Ponferrada’s Hot Spot Soul Weekender is one of northern Spain’s leading music festivals dedicated to Afro-American musical traditions, including soul, funk, R&B, blues and jazz. Organised by the Amigos del Soul Association with the support of Ponferrada City Council, the festival celebrates its eighth edition from 4 to 6 September 2026 as part of the official programme of the Encina Festival.

The festival features six live concerts alongside DJ sessions by specialists in vinyl and club culture, bringing the spirit of soul music directly into the heart of Ponferrada. Each venue contributes its own distinctive atmosphere:
• La Térmica Cultural: A former industrial complex transformed into a vibrant multicultural venue, hosting the festival’s major concerts and headline performances.
• Plaza de San Lorenzo: An open-air stage that traditionally brings music to the mornings, creating the perfect atmosphere for a lively vermouth-time gathering.
• Cocodrilo Negro Bar: A legendary late-night venue in Ponferrada, renowned for the festival’s most energetic after-hours DJ sessions.
• El Turco de Manila: Another iconic nightlife venue serving as a base for the festival’s DJ sets.

Programme – 4 to 6 September 2026

4 September · 1:00 pm: Guayaberas Negras Organ Trío at the La Térmica Cultural Bar.
4 September · 9:00 pm: Astrid Jones and The Blueflaps present “Shine” at the Antracita Auditorium, La Térmica Cultural.
5 September · 1:00 pm: Los Hermanos Cubero at Plaza de San Lorenzo.
5 September · 9:00 pm: Juan Zelada at Plaza de San Lorenzo.
6 September · 1:00 pm: CT Powell and Bluedays at Plaza de San Lorenzo.
6 September · 9:00 pm: Tangomango at Plaza de San Lorenzo.

INFORMATION
Instagram: @hotspotsoul
X: @Hweekender