Did you attend Sónar Festival 2025 in Barcelona? Thinking of seeing what the hype is all about for the 2026 edition? Check out a Tips and Tricks for Sónar 2026 to make next year magical.
For my full review of the festival, focusing on music and event production, check out my Official Sónar 2025 Guide here.
For my take on the 2025 editions 6 best sets, check out this article.
Keep reading below for tips and tricks for Sónar 2026 (in no particular order)!
CONSIDER THE FULL ABONO FOR SÓNAR 2026
Photo Credit: Anendfor
Of couse this will sound a little pitch-y, but I recommend checking out the Sónar +D conference as well as the Sónar By Day portion of the festival for the full experience!
I will say that +D is an industry and tech event, focused on the electronic music landscape and cutting-edge AI, quantum computing, and tech research projects. However, if you’ve got the time or are working in either music, tech, or both, the pass is absolutely worth it and the conference itself is very engaging!
As for Sónar By Day and Sónar By Night, there are just too many acts to see and many are spread between the two. While planning your Sónar and Off Sónar events, just keep in mind who wou want to see and how much time you’ll have. Then check out this next section to plan!
WHAT TO HIT FOR SÓNAR 2026? MAKE A PLAN BUT DON’T STICK TO IT
June in Barcleona is a marathon, not a spring, between Primavera Sound and Sónar. Even just attending Sónar, you’ll have 200+ acts at the official festival itself, and a few hundred more across both official and unofficial Off Sónar parties day and night.
I skim the lineup when it comes out, and dive deep into which artists I can’t miss and which I want to check out as new additions to my repertoire. Then, I’ll make my own timetables and screenshot from my notes app to make my lock screen.
There have been years where I make my plan and stick to it, leaving a set just early enough to catch the end of another, or accounting for time to grab a beer or food before getting to the next set early enough for a good spot.
One thing about Sónar, though, is that you can almost always find a good space to dance and a pocket of quality sound if you don’t mind being on the fringes of the crowd (or on the contrary, squeezing to the front).
All in all, the point here is that it’s great to know which acts are must-sees but also be able to go with the flow, be weird with your friends, and find new tunes to fill your summer playlists.
COMFORT IS KEY
This will be brief, but Sónar gets HOT. In many past editions, this one included, Barcelona experienced a heat wave just as the weekend is kicking off and the inside areas (especially the main stage) can be brutal.
Another thing I love about Sónar and dance music in general is the freedom of self-expression and your clothing can reflect that. I recommend wearing what’s most comfortable, whether it’s a little or a lot.
Take a fan with you to give a little personal AC throughout the night, comfortable shoes to keep your feet moving throughout the day, night, or week, depending on how many events you’re hitting.
REST, STRETCH, AND PROTECT YOUR EARS FOR SÓNAR 2026 & BEYOND
Okay, I know this might age me a bit, but I swear I’ve (mostly) been following these rules since I was 20.
As indicated in my official 2025 Sónar Guide, the festival is pretty good about having benches, chairs, ledges, and open spaces where you can meet your group and take a rest with a cold drink or bite to eat.
I would also recommend having a nice big stretch once in a while to keep those dancing muscles loose! If you’re on the older side of the raving spectrum, magnesium and paracetamol might do you well, too. If you’re feeling luxurious, get a massage!
A final suggestion here, and perhaps the most important note, protect your ears! Especially with the impressively LOUD and pounding sound systems at Sónar, you’ll 100% need to bring ear protection to the festival. Foam plugs will do a in a pinch, but I recommend getting your own custom or at least mid-range reuseable pair to save your hearing and keep you moving.
TRUST THE BUS
Going from Sónar By Day to Sónar By Night? Looking for an easy, generally stress-free way to get from Sónar By Night to Plaça Espanya in the wee hours of the morning? Take the Sónar shuttle bus!
Compared to other festivals, it’s very cheap at €2.50 (or included/free for VIP passes) and generally fast in terms of wait time and travel time.
I live close to Fira Montjuïc and cycled there during the day, took the bus from there to Sónar By Night, and each morning took the bus to Plaça Espanya in order to hit the metro. Home in less than 30min from dance floor to bed. New record.
KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR DISCOUNTS FOR SÓNAR 2026
On a final note, Sónar is great about discounts leading up to the festival (Black Friday and Christmas are big, as well as Día Sant Jordi). Keep an eye out on their socials and check the official ticket sales here (link).
Thanks and see you in 2026!
Did I miss anything in my tips and tricks for Sónar 2026 article? Let me know in the comments below and check out these other Sónar 2025 articles here:
Official 2025 Recap (link)
6 Best Sets (link)
Sónar +D (lik)
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