We Celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Bilbao BBK Live with the 8th Edition of Hirian and the Premiere of Mendian

Following the announcement of Herrian, which will take place on May 30th, Bilbao BBK Live continues to celebrate its 20th anniversary with two initiatives open to the public. These events reinforce our commitment to bringing culture to new spaces and continuing to build community through music.

As part of this very special celebration, we are launching these two free-access experiences that expand the festival’s universe beyond its conventional dates. Our goal is to transform various corners of Bilbao into meeting points for coexistence and shared creation, bringing the festival experience into the daily life of our neighborhoods and natural environments.

On June 6th, we will fill the streets of Bilbao with music once again for Hirian. And for the very first time, we will premiere Mendian on June 7th in Kobetamendi—a new outdoor cultural experience designed for families to enjoy in connection with nature.

Hirian Will Bring Music and Culture to the Streets of Zorrotza

The eighth edition of Hirian arrives on June 6th with a brand-new meeting point. The Zorrotza neighborhood will become the stage where grassroots music and neighborhood identity take absolute center stage. Across four stages (the square next to the station, the frontón, Parque del Ferial, and la Cancha), around 20 artists will offer a diverse lineup for everyone.

From the timeless indie sounds of Australian Blonde to the fresh styles of Samantha Hudson, Marwán, or Juantxo Skalari & La Rude Band, the lineup proudly champions diversity. Additionally, we will feature a dedicated space for DJ sessions with Bihotza, Inés Hernand, Daniless, and Amaia Yaniz.

With Hirian, we continue our commitment to taking music out of traditional venues, bringing it closer to the daily life of local neighborhoods, and creating open, diverse, and accessible meeting spaces for all.

Mendian: A New Way to Experience Culture in Kobetamendi

One of the major highlights of this anniversary arrives on June 7th with the premiere of Mendian. From 12:00 PM to 9:30 PM, the mountain will be transformed into a space for sharing music, comedy, and nature during a free, family-friendly day.

The day will kick off with Kobetamendi Irteera, an invitation to rediscover the mountain through walking and active listening, and will unfold across three themed areas:

• Zaborra (Creativity Against Exclusion): This space will merge music and sustainability, featuring instruments crafted from recycled materials. A key highlight will be the Cateura Recycled Orchestra, a Paraguayan group that fights social vulnerability through art. Alongside them, international acts like Fungistanbul or Trashbeatz will demonstrate that discarded objects can create incredible sounds.

• Komedia (Laughter as a Universal Language): Humor will be the common thread connecting different generations. We will feature the wit of Grison, Valeria Ros, and Rakel Molina, who will turn the mountain into a stage for shared laughter.

• Orkestra (Symphonic Music Without Barriers): Suakai Philharmonic will offer an interactive symphonic experience designed for all audiences. This initiative brings classical music out of traditional auditoriums, allowing attendees to journey through different musical styles in an open, natural setting, breaking down the traditional barrier between artists and the public.

A Shared Commitment to the Territory

At BBK, we believe in culture as a driving force for social cohesion, coexistence, and transformation. That is why we support initiatives that bring diverse cultural experiences to citizens and create new ways to enjoy and share public spaces.

Hirian and Mendian represent this approach to culture—centered on proximity, participation, and a deep connection to the territory—reinforcing the social and community impact of Bilbao BBK Live far beyond the festival dates.

We look forward to seeing you there to celebrate 20 years of music and community in Bizkaia!