Plenilunio Santa Cruz returns from 2 to 4 October, bringing more than 100 activities to different parts of the capital.
Now in its 18th edition, this year’s event takes inspiration from the four elements: water, earth, air and fire.
With so much going on, the slightly tricky part is deciding what to actually do.
For the adventurous
If sitting around watching other people have fun isn’t your thing, head towards the outdoor activity area near La Gesta park.
On Saturday and Sunday there will be climbing walls, zip lines, skateboarding and BMX areas, giving teenagers and anyone else with enough energy the chance to actually get involved.
The activity zone will be open from 11:00 to 13:00 and 16:00 to 20:00.
There should be plenty of opportunity to burn off some energy. And possibly discover that your knees aren’t quite what they used to be.
Family activities
Families have plenty of options too.
The Rambla de Santa Cruz will host children’s workshops on Saturday morning, including activities where youngsters can make kites and other crafts.
Other areas dedicated to the fire element will feature interactive activities aimed at younger visitors.
And if the kids still haven’t had enough by then, well… good luck.
Step inside Capitanía General
One of the more interesting opportunities during Plenilunio is the chance to explore parts of Capitanía General.
The building will hold an open day on Saturday from 11:00 to 20:00, allowing visitors to see spaces that aren’t normally open to the public, including the Throne Room.
There will also be a performance by the Canary Islands Music Unit at 12:30.
A bit of military history
The Military Historical Museum of Almeyda will also have activities running throughout the day, with historical demonstrations taking place from morning into the evening.
On Sunday, the programme will include a gathering of classic military vehicles, adding another reason for anyone interested in Tenerife’s military history to pay a visit.
Explore Santa Cruz’s darker history
If you prefer your history with a slightly more atmospheric setting, there will be dramatized tours of the San Rafael and San Roque Cemetery on Saturday and Sunday.
These combine local history with storytelling, offering a different way to discover some of the city’s past.
There will also be opportunities to visit the Masonic Temple, another of Santa Cruz’s more unusual historic buildings.
Friday night starts with 500 drones
The opening night should provide the biggest spectacle.
More than 500 drones will take to the sky above the beachfront promenade opposite the Cabildo de Tenerife, creating images based around the four elements.
There will be two shows, at 20:30 and 22:00.
If you’re planning to see one, it’s probably worth deciding where you’re going to stand before everyone else has the same idea.
Don’t try to plan everything
With more than 100 activities taking place around Santa Cruz, you could spend a fair amount of time trying to build the perfect itinerary.
Thankfully, the official Plenilunio website will include a real-time events tool, allowing visitors to see what’s happening and adjust their plans as they go.
The full programme and live information are available at pleniluniosantacruz.com.
For visitors coming from other islands, Fred. Olsen Express is offering special fares, while hotels in Santa Cruz are also running promotions during the event.
So whether you fancy a zip line, a museum, a cemetery tour, some children’s activities or simply wandering around the city while everything is happening, Plenilunio gives you plenty of options.
You just need to decide how much of it you can actually fit into one weekend.