The 2019 edition of Bilbao BBK Live felt like the perfect combination of eclectic music, amazing landscapes and a relaxed atmosphere. It seemed designed for people who enjoy partying in mystical surroundings such as Mount Cobetas. Here are 7 of the many reasons we love the Spanish festival.
1. Spectacular views
We cannot rave enough about the views on Mount Cobetas. As soon as you take the free shuttle bus and start going up on the mountain you’re surrounded by amazing landscapes.
Then, both camping and the festival field offer a perfect spot to watch Bilbao from. You can even notice the San Mamés Stadium and other tourist attractions. Bilbao BBK Live also has a special stage, called Lasai, where you can chill or dance while enjoying the sunset over the city.
Photo: Ioana Maftei Photo: Ioana Maftei
2. The mystical scenery
There are so many cool things that make the Bilbao BBK Live location the perfect one. The Spanish music festival provides the perfect occasion to escape into the nature and disconnect from the city life.
From the beginning, when you arrive on the mountain, you are welcomed by some very nice wild goats. After passing the gates, you notice how every element is perfectly integrated with the natural surroundings. You can choose between forest parties and hills to watch the shows from while having a picnic.
Everything makes Bilbao BBK Live a place you want to come back to every year. Also, the mystical vibe is completed by the BBK Wolf guarding from above and howling to the moon continuously.
Photo: Ioana Maftei Photo: Ioana Maftei
3. A camping to fall in love with
Photo: Ioana Maftei Photo: Ioana Maftei
Naturally, we loved everything about the campsite. The party here starts before the festival does. So, with everyone being so friendly, good music and relaxed vibes, it becomes kind of hard to leave the camping for shows.
If you travel from abroad and choose glamping, you basically don’t need to worry about anything. Even breakfast is included! Then, there is a nice supermarket at the entrance in case you forgot to bring anything, be it an SD card for your cool pics or beer to get the party started. The camping has plenty of space for everyone and it is very well organized making it easy to find your way back.
An important tip would be: Get there before the festival starts (Day 0) to enjoy the views at sunset and the warming up party, you will not be disappointed!
4. Forest parties
Joining a forest party at Bilbao BBK Live should be on your list. The obvious reason is the amazing natural venue. But, to go even further, the organizers spiced it up with disco globes, lasers, fog machines and hay barrels. Your Instagram stories will look amazing and you will have the time of your life.
5. Fun activities
Photo: Ioana Maftei Photo: Ioana Maftei
Even though music is the number one reason we choose a certain festival, we all want to have some fun in between performances. At Bilbao BBK Live we discovered many cool activities you can try.
We started with some paining to prove our hidden talents and create an artsy wolf mask. Then, we went to the karaoke booth where everyone is a superstar. In the end, we tried to win some prizes in a ‘money-blowing-machine’ type of game.
6. Diversity in everything
From the lineup to the crowd, the Spanish festival is a very diverse one. Musically speaking, it included legendary bands like The Strokes and Weezer who rocked the entire mountain, or Rosalía where the show was a major sing-along. But you could also discover Spanish bands that are not familiar for the international public. A good example would be the Spanish band Vetusta Morla and the Argentinian sensation Nathy Peluso.
As mentioned, the crowd was very diverse as well. You could notice many teenagers dying to see their favourite bands, but also families with children or seniors. This only proves that Bilbao BBK Live is a safe place to come and have a good time, where everyone is welcomed.
7. Chill or party? You can choose!
Choosing a medium-sized festival over a large one has its advantages. The atmosphere will be a more relaxed one and huge crowds can be avoided. At Bilbao BBK Live you will be able to enjoy your favourite bands in a peaceful manner. That means no extreme experiences, unless you do want a little moshpit in the first rows.
How did you enjoy Bilbao BBK Live 2019?
Were you at Bilbao BBK Live 2019 too? We would like to know how you experienced the festival. Below, you can rate the festival in seven different categories. In September, we conclude which festivals were the best during the Festileaks Festival Awards. Participation is voluntary and anonymous.
[awards poll=”festileaks-festival-awards-2019″ festival=”bilbao-bbk-live”]
Bilbao BBK Live 2019
Bilbao BBK Live started in 2006. So far, many big artists such as Pearl Jam, Faith No More, Radiohead, The Cure, and Blondie have performed at the Spanish festival. It exceeded 100,000 visitors and was nominated for Best Medium-Sized European Festival three consecutive times between 2009 and 2011.
- Location: Bilbao, Spain.
- Dates: 9-11 July 2020.
- Tickets: on sale, from €96 (3-day ticket).
- For more information visit the official website.
Bilbao BBK Live 2025
