Sónar Kids reopened in Barcelona with all tickets sold out and new entry restrictions. Around 1,500 people attended the family festival at Parc del Fòrum. The event highlighted both high demand and the impact of recent rule changes.
The Sónar Kids festival made its return to Barcelona this weekend, drawing approximately 1,500 attendees to its new location at Parc del Fòrum. The event, which sold out all available tickets, marked a significant shift for families after a six-year hiatus and recent changes to entry policies at the main Sónar festival.
This year, Sónar Kids was held in the smaller amphitheater of Parc del Fòrum, a venue that quickly filled with families seeking shade during an intense heatwave. Security staff were still bringing in umbrellas by midday, and natural ice pops sold out rapidly as attendees tried to cope with the high temperatures. The limited shaded areas became a focal point, underscoring the challenges of hosting outdoor events during extreme weather.
The festival's return comes after minors were banned from the main Sónar event at Fira Gran Via, where day and night sessions have been merged. Previously, children could attend the festival at Plaça Espanya if accompanied by adults. In response, Sónar Kids offered three distinct zones: SónarXS for live performances and DJ sets, SónarDôme for hands-on workshops, and a play area with a ball pit and oversized games. The dance floor featured water misters and sunscreen dispensers, while DJs like La Sofy kept the crowd moving with cumbia rhythms and popular tracks.
For many, Sónar Kids is more than just a festival—it's a family tradition. One attendee, a long-time Sónar fan, brought her young nephew to experience the event, highlighting the festival's role in fostering creativity and shared experiences across generations. Some families planned to continue the celebration at the main Sónar event later in the evening, reflecting the festival's enduring appeal.
Organizers emphasized that Sónar Kids is not designed for profit but aims to make the Sónar experience accessible to families. Children under 15 entered free, while adults paid a modest fee. The festival's communication chief noted the importance of maintaining Barcelona's reputation as a hub for music and creativity, especially as generational shifts bring new audiences. Some children who once attended Sónar Kids are now old enough to join the main festival independently, while veteran fans return with their own families.
The event also featured performances by established artists from the local electronic scene. AWWZ, a Barcelona-based DJ who has played at eight previous Sónar editions, closed the Sónar Kids program with a set tailored to younger listeners. She described involving her own child in the preparation, choosing tracks that resonated with both her audience and her family.
Sónar Kids' return highlights the evolving landscape of music festivals in Spain, where safety, inclusivity, and generational continuity are increasingly central. The event's adaptation to new rules and its focus on family participation reflect broader trends in the country's cultural sector. According to available data, Sónar remains one of Barcelona's most influential music festivals, with a legacy of innovation and community engagement since its founding in 1994. The festival's ability to adapt to changing regulations and audience needs continues to shape its role in the city's cultural calendar.
