Santa Cruz is getting ready for another weekend of late nights, live music, markets, family activities and rather a lot going on at the same time.
The 18th edition of Plenilunio Santa Cruz takes place from Friday 2 to Sunday 4 October, with more than 100 activities spread across the capital.
This year’s theme is the four elements of nature, which will appear throughout the programme in everything from children’s activities and markets to street performances and the big drone show.
It starts with 500 drones
One of the big attractions gets underway on Friday 2 October.
The Drone Light Show, featuring more than 500 drones, will be visible from the esplanade in front of the Cabildo de Tenerife.
There will be two shows, at 8.30pm and 10pm, accompanied by a DJ performance on the Avenida Marítima from 8pm to 10.15pm.
There are also activities at the Masonic Temple, where Misterio en el Templo gives visitors the chance to investigate and solve a mystery inspired by the building’s history.
Saturday is the big one
Saturday 3 October is when the programme really gets going, with activities running from late morning until almost midnight.
The Museo Histórico Militar de Almeyda will have everything from a flag-raising ceremony and Lego workshop to classical fencing, handwriting with a fountain pen and a performance by the Municipal Band of Santa Cruz.
The Palacio de Capitanía General will also open its doors from 11am to 8pm.
Over at the Cementerio de San Rafael y San Roque, there will be theatrical guided tours called Doblones para la Eternidad at 12.30pm, 5pm and 7pm.
The Museo de Bellas Artes and MUNA will also have extended opening hours, exhibitions, workshops and guided visits.
Plenty for children
Families won’t be short of things to do either.
The Rambla de Santa Cruz will host Elemento Aire, with activities involving kites, windmills, mobiles, decorated fans and creative origami.
There will also be inflatables, sports games and creative workshops at Parque Bulevar, while Plaza del Príncipe and Valentín Sanz will have a children’s area themed around the element of fire.
The Alameda del Duque de Santa Elena will become a huge family play area with inflatables, trampolines, sports games and themed workshops.
And if the children still have energy after all that, something has gone seriously wrong with the laws of physics.
Markets, food and the four elements
The Plaza del Cabildo will host an animated Dragones exhibition from 11.30am to 9pm, combining animatronics, costumes and actors.
The ARTEFE artisan market will also be there throughout Saturday and Sunday.
Over at Parque García Sanabria, Le Good Market returns with its Elemento Tierra theme, bringing 56 stalls selling fashion, accessories and homeware, alongside workshops and children’s activities.
There will also be a food area with food trucks, restaurant stalls, picnic space and live music.
The traditional Canarian market in Plaza de La Candelaria and Plaza de España will have another 62 stalls selling crafts, textiles, accessories, sweets and other local products.
Live music
The main music stage on the Avenida Marítima gets underway at 7.30pm on Saturday with Santora DJ, followed by Daniela Garsal, Lewis Potter and Locoplaya, with further DJ sets running between the performances.
The Mercado Nuestra Señora de África will also open for an evening of music and food, with Lenny, Blue Ipanema, Trío Zapatista and Lotus performing between 8pm and midnight.
There will also be acoustic performers moving around different restaurant areas, plus street performances and batucadas.
The illuminated Los 4 Elementos street parade will make its way through the centre from 8pm to 10pm, while the Safari parade takes place during the afternoon.
Sunday keeps things going
Plenilunio doesn’t pack everything away on Saturday night.
Sunday 4 October brings more family activities, markets, exhibitions and museum events, running generally from 10am to 8pm.
The Le Good Market, traditional Canarian market, children’s areas and dragon exhibition will all continue, while the MUNA will offer guided visits and catrina make-up workshops.
There will also be urban sports on the Avenida Marítima, including a climbing wall, zip line and skate and BMX ramp.
At the Museo Histórico Militar de Canarias, Sunday will feature a meeting of classic military vehicles.
Free transport and other offers
There are also a few practical extras worth knowing about.
City Sightseeing will offer free tourist bus journeys for island residents on Saturday from 9.30am to 4.30pm, providing an easy way to get around and see the city from a slightly different angle.
Several public car parks are offering special rates during the weekend, while 12 hotels in Santa Cruz are offering accommodation deals from 2 to 4 October.
Fred. Olsen Express is also offering a special resident fare with discounts of up to 40% on inter-island journeys for those wanting to come over for the day.
There will also be an information and support point dealing with sexual and gender-based violence, located near the City Sightseeing office and Local Police tourist protection unit in Plaza de España.
Plenilunio Santa Cruz 2026
Dates: Friday 2 to Sunday 4 October
Location: Various venues across Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Main highlights: 500-drone light show, live music, markets, family activities, museums, street performances, food and urban sports
The full programme, hotel offers and parking deals are available at www.pleniluniosantacruz.com.
If you’re planning to head into Santa Cruz that weekend, don’t bother trying to do everything. You’d need three clones and very comfortable shoes.