The decision by the Sónar 2026 organizers to hold key events in the very heart of Barcelona has come as a surprise, sparking lively discussions among both residents and visitors. Moving part of the program to the historic Llotja de Mar not only brings the festival back to the city center but also promises new formats for audience engagement. For many, it’s a chance to witness how cultural traditions and modern technology merge in a unique setting.
This year, Sónar+D will unfold at Llotja de Mar on June 18 and 19, featuring lectures, masterclasses, and performances from morning until evening. This approach allows participants not only to immerse themselves in an atmosphere of innovation but also to experience the spirit of old Barcelona. Organizers emphasize that the choice of venue is no coincidence: within these historic walls, the festival’s boldest ideas are born.
The return of SonarKids
This year, special attention is given to families. After a long break, SonarKids—the program for children and parents—returns to the festival on June 20 at the Forum. This move is seen as an effort to make Sónar more open and accessible to all generations. As part of Sónar District, guests can look forward to themed parties: Metamorfosi on June 19 and Solid Groove on June 20, adding variety to the familiar format.
Alongside the main events, OFF Sonar will host daily activities at Poble Espanyol from June 18 to 21. This approach helps reach diverse audiences and creates a festive atmosphere throughout the city. Barcelona is once again the focal point for music lovers and those seeking new experiences.
Main stage and new names
The main part of the festival will once again take place at Fira Gran Via de l’Hospitalet. From Thursday to Saturday, several stages will operate simultaneously: four on the first day and six on the following days. The program promises lively nights—from 5:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. on Thursday and until 7:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. This is where the festival’s key musical moments will unfold, with the atmosphere shifting from concerts to club parties.
This year’s lineup is especially impressive. Among the headliners are the legendary The Prodigy and Cabaret Voltaire, as well as Speedy J from the Netherlands, who will present his unique 360º STOOR show with special guests. Each day on the SonarCar stage, performers will appear in the center of the hall, surrounded by the audience, dissolving the boundaries between stage and crowd. This format has already sparked interest among electronic music fans.
Experiments and new formats
Visual shows by Dom Dolla and Sara Landry, along with performances by Charlotte de White and Amelie Lens on the SonarClub stage, promise to be some of the festival’s most talked-about highlights. A special spot in the program is reserved for the duo Two Shell, who continue to intrigue audiences with their mysterious and provocative performances. Their participation is divisive: some see them as innovators, others as clever opportunists.
The traditional SónarVillage will once again delight guests with artificial grass and a stage running non-stop throughout all three days. The lineup features Kelis, Chris Stussy, Maz, Mina & Bryte, as well as Modeselektor presenting new material. The SónarVillage atmosphere has always been known for its unique energy, and this year organizers promise to keep that spirit alive.
New spaces and lighting solutions
SonarHall will alternate between live performances and DJ sets, transforming the venue from a concert stage into a nightclub. Among the newcomers is the Colombian queer collective BULTO, who will add new shades to the festival’s musical palette. SonarPark is expanding its boundaries and will now be open-air, while SonarLab will offer guests immersive dance shows, including a special set by Goldie and Don Scott.
This year, all stage designs have been entrusted to the company Twofiftyk, renowned for its innovative approaches to scenography and lighting shows. Their experience in Europe and the USA promises truly impressive visual effects. This approach highlights Sónar’s drive to remain at the forefront of cultural trends.
In recent years, Barcelona has become a stage for major cultural events that reshape the city’s familiar landscape. For instance, in February, the Catalan capital, along with Madrid and Seville, surprised residents with new formats and the scale of events, as detailed in the feature on the transformation of Spain’s cultural winter. Such events not only attract tourists but also create new traditions, bringing together different generations and interests. Sónar 2026 carries on this trend, offering a fresh perspective on urban festivals and pushing the boundaries of conventional leisure.
