What is “Play, Eat & Repeat"?

A new festival for young audiences that, according to La Provincia, is holding its debut edition and brings together gaming, K-Pop, cosplay, an “Artist Alley" and food.

Where does the festival take place?

At the Plaza de la Solidaridad in Vega de San Mateo, in the interior of Gran Canaria.

Throughout the weekend; the source does not give exact times.

What can you do there?

Video-game tournaments and activities, K-Pop exhibitions and competitions, cosplay with a catwalk, an “Artist Alley" for illustration and gastronomy zones.

Where can I find times and prices?

In the official San Mateo programme; participating names, game titles and prices have not yet been published.

SAN MATEO · GRAN CANARIA · CULTURE

“Play, Eat & Repeat": New Youth Festival Lands in Vega de San Mateo

Gaming, K-Pop, cosplay and a whole lot of street food: this weekend, Vega de San Mateo, in the green heart of Gran Canaria, hosts the very first edition of “Play, Eat & Repeat", a brand-new festival aimed squarely at a young crowd. According to La Provincia, it all happens at the Plaza de la Solidaridad.

29 August 2026 · By Lucía Medina Reyes · 5 min

Gaming and cosplay festival (illustrative)

Photo: Chongkian, CC BY-SA 4.0 (Symbolbild).

The name says it all: play, eat, repeat. Here is a round-up of what has been confirmed, without inventing the times, names or prices that the official San Mateo programme has yet to set out.

A festival built for young people

According to La Provincia, this is the debut edition of “Play, Eat & Repeat", a festival running all weekend long at the Plaza de la Solidaridad in Vega de San Mateo. The idea is simple and appealing: bring youth culture together in one place where video games, music, illustration and food all meet. For a village in the island's rural interior, that makes for a fresh and unusual event well worth the curiosity. As this is the first edition, checking the official programme is especially wise so you do not miss a thing.

Gaming and esports take centre stage

Video games are a core pillar of the weekend. The festival promises tournaments and activities built around gaming, exactly the kind of thing the scene loves: competing, trying things out, being part of it. Which titles will be played, and in what format the competitions run, is not stated in the information available. What is clear is that gaming and esports are meant to be a common thread across the two days. Specific rules, sign-ups and start times will be confirmed by the official programme as it is released.

K-Pop and cosplay: take the stage

K-Pop fans are well catered for too: the festival promises exhibitions and competitions around the Korean pop phenomenon that has captivated young audiences worldwide. Alongside it comes cosplay, with contests and its own pasarela, a catwalk where elaborate handmade costumes get their moment in the spotlight. Both thrive on community and on getting involved. The source does not spell out exact categories, judges or prizes, so once again the official programme is the place to look for the details.

Artist Alley and food zones

If you prefer something more creative and laid-back, the “Artist Alley" is a dedicated space for illustrators and other creators to show and sell their work. It is the spot for anyone who loves drawing, comics and illustration. And so that nobody goes hungry between a tournament and a catwalk, there are gastronomy zones to refuel. Which stalls or kitchens will be there is not detailed by the source; it all rounds out the picture of a festival that deliberately blends play, art and food.

Practical info: who it's for and where

“Play, Eat & Repeat" is aimed above all at young people, but it also works well for families looking for a varied day out. The venue is the Plaza de la Solidaridad in Vega de San Mateo, a municipality in the interior of Gran Canaria that is easy to reach from the capital's metropolitan area. The festival runs across the whole weekend. Because it is a premiere and the times have not been made public, we recommend checking the official San Mateo programme before you set off.

Tip: The Plaza de la Solidaridad in Vega de San Mateo sits in the interior of Gran Canaria and is easy to reach from the capital's metropolitan area.
A great destination for a relaxed weekend outing with friends or the whole family.

Please note: Exact times, participating artists, game titles and prices have not yet been published.
It is best to check the official San Mateo programme before you head out.

Key facts

What: “Play, Eat & Repeat", a new youth festival (debut edition), according to La Provincia.
Where: Plaza de la Solidaridad, Vega de San Mateo, Gran Canaria.
When: throughout the weekend.
Gaming: tournaments and activities built around video games.
K-Pop and cosplay: exhibitions, competitions and a pasarela (catwalk).
Also: an “Artist Alley" for illustration and creators, plus gastronomy zones.

FAQ

What is “Play, Eat & Repeat"?: A new festival for young audiences that, according to La Provincia, is holding its debut edition and brings together gaming, K-Pop, cosplay, an “Artist Alley" and food.
Where does the festival take place?: At the Plaza de la Solidaridad in Vega de San Mateo, in the interior of Gran Canaria.
When is it on?: Throughout the weekend; the source does not give exact times.
What can you do there?: Video-game tournaments and activities, K-Pop exhibitions and competitions, cosplay with a catwalk, an “Artist Alley" for illustration and gastronomy zones.
Where can I find times and prices?: In the official San Mateo programme; participating names, game titles and prices have not yet been published.

Read on

CITA News on WhatsAppFollow the channel and keep up with the islands.Follow