The top music festivals in Spain to enjoy during summer 2023

From beach days to evening walks, Spain has long served as a muse for creative souls. For music lovers seeking new experiences, the country offers an unparalleled array of distinctive festival adventures.

Featuring enduring favorites like Primavera Sound alongside newer entries, here’s a complete list of festivals to explore in 2023.

Primavera Sound, Barcelona and Madrid

Dates: May 29–June 4, 2023 (Parc del Fòrum, Barcelona); June 5–11, 2023 (Arganda del Rey, Madrid) Expected Attendance: 175,000–190,000

Since 2005, the massive Primavera Sound festival has taken place in the expansive Parc del Fòrum, aiming for a complete takeover of Spain with its second weekend now hosted in the capital, Madrid. Regarded as one of the premier festivals globally, music fans from all over the world flock to Barcelona for unique reunions, exclusive performances, and tour debuts. The 2023 lineup, dubbed “I’ll Be Your Mirror,” pays homage to the Velvet Underground & Nico track. Both cities feature nearly identical headliners, including Pet Shop Boys, Blur, Halsey, Kendrick Lamar, Depeche Mode, Rosalía, Calvin Harris, FKA Twigs, and St Vincent. Barcelona’s highlights feature Ghost and the War on Drugs, while Madrid showcases Sparks, The Mars Volta, and Bad Gyal.

In June, Primavera Porto marks its 10th anniversary in Portugal. The festival has expanded beyond the Iberian Peninsula, successfully launching in Los Angeles last year and introducing 2023 editions in Latin America, including São Paulo, Buenos Aires, and Santiago.

Azkena Rock Festival, Vitoria-Gasteiz

Dates: June 15–17, 2023; camping available Expected Attendance: 45,000

Marking its 20th anniversary, the Azkena Rock Festival embraces its eclectic lineups, designed to attract a wide range of music enthusiasts and introduce different generations to artists they might not typically explore. This year's lineup features Iggy Pop, Rancid, the Pretenders, Incubus, and Lucinda Williams, ensuring there's something for everyone. The festival is celebrated for its welcoming and laid-back atmosphere.

In La Virgen Blanca, the city square shaped like an almond in the Old Quarter, unique performances arise around the monument commemorating the Battle of Vitoria during the festival, creating an unforgettable backdrop for extraordinary shows.

Sónar, Barcelona

Dates: June 15–17, 2023 Expected Attendance: 120,000

Since 1994, Sónar has established Barcelona as the epicenter of Europe’s electronic music scene. Divided into Sónar by Day and Sónar by Night, this multidisciplinary festival seamlessly blends music, technology, and creativity. As part of We Are Europe, a collective promoting creative diversity through culture, Sónar has inspired editions in Reykjavík, Istanbul, Hong Kong, Bogotá, and Buenos Aires. This year’s Barcelona edition features performances by the Chemical Brothers, Princess Nokia, Jayda G, Ms Nina, Moderat, Oneohtrix Point Never, and Arca.

Vida Festival, Vilanova i la Geltrú

Dates: June 29–July 1, 2023; camping available Expected Attendance: 10,000

Set in the enchanting Masia d’en Cabanyes, a picturesque villa located in the coastal Catalan town of Vilanova i la Geltrú, just 35 minutes by train from Barcelona, Vida Festival is designed for true music lovers. While the venue can host up to 25,000 attendees, organizers cap attendance at 10,000 to ensure a relaxed experience. With non-overlapping set times, fans can enjoy a diverse range of performances with enhanced acoustics. This laid-back festival still attracts major acts, and this year features indie favorites like Whitney, Panda Bear & Sonic Boom, Spiritualized, and the Libertines. A secret winter edition takes place at the luxurious Finca Mas Solers estate in December, where the lineup is hinted at beforehand but revealed only during the performances.

Mad Cool Festival, Madrid

Dates: July 6–8, 2023 Expected Attendance: 135,000

Since its inception in 2016, Madrid's flagship Mad Cool Festival has positioned the city as a central hub for summer festivals. In 2023, it takes on Primavera Sound with an incredibly packed lineup. Running from July 6 to 8, the festival boasts performances from Robbie Williams, Lizzo, Lil Nas X, Machine Gun Kelly, The 1975, The Offspring, Mumford & Sons, Queens of the Stone Age, The Black Keys, Sam Smith, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Liam Gallagher, Janelle Monae, and the Prodigy, making it one of the most remarkable lineups globally.

Bilbao BBK Live, Bilbao

Dates: July 6–8, 2023; camping available Expected Attendance: 110,000

Ranked among the finest music festivals globally, Bilbao BBK Live is situated on the scenic hills of Mount Cobetas, overlooking the vibrant core of the Basque Country. This Bilbao festival is a culturally rich destination, with performances commencing in the afternoon, leaving ample time to savor pintxos, explore the Museo Guggenheim, or visit nearby Game of Thrones filming locations.

This year’s lineup features returning favorites Florence + The Machine, the Chemical Brothers, and Phoenix, alongside Pavement, Arctic Monkeys, Idles, and Perfume Genius. The organizers are also celebrated for making thrilling last-minute lineup surprises.

Festival Cruïlla, Parc del Fòrum, Barcelona

Dates: July 5–8, 2023 Expected Attendance: 50,000

The term cruïlla translates to crossroads in Spanish, reflecting this festival's diverse lineup that highlights local music, art, and even comedy performances. Taking place at Parc del Fòrum in Barcelona just a month after Primavera Sound, this year’s edition features Placebo, The Offspring, Sigur Ros, Alt-J, Franz Ferdinand, and more against the backdrop of the Catalonia coastline.