When & Where: Usually the second or third weekend of May in Leioa, Bizkaia. In 2026, the festival will take place from May 14 to 17.
Leioako Umore Azoka is one of the most important street arts festivals in the Basque Country and one of the leading open-air performing arts events in Spain. Held every year in May in the town of Leioa, near Bilbao, the festival transforms streets, squares, and public spaces into large open-air stages filled with theatre, circus performances, dance, music, acrobatics, and visual shows.
Created more than two decades ago, Umore Azoka — which can be translated as “Comedy Fair” or “Humour Fair” — has grown into a major cultural event attracting companies and artists from across the Basque Country, Spain, and many other countries. The festival is especially known for promoting contemporary street arts and supporting both emerging and established performers. Every year, dozens of companies present nearly one hundred performances over four days.
One of the most distinctive aspects of the festival is the atmosphere created throughout the town. Instead of taking place inside traditional theatres, performances are held outdoors in plazas, parks, and pedestrian streets, allowing visitors to discover Leioa while enjoying free cultural activities. The program usually includes a mix of comedy, experimental theatre, family-friendly performances, live music, circus acts, and large-format visual spectacles.
Beyond the public performances, Umore Azoka also functions as an important professional meeting point for the performing arts sector, bringing together artists, cultural programmers, and theatre professionals from different countries.
For visitors, the festival is very easy to access from Bilbao by metro or car, and most activities are concentrated around the town center and the area surrounding Kultur Leioa Auditorium. Since many shows are free and outdoors, comfortable footwear and flexible planning are recommended. Arriving early for the most popular evening performances is also a good idea, especially during weekends.
More info: http://www.umoreazoka.org/
Posted on May 9, 2026
