Benicàssim Beach Festival – Spain 2026

Background & History

• Origins and Founding: Launched in 1995 by a local collective including promoter José Luis Morán, the Festival Internacional de Benicàssim (FIB) began as a modest indie music gathering at Costa Azahar, inspired by Spain’s post-Franco cultural resurgence. It started with a single stage and 5,000 attendees, evolving into a global beach festival by its 10th year, celebrating its 31st edition in 2026.
• Cultural Significance: A cultural landmark, FIB fuses rock, electronic, hip-hop, and flamenco with Benicàssim’s Mediterranean heritage, earning UNESCO recognition for its role in youth culture. It mirrors Spain’s tradition of communal fiestas, attracting a diverse, international crowd and boosting local identity.
• Growth Over the Years: From 5,000 attendees and acts like The Stone Roses in 1995, it surged to 50,000+ by 2010 and 60,000+ by 2025 with headliners like The Killers and Tame Impala. The 2026 edition will introduce a fifth stage, expanded Villacamp, and enhanced guided tours, reflecting its growth.
• Unique Contribution: Combines music with beach access, guided tours of historic villas, and the innovative Fiberbus transport system. The cashless bracelet and Villacamp luxury camping enhance convenience, while its eco-initiatives set it apart from traditional festivals.
• Educational Impact: Offers free music workshops (e.g., DJing, songwriting), local history tours, and youth film screenings, engaging 1,500+ participants yearly. Partnerships with Benicàssim Tourism, local schools, and the University of Valencia promote cultural and musical education.
• Global Recognition: Acclaimed by NME, Rolling Stone, and Pitchfork as a top summer festival, FIB has hosted legends like Oasis, Radiohead, and Florence Welch. Its 150,000+ visitors over four days in 2020 cement its status, driving Castellón’s tourism economy.

Event Highlights

• Main Activities or Performances:
  • Three-day event (July 16–18, 2026) with 60+ acts across five stages at Costa Azahar.
  • Headliners: Expected acts like The Strokes, Arctic Monkeys, and Rosalía (based on 2025 trends), with lineup on fiberfib.com by April 2026.
  • Guided Tours: Daily tours (e.g., Historic Villas on July 16, Voramar Beach on July 17) with dramatized performances and local guides.
  • Short Film Showcase: New 2026 addition, featuring 10+ indie films at Villa Elisa.
• Special Traditions or Features:
  • Beach Party: Opening night swim and DJ set with fireworks, a tradition since 1998.
  • Villacamp: Luxury camping with pools, hot tubs, and themed zones, expanded for 2026.
  • Cashless Bracelets: Seamless payments, entry, and add-on linking (e.g., Fiberbus), activated pre-festival.
  • Sustainability Rally: Closing event with eco-pledge signing, new for 2026.
• Unique Attractions for Visitors:
  • Citywide immersion: Events span Costa Azahar, Voramar Beach, Villa Elisa, and pop-up stages at Parc de las Palmas.
  • Cultural tie-ins: Tours connect music to Benicàssim’s Roman aqueducts, modernist villas, and Dis Berlin art exhibits.
  • Virtual Tour: 360º online experience of the festival site, accessible via fiberfib.com.

Date & Duration

• Dates: July 16–18, 2026 (three days, confirmed from web:0), with pre-events (July 15) and post-festival tours (July 19).
• Duration: Three days, with peak events on July 17–18 (headliners, awards), and a full week of peripheral activities.
• Schedule Notes: Gates 5 PM–4:30 AM; tours 10 AM–2 PM; workshops 2 PM–5 PM. Program on fiberfib.com by April 2026. Current date: 09:42 PM PKT, September 16, 2025 (Fiberbus deadline 09/17/2025).

Venue / Location

• City: Benicàssim, Castellón, Spain, with events across multiple sites.
• Main Venue: Costa Azahar, Benicàssim, for main stages and camping.
• Notable Areas:
  • Main Stage (Costa Azahar): 30,000 capacity, beachfront with LED screens.
  • Second Stage: 10,000 capacity, wooded area with natural acoustics.
  • South Beach Dance Stage: 8,000 capacity, electronic focus.
  • Villacamp: 5,000 capacity, luxury camping with Wi-Fi and dining.
  • Voramar Beach: 2,000 capacity, tour stop with pop-up performances.
  • Villa Elisa: 500 capacity, cultural hub for films and talks.
  • Parc de las Palmas: 3,000 capacity, new eco-stage for 2026.
• Google Maps Address: Costa Azahar, 12560 Benicàssim, Castellón, Spain (https://maps.app.goo.gl/7Y9bX9kJ5Y6zZ8vK7).
• Accessibility: PMR ramps, audio-described tours, and sign language at main events. Contact info@enterbenicasim.com for wheelchair access, companion tickets, or sensory guides.

Ticket Information

• How Tickets Are Sold:
  • Online via fiberfib.com or Enterticket; on-site at Costa Azahar box offices.
  • Pre-sales start November 2025; Fiberbus add-ons via fiberfib.com (deadline 09/17/2025).
  • Group discounts for 10+ and family packages via info@enterbenicasim.com.
• Admission Type: Paid for all areas except guided tours and eco-rally; free for kids under 5 with adult.
• Ticket Pricing (USD):
  • Minimum Pricing: $44 USD (general admission, ~€40, adjusted for 2026).
  • Maximum Pricing: $165 USD (VIP weekend with Villacamp, ~€150, adjusted).
• Special Seating or VIP Options:
  • VIP passes include Villacamp access, front-row seats, and fast-track entry; PMR tickets via Enterticket with priority lane.

Contact Information

• Email: info@enterbenicasim.com (general, tours, accessibility), info@enterbenicasim.com (tickets).
• Phone: +34 964 30 01 02 (estimated, Mon-Fri 9 AM–6 PM, multilingual support in Spanish, English).
• Physical Address: Benicàssim Tourism, Av. del Papa Luna, 12560 Benicàssim, Spain.
• Website: https://www.fiberfib.com (program, tickets, virtual tour).
• Social Media: @fibbenicassim (Instagram, Twitter), @fib_benicassim (Facebook) for live updates.
• Key Staff:
  • Festival Organizers: José Luis Morán (Director), oversees programming and logistics.
  • Tourism Board: Manages guided tours and cultural tie-ins.
  • Wristband Team: Handles bracelet activation and collection.
• Press/Volunteers:
  • Press: Accreditation via info@enterbenicasim.com; apply by May 2026 with media portfolio.
  • Volunteers: Roles (security, tour guides, eco-rally support) via same email; apply by June 2026 with CV and 200-word motivation. Training includes safety and hospitality.
• Note: Response time 24–48 hours; emergency line +34 964 30 01 02 (after hours).

Cultural Experience

• Traditions:
  • Beach Party: Opening swim with fireworks, since 1998.
  • Guided Tours: Dramatized villa tours (e.g., “A crazy party,” July 16), a 2026 highlight.
  • Community Vibe: Campfire storytelling at Villacamp, a nightly ritual.
• Music and Arts:
  • Genres: Rock, indie, electronic, flamenco, with live painting sessions.
  • Art Installations: Beach sculptures, Dis Berlin “Wandering Through the Labyrinth” exhibit at Villa Elisa.
  • Short Film Nights: Outdoor screenings tied to local history.
• Costumes:
  • Beachwear with FIB wristbands; VIPs in branded ponchos and sunglasses.
  • Merch includes limited-edition posters, reusable water bottles, and festival scarves.
• Local Customs:
  • Spanish hospitality: Paella stalls, sangria bars, and horchata vendors.
  • Eco-consciousness: Attendees encouraged to use Fiberbus and recycle.

Food & Drinks

• Must-Try Specialties:
  • Spanish: Paella valenciana, gambas al ajillo, crema catalana.
  • Festival: Seafood tapas, vegan paellas, and “FIB Burger” at stalls.
  • Drinks: Estrella Damm, sangria, non-alcoholic tinto de verano, local wines.
  • Vegetarian/Vegan: Grilled vegetable skewers, plant-based croquetas, gluten-free options.
• Festival Dining:
  • Stalls at Costa Azahar and Villacamp; prices €5–€18 USD.
  • Cashless bracelet payments; water refill stations and shaded dining areas.

Family & Accessibility

• Family-Friendly: All ages welcome; kids’ tours, workshops, and a “Benicàssim KidsTalks” zone free with adult ticket.
• Accessibility: PMR zones with shaded seating, audio-described tours, sign language at main stage, and quiet areas. Contact info@enterbenicasim.com for sensory guides, wheelchair access, or companion tickets. IV Inclusive Pilgrimage (July 19) offers adapted routes.

Sustainability

• Eco-Initiatives: Solar-powered stages, recycled wristbands, zero-waste zones, Fiberbus promotion, and a “Green FIB” pledge to offset carbon emissions. Post-festival beach cleanup involves volunteers and local schools.

Getting There

• Nearest Airports:
  • Castellón-Costa Azahar (CDT), 70 km (1 hr bus).
  • Valencia (VLC), 90 km (1.5 hr train or Fiberbus).
• Public Transport:
  • Train: Valencia to Benicàssim (€10 USD); Renfe via renfe.com.
  • Bus: Fiberbus from Castellón (€39 USD), Valencia (€30 USD, deadline 09/17/2025), Oropesa (€39 USD), Benicàssim circular (€14 USD).
  • Shuttle: Free from Benicàssim center (5 PM–6 AM) and parking lots.
• Parking:
  • Paid lots near Costa Azahar (€5–€12 USD/day); PMR parking with badge.
• Other Options:
  • Taxis: €50–€80 USD from CDT; €80–€120 USD from VLC.
  • Bike: VeloBenicàssim rentals (€10 USD/day) with 10+ stations.

Accommodation Options

• Gran Hotel Cervantes***: Central, €80–€180 USD/night, 10 min to venue.
• Hotel Voramar**: Beachfront, €70–€150 USD/night, near Voramar Beach.
• Hostal El Palas*: Budget, €50–€110 USD/night, family-friendly.
• Villacamp: Luxury, €100–€250 USD/night, includes meals and Wi-Fi.
• Airbnb: Apartments in Benicàssim Old Town, €60–€160 USD/night.
• Booking Tips: Book by May 2026 via fiberfib.com for partner hotel deals (15% off).