Sónar Istanbul, 10th & 11th April 2026

Sónar Istanbul by Day offers a diverse mix of experimental performances, live concerts, ambient sounds, and dance-ready DJ sets. Sónar Istanbul by Night takes things into full club mode, transforming into a massive electronic playground featuring major artists, AV shows, and high-energy performances.

📅 WHEN: 10th & 11th April 2026

📍 LOCATION: Zorlu Performing Arts Center, Istanbul, Turkey

🎤 Sónar Istanbul Lineup

30×N ● anGy:he ● Apparat live ● arman akıncı & eren eren present memoire affective ● CEM b2b SALOME ● Charlotte de Witte ● Cora Novoa live AV ● Damla Tek ● Dirgen live AV ● Disco Tarantula ● Eric Prydz ● Filtered Presence. Atoraye and p0x0. ● Gazelle ● Gerd Janson ● Gizem b2b Volkan ● groove4lovers ● Gülnihal ● Halina Rice live ● Istanbul Modular Ensemble ● KARGA by Eyup Kuş: Wuthering Peace ● Keigo Yoshida ● Lady Starlight live ● Laurel Halo presents Midnight Zone (live score to the film by Julian Charrière) ● Liam Young presents New Planetary Imaginaries ● LOVEFOXY ● Marlò b2b Günce Acı ● Murathan Özbek & Serdar Ormancı ● Night Editor ● Novi_sad live ● Ögem Yılmaz ● Pleizel live ● Polo & Pan live ● sali chandler b2b bayram özcan ● Stef Mendesidis live ● superbebek ● Tonoptik ● Tuce Alba ● VIIA x Yonca Karaarslan live AV ● Zeynep Erbay

🎶 About the Festival

Sónar Istanbul: Music, Technology, and Innovation

Sónar Istanbul is a music and technology festival that has been taking place in Istanbul since 2017. Mark your calendars for April 10–11, 2026, when the festival returns to Zorlu PSM – the city’s leading performing arts center, which has hosted the event since its very beginning.

Originally, the festival started in Barcelona, where it celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2023. Over time, Sónar has expanded globally, with editions in cities such as Bogotá, Buenos Aires, Hong Kong, Reykjavik, and Istanbul.

Furthermore, the festival is divided into two main segments: Sónar by Day and Sónar by Night, each offering a distinct yet complementary experience.

Celebrating 10 Years in Istanbul

This year, Sónar Istanbul celebrates its 10th anniversary, and as a result, it promises an especially diverse and exciting lineup.

Among the headliners are Eric Prydz and Charlotte de Witte.

Eric Prydz, the Swedish DJ and producer, is widely known for his long, progressive sets that gradually build tension. In addition, he skillfully combines melody with emotional depth, creating a unique and immersive atmosphere.

Meanwhile, Charlotte de Witte delivers high-energy beats and hypnotic rhythms. Consequently, her powerful techno sets provide a striking contrast to Prydz’s intricate melodies, while still keeping the audience dancing non-stop.

Beyond these global names, the festival also features a wide range of local and experimental artists. Notably, performers from Europe, Asia, and beyond contribute to a rich and diverse musical spectrum. At the same time, Sónar Istanbul places a strong emphasis on Turkey’s local music scene, ensuring a balanced and culturally relevant lineup.

A Multi-Sensory Audio-Visual Experience

Importantly, Sónar Istanbul is not just about music – it is a fully immersive audio-visual experience.

Here, sound interacts seamlessly with projections, lighting effects, and animations. As a result, each performance becomes a multi-layered spectacle. From techno and house to experimental modular synthesizer sets, the festival encourages audiences to explore sounds that are rarely heard on mainstream stages or radio.

Moreover, the event is designed as a collective experience, where music fosters connection and community. In this way, attendees embark on a multi-dimensional journey that goes far beyond a typical festival setting.

What Sets Sónar Istanbul Apart

Unlike many mainstream festivals, Sónar Istanbul focuses on experimental creators who challenge conventional DJ set structures. Instead of predictable drops and formulaic builds, the festival embraces innovation by blending sound, visuals, and technology.

This philosophy is further embodied in Sónar +D, a dedicated platform that extends the experience beyond music.

It includes:

Talks and lectures
Live performances
Exploration of digital culture and innovation
Interaction between artists, developers, and the audience

Ultimately, Sónar Istanbul is more than just a festival. Rather, it is a platform for creativity, innovation, and immersive cultural experiences – offering both inspiration and engagement alongside exceptional music.

🗺️ How to Get There

Who Attends Sónar Istanbul?

Sónar Istanbul attracts a truly international crowd.

Global reach: Visitors from the USA and across Asia
Mostly local: Majority come from Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir
Top international groups: Germany, UK, Netherlands, France
Regional crowd: Balkans, Greece, and the Middle East

In short: a strong local base with a diverse international mix.

The festival takes place at Zorlu PSM, located inside the modern Zorlu Center complex, which is well connected and easy to reach.

From Istanbul Airport

Metro (M11 with transfer): the most budget-friendly option
Taxi: approximately 30–45 minutes, depending on traffic

Metro (Best Option)

Line: M2 (Green Line)
Stop: Gayrettepe
Walk: approximately 5 minutes

This is the fastest, simplest, and most recommended route.

Bus

Multiple lines stop at Zorlu Center/Zincirlikuyu
Slightly less convenient than the metro, but still reliable

Taxi/Uber

Widely available
Ideal late at night after the event
Useful for avoiding crowded public transport

On Foot

If you are staying in Beşiktaş, Şişli, or Levent, you can also walk to the venue. The walk takes approximately 15-30 minutes, depending on your exact location.

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