BIME Bilbao 2026 – Music Industry Showcase Festival in Bilbao

Welcome to the BIME 2026 in Bilbao

BIME 2026 takes place from 27 to 30 October in Bilbao, turning Palacio Euskalduna into the main meeting point for the Ibero-American music industry. The 14th edition pairs the BIME Pro conference with BIME Live, a city-wide showcase circuit. Labels, publishers, promoters, tech firms and emerging artists from Europe and Latin America gather to do business, discover new repertoire and debate where the sector is heading.

Highlights & Attractions at BIME in Bilbao

• BIME Pro at Palacio Euskalduna: conferences, workshops, speedmeetings and an expo floor for music and creative-industry professionals.
• BIME Live: around 65 free-access showcase concerts in clubs and halls across Bilbao, with priority entry for pass holders (subject to capacity).
• A dedicated Europe–Latin America bridge, with delegates, export offices and artists from dozens of countries focused on the Ibero-American market.
• Electronic, indie, pop, urban and experimental sets – confirmed names include Zahara presenting ZAHARAVE: LITE, plus TIMØ, Tussiwarriors and many emerging acts.
• AUPA! Awards on 29 October at 12:15 at Euskalduna, staged as part of the official daytime programme.
• New programme strands such as Orillas (projects beyond major urban centres), El Pitch Perfecto (sync for film, series, ads and games) and Latido Transatlántico.
• The BIME app and year-round digital platform for networking, schedules and on-demand content beyond the four days in Bilbao.

Program & Schedule: What to Expect in 2026

BIME Pro runs Tuesday to Thursday (27–29 October) in daytime hours at Palacio Euskalduna. Doors open around 08:30 and the professional programme starts at 09:00. Confirmed voices include Jorge Drexler, Ángeles Toledano, Rocío Márquez and Raül Refree, alongside contributions from tech and games (including speakers linked to Google and Activision). Expect keynotes and panels on streaming, live business, AI and sync, plus speedmeetings, pitch sessions and networking receptions. The full timetable is published on bime.org and may still grow before the event.

BIME Live takes over the evenings from 27 to 30 October: short showcases (often about 40 minutes) in venues around the city. Pass holders get priority while space lasts; many concerts remain free for the public, so queues form early for popular slots. The bill features emerging artists from Spain, Latin America and Europe, with more names still being added. On 29 October the AUPA! Awards are locked into the daytime schedule. Always check bime.org for the latest stage times and room list.

Tickets & Admission for BIME Bilbao

The conference is ticketed; many BIME Live showcases in the city are free, but accredited visitors go in first. Current official prices: Campus Pass (students or under 28) from 79.50 euros, day pass 129 euros (27, 28 or 29 October), General Pass 159 euros for the full Pro experience including speedmeetings, cocktails and the expo. The individual Experiential package is 450 euros (private industry session, welcome pack and extras such as Chartmetric access); 3- and 5-person group packs cost more. Tickets are named (one pass per person and email) and the event is 18+. Five euros from each ticket go to humanitarian aid. Buy only at bime.org/en/tickets and reconfirm prices before you pay, as rates can change.

Visitor Tips: Travel & Accommodation in Bilbao

• Fly into Bilbao Airport (BIO), about 20–30 minutes from the centre. Palacio Euskalduna is served by metro (San Mamés) and tram (Euskalduna stop); a Barik card is the cheapest way to use metro, tram and bus.
• Late October in Bilbao is mild and often wet (roughly 12–18 °C by day). Pack layers, comfortable shoes and a rain jacket – you will walk between evening showcase venues.
• Hotels around Abandoibarra, Indautxu and the Guggenheim sell out during BIME. Book early and stay within walking or tram distance of Euskalduna; Casco Viejo works well if you want pintxos and clubs at night.
• Passes are personal: bring photo ID, install the official app and book speedmeeting slots as soon as they open. Business-casual is the norm for BIME Pro; city showcases are more informal.
• Leave time for the estuary, the Guggenheim and pintxo bars between sessions. Popular showcase rooms fill fast – if you attend BIME Live without a pass, arrive well before doors. Use bime.org for official updates only.