Recently moved to Madrid and not sure where to start on the journey to integrating into the capital’s expat community? Here are a few upcoming events to help break the ice and meet expat families in Madrid.
Open day for toddlers
Event description: Open house for little ones and their parents to get to know the different programs offered by our friends at Hello! Creative Movement in English. Great way to meet expat families and get a bit more information about the events in Madrid.
Organizer: Hello! Creative Movement in English
Date(s): Sunday 8th September and Sunday 15th of September from 11h to 13h
Venue: Bambu, calle Gonzalo de Córdoba 17, 28010 Madrid (metro Quevedo or Bilbao)
Price: free entry
Tickets: info@helloenglishmadrid.com
What to expect: A fun morning of music, singing, craft and dancing where new families meet and mingle in an informal atmosphere. Throughout the rest of the year Hello! run creative play mornings for toddlers which follow NAEYC guidelines. These play mornings are a magnet for families new to Madrid who are still finding their feet.
Gymkana & picnic
Event description: An open event for English-speaking families to meet and take part in a silly, fun-filled obstacle race followed by a picnic.
Organizer: Northern Stars Family Fun Group
Date: Sunday 15th of September from 11h onwards
Venue: Parque Juan Carlos I (metro Feria de Madrid, line 8)
Price: free entry
Tickets: No tickets required but please sign up either via Facebook or by writing to northernstars.englishplaygroup@gmail.com
What to expect: A fun day in great company. As explained in a previous article on this blog, this dynamic and multicultural group of families meets once a month on a Sunday to foster English communication skills and multicultural experiences. It is a parent-led, not-for-profit social group that has been running successfully for many years and has led to lifelong friendships.
Newcomers tapas morning
Event description: A morning of tapas and conversation with newcomers and seasoned members of the indomitable International Newcomers Club
Organizer: International Newcomers Club of Madrid
Date: Tuesday 17th of September, 11-13h.
Venue: Calle Fortuny 34, 28010 Madrid (metro Rubén Dario or Gregorio Marañon)
Price: 25 euros per person
Tickets: RSVP by 12th of September via this link.
What to expect: A lovely morning where members of the club who were once newcomers themselves share their experiences with those who have only just begun their time in Spain’s multicultural capital city. Go there to meet expat families and have some great time!
Fresh Madrid
English-speaking community of Madrid fair
Event description: A fair where English speaking small businesses, social, volunteer and sports groups in Madrid congegrate in an informal manner to provide information on what they get up to in their spare time. The range of activities is astounding, from walking groups, the British Scouts, cricket, football, dancing etc.
Organizer: British Benevolent Fund
Date: Thursday 19th of September, 19-21:30h
Venue: St George’s Anglican Church, Calle Núñez de Balboa 43, 28001 Madrid (metro Velazquez)
Price: free entry
Tickets: no tickets or bookings required
What to expect: Now in its sixth year, this impromptu community fair has become the jewel in the crown of expat social events. Long-term residents who are now fully integrated into Spanish society come together in the quintessentially English surroundings of the city centre Anglican church to mingle and catch up on each other’s news. They open their doors to newcomers who may be interested in finding out more about what they get up to when not at work. There really is something for everyone in Madrid and language is no barrier.
Sports clubs for English-speaking families
On a more general note, most of the sports clubs are having their open days this month. Those that Kids in Madrid know to be popular with expat families include Alcobendas Ruby Club, Little Kickers football club (also in Alcobendas) and the children’s cricket run by the Madrid Cricket Club at Colegio Spinola (Chamartin area of Madid) on Friday afternoons (contact Lewis Clark for more details: lclark@genasys.com).
Welcome to Madrid!
Do you have any other suggestions for this month or the rest of the year? We’d love to hear them! Facebook us your suggestions or leave us a message on our Facebook page!