While Sonar Festival is the main event, Off Sonar (or Off Barcelona) is the unofficial, parallel party scene that takes over Barcelona during the same week (usually mid-June). It features club nights, pop-up events, secret shows, and label takeovers, making it a must-experience for electronic music fans.
What is Off Sonar?
- Independent parties & label showcases – Many artists playing at Sonar also perform at Off Sonar events, often in more intimate venues.
- Extended nightlife – While Sonar’s official program ends around 6 AM, Off Sonar parties often go until midday or later.
- Underground & mainstream mix – From warehouse raves to high-profile DJ sets in clubs like Razzmatazz, Nitsa, INPUT, or Pacha.
- More affordable (sometimes free) – Unlike Sonar’s ticketed events, some Off Sonar parties are cheaper or even free with RSVP.
Key Differences from Sonar Festival
| Feature | Sonar Festival | Off Sonar |
|---|---|---|
| Organization | Official, curated by Sonar | Independent, hosted by clubs/promoters |
| Venues | Fira Montjuïc (Day) / Fira Gran Via (Night) | Clubs, warehouses, rooftops, beaches |
| Music | Big-name headliners + avant-garde acts | More underground, extended DJ sets |
| Tickets | Expensive (€100-€200+) | Cheaper (€10-€50) or free |
| Schedule | Ends around 6 AM | Goes until 12 PM+ (afterparties) |
Popular Off Sonar Events & Venues
- Brunch -In the Park / -Electronic (Open-air day parties with big DJs)
- Elrow Off Sonar (Crazy techno/house parties with theatrical production)
- Circoloco at Poble (Ibiza’s legendary party brand in Barcelona)
- Boiler Room x Off Sonar (Secret warehouse sets, often free)
- Apolo & Razzmatazz takeovers (All-night club marathons)
- Beach parties at W Hotel or CDLC (Sunset sessions by the sea)
Why Does Off Sonar Exist?
- Sonar’s strict capacity limits – Many artists play both Sonar and Off Sonar to reach more fans.
- Barcelona’s nightlife culture – The city thrives on late-night partying, and Off Sonar fills the gaps.
- Business for clubs & promoters – It’s a peak week for venues, attracting international crowds.
Tips for Off Sonar
✔ Plan ahead – Some events sell out fast.
✔ Follow collectives (e.g., HYTE, Drumcode, Diynamic for label nights).
✔ Day parties are gold – Recovery time is key!
Would you like a day-by-day guide or artist recommendations for Off Sonar?