Beginning on Thursday, June 16th 2011, Barcelona welcomes back the Sonar Music Festival. For three nights Barcelona hosts a variety of musical talents and thousands of people are drawn to the event.  The cutting edge music festival is known as a show for Advanced Music and Multimedia Art.

The festival has two parts, Sonar by Day and Sonar by Night, each event having a little different atmosphere. Sonar by Day is held at the Center of Contemporary Culture and the Museum of Contemporary Art. The events during the day begin around noon and continue until about 9 or 10pm. The events include lives performances, DJs, multimedia art and clothing fairs. Sonar by Night is held in a less central location, however, there are coach services to allow for easy transportation to the four locations. The nighttime events consist of DJ and VDJ mixes and performances of all genres of music.

The Sonar festival of 2011 has nearly all its information posted, from ticket prices to performer. When it comes to purchasing tickets there are a number of options. The most expensive and premium pass, a €155 fee will get you into nearly all Sonar by Day and Sonar by Night events, unless the event is at a non-main venue, the ticket fee increase to €165 if it is purchased at the ticket office. A two-night ticket is €100 and grants access to all Sonar by Night events, it is important to know that this ticket is only available until June 1st and must be purchased online. The Sonar by Day pass is €39 when purchased ahead of time and is €45 when purchased at a ticket office, you can only purchase access for one day at a time. Individual night passes are around €60 and are less expensive if purchased online. All tickets can be purchased online or at the ticket office (Except the 2-night pass.)

The amount of artists that will be performing is endless at this years event, an almost complete list is as follows: Underworld, M.I.A., Aphex Twin, Magnetic Man, Steve Reich + bcn216 + Synergy Vocals, Die Antwoord, The Human League, Cut Copy, Janelle Mon‡e, Paul Kalkbrenner, Chris Cunningham, Boys Noize, Buraka Som Sistema, Katy B, Apparat, Alva Noto & Ryuichi Sakamoto, Shackleton, James Holden, Nicolas Jaar, Global Communication, A-Trak, Atmosphere, Toro Y Moi, Annie Mac, Hype Williams, Little Dragon, Tyondai Braxton, Mary Anne Hobbs, Steve Aoki, Actress, Yelle, Scuba, Dominique Young Unique, Agoria, DZA, Benji B, Pearson Sound aka Ramadanman, Gilles Peterson, How To Dress Well, Surgeon, Open Reel Ensemble, Silent Servant, Diskjokke, DELS, Lory D, Africa Hitech, Toddla T, Redlight feat. Ms. Dynamite & Dread MC, The Gaslamp Killer, Astrud + Colálectiu Brossa.

As the even comes around accomidations will be filling up and getting more expensive, so book hotels early rather than later.  This years event is bigger than ever, with sponsors like Estrella Damn and Adidas, the event will be more than anyone could expect.

Going there and searching accomodation? Take a look at barcelona rentals.