A year full of music festivals in Gijón

Gijón, not only stands out for its natural landscapes and cultural heritage, but also for its intimate relationship with music. From consolidated festivals to more alternative events, the city has managed to position itself as a musical epicenter not only in Asturias, but nationally, attracting thousands of visitors each year who seek to enjoy the different musical events that take place in the city.

 

World-class artists such as Bruce Springsteen, Dire Straits, Tina Turner or the Rolling Stones themselves chose the city to give, in some cases, their only concerts in Spain on their international tours, which placed Gijón on the map of the great world tours, and subsequently music festivals have taken up the baton with their new formats.

 

In addition, Gijón’s musical history is deeply rooted in its cultural tradition, which has made it a platform for a wide range of musical genres, from rock and pop to jazz, classical and electronic music. This musical diversity is reflected in the many festivals that take place in the city, offering residents and tourists a program for all tastes and ages.

In EnjoyGijón we present some of the main festivals that will be held throughout the year in our city.

GIJON SOUND FESTIVAL (SPRING)

 

The Gijón Sound Festival is one of the most outstanding events in the city. It is held every spring and has gained great popularity in recent years. This festival is committed to musical diversity, bringing together local artists as well as national and international bands from genres such as indie, alternative rock, electronic,…

 

One of the most outstanding features of this festival is its ability to integrate Gijón into its proposal, since the concerts are held in various parts of the city, such as theaters, squares and bars, allowing attendees to discover both the music and the urban heritage of Gijón.

 

The festival also features parallel activities, such as exhibitions and talks, making it a comprehensive cultural experience.

METROPOLI GIJON (SUMMER)

 

The Metrópoli Gijón Festival is one of the most outstanding events of the summer in the Asturian city. Held at the Luis Adaro Fairgrounds, this festival offers a unique experience that combines music, entertainment, technology, pop culture and activities for the whole family. Its multidisciplinary proposal has positioned it as a reference among urban festivals in Spain, attracting thousands of visitors every year.

 

What makes Metrópoli Gijón special is its diversity of content. This festival is structured as a city within the city, with a program that includes concerts by national and international artists, thematic exhibitions (such as comics, cinema and video games), creative workshops, humor shows and areas dedicated to gastronomy. It is an event suitable for all ages, which makes it an ideal option for those looking for family entertainment or for pop culture lovers.

 

Music is one of the main protagonists of the festival, with a lineup that includes performances by some of the most outstanding artists of the national and international scene. From pop and rock to electronic music and the most alternative proposals, Metrópoli offers concerts for all tastes. In addition to the big concerts, the festival also hosts comedy shows, theatrical performances and other live performances, guaranteeing entertainment for all types of audiences.

 

Metrópoli Gijón is also a meeting point for fans of geek culture and new technologies. Events such as comic fairs, film, series and video game exhibitions, as well as cosplay contests and interactive areas where attendees can enjoy virtual reality and other technological innovations are held during the festival. This approach makes it an ideal space for those looking to immerse themselves in the latest trends in entertainment and technology.

TSUNAMI XIXÓN (SUMMER)

 

Another essential festival in the musical agenda of Gijón is the Tsunami Xixón. This event, which takes place during the summer, has managed to capture the attention of punk rock, hardcore and metal lovers. Since its creation in 2017, the festival has grown exponentially, attracting renowned international bands and a large number of followers of these musical genres.

 

The main concerts are usually held in the Parque de los Hermanos Castro, next to the Luis Adaro Fairgrounds, although in previous editions it was held in other outdoor spaces, such as the Plaza Mayor, offering a vibrant and energetic atmosphere. In addition, Tsunami Xixón is characterized by its inclusive and family atmosphere, with activities for all ages, making it a festival suitable for both young and old.

GIJON LIFE (SUMMER)

 

The Gijón LIFE is one of the most outstanding summer festivals in the city of Gijón, offering an unforgettable musical experience in an incomparable setting. This event, held outdoors at theCastro brothers’ venue, has gained popularity in recent years, attracting both residents and tourists looking to enjoy great concerts in the middle of the summer season.

 

Gijón LIFE has established itself as one of the most anticipated festivals in northern Spain, thanks to its lineup of renowned artists both nationally and internationally. Throughout the different editions, great figures of pop, rock, indie and other genres have passed through its stage, making it an unmissable event for lovers of live music.

 

With only a few editions behind it, its stage has hosted concerts of important national and international artists: Robe, Estopa, Scorpions or Melendi, Maná, Dani Martín,… Before and after each concert, you can enjoy the food trucks that you will find in the enclosure. Undoubtedly, a combination of a good program, on the shore of San Lorenzo Beach, taking advantage of one of the best times of the year for such events, summer, where Gijón vibrates every week with its many activities.

L.E.V. Festival (SPRING)

 

The L.E.V. Festival (Laboratory of Visual Electronics) is one of the most innovative and avant-garde events held in Asturias and we would almost say in the North of Spain, undoubtedly a reference in the field of electronic music and visual arts. This festival, which takes place every year in different spaces of the city, combines the best of contemporary audiovisual creation with advanced electronic music proposals, offering a unique experience for attendees.

 

The L.E.V. Festival stands out for its ability to unite the most experimental electronic music with the digital arts, creating an immersive atmosphere that attracts both internationally renowned artists and an audience eager for new experiences. Festival-goers can enjoy live performances, visual installations, audiovisual performances and other creative projects that explore the boundaries between sound and image.

 

One of the hallmarks of L.E.V. is its commitment to innovation, with proposals that integrate technology and art in a surprising way, transporting attendees to a futuristic universe full of sensations. The L.E.V. Festival is held mainly at the Laboral Centro de Arte venue and other locations in the city, all of them spaces that provide a special and unique atmosphere to the performances. The city becomes the perfect backdrop for this festival, merging its cultural richness with technology and contemporary art.

 

The L.E.V. Festival is not only an event for electronic music fans, but also a meeting point for those passionate about visual arts, experimental cinema and new technologies. During the festival, Gijón is transformed into a creative laboratory where the latest trends in digital art and music come together. If you are a lover of experimental music, technology and digital art, you cannot miss the L.E.V. Festival in Gijón, an event that will immerse you in a world of creativity and new sensations in one of the most interesting destinations in northern Spain.

GIJON BIG WEEK (SUMMER)

 

The Semana Grande de Gijón is another of the most awaited events of the year. Although it is not an exclusively musical festival, music plays a crucial role in this celebration that takes place every August. For more than a week, Gijón comes alive with a varied cultural and musical program, including free outdoor concerts in the Plaza Mayor and in recent years in the esplanade of the Aquarium, along with other emblematic points of the city.

 

Artists of various genres, from pop and rock to traditional Asturian music, perform as part of this festival, which also includes fireworks shows, activities for children and fairs. The Semana Grande is a clear example of how music becomes a tool for social cohesion and collective enjoyment in Gijón.

YE YÉ FESTIVAL (SUMMER)

 

The Ye-Yé Festival is one of Gijón’s most endearing and vibrant celebrations, dedicated to reviving the essence of the 60s and 70s, a golden era for music and pop culture in Spain. This event, which takes place every summer, attracts retro fans and nostalgics looking to enjoy a festive atmosphere full of music, fashion and good vibes, transporting them back to the era of the ye-ye movement.

 

Undoubtedly the festival Ye-Yé or EuroYeYé, a festival with 27 editions behind it, is already a reference of the music scene in Spain, the most authentic Mod & 60’s weekender in Europe and the dean of the Asturian underground festivals where mods and followers of the aesthetics and (sub) cultures of the 60’s, with their lambrettas, sideburns, gogo boots and shirts buttoned up to the neck live the city and the music in a unique and different way.

The heart of the Ye-Yé Festival is music. For several days, Gijón is filled with live performances that pay tribute to the greatest hits of the 60s and 70s, both nationally and internationally. Groups and artists that stand out for their interpretation of rock, pop and beat of the era liven up the atmosphere, with versions of iconic songs that made a whole generation dance. The performances usually take place in emblematic spaces of the city, allowing attendees to enjoy the concerts in a privileged environment facing the sea. This fusion of music and coastal location makes the Ye-Yé Festival a unique experience, where fun and nostalgia blend seamlessly.

 

In addition to the music, the Ye-Yé Festival also offers a window into the fashion and aesthetics of the 60s and 70s. During the event, it is common to see attendees sporting clothing inspired by that era, with miniskirts, high boots, psychedelic prints and voluminous hairstyles, recreating the iconic style of the ye-ye movement. The retro atmosphere is complemented by vintage markets, exhibitions and themed activities that celebrate the pop culture of those years, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the 60s.

Gijón’s relationship with music goes beyond its festivals. Throughout the year, the city offers a rich musical program in its numerous theaters, auditoriums and concert halls. Venues such as the Teatro Jovellanos or the Laboral Ciudad de la Cultura host musical shows of all kinds, from opera and zarzuela to pop and rock concerts.

  • Black Week (summer)

  • Arcu Atlántico (summer)

  • Nights at the Botanical Gardens (summer)

  • Jovellanos Theater (all year round)

  • Laboral City of Culture Theater (all year round)

 

This musical offer, added to the hospitality of its inhabitants and its rich gastronomy, makes Gijón an ideal destination for music lovers looking for an authentic and diverse experience. Without a doubt, the city continues to prove that music is an essential part of its soul, and yet another reason to visit again and again.