Barcelona's iconic Sónar festival will undergo its most significant transformation in decades this June, moving all artistic programming to a single venue at Fira Gran Via in L'Hospitalet de Llobregat. The 2026 edition, scheduled for 18, 19, and 20 June, marks the first time the festival will operate without its original founders and will no longer offer separate day and night events.
New Era for Sónar Management
This year's festival is the second since the pro-Israeli KKR fund became its principal owner. François Jozic, the new Belgian director, presented the changes at a press conference held at the Antiga Fàbrica Estrella Damm. Mr Jozic stated, "Damm is Sónar's historic sponsor, without whom this festival would not happen." He added that the new Sónar would be "more Sónar than ever," describing it as "rethought, renewed, but faithful to its DNA." The team aims to make the experience "more pleasant and more comfortable" for attendees.
Public administrations continue their financial support for the event. These include the Generalitat's Department of Culture, Barcelona City Council's Institute of Culture, Turisme de Barcelona, and L'Hospitalet de Llobregat City Council. This backing highlights the festival's cultural and economic importance to the region.
All Activities at Fira Gran Via
Sónar officials knew three years ago that construction work at the Montjuïc exhibition centre would require a new approach for Sónar by Day. The decision was made to consolidate all artistic activities at Fira Gran Via. This venue has hosted Sónar by Night since 2001, making it a familiar location for many festival-goers in the Barcelona metropolitan area.
Performances will now start at 17:00 each day. On Thursday 18 June, events will conclude at 03:00. On Friday 19 and Saturday 20 June, the music will continue until 07:00. Miquel Trullols, Sónar's Communications Manager, explained the strategic thinking behind the move. He said, "We have been working for three years on a new design that maintains the spirit and legacy of the stages. We saw the move to Fira Gran Via as an opportunity to rethink the audience experience."
Enhanced Venue Experience and Ticketing
The Fira Gran Via site in L'Hospitalet de Llobregat will feature six stages, with three located outdoors. This includes the popular SonarVillage and the iconic green carpet area, previously a highlight at Montjuïc. The inaugural day, Thursday, will utilise four stages. The SonarHall will offer continuous concerts and DJ sessions, a change from its previous format at Montjuïc. New rest areas will be available throughout the venue, acknowledging the extended 14-hour programming.
Ticketing has also been simplified. A single entry ticket now covers all activities, eliminating the previous separate day and night passes. The festival has also removed its cashless payment system for food and drink inside the venue. A re-entry policy will allow attendees to leave and return with the same ticket. Free drinking water fountains will be installed. Additionally, shuttle buses will run to central Barcelona, proving particularly useful on Thursday when the metro closes at 00:00, but concerts continue until 03:00.
Daily ticket prices are €44 for Thursday, and €89 for both Friday and Saturday. A two-day pass covering Friday and Saturday costs €149.
Sónar+D Relocates to Llotja de Mar
One of the most significant changes for Sónar 2026 is the physical separation of Sónar+D, the festival's congress on creativity, technology, and business. This year, Sónar+D will take place on Thursday 18 and Friday 19 June at the historic Llotja de Mar building in Barcelona, from 10:00 to 21:00. This move is a collaboration with the Barcelona Chamber of Commerce. Andrea Faroppa, Sónar+D Director, who has been with the festival for eleven years, explained the decision. She stated, "We considered bringing Sónar+D to Gran Via, but we quickly dismissed it. Staying in Barcelona is a cultural and brand decision." Ms Faroppa added, "Everything changes for the better."
Expanding Sónar Week Activities
Beyond the main festival, Barcelona will host several Sónar-organised events during Sónar Week. OffSónar will return to Poble Espanyol, featuring 40 artists from Thursday to Sunday. A new addition is the return of Sónar Kids, scheduled for Saturday 20 June at Parc del Fòrum. The Parc del Fòrum will also host the Sónar District, with the Solid Grooves party on Friday 19 and the Metamorfosi party on Saturday 20. The Sónar Week programme also includes special events at the Moog club in the Raval district, curated by Barcelona producer Angel Molina. Mr Jozic anticipates a total attendance of 160,000 across Sónar and Sónar Week events, reflecting the festival's continued growth and reach.
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Originally published by Ara Cat. Read original article.
