Sónar Festival
The world's premier festival of advanced music and digital arts, Sónar splits between daytime cultural events in the city centre and all-night electronic music at the Fira Gran Via.
Highlights
- Sónar by Day — emerging artists and tech showcases at Fira Montjuïc
- Sónar by Night — massive all-night electronic music sessions
- Sónar+D — creativity and technology conference
- 100,000+ attendees from 100+ countries
- Cutting-edge multimedia art installations
Since 1994, Sónar has been the global reference point for electronic music, creativity and technology. Held annually in Barcelona in mid-June, the festival is split into two distinct experiences: Sónar by Day and Sónar by Night.
Sónar by Day takes place at Fira Montjuïc in the city centre, offering a more intimate setting with emerging artists, multimedia installations, technology showcases and the Sónar+D conference on creativity, technology and business innovation. Sónar by Night moves to the vast Fira Gran Via in L'Hospitalet for marathon sessions of electronic music from the world's biggest DJs and producers.
The festival consistently attracts over 100,000 attendees from 100+ countries, showcasing a cutting-edge lineup that spans techno, house, experimental, hip-hop and everything in between.
Gallery
History & Origins
Sónar was founded in 1994 by Ricard Robles, Enric Palau and Sergio Caballero as a small festival celebrating electronic music and multimedia art. Starting with just 6,000 attendees, it rapidly grew into the world's most important electronic music festival.
The festival has since expanded internationally with editions in cities like Hong Kong, Bogotá, Istanbul and Lisbon, but Barcelona remains the flagship event. Its unique combination of music, technology and art has influenced countless other festivals worldwide.
What to Expect
Expect two very different experiences. Sónar by Day is relaxed and cultural — perfect for discovering new artists and exploring tech exhibitions in a beautiful Montjuïc venue. Sónar by Night is intense — massive crowds, thundering sound systems, and sets that run until 7am.
How to Get There
Barcelona is well-served by El Prat Airport with flights from across Europe and beyond. Sónar by Day at Fira Montjuïc is accessible via metro (L1/L3 Plaça Espanya). Sónar by Night at Fira Gran Via is on the L9 Sud metro line. High-speed AVE trains connect from Madrid (2.5h), Seville (5.5h) and other Spanish cities.
Tips & Advice
- Buy tickets early — the festival often sells out months in advance
- Combined Day+Night tickets offer best value
- Wear comfortable shoes — lots of walking between stages
- For Sónar by Night, take the metro to Fira Gran Via (L9 Sud)
- Explore Barcelona's own electronic music scene — many off-Sónar parties run alongside the festival
Plan Your Trip
Book accommodation and transport for this festival. Get the best deals on hotels and train tickets.
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