IBERIAN FESTIVAL AWARDS
THE STAGE IS SHARED
EXCELLENCE IS COLLECTIVE
The Iberian Festival Awards will recognize the contributions and achievements of the event organizers and other stakeholders of the festival industry in 2025 (January to December).
This initiative aims to enhance Iberian relations, to optimize, grow and operationalize effective dyads between the two countries. The 2026 edition will take place on March 14th at Coliseu Micaelense, in Ponta Delgada.
In the past, the awards ceremony took place in Lisboa, Maia, Vigo, Granada, Barcelona and Almancil.
READY TO SHARE THE STAGE?
11th edition
With a strong focus on sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation, we strive to provide an immersive and enriching experience for all attendees. Being recognized by the Iberian Festival Awards would be an honor and a testament to our commitment to excellence in the festival scene.
WHO APPLIED?
MUSIC FESTIVALS
FESTIVITIES
NON-MUSIC FESTIVALS
PRO EVENTS
VENUES
BANDS AND ARTISTS
ENTITIES
(partners, sponsors or service providers)
VIDEO / PHOTOGRAPHERS
THE APPLICATION INCLUDES
Nomination to the Iberian Festival Awards
Award Ceremony (2 tickets - Access Awards Ceremony, Live Acts, Open Bar & Tasting + Afterparty)
Welcome Bag + Iberian Festival Guide 2026
Access to Iberian Database
(eg. Food Court, Photo Video, Street Food, Security; from the moment of application until June 2026)
1 year promotion/ advertising on
IFA social networks (image/ videos/ photos/ news)
Promotion on Iberian Festivals Marketplace
WHO DECIDES THE WINNERS?
Jury and public vote
TIMELINE
1 JUL – 31 AUG 2026
1st Phase - Applications (special reduced price)
21 JAN 2027
Announcement of finalists (categories decided by the jury - Top 10 per category)
1 OCT 2026
Iberian Festival Awards Announcement
(11th edition)
Useful information, parallel programme, venues, tickets and schedules
10 DEC 2026
Announcement of all nominees
12 FEB 2027
Final announcement of the lineup (Live Acts, DJs) and useful information for the gala
1 OCT – 27 NOV 2026
2nd and 3rd Phases Applications
10 DEC 2026 – 17 JAN 2027
Voting
(categories decided by
the Public)
13 MAR 2027
Gala + Parallel Programme
OCT/NOV 2026
Announcement
of the gala hosts
21 JAN 2027
Announcement of finalists (categories decided by the public - Top 10 per category)
PROGRAMME & SCHEDULE
2026
10h00 / 12h45
Podcast Recording
Ponta Delgada and the
Azores – event status and its impact on the population and economy
In the year that Iberian Festival Awards celebrates its 10th edition in Azores, this podcast episode focuses on Ponta Delgada and the growing role of cultural events as drivers of regional development. How have events evolved in the archipelago? What impact do they have on the local economy, tourism, employment and the region's international profile? And how do they contribute to the identity and cohesion of the Azorean community? A strategic conversation about territory, culture and sustainability, exploring how Azores are increasingly establishing themselves as a relevant stage in the Iberian events landscape.
Sofia Rebanda HOST
Cila Simas (Coliseu Micaelense / Director)
Filipe Tavares (Azores Burning Summer / Director)
12h00 / 12h45
Podcast Recording
New solutions for Iberian festivals
In an increasingly demanding and competitive sector, Iberian festivals face structural challenges that require innovative and strategic responses. In this special episode of the Iberian Festival Awards podcast, we explore new solutions for financial sustainability, audience engagement, technological integration, risk management and value creation for brands and territories. With guests from the Iberian ecosystem, the conversation focuses on models of cross-border collaboration, knowledge sharing and adaptation to a globalised market. An episode dedicated to thinking about the future of festivals in the Iberian Peninsula — with pragmatism, vision and a spirit of innovation.
Sofia Rebanda HOST
Bruna Magalhães (Fluffy Fest / Director)
David Lago (Underfest Xacobeo / Director)
Pedro Martínez Oliva (Estival Cuenca / Head of Production)
11h00 / 11h45
Podcast Recording
The current state of Iberian festivals, a conversation with jury members
At a time of accelerated transformation in the sector, this episode brings together jury members from the Iberian Festival Awards for a critical analysis of the current landscape of festivals in the Iberian Peninsula. Covering programming trends, financial sustainability, technological innovation, new audience profiles and structural challenges, the conversation offers a privileged insight from those who closely follow the evolution of the market. An informed and strategic debate on the strengths, weaknesses and opportunities that are shaping the present — and defining the future – of Iberian festivals.
Sofia Rebanda HOST
Jordi Lauren (Playplan / SonRÍas Baixas / Director)
Marcelo Almeida (AAC – Academia Artes Chaves / Director)
Ricardo Costa (Artcor / CEO)
15h00 / 16h30
Iberian Football Cup
(exclusive to ticket holders)
The Iberian Festivals Futsal Cup is a friendly game that brings together professionals from the festival industry in Portugal and Spain, providing an opportunity for networking in a relaxed atmosphere. Following the success of the 2025 edition, this initiative aims to strengthen ties between the two countries, combining a passion for music, culture and sport.
The 2026 edition will take place at Complexo Desportivo do Lajedo and promises to maintain the spirit of fellowship, sport and fun, strengthening professional and personal ties between participants.
19h30 / 21h00
Networking Dinner
(exclusive to ticket holders)
The Iberian Festivals Awards Dinner Networking is an exclusive event for professionals who make the industry happen, providing meetings, conversations and connections in an informal and carefully curated environment. The experience includes a walking dinner with dishes prepared from typical Azorean products: an immersive experience in Azorean culture.
Capacity is limited to 100 participants, making this a unique moment, reserved for those who want to start the gala evening in the best possible way.
20h00 / 21h30
Welcome Party
The Welcome Party marks the start of the Iberian Festival Awards evening and is a chance to meet up before the gala. The night will feature a DJ set by Bita, from Toledo, who will be the official DJ of the party. This is also when the Networking Dinner takes place, in an informal setting that is conducive to conversation and making new connections.
Throughout the evening, the atmosphere, local cuisine and the presence of industry guests create the setting for the start of the celebration, which culminates in the gala.
MEET
OUR
HOSTS
Previous edition
JOURNALIST
LA SEXTA
Spanish journalist and TV presenter at La Sexta, with extensive experience on national television.
She is a professional with a degree in Journalism, a master’s in Creative Advertising and Marketing, and extensive experience in the media industry.
A lover of communication and sports, she is known for her charisma, energy and sense of humor.
PRESENTER & RADIO HOST
RTP AÇORES
Presenter and radio host at the RTP Group, originally from the Azores, with extensive experience in radio, event hosting, and moderating conferences and institutional debates in Portugal and within Azorean communities abroad. Recognised for her versatility, professionalism, and cultural sensitivity, she has established herself as a respected voice in Azorean and national communication.
Rocío Caño Alvarez
(ES)
Graça Moniz Almeida (PT)
