As summer warms the vibrant streets of Barcelona, fans flock to Sónar Festival, a celebration of electronic music, digital art, and cutting-edge technology. Set for 2026 in the lively city, this festival invites lovers of techno, house, experimental sounds, and multimedia creativity to connect under sunny skies and starry nights. Held across two iconic venues, Fira Montjuïc for Sónar by Day and Fira Gran Via for Sónar by Night, Sónar offers an electrifying experience that blends music, innovation, and community spirit.
A Celebration of Music and Innovation
Since its launch in 1994, Sónar has grown into a global icon while staying true to its roots. Founded by Ricard Robles, Enric Palau, and Sergio Caballero, it’s built on a passion for advanced music and creative exploration. The 2026 edition, set for June 18 to 20, will draw thousands of music lovers, artists, and tech enthusiasts seeking inspiration and connection in Barcelona’s dynamic atmosphere.
Set across urban venues, the festival transforms the city into a hub of creativity. There are no rustic fields here, just sleek stages, immersive visuals, and a sense of being at the forefront of electronic culture. The 2025 event, held from June 12 to 14, was a standout, with over 200 performances across 10 stages, featuring artists like Nathy Peluso, Eric Prydz, and BICEP. Despite some artist cancellations due to controversy, the festival’s energy and diverse crowd kept the vibe electric.
The Site: Urban Venues and Creative Spaces
Sónar Festival unfolds across two main locations. Sónar by Day takes place at Fira Montjuïc, near the bustling Plaza d’Espanya, with stages like SonarVillage by Estrella Damm and SonarHall set against modern architecture. Sónar by Night moves to Fira Gran Via in L’Hospitalet, where massive stages like SonarClub and SonarPub host high-energy sets under dazzling lights. Smaller stages, like SonarDome and SonarCar, offer intimate performances and experimental sounds.
Guests can move between stages, enjoy food trucks with global and local flavors, or explore Sónar+D, a tech-focused congress with talks, workshops, and art installations. The urban layout encourages discovery in a vibrant, accessible setting, with public transport making it easy to navigate.
A Line-up of Visionaries and Creators
Sónar Festival is known for its bold, diverse line-up, blending global headliners with emerging talents in electronic, techno, house, and experimental genres. For 2026, expect a mix of iconic DJs, live acts, and audiovisual pioneers, alongside local Spanish artists who bring a unique flair to the festival’s creative heart.
In 2025, headliners included Plastikman (Richie Hawtin), Arca, BICEP, and Nathy Peluso, with special performances like Alva Noto & Fennesz’s tribute to Ryuichi Sakamoto and Rone with (LA)HORDE and Ballet National de Marseille. Fans raved about sets from Honey Dijon, Peggy Gou, and back-to-back DJ sessions like Skrillex b2b Blawan. The 2026 roster will likely continue this mix of innovation and energy, with interactive elements like workshops and live collaborations. Past editions featured legends like Björk, Kraftwerk, and The Chemical Brothers, setting a high standard.
Days and Nights in the City
Sónar by Day has a lively, creative rhythm. Afternoons are filled with performances at Fira Montjuïc, where acts like Maria Arnal, Tarta Relena, and Honey Dijon played in 2025. Food stalls offer tapas, gourmet sandwiches, and vegan options, while Sónar+D showcases AI-driven art, like a reinterpretation of Romanesque frescoes or talks on quantum computing. Visitors relax on artificial grass at SonarVillage or dive into tech exhibits.
As night falls, Sónar by Night at Fira Gran Via lights up with massive stages and laser-filled shows. Music pulses through the air, with 2025 highlights like Eric Prydz’s audiovisual spectacle and Four Tet’s marathon set. The vibe stays inclusive and energetic, no overwhelming chaos, just beats that feel alive and immersive.
After dark, smaller stages like SonarCar host late-night parties, with acts like Nathy Peluso’s Club Grasa in 2025 drawing crowds for its raw energy. The connection between artists and fans stays strong throughout.
A Festival Built on Shared Values
Sónar is more than music, it champions creativity, technology, and community. Sónar+D, running alongside the main festival, explores AI, digital art, and the future of creative industries through talks, panels, and installations. In 2025, highlights included a life-size replica of Sant Climent de Taüll’s apse with an audiovisual show and discussions on new digital aesthetics with artists like Samantha Hudson.
The festival supports local vendors and promotes sustainability, balancing high-tech innovation with a welcoming atmosphere. The schedule allows time for connection, making the weekend feel dynamic yet approachable. Sónar’s global influence is evident, with events in cities like Lisbon and Istanbul, but Barcelona remains its heart.
Planning Your Visit
Tickets for Sónar sell out quickly, as fans return yearly. You can choose single-day passes for Sónar by Day (€150) or Sónar by Night (€150), a full festival pass (€210), or a Sónar+D pass (€230). VIP options are available for €325. Up to six tickets can be bought per order, and prices may vary, so check the official website.
Fira Montjuïc is easily reached by Metro (Espanya, L1 or L3), bus, or Bicing. Sónar by Night at Fira Gran Via is accessible via Metro (Fira or Europa-Fira), shuttle buses (€2.50), or night buses. Camping isn’t offered, but Barcelona’s city center has hotels, hostels, and apartments nearby. Early booking is key for the best spots.
Why Sónar Festival Stands Out
In a world of commercial festivals, Sónar feels refreshingly forward-thinking. There are no corporate overloads, just stages, immersive visuals, and people united by a love for music and innovation. It’s a place where you might dance to a techno set, explore an AI art exhibit, or chat with a stranger about the future of creativity. It’s about connection, not spectacle. The 2025 edition overcame challenges with its vibrant spirit, leaving fans excited for more.
Explore the Surroundings
Beyond the festival, Barcelona offers endless charm. Visitors can explore Las Ramblas, the Gothic Quarter, or cultural gems like the Sagrada Família and Mies van der Rohe Pavilion. Sónar Week, from June 16 to 21, 2026, includes events like the +RAIN Film Festival and a concert at Palau de la Música Catalana, blending music and art across the city.
These moments deepen the connection to Barcelona’s vibrant culture and make memories as strong as the festival’s beats.
Sónar Festival 2026 is more than a music event, it’s a celebration of sound, art, and ideas. With its urban stages, cutting-edge performances, and shared moments in Barcelona’s heart, it invites you to dive in, connect, and carry the energy long after the final note fades.
Follow Sónar Festival online for updates on tickets, artist announcements, and travel tips:
Instagram: @sonarfestival
Zond