Sónar Festival 2026 will launch a completely new format featuring headliners Kelis and Skepta following recent ownership changes.
The Barcelona electronic music institution has announced its first major lineup reveal for next year’s edition, scheduled for June 18-20 at Fira Gran Via in L’Hospitalet.
The festival’s transformation comes after a challenging period that saw previous owners divest following controversy over connections to pro-Israeli investment fund KKR.
Your browser does not support the video tag.
Consequently, new CEO François Jozic has pledged to restore Barcelona’s status as a global electronic music capital through this comprehensive restructuring.
Sónar Festival 2026 Introduces Continuous Day-Night Format
This marks the most significant change in Sónar’s history, abandoning its traditional separation between daytime and nighttime events. Furthermore, the festival will now operate six stages across both indoor and outdoor spaces with continuous programming throughout each day.
American R&B sensation Kelis will bring her iconic ‘Milkshake’ and neosoul pop sounds to the main stage, while British grime artist Skepta will present his forthcoming album ‘Fork & Knife’. Additionally, the lineup features Belgian techno stars Charlotte de Witte and Amelie Lens, alongside experimental electronic pioneers Cabaret Voltaire.
The festival’s new director emphasized his vision in an official statement. “Barcelona has to return to being the capital of electronic culture and Sónar 2026 will mark a decisive step toward the future,” Jozic declared. “We’ve designed a festival that doesn’t just celebrate music but integrates technology, art and creativity into a unique experience.”
Other confirmed artists include German producer Boys Noize, Madrid’s Alba Franch, and Colombian DJ Funk Tribu. The expanded format will feature three outdoor and three indoor stages, including the new SonarVillage and renovated SonarHall spaces.
Meanwhile, the parallel Sónar+D technology and creativity conference will expand its presence within the Fira Gran Via complex. The organization promises immersive installations, digital art and interactive proposals alongside the musical programming.
The 2025 edition reportedly attracted 161,000 attendees despite the ownership controversy. However, this fresh approach for Sónar Festival 2026 represents a complete reinvention aimed at reestablishing Barcelona’s position at the forefront of electronic music innovation.
Join our WhatsApp broadcast channel for instant news updates!
Source: Read original article
