Ah, Spain. The home of incredible food, world-famous architecture, picture-perfect islands, unforgettable experiences, and of course, a jam-packed year-round timetable of Spanish festivals. However, if you are lucky enough to visit this European hotspot during the northern summer months of June-August, you’ll have to extend your trip to make time to hit all the best music festivals in Spain has to offer.
From taking in urban beats in the heart of Madrid, city-wide festivals in Barcelona, to offbeat events on Spain’s biggest islands, if you are a die hard music festival addict…these Mediterranean music magnets must be on your short list!
Check out my list of the top 12 music festivals in Spain! V-A-M-O-S!!
1 ) Primavera Sound
When: May 30 – June 3rd, 2018
Where: Barcelona
https://www.primaverasound.com/
“Primavera Sound, that has taken place in Barcelona since 2001, has consolidated itself as a model reference for urban festivals that is internationally considered as an unmissable musical event.”
2 ) SONAR Festival
When: Mid June
Where: Barcelona, Spain
Website: http://sonar.es/en/
“Created in 1994, Sónar is a pioneering cultural event with a unique format and content. Its first class reputation as a leading reference for international festivals is thanks to its attention in curation, combining a playful nature, the avant-garde, and experimentation with newest trends in dance and electronic music.”
2018 is the 25th Anniversary for this incredible Spanish Festival, and is definitely one you do not want to miss!
Read: 5 Reasons Why You’re Attending Sonar This Year
3 ) Festival Internacional de Benicàssim
When: July 19-22, 2018
Where: Benicàssim
https://fiberfib.com/en/home.php
“[FIB] focuses mainly on pop, rock and electronica artists, as well as having other elements including short films, fashion shows and art. Benicassim has a reputation as being among the best on the international festival circuit.”
4 ) DGTL Barcelona
When: August 10-11, 2018
Where: PARC DEL FÒRUM, Barcelona
“DGTL is a festival experience full of discovery, inspiration and surprise. Through music, art and production, we tantalise visitors and keep them hungry for more. Throughout the year, we seek out the latest technological innovations and most exciting advances to create an unforgettable festival experience.”
5 ) Bilbao BBK Live
When: July 12-14, 2018
Where: Bilbao
https://www.bilbaobbklive.com/
“Bilbao BBK Live is a rock, pop and indie festival in northern Spain. Situated on a lush green mountainside overlooking the city of Bilbao, the festival has become one of the country’s biggest and best-loved, consistently boasting a lineup of internationally renowned acts from a diverse range of genres.”
6 ) A Summer Story
When: June 22-23, 2018
Where: Arganda Del Ray, Madrid
“A Summer Story is an electronic music festival held annually in Madrid, Spain. Stunning staging, impressive production and huge sound systems fill the Ciudad del Rock with the vibrant sights and sounds of the world’s biggest and best DJs and producers.”
7 ) Download Festival Spain
When: June 28-30, 2018
Where: La Caja Magica, Madrid
“With a successful flagship festival in the UK, Download Festival has expanded onto the continent with new editions in France and Spain. Download Madrid keeps the signature spirit of the festival boasting a heavy metal and rock lineup that is always out of this world. “
8 ) Azkena Rock Festival
When: June 22-23, 2018
Where: Vitoria-Gasteiz
http://azkenarockfestival.com/en-us/home
“Azkena Rock Festival is a two-day rock music celebration in the north of Spain. Covering all angles of the genre, the lineup welcomes stars of rock ‘n’ roll, punk, new wave, metal, shoegaze, prog, psych, surf rock and more, for two days of big riffs and guitar grooves.”
9 ) Rototom Sunsplash
When: August 16-22, 2018
Where: Benicàssim
“The European Reggae Festival: music, peace, union, sea and alternative lifestyle. 11 stages, 7 cultural areas. Nowadays, people who listen to reggae music and who come to Sunsplash are fascinated by a lifestyle and a means of connecting with others that focuses on peace, tolerance, respect, solidarity, brotherhood, and nonviolence.”
10 ) Arenal Sound Festival
When: July 31- August 5, 2018
Where: Borianna
“Arenal Sound is a open-air music festival in Borianna, Spain. The beautiful beachside location on the Costa del Azahar allows music fans to take a dip in the Mediterranean, bathe in the glorious Spanish sun, or party in the on-site pool when they’re not watching the performances from both household names and emerging local talent.”
11 ) Estrella Levante Festival
When: May 4-5, 2018
Where: Murcia
“Kicking off the Spanish festival season in the first weekend of May, the Estrella Levante Festival is a true music and arts festival divided into three main components. Four stages full of electronic, pop, and rock cover the musical scene while the “Voices” showcases conferences and panels all centered on an annual subject.”
12 ) Cruïlla Barcelona
When: July 12-14, 2018
Where: Barcelona
https://www.cruillabarcelona.com/en/
“Cruïlla is a unique opportunity to discover the best music in good company, in a nice and neat environment near the sea and with a superb atmosphere. You will also find a varied gastronomic selection from all around the world, chill out zones to rest between concerts and an auteur market.”
Hot damn…all of these music festivals in Spain look absolutely ridiculous! As a person who used to live in Barcelona, I can tell you that no other country in the world party likes the Spanish. If you’re looking for a good time in Eurioe during the summer, then definitely check out as many of these Spanish music festivals!
Looking for more festivals…?
I’m one of the biggest festival addicts in the world, and am always researching the best events around the world. Check out a few of my other articles and find your next destination festival!
- 13 Lesser-Known Camping Music Festivals in Europe
- 30 Music Festivals in Europe To Experience Before You Die
- The Best Music Festivals in Asia
- The Best Music Festivals in Thailand
- Top 10 Music Festivals in New Zealand To Experience Before You Die
Fuckin didn’t even answer my question you fuckin piece of shit!