Villena City Council has announced an ambitious lineup for next August, aiming to reaffirm the city as the premier summer festival destination in the province of Alicante. The event calendar is built around two major festival weekends that showcase a range of musical styles and attract visitors from across Spain and beyond, including Canada and the United States, who travel to experience the Spanish festival scene.
Villena will host the XXV edition of Rock Legends, a centerpiece of the August festival circuit. This edition continues the tradition of bringing together some of the strongest names in contemporary rock and heavy music in Spain, while also welcoming international acts. The festival known as Little Lizard adds variety by curating a diverse mix of genres to appeal to all tastes, from metal to alternative sounds. The overall program features a spectrum of music that ensures something for every listener, making it an event that families, young concertgoers, and casual visitors can enjoy alike. (City of Villena)
In total, nearly 100 bands and artists will perform across six days of music. The festival cycle begins from 3 to 6 August with Rock Legends and continues with Little Lizard from 11 to 13 August, creating a continuous rhythm of live performances that anchors Villena’s summer agenda. The organizers emphasize the importance of these concerts as anchors for local commerce, hospitality, and cultural exchange during the peak holiday period. By drawing attendees from different age groups, the events help extend the tourism season, benefiting shops, hotels, and restaurants while elevating Villena’s status on Spain’s festival map. (City of Villena)
The mayor expressed strong support for the events, noting their potential to become a sustained draw during the holiday season and to act as a pillar of attraction for residents and visitors alike. He pointed out that the concerts have the power to stagger the typical seasonal lull, promoting more balanced activity across leisure, retail, and accommodation sectors. The overarching goal, he explained, is to position Villena as a reliable destination on the itineraries of major festivals celebrated throughout Spain, ultimately boosting the town’s visibility and economic vitality during the summer months. (City of Villena)
Gandía highlighted a signed agreement that secures funding and administrative support for the next two editions, a move designed to provide greater security and confidence for organizers. This agreement is presented as a practical step toward ensuring smooth operations, safeguarding investments, and delivering a high-quality experience for attendees. (City of Villena)
The lineup for Rock Legends includes a mix of heavy and hard rock groups that have shaped the genre over the years. Expect performances from Powerwolf, Speth, Kreator, Blind Guardian, Epica, Testament, Alestorm, Mago de Oz, The Darkness, Gotthard, Overkill, Jinjer, Stratovarius, Angelus Apatrida, Exodus, Ñu, Sweet, El Drogas, Obus, Saragoga, Rhapsody, Leo Jiménez, Saurom, Ensiferum, Adventus, Myrath, Wig Wam, Lord of the Lost, Butcher Babies, and more. The lineup also features additional acts that broaden the festival’s appeal to fans of classic rock, progressive metal, and modern metal fusion. (City of Villena)
little lizard
The new edition of the Rabolagartija Festival marks a return to a beloved tradition where artists such as Rozalén, Los Chicos del Maíz, and La Pegatina join more than 40 other groups each summer, according to the city’s leadership. This event blends reggae, funk, hip-hop, rock, and alternative styles to create a vibrant, multi-genre experience. The organizers describe the festival as a celebration of musical diversity, inviting attendees to explore a broad sonic palette in a festive atmosphere. (City of Villena)
Invited acts for this edition, returning after the pandemic period, include Rozalén, Ska-P, La Pegatina, SFDK, ZOO, Dubioza Kolektiv, Desakato, Green Valley, Rayden, Los Chicos del Maíz, Boikot, El Canijo de Jerez, Def Con Dos, Eskorzo, Tropa do Carallo, Ciudad Jara, Trashtucada, Xavi Sarriá, El Niño de la Hipoteca, La Sr Tomasa, Sons of Aguirre & Scila, Arde Bogotá, Tu Otra Bonita, Suu, Nativa, Valira, Gomad & Monster, Alademoska, Puli.les, El Sombrero del Abuelo, Jamones conheels, La Watering Can, Null Exit, Cactus, Las Bajas Pasiones, Le Big Sur, La Ganga Calé, Pedrá, Awakate, Rokavieja, Skaffolding, and Leben. (City of Villena)
Festival organizers stress the importance of maintaining a broad, inclusive program that resonates with diverse audiences. By combining big-name headliners with up-and-coming acts across multiple genres, the events aim to create a memorable summer experience that can attract travelers seeking live music adventures in Spain. The city’s communications emphasize that the festivals are designed to be accessible to both local residents and international visitors who plan their summer trips around the events. (City of Villena)