Celebrating 20 Years of Bilbao BBK Live with Hirian and Mendian
As part of the milestone 20th anniversary celebrations for Bilbao BBK Live, organizers are rolling out a series of public events designed to extend the festival's footprint beyond its traditional dates and spaces. Building on the announcement of Herrian for late May, the anniversary programming introduces two distinct open-access experiences aimed at bringing community-focused culture directly into local neighborhoods and natural outdoor settings across the region.
Bringing Grassroots Music to the Streets at Hirian
On June 6th, the eighth edition of Hirian will take over the Zorrotza neighborhood, turning everyday public spaces into active cultural stages. The neighborhood layout will feature four distinct performance zones—including the square near the station, the local frontón, Parque del Ferial, and la Cancha—hosting around 20 diverse musical acts.
Visitors can expect a wide-ranging lineup that bridges alternative indie sounds with contemporary popular acts. Confirmed performers include Australian Blonde, Samantha Hudson, Marwán, and Juantxo Skalari & La Rude Band, alongside dedicated DJ sets from Bihotza, Inés Hernand, Daniless, and Amaia Yaniz. The initiative is designed to remove traditional barriers to entry, integrating live performance into the routine rhythm of local urban life.
Exploring Nature and Arts at the Premiere of Mendian
Following the neighborhood takeover, the anniversary celebrations move up the mountain on June 7th with the inaugural edition of Mendian. Taking place in Kobetamendi from 12:00 PM to 9:30 PM, this new family-friendly gathering combines outdoor exploration with performing arts.
The day begins with Kobetamendi Irteera, encouraging attendees to engage in active listening and walking tours across the mountain landscape. The afternoon program unfolds across three themed zones:
- Zaborra: Focuses on sustainability and creativity, featuring musical instruments built from discarded objects. Highlights include the Cateura Recycled Orchestra from Paraguay, alongside international artists like Fungistanbul and Trashbeatz.
- Komedia: Centers on generational humor and shared laughter, featuring performances by Grison, Valeria Ros, and Rakel Molina.
- Orkestra: Offers an open-air symphonic experience led by the Suakai Philharmonic, designed to present classical repertoire in an accessible, natural environment.
These anniversary projects highlight an ongoing dedication to local cultural cohesion, public space activation, and community engagement. To discover more upcoming events, performances, and cultural spots across the city, explore the what's on exhibitions, browse museums, or plan your route with Musemap (musemap.art).
