If you’re wondering what’s on in Alicante this week, the city is edging toward Christmas — both El Corte Inglés stores (Homeware & Fashion) are sparkling with their traditional decorations, and the Christmas lights will be be switched on Friday 21 November, a week before Black Friday. Head to Avenida de la Constitución to see the main tree and the first glow of Alicante’s festive season.
Here’s what’s happening around town — from concerts and markets to food, film and a few genuinely local experiences.
🎭 Culture & Events: What’s on in Alicante this week
1. Catherine Russell at Teatro Principal
Friday 21 November, 20:00 – Teatro Principal (Centro)
Grammy-nominated jazz and blues singer Catherine Russell brings her New York swing to Alicante’s grand old theatre. Website
2. Art Takes Over Alicante
A week-long programme of creative workshops, talks and performances across the city — from dance to digital art. Check the schedule on Todo Alicante.
3. Black Cinema Series – Audiovisual Resonances from Africa and the Diaspora
Friday 21 November, MUBAG & MACA (Old Town)
Screenings celebrating African and diasporic cinema. Both museums are free and worth a wander even between exhibitions. Event info
4. Stargazing on Tabarca Island
Tuesday 18 November – evening departure from Alicante Port
A guided astronomy night under the clearest skies on the coast. Ferries return late, so take a light jacket — the sea breeze can cool off after dark. Details
5. Free Dance Lesson at Anoukis Pub
Friday 21 November – Old Town (behind the Cathedral)
A friendly, free salsa / bachata class — no partner or experience required. Perfect if you like your evenings sociable and your lessons free. Meetup link
🍴 Food & Gastronomy
6. Alicante Gastronomy Days 2025 – “Sabores de Alicante”
Until 21 November – various restaurants
As part of Alicante’s year as Capital Española de la Gastronomía 2025, dozens of restaurants are offering fixed-price menus featuring local produce — think arroz a banda, salted fish and wines from the D.O. Alicante region. Official agenda
7. Taberneros Route – Tapas & Wine Trail
Ongoing through November – city centre bars
A self-guided tasting route linking dozens of Alicante’s most characterful bars. Grab a map from participating venues and enjoy a tapa with a glass of local wine at each stop. Ideal for visitors who like to explore through flavour. Event info
🛍 Markets & Local Life
8. Benalúa Street Market
Thursday & Saturday mornings – Benalúa Barrio
A proper local market selling mostly fruit and veg, plus some shoes and clothes. Benalúa’s own small indoor market next door is worth a stop for a tapa and a quick coffee with the locals.
9. Mercado Central (Centro)
Daily except Sunday – Avda. Alfonso el Sabio
Still the city’s beating heart. Come mid-morning for jamón samples and the smell of roasting coffee drifting out from Calle Poeta Quijano.
🎨 Art & Music
10. Las Cigarreras Cultural Centre (Campoamor)
Installations and photography in a former tobacco factory that’s now a hub for art and ideas. Website
11. Fundación Mediterráneo (Centro)
Regular flamenco and classical concerts in a stylish central venue. Website
12. ADDA Alicante (Plaza de Toros area)
Día de la Guitarra concert with ADDA·Simfònica on Saturday 22 November at 20:00 — a superb evening of classical guitar in a world-class auditorium. Website
🎾 Sport & Local Life
13. ATP Challenger Montemar (17–24 November)
Club Atlético Montemar
Alicante hosts its annual ATP Challenger Montemar tournament — a key stop on the professional men’s circuit. Entry is free during the early rounds and ticketed for the weekend finals.
🛈 Note: Montemar has two venues — one on Vía Parque and another on Calle Padre Esplá — so double-check which site is hosting your match.
Event info (Cadena SER)
🍻 Bars & Evenings Out
14. El Cantó (Calle Alemania) – Classic tapas, all locally sourced, and loved by locals. Alicantinos start queuing before it opens at 8 p.m., and it’s absolutely worth the 10 minute walk out of the center of town.
15. Jendrix Bar (Mercado area, Calle Poeta Campos Vassallo) – Lively, unpretentious rock bar with good beer and better playlists.
16. The Little Duke (Avenida Doctor Gadea) – Sports on screen, easy atmosphere, rock music and great selection of beers.
17. Red Corner (Plaza Nueva) – Football on the TVs, a mix of locals and visitors, and plenty of terrace seating. Very popular for big games
18. 100 Montaditos (various locations) – For the price of a pint of beer and a montadito you’ll still get change from a fiver.
And if you really want to see Alicante in full swing, walk along Calle Castaños after dark — especially at weekends. You won’t believe how busy it gets. We like to visit on Saturday afternoons for a proper tardeo session — read more about that here.
🥾 Explore Alicante Your Way
19. Self-Guided Walking Tour – Alicante’s History and Highlights
Discover the city at your own pace with our audio walking tour, from the harbour to the castle, packed with stories you won’t find on any signboard. Start whenever you like via VoiceMap.
🌟 Final Thoughts
Mid-November may look calm on the calendar, but Alicante never really stops — there’s always a concert, a market, or a bar stool waiting somewhere.
For more local stories, walks and places to eat, browse our blog archive.
