The best moments of your life are waiting for you
This festival summer begins in a different way, because the SOS 4.8 stops being celebrated for the first time in nine years (this was to be his tenth birthday). It is no longer in charge of giving the starting signal, as it used to, but instead (fear not), Murcia is reinventing itself with ** WAM , a festival of music, culture and urban leisure** that promises to be a solid alternative. However, the rhythm does not stop (does not stop, no), because already in April, Villarrobledo will vibrate with rock most anticipated of the year… and so on until almost September.
ROCK VINEYARD (Villarrobledo, Albacete)
Days : April 28, 29 and 30
Artists: Sociedad Alkohólika, The Toy Dolls, Talco, La Pegatina, Amparanoia, Mägo de Oz…
Price: 62.50 euros (three-day pass)
Description: It is not only the first, but also one of the most important in the country. It is very special both for its location (a small town in Albacete) and for the style of music it represents, rock and miscegenation. It is being held this year for the 22nd time, and has more than 100 artists who will be spread over up to six stages.
WHY GO:
- To begin with, Villarrobledo is that place you probably wouldn't go if it weren't for the festival, which fills it with people every year. And, hey, know a little more about the country it's not bad at all.
- In addition, it is an area of La Mancha dedicated to the cultivation of vineyards and wine tourism … Quick translation: wine, wine and more wine.
- Stay in the area it will be cheap and you can easily get there by road ; It is located just 200 kilometers from Madrid.
- As if all this were not enough, on the first day, the festival organizes a welcome party (this year in the same venue), in what is the perfect set-up for three days of authentic rock.
INTERSTELLAR (Seville)
Days: May 19 and 20
Artists: Los Planetas, Distemper, Love of Lesbian, Fangoria, Sidonie, Second, León Benavente…
Price: 26 euros full subscription and 40 euros if you prefer VIP
Description: This young festival joined the calendar last year in October but, after having to suspend part of its concerts due to the weather, they have taken the lead and celebrate their second edition at the beginning of summer. Their goal is to position themselves as one of the best exponents of indie… and, judging by their poster, they are on their way to achieving it.
WHY GO:
- Because ** Seville is always a good option .** Above all, if it is still May and the extreme heat has not yet arrived.
- Because, although the poster seems to predict the opposite, the subscription price is very affordable. In addition, it is a two-day festival, which you can enjoy on a common weekend.
- It is still its second edition, so attending guarantees you be part of something new , something that begins. Above all, considering that it will be the first time that it will be held from start to finish.
SPRING SOUND (Barcelona)
Days: From May 31 to June 4
Artists: Arcade Fire, Bon Iver, Frank Ocean, The XX, Van Morrison...
Price: Subscriptions are sold out. Tickets for June 1 and 2 cost 80 euros each.
Description: It's modern, underground -not indie- and, of course, hipster (but you know, the ones with beards and plaid shirts, not the San Francisco beat). It offers concerts that will become the best of your life, and that you can only see here.
WHY GO:
- Because it is in Barcelona, and it is a perfect opportunity to squeeze this city that we love .
- It is the unavoidable appointment, the inexcusable event, the weekend in which you have to be to dance, sing and enjoy that Mediterranean freshness of the Parc del Forum
- Because if you learn its poster, you will know what you must rescue from the trunk of memories and what will be heard for decades to come.
- For its many e interesting parallel activities ( many take place before the festival itself, extending the party) and its area for the little ones.
DREAM (Barcelona)
Days: June 15, 16 and 17
Artists: Justice, Nicolas Jaar, Moderat, Eric Pryde, De La Soul, Cerrone…
Price: 125 euros for two nights ticket (180 if VIP), or 180 euros for the full subscription (270 if you prefer VIP)
Description: More than 115,000 visitors of various nationalities closed its last edition, making it the most international festival in the country. This year, more than 150 shows of advanced, experimental and risky projects, coming from all over the world, will take place on its stages.
WHY GO:
- Because you won't have to choose or look for complementary activities for the day: there is Sónar by day and Sónar by night.
- In addition, last year ** Sónar+D ** was created, a day added to its calendar (prior to the festival) that offers exclusive sessions for professionals specialized in digital culture and creative technologies.
- Its price is high, but you will see live some of the best international artists This year will not only bring Hans Zimmer (one of the best soundtrack creators), but it will also feature a new stage focused on the most underground sounds.
- It's the festival more intercultural of the Spanish territory: in its last edition, it was visited by people from more than ten different countries.
BBK LIVE (Bilbao)
Days : July 6, 7 and 8
Artists: Depeche Mode, The Killers, Die Antwoord, Justice, Phoenix, Two Door Cinema Club…
Price: 115 euros the subscription of the three days
Description: It is its 12th edition and it is being held again in Kobetamendi, a venue in an elevated area just ten minutes from the city center, which offers spectacular views. This year they have stiff competition for the chosen dates (you will see it below), but they are betting heavily on their headliners (whose design, by the way, is the work of Ricardo Cavolo, a top artist).
WHY GO:
- For Bilbao. For its pintxos and its txakoli. And because the great atmosphere it will have when the concerts end will meet all your expectations.
- Because precisely there, even if it is July, It will be cool at night. And yes, when you jump and dance in the crowd, it is appreciated.
- Pay attention to its special editions: a month before (June 2 and 3) the BBK Music Legends , the second edition of a festival of authentic legends like Van Morrison or Alpha Blondy.
- In addition, if during the day you are looking for an alternative activity -and that you may not have expected from the north- you can go to the getxo beaches (there, more txakoli and more pintxos, of course) .
mad cool (Madrid)
Days: July 6, 7 and 8
Artists: Foo Fighters, Green Day, Kings of Leon, Alt-J, Belle and Sebastian, Wilco, The Lumineers…
Price: 69 euros for a day ticket; 150 euros the full subscription
Description: It moves from the month of June (in which it held its first edition in 2016) to July to compete directly with one of the most important on the national scene, the BBK. On that occasion, it was a complete success and, after the fame and reputation that it has gained during the year, it seems that it is going to achieve the same: all the full subscriptions (including the VIP ones) and the tickets for the day have already been sold out. 6.
WHY GO:
- The first, because it is in Madrid . Either you are already in the city, or it catches you in the center of everything. Well connected and with a 100% insured environment even in summer.
- Because it is a 360º experience: in addition to live music and top-level national and international artists, they organize cultural activities during the day.
- It will take place, like last year, at the Magic Box, an almost unbeatable environment, with up to five stages (some covered and others outdoors) and leisure and rest areas.
- Because they bet on the new talents, and this year they have invited several from the national scene (who have reached their poster by contest). Among them, The Amsterdammers, Veintiuno or Paracusia.
** F.I.B. ** (Benicasim, Castellon)
Days: July 13, 14, 15 and 16
Artists: Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Weeknd, Kasabian, Chrystal Fighters, Love of Lesbian…
Price : 149 euros (or 300 if you prefer the VIP subscription)
Description: It is already one of the most popular summer festivals in Europe, and this year it is moving forward with its 22nd edition. In addition, in 2017 it boasts of having one of the groups with the most spectacular live shows on the planet, the Red Hot.
WHY GO:
- It's one of the events more open and unpredictable In terms of musical styles and themes: the variety of its lineup means that it has fans of all tastes.
- The place is perfect for combine the musical plan with the beach plan which is sought in the summer months. And it's also one of the longest festivals (four days!) and it's really hot, so you can show off your festival look... and also your beach attire.
- Its poster, so international and varied, makes it one of the most cosmopolitan festivals: they say that there are more foreigners than Spaniards . And that, on vacation and in a matter of enjoying… is always a point in favor.
LOW FESTIVAL (Benidorm, Alicante)
Days: July 28, 29 and 30
Artists: Pixies, Franz Ferdinand, Mando Diao, Nada Surf, Lori Meyers, Sidonie…
Price: 65 euros for the normal season ticket (110 if it's VIP), and 155 euros if you choose the VIP POOL (we'll explain the 'pool' thing below)
Description: More than 70 artists will meet in its 9th edition, which is being held in the city's Sports City, a comfortable, clean and green venue that is the envy of any festival.
WHY GO:
- Because it's **Benidorm.** I mean, one of the first places you'd think of if you wanted a weekend of endless partying.
- By the beach. And also by the pool. As we anticipated, your special season ticket gives you access to a VIP pool that the festival itself prepares for its visitors. The most of the most.
- This is one of the festivals cheaper (less than half the cost for the same days of concerts).
- And because, if what you have is music and a festival atmosphere, the party starts the day before with its free opening day : national and international bands playing on the beach: could you ask for more?
ARENAL SOUND (Burriana, Castellon)
Days: August 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 (six days, yes)
Artists: Martin Garrix, Bastille, Clean Bandit, Icona Pop, Lori Meyers, Kase.O…
Price: 75 euros (or 105, if you prefer the VIP subscription)
Description: Last year it held its most massive edition, with more than 300,000 attendees, and this, its 8th, promises to once again be the most massive of the summer.
WHY GO:
- because it comes Martin garrix. It is his strongest bet, and he promises to make all of Burriana dance.
- It is, again, one of the options cheaper (very cheap) to spend a vacation ten: up to six days spending very little.
- And because, after having suffered some problems in recent years due to inclement weather, they have shown to have recovered very well, and are once again celebrating their beach concerts, where we like the most.
DREAMBEACH VILLARICOS (Almeria)
Days: August 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 (no less than six, again)
Artists: David Guetta, Loco Dice, Project One, Don Diablo…
Price: between 60 and 80 euros (or between 112 and 132 euros if you want a VIP subscription)
Description: Endless electronic music. It is the strong point of this festival that turns Villaricos beach into the party capital of the world.
WHY GO:
- It is their 5th anniversary and they are going to celebrate it in style: they have prepared a spectacular stage production throughout the enclosure that will leave visitors amazed.
- There are six days that culminate with the august punch (the 15th is a national holiday) and that promise much more than a weekend of electronic music.
- Because it is, too, of the cheapest. You will spend little on the season ticket, little on accommodation and little on food… and besides, you will eat very well.
RIBERA SONORAMA (Aranda de Duero, Burgos)
Days: August 10, 11, 12 and 13
Artists: Amaral, Santiago Auserón and Sexy Sadie, Anni B Sweet, Coque Malla, Delafé, Dorian, Leiva…
Price: 55 euros
Description: From celebration to celebration, because this festival, famous for uniting the most indie pop with the one your mother used to listen to, is also celebrating its 20th anniversary in style
WHY GO:
- Because it is his birthday party and he has decided to turn it into a tribute to Spanish music. The best, all together (yes sir!)
- Because it's in Aranda del Duero, and you don't eat well there; ** you eat very well **. Did someone say lamb?
- They ensure the good languages that the whole town turns into a festival during the four days of its duration (the stage occupies the main square!)
- By complementary activities to the concerts , which are wonderfully atypical: short film festival, visit and lunch at a winery, tasting courses, programming workshops for children...
ROTOTOM SUNPLASH (Benicassim, Castellon)
Days: August 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19 (if the six seemed few to you, here are eight)
Artists: Youssou Ndour, Gentleman & KY-Mani Marley, Steel Pulse, Black Roots, African Head Charge…
Price: from 33 euros for one day, up to 170 euros for all eight
Description : It's its 24th edition and it's still going strong. More than 250,000 people from 75 different countries gathered at its last event and, this year, Rototom continues to be the largest reggae festival in Europe.
WHY GO:
- By its own description: It's the Europe's biggest reggae festival !
- Because the beaches of the Mediterranean are just the icing on the cake to a very complete program of concerts, talks, workshops, gastronomic experiences and activities for children and adults.
- Because this year, the festival is dedicated to Africa and its ancestral culture.
- Because, if the eight days of vacation on the Levante coast seemed little to you, its nine thematic areas make it a multicultural, ecological, supportive and much more than fun festival. The hard part would be finding reasons not to go!