
Sónar Lisboa is the Lisbon edition of the internationally renowned Sónar Festival, which originated in Barcelona, Spain, in 1994. The festival made its debut in Lisbon in 2013, bringing the cutting-edge combination of music, creativity, and technology to Portugal. Sónar Lisboa is known for its focus on electronic music, experimental sounds and digital arts, attracting a forward-thinking crowd of music enthusiasts, artists and industry professionals.
The festival’s programming is eclectic and diverse, with a primary emphasis on electronic genres such as techno, house, drum and bass and ambient music, as well as experimental, avant-garde, and electro-pop sounds. Over the years, Sónar Lisboa has showcased high-profile acts from the world of dance music, hip hop, and underground music, with performances by artists like Richie Hawtin, Laurent Garnier, Jorja Smith, and Four Tet. The festival’s lineup often features both established DJs and producers, as well as emerging talent, creating a space for innovation and new musical discoveries.
The crowd at Sónar Lisboa is generally young, vibrant, and diverse, made up of local music fans, international visitors, and those from the creative industries, including artists, designers, and technologists. The festival is held in unique venues that often blend traditional settings with modern installations, offering an immersive experience for attendees. Visual art, projection mapping, and interactive installations play a big role in the festival’s atmosphere, bridging the gap between music and digital creativity.
Sónar Lisboa has become an essential event for lovers of electronic music, technology, and the arts, offering an unforgettable, forward-thinking cultural experience in the heart of Lisbon.

Pavilhão Carlos Lopes is a historic and iconic venue located in Eduardo VII Park in the heart of Lisbon, Portugal. Originally built for the 1922 International Exhibition (also known as the Portuguese World Exhibition), it was designed by architect Santiago Llorente and constructed in a grand, neo-classical style. The pavilion was initially intended to serve as a major exhibition space for international showcases, marking a key moment in Portugal’s cultural and architectural development in the early 20th century.
Named after Carlos Lopes, a prominent figure in Lisbon’s cultural and artistic circles, the venue has played an important role in hosting a wide variety of events throughout its history. The building is particularly notable for its large, sweeping structure and distinctive architecture, including its beautiful metal framework and elegant details. Originally a temporary structure, it was made permanent due to its success and popularity, becoming a central part of Lisbon’s event landscape.
Over the years, the Pavilhão Carlos Lopes has been used for many different purposes, including cultural exhibitions, concerts, trade fairs, and sporting events. It is especially known for hosting large-scale international events and cultural festivals, including art exhibitions, music festivals, and conventions.
After undergoing significant renovations between 2015 and 2017, the pavilion reopened with modern facilities while retaining its historic charm. Its location in Eduardo VII Park, a major green space in Lisbon, offers a scenic environment with views over the city and the park itself. Today, Pavilhão Carlos Lopes is a symbol of Lisbon’s historical heritage and an important cultural venue for the city, hosting both international and local events year-round.






