Mad Cool Festival 2025 will transform south Madrid with music, traffic closures and more than 200,000 attendees

Madrid is preparing to experience one of its most eagerly awaited musical events, and at the same time one of the most logistically complex. Mad Cool Festival 2025 starts this Thursday, 10 July, and will run until Sunday the 13th at the Iberdrola Music venue in Villaverde, in the south of the city. With more than 50,000 attendees expected each day and world-class artists such as Muse, Olivia Rodrigo, Iggy Pop, Alanis Morissette and Justice, the event promises an unforgettable experience, though not one without challenges for residents and drivers.

During the festival’s four days, a special mobility plan including road closures, diversions and reinforced public transport will be activated. The streets most affected will be Laguna Dalga, Laguna de Cameros, San Eustaquio, Laguna del Marquesado, Resina and Valle de Tobalina, as well as Avenida Real de Pinto in the northbound direction. Significant restrictions are also expected on access to the M-45, particularly at exit 7, during festival arrival and departure times.

To mitigate the impact, Madrid City Council has reinforced public transport. Metro line 3 and Cercanías C4 will operate until 3.30 am, and free shuttle buses will run from Villaverde Alto to Atocha and Legazpi. There will also be changes and possible delays on several EMT lines and intercity buses. However, the general enthusiasm contrasts with neighbourhood concerns, especially in Getafe Norte, where residents fear an influx of cars and night-time disturbance. Getafe City Council has requested additional measures to protect residents’ quality of life during the festival days.

In short, Mad Cool 2025 will turn Villaverde into Spain’s musical capital for a few days, but it will also require patience, planning and public transport from everyone travelling around southern Madrid.