Primavera Sound 2018: The Ultimate Preview

Alex Woolaver
30 May 2018
First Published 30 May 2018

Primavera Sound 2018

Barcelona, Spain

It's finally here. We had Coachella kick off the festival season in North America, but now with Primavera Sound officially underway today, the festival spring has sprung in Europe too.

Even with the festival's great location right on the sea in Barcelona, this one really is about the lineup. And when festivals are about the lineup, you should come prepared or else you might miss something you'll regret.

So with that in mind, we've put together everything you need to know about Primavera Sound 2018 in one place. No need to thank us, but you're welcome.

Where is it?

Over a week, the festival takes place in various locations throughout Barcelona. However, the focal point and what most people think about when they hear the words Primavera Sound is a three day musical extravaganza in the Mediterranean Sea-fronted Parc del Fòrum.

How do I get there?

An urban festival, there are a few ways to reach the festival grounds. If you're already in Barcelona, take the Line 4 metro to El Maresme-Fòrum Station (Exit Rambla Prim). From the stop the festival entrance is about 150m southeast.

If the idea of taking public transportation back to where you're staying at the end of each night fills you with dread, Primavera have set up shuttle buses from Parc del Fòrum to Plaça Catalunya running from 00:00 - 05:00 on Thursday and 02:00 - 05:00 on Friday. Two euros per person per trip.

Who's playing?

The lineup is pretty much a list of all the recommendations your friend who you kind of resent for having undeniably good taste in music gave you over the past year.

Arctic Monkeys are bringing their bold new sound to the main stage, along with Björk, Nick Cave, The National, Migos, and Lorde. I don't know how they do it, but it seems like every year Primavera outdoes itself and assembles their best group of artists yet.

What does it sound like?

The festival sounds like artistic freedom in the face of corporate pressures to put out a hit single. Some of the artists on display this year are mega stars, while others should be, but they all strive to push themselves and their music forward.

If vague platitudes about artistic expression don't do it for you, here's a pretty darn good playlist to let you know what it's all about.

What is there to eat?

Every year Primavera has upped its food game. This year they're taking things to a whole new level, adding popup restaurants from three world renowned chefs to go along with the enviable lineup of food trucks and stalls. I could say more, but by this point if you're not already intrigued enough to watch the video, you never will be.

What does it look like?

There are a lot of stages at Primavera. Like really a lot. So it's probably best to figure out where they all are ahead of time so you don't miss something you'll regret. Get studying.

What are people saying?

This guy knows what he wants to hear. Or actually knows what he doesn't want to hear? Hard to gauge on the internet.

hello @tylerthecreator i just wanna say that if you play november at primavera sound i'll cry.
— Conguito, O Black! (@oconguito) May 28, 2018

Look at that. So stressed he can't even spell properly. It's not worth it, James. Primavera will be awesome no matter what.

Bet absolutely ne one is as stressed about primavera then i am right now
— James (@jameslyall_) May 28, 2018

Is this really a thing?

And so it begins, the great Glasgow exodus to Primavera. More space in record shops this weekend for sure 😂 #jealous
— Kimberly (@KimberlyBryce) May 30, 2018

I guess it is? You really can't make this stuff up.

Travelling to Edinburgh for Primavera, I have already bumped into two people I know. Excited to see half of Glasgow in Barcelona x
— Lauren 💅 (@lharencrully) May 30, 2018

Primavera Sound 2018 takes place 30 May - 3 June in Barcelona. Find more info on our guide and book your festival experience here.

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