Great Week Friday · Bilbao local holiday

Aste Nagusia 2026 Big Day: Friday 28 August

The Big Day of Bilbao's Great Week in 2026 is Friday 28 August. This guide brings together the full programme, traditions, Txikigune, fairground, fireworks, concerts and night transport.

DateFriday 28 August

StatusBilbao local holiday

Programme32 confirmed events

Fireworks22:30 · Máxima Fireworks

When is the Aste Nagusia 2026 Big Day?

In 2026, the Big Day falls on Friday 28 August. Bilbao City Council's official calendar lists the date as a local holiday under the name «Viernes Semana Grande», while Bilbao Kirolak explicitly calls it the «Día Grande de Aste Nagusia».

It is one of the busiest days of the festival: the morning starts with txistu music, the ceremonial rocket and food contests, followed by Giants and Big-Heads, Txikigune, bilbainadas, Basque rural sports, street theatre and dance. The night ends with fireworks and concerts across several venues.

A local holiday does not mean that everything in Bilbao closes. Shops, offices and public facilities may use different hours, so check the specific service before travelling.

Do not miss

Key moments on Friday 28 August

Tradition and food in the morning

Txistulari wake-up call and rocket at 10:00; bacalao al pil-pil from 10:30; Giants and Big-Heads at 11:00; municipal band, bilbainadas, bertsolaris and rural sports around midday.

Families and culture in the afternoon

Txikigune runs 11:00–14:30 and 16:30–20:00. There is street theatre, fanfares, Basque dance, romería, Bilborock and quiet fairground hours from 17:00 to 20:00.

Fireworks and live music

Toro de fuego at 21:00, Máxima Fireworks at 22:30 and, from 23:30, Bilbao Reggae Splash, Amistades Peligrosas, Cobardes and LOS40 Sessions, plus La Fania's open-air dance.

Big Day listings

Full programme for Friday 28 August

32 events from the official programme, in time order. Each row opens a page with venue, category, description and source.

Open the compact daily listings →

Practical information for the Big Day

Metro and getting around

The municipal programme announces 24-hour Metro Bilbao service from 22 to 30 August. Many events are in the centre and road diversions are expected, so walking and public transport are the simplest options.

Fireworks

Italy's Máxima Fireworks performs at 22:30. The left bank of the river between Calle Navarra and Uribitarte is the main recommended viewing area; allow time for crowds.

Families and fairground

Txikigune opens morning and afternoon in Doña Casilda Park. The Parque Etxebarria fairground opens from 17:00 and keeps music and strident sounds off until 20:00 on Friday 28.

Times and updates

The listings are served as static files and do not query the council website on each visit. Before setting out, check the organiser's latest notices for weather, safety or transport changes.

FAQ

Questions about the Aste Nagusia Big Day

When is the Aste Nagusia 2026 Big Day?

Friday 28 August 2026. It is a local holiday in Bilbao and the municipal calendar calls it Great Week Friday.

Is the Big Day on 15 August?

Not in the 2026 edition. Aste Nagusia runs from 22 to 30 August and the Great Week Friday local holiday is on 28 August.

What happens in the morning?

The programme includes the wake-up call and rocket, bacalao al pil-pil contest, Giants and Big-Heads, municipal band, bilbainadas, bertsolaris, rural sports, theatre and Txikigune.

What time are the Big Day fireworks?

At 22:30. Italy's Máxima Fireworks performs on Friday 28 in the international competition.

Which concerts are on Friday 28?

Highlights include Cobardes at Abandoibarra, Bilbao Reggae Splash at Muelle Evaristo Churruca and Amistades Peligrosas at the Pérgola at 23:30, plus LOS40 Sessions at Parque Europa at 00:00. Ossyris and Stolen Soul play Bilborock at 20:00 and 21:00.

Does the metro run through the night?

Yes. The municipal programme announces 24-hour metro service from 22 to 30 August; check Metro Bilbao's operating notice for exact frequencies.

Are there children's activities?

Yes. Txikigune opens 11:00–14:30 and 16:30–20:00 in Doña Casilda Park for children aged 0 to 12 and their families.

Does the fairground have quiet hours?

Yes. On Friday 28, the Parque Etxebarria fairground operates without music or strident sounds from 17:00 to 20:00.

Download the official City Council programme (PDF) →