Iwa Fest

Iwa Fest holds its fifth edition in Melilla from 19 to 26 September 2026. The programme connects music from Europe, Africa and the Mediterranean through concerts, electronic sessions and cultural activities spread across the Foso del Hornabeque, UNED Melilla and the Fuerte de Victoria Grande.

This is not a festival concentrated in a single venue or over two consecutive nights. The edition begins with a pre-party, continues through the week with free activities and keeps Friday 25 and Saturday 26 for the main concerts. This structure makes it possible to take part in some of the programme without necessarily having the full pass.

Iwa Fest 2026 dates and programme

The opening will take place on Saturday 19 September with PÖ at the Foso del Hornabeque, with free entry. Between 21 and 25 September, the UNED building will host free talks and cultural events until capacity is reached. As part of that musical block, Electroverdiales will perform on Wednesday 23 and Tarta Relena on Thursday 24.

The main concerts will be held on Friday 25 and Saturday 26 September at the Fuerte de Victoria Grande. The whole week is part of the same edition, but each venue has its own role and its entry conditions should be checked in the official programme.

Friday 25 September line-up

Friday brings together Ammar 808, Cushla, Derya Yıldırım & Grup Şimşek, Queralt Lahoz and Tamikrest. The selection combines North African-rooted electronica, Anatolian psychedelia, urban song and Tuareg guitars.

Queralt Lahoz represents one of the clearest Spanish connections on the line-up, with a live show that spans flamenco, soul and urban music. Tamikrest brings desert rock to the festival, while Derya Yıldırım & Grup Şimşek links Anatolian tradition with contemporary psychedelia. The night is not built around a single genre, but around a dialogue between origins and musical languages.

Saturday 26 September line-up

On Saturday, Bedouin Burger, DJ Travella, Expresso Transatlântico, Indus and Maria Arnal will perform. Big Lio, Kostom, Nayuax and Swallowx complete the edition as resident DJs.

Maria Arnal brings vocal and electronic exploration closely tied to memory and experimentation. Bedouin Burger connects Lebanon and Syria through a contemporary take on popular music, while Expresso Transatlântico works with Portuguese guitars and urban rhythms. DJ Travella and Indus broaden the club side of the programme.

Iwa Fest venues in Melilla

The pre-party takes place at the Foso del Hornabeque, the week's activities are held at UNED Melilla and the two main nights move to the Fuerte de Victoria Grande. The latter is at Avenida Cándido Lobera, 26, around ten minutes' walk from Plaza de España.

Spreading the programme across different spaces is part of Iwa's identity: heritage, city and music interact throughout the week. The start and end dates should not be read as eight continuous days of concerts in the same place; the programme should be checked by day and venue.

Tickets, travel and entry for minors

Tickets and passes are handled through the official Iwa Fest website. This listing does not state specific availability because stock may change; before planning your trip, check which ticket type gives access to each activity and to the nights at the Fuerte.

Melilla has direct flights from Madrid and Málaga, as well as ferry connections from Málaga, Almería and Motril. Booking transport and accommodation in advance is especially important because the festival runs over several days and not everyone will arrive for the same part of the programme.

Under-16s may attend accompanied by an adult and with the corresponding authorisation. Those aged 16 or 17 should also check the documentation required. The organisers may update schedules and rules, so it is advisable to check the final programme before going to each venue.

Information verified with Iwa Fest and the Autonomous City of Melilla. Last reviewed: 31 August 2026.