Sónar Istanbul is coming back for its tenth edition in 2026, and this milestone feels significant. Set in Turkey, where Europe and Asia literally meet, the festival has become one of the region’s key electronic music events. The dates are set: April 10-11, 2026, at Zorlu Performing Arts Center in Istanbul’s Beşiktaş district.

This isn’t just another electronic music festival. It’s the Turkish chapter of a global movement that started in Barcelona back in 1994. Sónar brings together creativity and technology, showcasing both legendary artists and fresh talent, always pushing what electronic music can be. In Istanbul, this takes on extra meaning. The city bridges continents, cultures, and musical traditions. Techno legends share stages with Istanbul’s underground heroes. Immersive installations challenge how you see and hear. Thousands gather to celebrate sound in all its forward-thinking forms.

Sónar Istanbul 2026 Line-up

The official line-up for Sónar Istanbul 2026 hasn’t been announced yet, which means electronic music fans are left waiting to see who’ll be commanding the decks this spring. But the festival’s track record tells you what to expect. Sónar Istanbul consistently delivers a carefully curated mix of international electronic icons alongside Turkey’s most innovative local talent, spanning everything from deep techno and experimental ambient to house, bass music, and beyond.

The 2025 edition set a high bar. The Chemical Brothers, Richie Hawtin (presenting his hardware-focused DEX EFX X0X show), and Jamie xx in his long-awaited Istanbul debut led a powerful lineup. Avant-garde pioneer Actress, German legends Modeselektor, Canadian live artist Marie Davidson, and a stellar roster of local heroes including BASHKKA, Evrim de Evrim b2b Ece Özel, and Gaia Ekho rounded out the bill. This balance between globally recognized names and homegrown talent has become Sónar Istanbul’s signature. The programming resonates both internationally and locally.

When the 2026 line-up drops, expect that same commitment to quality, diversity, and the perfect balance between dancefloor energy and sonic experimentation. Stay locked on the official Sónar Istanbul channels. Once those names are revealed, anticipation will shift into overdrive.

Where Is Sónar Istanbul 2026

Sónar Istanbul 2026 takes place at Zorlu Performing Arts Center (Zorlu PSM), located in the Beşiktaş district of Istanbul, Turkey. This state-of-the-art venue has become central to Istanbul’s contemporary cultural scene. It offers world-class acoustics, multiple interconnected spaces, and a modular design that transforms seamlessly from seated concert hall to full-throttle festival environment.

The complex features various stages that let you move fluidly between intimate performances and larger-scale productions. It creates a dynamic experience where genres and atmospheres shift with every step. The location itself is a major advantage. Zorlu PSM sits directly above a metro station and next to a modern shopping complex, making access and late-night logistics remarkably straightforward for a major city festival.

Whether you’re staying in Beşiktaş, across the Bosphorus on the Asian side, or in the historic neighborhoods of Beyoğlu, getting to and from the festival is efficient. Istanbul’s position straddling two continents, combined with its two international airports, makes Sónar Istanbul highly accessible for international visitors seeking to combine a world-class festival with exploration of one of the world’s most historically rich cities.

Reasons Not to Miss Sónar Istanbul 2026

A Decade of Electronic Excellence

Sónar Istanbul 2026 marks the festival’s tenth edition. That’s a decade of bringing cutting-edge electronic music to Turkey’s cultural capital. Since launching in 2017, the festival has welcomed hundreds of artists and tens of thousands of attendees, consistently proving that Istanbul deserves its place on the global electronic music map. This anniversary edition promises to honor that legacy while pushing forward into new sonic territories, which makes this year special for Turkey’s electronic music scene.

The Istanbul Advantage

Going to Sónar Istanbul gives you two festivals in one. There’s the music, obviously. But there’s also Istanbul itself.

Between sets, you can explore Byzantine churches, Ottoman palaces, and chaotic bazaars. The food alone is worth the trip. You can sip çay overlooking the Bosphorus, sample world-class cuisine from street vendors and Michelin-starred restaurants alike. Those Bosphorus sunsets hit different when you’re fresh from a techno set. The festival becomes an excuse to discover a city that always has something new to show you.

Curation That Respects Both Underground and Mainstream

Sónar has earned its reputation by refusing to compromise on programming quality. The festival doesn’t chase trending names just for ticket sales. Instead, it builds line-ups that honor electronic music’s underground roots while recognizing artists who’ve achieved broader recognition without sacrificing integrity.

This means you’ll witness established legends experimenting with new sounds, discover emerging producers before they break internationally, and experience Istanbul’s own electronic scene in all its depth. The balance between international headliners and local talent creates a musical dialogue that feels authentic rather than imposed.

Technology Meets Art: The Sónar+D Experience

Beyond the music, Sónar Istanbul incorporates the Sónar+D program, a platform dedicated to creativity, innovation, and technology. This includes immersive installations, audiovisual performances, workshops, panels, and talks exploring how creative technologies are shaping our present and future.

Recent editions have featured everything from XR experiences that let you see the world through non-human eyes to live coding workshops where participants create music through programming. It’s a reminder that Sónar isn’t just about dancing. It’s about engaging with the creative process itself, making the festival intellectually stimulating as well as physically exhilarating.

Intimate Scale, World-Class Production

Unlike massive multi-day camping festivals, Sónar Istanbul maintains a manageable, intimate scale. The two-day format and single-venue structure mean you won’t spend your festival experience hiking between distant stages or battling overwhelming crowds.

Instead, you’ll enjoy world-class production values: exceptional sound systems, sophisticated lighting, immersive visuals, all in spaces designed for optimal experience. The result is a festival that feels both significant and personal, where you can genuinely engage with the music rather than simply survive the logistics.

Sónar Istanbul 2026 Accommodation

Accommodation for Sónar Istanbul 2026 benefits from the festival’s urban setting in one of Europe’s most tourist-ready cities. Istanbul offers an enormous range of options across all budgets: luxury hotels with Bosphorus views, budget-friendly hostels in vibrant neighborhoods, boutique stays in converted Ottoman buildings, and modern apartments available through rental platforms.

The key is choosing a location that balances proximity to the venue, access to Istanbul’s attractions, and connection to the city’s excellent public transport network. Beşiktaş, where Zorlu PSM is located, offers the convenience of walking distance to the festival, along with a lively neighborhood atmosphere, waterfront cafés, and easy metro access. Beyoğlu (including Taksim, Karaköy, and Galata) provides Istanbul’s most concentrated nightlife, dining, and cultural scene, with direct metro connections to the venue.

Kadıköy on the Asian side offers a more local feel with excellent food and arts scenes, requiring a ferry crossing but providing an authentic Istanbul experience. Sultanahmet, while touristy, puts you within walking distance of Istanbul’s major historical sites. Book early, especially if the festival coincides with Istanbul’s peak tourist season. Prices and availability fluctuate significantly, and popular areas fill quickly. Consider that Istanbul is massive, so prioritize accommodation near metro lines (M2 runs directly to Zorlu PSM) rather than relying solely on distance measurements.

Sónar Istanbul 2026 Camping

Camping is not available for Sónar Istanbul 2026. As an urban festival held at a performing arts center in central Istanbul, the event operates as a two-day city festival with attendees staying in traditional accommodation throughout the city.

This format actually enhances the Sónar Istanbul experience. Rather than being confined to a festival campsite, you have the entire city at your disposal. Explore Istanbul’s legendary food scene between sets, visit historical sites during the day, experience the city’s rooftop bars and underground clubs after the festival ends for the night, and immerse yourself in one of the world’s most fascinating metropolises.

How to Get to Zorlu Performing Arts Center

Reaching Zorlu PSM for Sónar Istanbul 2026 is straightforward, thanks to Istanbul’s extensive public transport network and the venue’s central location.

• By Metro: The most convenient option. The M2 metro line stops at Gayrettepe station, which connects directly to Zorlu PSM via underground walkway. From most central Istanbul neighborhoods, you can reach Gayrettepe within 15-30 minutes. The metro runs frequently and operates late into the night, with extended hours during major events.
• By Bus: Multiple bus lines serve the Zorlu Center area. Check Istanbul’s public transport app (Mobiett) or Google Maps for routes from your specific location. Buses can be slower than metro due to traffic, but they’re useful if you’re staying in areas without direct metro access.
• By Taxi or Ride-sharing: Taxis are abundant throughout Istanbul, and ride-sharing apps like Uber and BiTaksi operate in the city. Give drivers the address «Zorlu Center, Beşiktaş» or simply «Zorlu PSM.» Be aware that Istanbul traffic can be heavy, particularly during rush hours, so allow extra time.
• By Ferry + Metro: If you’re staying on the Asian side or in areas served by Istanbul’s excellent ferry network, combining a Bosphorus crossing with metro access can be both practical and scenic. Ferries connect to neighborhoods like Beşiktaş and Karaköy, from where the metro is easily accessible.
• By Plane: Istanbul is served by Istanbul Airport (IST) on the European side and Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) on the Asian side. Both offer excellent connections to the city center. From Istanbul Airport, take the M11 metro line to Gayrettepe (requires one transfer at Kağıthane). From Sabiha Gökçen, airport buses (Havabus) run to Taksim, from where you can metro to Gayrettepe. Allow 60-90 minutes from either airport.

Pro tip: Get an Istanbulkart, a rechargeable transport card that works on metro, buses, trams, funiculars, and ferries. It’s significantly cheaper than single-use tokens and makes navigating the city seamless.

Tips for Attending Sónar Istanbul 2026

Maximize your Sónar Istanbul experience with these essential tips that blend festival wisdom with Istanbul-specific advice.

• Download a few essential apps before you go: Mobiett for public transport, BiTaksi for taxis, and make sure you’ve got offline Istanbul maps on Google. Trust me, you’ll need them when you’re trying to find your way home at 3 AM.
• Pace Yourself: Sónar Istanbul is intense, with multiple stages, back-to-back performances, and a city full of distractions. Don’t try to see everything. Choose your must-see acts, but leave room for discovery and rest. The festival typically runs from early evening into the early morning hours both nights.
• Stay Hydrated and Fueled: Electronic music festivals are physically demanding. Drink water regularly throughout the night. Zorlu PSM has food and drink available, but it’s urban pricing. Eat a proper meal before arriving, and keep snacks handy if you’re budget-conscious.
• Explore Beyond the Headliners: Some of Sónar Istanbul’s most memorable moments happen on smaller stages or during earlier slots. Arrive when doors open and explore the full program. You’ll discover artists before they break internationally and experience Istanbul’s local scene at its finest.
• Embrace Istanbul Culture: While the festival crowd is liberal and international, remember you’re in a predominantly Muslim city with different cultural norms than Western Europe. Dress codes at the festival are relaxed, but when exploring Istanbul during the day, particularly at religious sites, dress respectfully. Learn a few Turkish phrases: «merhaba» (hello), «teşekkür ederim» (thank you), and «ne kadar?» (how much?) go a long way.
• Plan Your Post-Festival Strategy: Have a clear plan for getting home each night. Screenshot your route, know which metro lines you need, and have backup options (saved taxi apps, hotel address in Turkish). Istanbul is safe, but it’s also massive. When you’re exhausted at 3 AM, even simple navigation can feel complicated.
• Extend Your Stay: If possible, arrive a day or two early and stay after. Istanbul rewards exploration: visit Hagia Sophia, wander the Grand Bazaar, cruise the Bosphorus, discover hidden neighborhoods, and sample authentic Turkish cuisine. Sónar Istanbul is an excellent anchor for a broader Istanbul adventure.

Previous Sónar Istanbul Editions

Since launching in 2017, Sónar Istanbul has established itself as a cornerstone of Turkey’s electronic music scene and a respected name on the international festival circuit. The festival has consistently delivered on its promise to showcase the intersection of music, creativity, and technology, welcoming impressive rosters of electronic music’s most respected names while maintaining strong support for Turkey’s homegrown talent.

Over nine editions, Sónar Istanbul has demonstrated that Istanbul isn’t just a historic tourist destination. It’s a vital, forward-thinking city with a sophisticated electronic music community that deserves world-class programming. The festival’s success lies in its refusal to compromise on curation quality, its commitment to the Sónar philosophy of innovation, and its ability to create an intimate yet significant festival experience. Rather than simply importing the Barcelona model, Sónar Istanbul has developed its own identity, one that reflects Istanbul’s unique cultural position and electronic music scene while maintaining the standards that make Sónar festivals globally respected.

Sónar Istanbul 2025 Line-up

The 2025 edition, which took place May 9-10, represented the festival’s ninth year and delivered one of its strongest line-ups to date. The programming was headlined by electronic music royalty: The Chemical Brothers brought their legendary three-decade career to bear in an explosive DJ set, while techno pioneer Richie Hawtin presented his hardware-intensive DEX EFX X0X live show, a return to the raw, modular roots of electronic sound. Jamie xx, one half of The xx and a Mercury Prize winner for his solo work, made his long-awaited Istanbul debut, bringing his signature blend of emotional depth and dancefloor sophistication.

The lineup extended deep into experimental and underground territory with Actress delivering his avant-garde sonic explorations, Modeselektor showcasing their genre-defying approach, and Marie Davidson bringing her powerful, confrontational live performance. International acts like Kettama b2b Special Request, Lorenzo Senni, Jersey, and rising stars Emerald and ¥ØU$UK€ ¥UK1MAT$U rounded out a diverse roster. Turkish talent was prominently featured, including underground house sensation BASHKKA, influential selectors Evrim de Evrim and Ece Özel in a back-to-back set, and Gaia Ekho debuting a new hybrid live show. The 2025 edition reaffirmed Sónar Istanbul’s commitment to programming that honors both electronic music’s history and its future.

Sónar Istanbul 2024 Line-up

The eighth edition, held May 10-11, 2024, continued the two-day format and delivered another exceptional program. Headliners included techno pioneer Adam Beyer, Iranian-Dutch artist Sevdaliza, German techno stalwart Marcel Dettmann in a live format, British brothers Overmono riding high on their acclaimed album release, Belgian legends 2ManyDJs going back-to-back with dance music icon Tiga, and genre-defying selector Joy Orbison.

Japanese visual artist and electronic composer Ryoji Ikeda brought his «Ultratronics» live set, while Berlin icons Ellen Allien and Nene H joined forces, and house innovators like Henrik Schwarz and Jan Blomqvist delivered their distinctive sounds. The 2024 edition’s programming allowed for deeper exploration, showcasing Sónar Istanbul’s continued growth and ambition.

Sónar Istanbul 2023 Line-up

The 2023 edition, taking place in spring 2023, featured another strong showing with headliner Fatboy Slim leading a diverse lineup that included South African house legend Black Coffee, Irish electronic duo Bicep with their captivating live show, British producer Jon Hopkins, Swedish techno veteran Adam Beyer, The Blessed Madonna with her eclectic, genre-spanning selections, German ambient producer Christian Löffler, and Danish producer Kölsch. The 2023 program demonstrated Sónar Istanbul’s ability to balance accessible, crowd-pleasing headliners with deeper, more experimental programming, ensuring there was something for electronic music fans across the spectrum.

Sónar Istanbul 2026 Spotify Playlist

Not available yet. Once the 2026 line-up is announced, Sónar typically creates official Spotify playlists featuring tracks from confirmed artists, giving festival-goers the perfect way to familiarize themselves with the program and get excited for the upcoming edition. Check the official Sónar Istanbul channels and Spotify in the months leading up to April for the playlist release.

Sónar Istanbul 2026 Tickets

Tickets for Sónar Istanbul 2026 haven’t been released yet, but they’ll become available through the official website once the line-up is announced and sales launch. Based on previous editions, expect several ticket options including two-day festival passes and potentially single-day tickets, with early bird pricing offering the most attractive rates for those who commit early.

Sónar Istanbul typically operates on a tiered pricing system where the earliest ticket releases are the most affordable, with prices increasing as the festival approaches and as each tier sells out. Given the festival’s reputation and the quality of programming it consistently delivers, tickets can move quickly once the line-up drops, especially for the early bird tiers. Sign up for the festival newsletter through the official website and follow Sónar Istanbul’s social media channels (Instagram: @sonaristanbul, Facebook, Twitter) to receive immediate notification when tickets go on sale. This ensures you won’t miss your chance to secure the best prices and be part of Sónar Istanbul’s landmark tenth edition, where a decade of electronic music excellence meets Istanbul’s unparalleled cultural energy.

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