NEWS | Bilbao BBK Live 2025
- SHOWGRAPHERS
- Jun 25
- 3 min read
This summer, from July 10 to 12, the lush hills of Kobetamendi in Bilbao will once again resonate with the sounds of global icons, breakthrough talent, and underground legends as Bilbao BBK Live returns for its 2025 edition. Set against the verdant backdrop of the Basque mountains yet just minutes from the heart of the city, the festival is a rare blend of natural tranquility and high-voltage energy. With a lineup as expansive as the site itself, BBK Live continues to define what a modern European music festival can be: musically adventurous, socially conscious, and breathtakingly scenic.
The opening day on Thursday, July 10, will be headlined by none other than Pulp, whose reunion shows have reignited Britpop fervor across Europe. Joining them is soul maestro Michael Kiwanuka, bringing his richly textured voice and politically resonant songwriting to the main stage. The evening will also see performances from Japanese Breakfast, offering indie-pop sparkle, and Kaytranada, whose genre-fusing sets promise to keep the crowd moving well into the night. It's a dynamic start that lays the foundation for a diverse weekend.
On Friday, July 11, the spotlight shifts toward powerful female voices and genre-bending acts. Raye, fresh off her critically acclaimed debut album, will deliver her distinct blend of raw storytelling and slick pop production. Shortly after, Catalan star Bad Gyal is set to ignite the stage with her infectious reggaetón-infused club anthems. The bill also features Amaia, Amyl & The Sniffers, and French duo Polo & Pan, with the latter bringing dreamy electro-pop vibes to the nighttime skyline. For electronic fans, legends like Orbital and the genre-defying Obongjayar add even more depth to the day’s offerings.
The final day, Saturday, July 12, culminates with a euphoric set from global pop icon Kylie Minogue, whose current Tension II tour is being hailed as a masterclass in reinvention and spectacle. Alongside her, Argentina’s boundary-pushing Nathy Peluso and Damiano David—the charismatic frontman of Måneskin making his solo debut—promise a Saturday night rich in theatrical flair and cultural fusion. Other Saturday highlights include the cult-favorite duo Sparks, French disco revivalists L’Impératrice, and nightlife tastemaker The Blessed Madonna.
Yet BBK Live is much more than its main stage. Its Basoa area, deep in the forest, will again host some of the world’s most innovative electronic artists in an immersive 360° setting, with names like Avalon Emerson, Roman Flügel, and Pearson Sound leading the charge. For those seeking a slower pulse, Lasai offers down-tempo sets and a more contemplative vibe, while 2025 introduces Gorria, a brand-new nocturnal space curated by collectives and devoted to genre fluidity, community, and after-dark dance rituals.
BBK Live also extends its cultural reach through initiatives like Herrian and Hirian, which bring music into surrounding towns and neighborhoods before the festival even begins. These programs highlight BBK Live’s commitment to inclusion, local engagement, and sustainability—values reflected throughout the event’s infrastructure. From cashless wristbands to eco-conscious waste management and a vibrant camping community, the festival is as thoughtful as it is thrilling.
With its world-class lineup, stunning mountaintop setting, and forward-thinking ethos, Bilbao BBK Live 2025 is poised to be a standout on this year’s festival calendar. It’s a rare place where music, nature, and culture meet on equal footing. And for any journalist or publication seeking to cover not just an event, but a fully realized experience, BBK Live offers a story worth telling—from the first note to the last sunrise set.