas?
Novilladas in Madrid provide a cost-effective, culturally rich bullfighting experience with accessible prices and excellent seat choices. With dates from April through September 2026, you have flexibility to pick a weekend that matches your travel plans.
Plan ahead to secure shaded Sombra seats early, minimise sun exposure, and enjoy the event without price surprises.
If you are ready to reserve your spot and select exact seats:
Madrid Bullfighting was created 25 years ago out of the need to bring Spain’s bullfighting tradition closer to international visitors coming to Madrid, making ticket purchasing easier and providing clear, reliable information in their own language. This program was originally launched by the Community of Madrid.
For more than 25 years, we have helped promote Madrid to thousands of travelers, as the initiative includes both the promotion of bullfighting and the cultural appeal of the city to visitors.
The program offers recommendations and guides to cultural activities considered of interest by the Community of Madrid, including visits, shows, and traditional experiences. Depending on the season, discounts may be available for additional cultural activities recognized by the Community of Madrid.