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Running of the Bulls 2026: Schedule, route, and how to attend
All about Running of the Bulls 2026, from its dates, daily schedule, special events, and tips for having the best experience attending the festival.
The Running of the Bulls, or El Encierro, stands as one of the world’s most iconic and adrenaline-filled cultural events. Held annually in Pamplona, Spain, this centuries-old tradition transforms the historic city into a vibrant stage of courage, heritage, and celebration.
This guide covers everything you need to know about Running of the Bulls 2026, including the official dates for 2026, the location, the event schedule, information on tickets, and additional tips.
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Running of the Bulls 2026 dates and location
The event is held annually in July as part of the larger San Fermín Festival, known as one of the best things to do in Pamplona. The festival’s schedule is fixed by tradition, and always takes place between July 6 and July 14.
- Running of the Bulls 2026 dates: July 6-14.
- Bull runs: Every morning from July 7-14.
- Location: Pamplona, northern Spain.
In 2026, July 6 falls on a Monday, meaning the opening festivities will kick off the work week for locals, making it easier for tourists to enjoy the party.
Note: The Spain travel guide helps you have a better experience in this country as a tourist.
Running of the Bulls 2026 schedule (San Fermín festival overview)
The festival is more than just the bull run. It’s a 9-day festival, known as San Fermín, which starts in the morning with the Running of the Bulls and continues until midnight.
Daily bull run schedule
The bull run is a short part of the festival. It is hardly 5 minutes. The festival’s hype starts after that.
- The start: Every day at 8:00 AM
- The finish: At 8:05 AM on average
- Duration: ~2–5 minutes
- The event officially ends when the final bull enters the Plaza de Toros (the bullring).
Key festival events to know
The festival is anchored by several key events that dictate the rhythm of the city from July 6 through July 14.
The Opening Ceremony: El Chupinazo (July 6)
- The festival officially begins at 12:00 PM on July 6.
- Thousands of people pack into the Town Hall Square (Plaza Consistorial), holding their red scarves aloft.
- When the ceremonial rocket (the Chupinazo) is fired from the balcony, the crowd erupts, ties their scarves around their necks, and the party begins.
Tip: If you find the Town Hall Square crowded, you can watch the event on screens in other squares for a calmer experience.
Daily Parades and Street Music
Pamplona is filled with sound and color throughout the day:
- Dianas: At 6:45 AM every morning, the municipal band marches through the streets to wake everyone up in preparation for the bull run.
- Vaquillas: Immediately following the main run, almost 8:10 AM, small cows with blunted horns are released into the bullring for the crowd to play with. This lasts about 30–45 minutes.
- The Giants and Big-Heads (Gigantes y Cabezudos): These 4-meter-tall figures, with a history spanning 150 years, parade through the city each morning. They dance to the tune of a traditional Basque flute, known as the txistu.
- The Afternoon Lull: Between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM, the city slows down slightly for siesta and long lunches before the evening bullfights and nightly parties begin.
- The Peñas: You will see these local social clubs everywhere. Marching with brass bands, they are a major source of the festival’s lively atmosphere.
The Evening Bullfights (Corrida de Toros)
Every evening at 6:30 PM, the same bulls that ran through the streets that morning appear in the Plaza de Toros.
Nightly Fireworks (11:00 PM)
Every night, an international fireworks competition takes place at the Citadel, a large 16th-century fortress. Locals often bring blankets and sit in the grass of the surrounding park (Vuelta del Castillo) to watch the display.
Quick look: 2026 key event times
| Event | Date(s) | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Chupinazo (Opening) | July 6 | 12:00 PM |
| Daily Bull Run | July 7–14 | 8:00 AM |
| Giants’ Parade | Daily | Morning (~9:30 AM) |
| Bullfights | Daily | 6:30 PM |
| Fireworks | Nightly | 11:00 PM |
| Pobre de Mí (Closing) | July 14 | 11:59 PM |
Running of the Bulls 2026 route and how it works
The Running of the Bulls happens directly on the public streets of Pamplona’s historic city center. During the day, a temporary double-fence system is installed along the 875-meter route.
Official route overview
The course is a tactical 875-meter sprint. On average, it takes the bulls only two minutes and thirty seconds to complete the journey from the starting pens to the arena.
- Santo Domingo (The Start): The run begins at the bottom of a steep hill, which is the most dangerous section because the bulls are fresh, full of energy, and running at their maximum speed.
- Plaza de Toros (The Finish): The run ends as the bulls burst into the massive bullring. Runners must immediately move aside to let the expert bull handlers guide the animals into the pens.
What happens during the run
Before the run, runners gather at Santo Domingo and chant to a statue of San Fermín.
- The Release: At exactly 8:00 AM, the first rocket is fired. This signals that the gates of the Santo Domingo corral have opened. A second rocket follows shortly after, confirming that all six fighting bulls are officially on the street.
- The Engagement: Participants do not run the full 875 meters alongside the bulls. Instead, runners wait at various points along the route. As the pack nears, they run, staying close to the horns before veering off.
Note: A third rocket fires as bulls enter the arena, and a final one signals streets are safe to reopen.
Can anyone run with the bulls in Pamplona? (Rules and eligibility)
Participation in the Running of the Bulls is open to the public, but it has strict regulations for the safety of the runners and the animals.
Eligibility and Requirements
- Minimum age: 18 years old.
- Physical condition: Entry is forbidden to anyone showing signs of intoxication (alcohol or drugs).
- Entry Window: Participants must enter the course through the designated gates between 6:30 AM and 7:30 AM.
- No Touching: Pulling or touching the bulls’ tails is forbidden.
How much does it cost to run with the bulls in 2026?
No ticket or entry fee is required to join the Running of the Bulls or watch it. The major cost of the event is for being in Pamplona during its most expensive week of the year.
Costs come from:
- Travel to Spain: This country will be a busy destination in July as it’s the best time to visit Barcelona. So, be prepared for expensive tickets.
- Getting to Pamplona: The transportation to Pamplona should be booked months in advance and can be costly.
- Accommodation: This is your largest expense. Hotel prices can triple or quadruple during the festival.
- Balcony Rentals: Since watching from the street level is nearly impossible, most spectators pay to stand on private balconies. It’s optional.
- Bullfight Tickets: If you want to see the evening event in the arena, you will need a separate ticket.
Running of the Bulls 2026 tickets and viewing options
Here is a breakdown of your viewing options and realistic price ranges for the festival.
Free street viewing
Watching the Running of the Bulls 2026 is completely free for street viewers.
- You will be standing at ground level behind two layers of wooden fencing.
- It is the most difficult way to watch as the street gets crowded from the early morning.
- Arrive by 6:00 AM or 6:30 AM to secure a spot against the fence.
- Best for budget travelers who want to experience the festival’s vibe.
Balcony tickets (Most popular)
Locals rent their private balconies overlooking the route for a better view.
- Most rentals include a light breakfast.
- Arrive at least at 7 AM, as there are limited spots available.
- Best for anyone who wants a safe, comfortable experience.
- Prices range from $150 – $250 per person for standard balconies, and $300 – $500+ for lower-level balconies.
Bullring tickets
If you are more interested in the bull run, you can buy Bullring tickets for arena grandstand seats.
- You see the entire arena floor.
- Large screens inside usually broadcast the street run live before the bulls enter the stadium.
- Prices range from $10 – $25 for the morning run entry, and $40 to $150+ for the afternoon Bullring.
- Best for those who want to experience the stadium atmosphere and the “vaquillas” show afterward.
Practical tips for attending Running of the Bulls 2026
To attend the festival in 2026, consider the following tips:
- Book a flight to Madrid or Barcelona, then take a train or bus to Pamplona.
- If you want to drive and visit Spanish cities on the road, check the driving tips in Spain.
- Book accommodation at least 6-12 months ahead. You can find great places in the Old Town or nearby towns.
- 2 to 4 days is usually enough if you just want to watch the festival. For longer trips, it may be essential to have travel insurance in Spain.
- Wearing a white shirt with a red scarf is optional. Even if you don’t want to follow this style, wear appropriate clothing.
- Follow local rules and safety barriers.
Stay connected during Running of the Bulls 2026
Running of the Bulls 2026 is a thrilling festival. So, you may want to share every moment with your friends on social media. Additionally, you will need the internet for navigation and communications.
Spanish roaming rates can be expensive, even for short trips. To avoid unexpected charges and stay connected, consider a Holafly eSIM for Spain. It offers unlimited data, reliable coverage, flexible plan durations, and clear pricing.
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Formerly a travel journalist turned marketing copywriter, I found my way back to the travel world with Holafly—my dream company that made remote work possible. My motto? “Dream big and make it happen.” I’m passionate about writing, exploring the world, and staying active through walking, running, swimming, and hiking. I also love learning, reflecting, and connecting with inspiring minds.
