This is only a selection of the many events taking place every year in Bilbao and the surrounding areas.

February
Carnival - Carnival celebrations are lively all over Spain and in Bilbao and surrounding areas celebrations are just as festive. There are celebrations everywhere; San Sebastián starts early and is lively for the whole period, as are Bilbao, Vitoria and Tolosa.

March - April
Semana Santa (Holy Week) - Celebrated throughout Spain, Easter week in Bilbao features a number of serious hooded processions accompanied by mournful drums and cornets, from Passion Friday onwards.

May
Fantasy Cinema festival - Taking place at the beginning of May in Bilbao, the festival features short films, make-up courses, exhibitions, and discussions.

June
Blues festival in Getxo - The Blues Festival takes place on the second week of June in  Plaza Santa Eugenia in Getxo.

San Juan Festival - Taking place on the 24th of June has in many places and most importantly in Tolosa and Laguardia, the celebrations include bonfires the night before echoing pre-Christian summer solstice celebrations.

Semana Gastronómica (Gastronomic Week) - It takes place in San Sebastián the last week of June featuring mouthwatering treats.

July
The Santiago Festival - Celebrtions in honour of Bilbao's patron saint, Santiago (St James) take place on the 25th of July with various events including prades, music and dancing.

Jazz Festival (Getxo)- The Jazz festival takes place in Getxo on the first week of July.

International Jazz Festival - There is a Jaz Festival on the 3rd week of the month in Vitoria, and another one on the last two weeks of July in San Sebastián.

August
Aste Nagusia (Semana Grande/Great Week) - This is Bilbao's largest festival, a week of celebrations including free open-air concerts, corridas, traditional Basque sports, and heavy drinking.

Fiesta de la Virgen Blanca - This festival takes place from the 4th to the th of the month in Vitoria.

San Salvador Festival - It takes place in Getaria on the 7th of the month. Every four years a re-enactment of the landing of Elkano is staged.

San Nicolás Festival -  Celebrations in honour of  San Nicolás take place in the picturesque old port of Getxo on the 12th of the month.

August 31st San Sebastián - Candle Display in San Sebastián to commemorate the Great Fire of 1813.

September
Euskal Jaiak - Taking place in San Sebastián, this is a  celebration of Basque crafts, culture and food.

International Film Festival - It takes place in San Sebastián on the 3rd week of the month.

November
Bilbao International Festival of Documentary and Short Films - Taking place at the end of Nov- early Dec, this film festival has been going since the 1950s. A great international competition of short films and documentaries in Bilbao.