Free light and sound shows in Bilbao for the whole family to enjoy

Light and sound shows have become one of the most attractive experiences to enjoy as a family. Combining technology, art, and heritage, these shows transform iconic spaces into stages full of color, music, and history that both children and adults enjoy.

In Bilbao and its surrounding areas, there are several free options that allow adults and children to enjoy immersive experiences at no cost. From the lighting of the historic Carola Crane to the videomapping show being projected in Santurtzi to commemorate its 950th anniversary, discover the best light and sound shows to share with children.

Free light and sound shows for the whole family

Light and sound shows offer an innovative and attractive way to learn about the history and culture of a place. In Bilbao and its surrounding areas, these activities combine technology, art, and heritage, creating unforgettable visual and audio experiences.

This is a perfect free activity for the whole family, sparking the wonder and curiosity of even the smallest children. From the lighting of the Carola Crane to the wide variety of shows offered at each edition of Gau Zuria in Bilbao, in the following article we offer options for all tastes.

Carolaren Arima: The Story of the Carola Crane Through Light and Sound

Location: Itsasmuseum Bilbao, Muelle Ramon de la Sota Kaia, 1, Bilbao
Schedule: Every Friday and Saturday at 8:00 p.m.
Duration: 12 minutes

The iconic Carola Crane, a symbol of Bilbao’s industrial past, comes to life with Carolaren Arima, a light and sound show that offers a journey through time. This art installation, funded by BBK and the Provincial Council of Bizkaia, transforms the crane into a cultural beacon through lights and sounds that evoke its history.

What makes Carolaren Arima special?

• The show combines technology and industrial heritage, turning the crane into an artistic landmark.
• The play of light is synchronized with sounds recorded on the former Euskalduna docks, reproducing work tools, engines, and echoes of the past.
• The audio narration transports us from the years of activity in the shipyards to the transformation of Bilbao into a cultural destination.

A perfect plan to learn about the city’s history in a different way, in an iconic setting next to the estuary.

Artistic lighting of the Sestao Blast Furnace

Location: Labe Garaia Parkea, Sestao
Schedule: Light and sound show once per month
Duration: 10 minutes

The Sestao Blast Furnace, a testament to the region’s steelmaking past, is illuminated every night with an innovative system of LED spotlights that highlight its structure in different colors. However, once a month, this monument comes alive with a light and sound show that recreates its industrial history.

Why is it a unique experience?

• The blast furnace’s special lighting transforms the municipality’s nighttime landscape.
• The sound show, created by Jon Astorquiza and Joseba Beristain, combines the sounds of work in the mines and blast furnaces of Vizcaya with workers’ strikes and demands.
• It was a finalist in the international [d]arc Awards, recognizing its artistic and cultural value.

An opportunity for children to discover Bizkaia’s industrial past in a visually striking way.

Videomapping in Santurtzi: a journey through the history of the municipality

Location: Casa Torre Jauregia, Santurtzi
Dates: March, June and November (see calendar)
Passes: 7:00 p.m., 7:30 p.m., 8:00 p.m., 8:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.
To commemorate Santurtzi’s 950th anniversary, the City Council has prepared an impressive video mapping on the façade of the Casa Torre Jauregia. Through the projection of images and sound, this show transports viewers to the most important moments in the municipality’s history.

Highlights of the video mapping

• The building’s façade becomes a screen on which an audiovisual story about Santurtzi’s identity is projected.
• The images are accompanied by sound effects that recreate key scenes from local history.
• This is a free, open-air show, accessible to all audiences.

Ideal for families who want to learn about Santurtzi’s history in a visually compelling way.

Gau Zuria: Bilbao’s White Night

Location: Different locations in Bilbao
Dates: June 13 and 14, 2025

Every year, Bilbao lights up with Gau Zuria, a cultural event that transforms the city into a stage of light, art, and sound. This celebration commemorates the city’s founding with a special program featuring local and international artists.

What can you see at Gau Zuria?

• Light and sound shows in iconic Bilbao buildings.
• Art installations that combine technology and creativity in public spaces.
• Live music, performances, and cultural offerings for all audiences.

A perfect experience for exploring Bilbao with children and discovering the city from a different perspective.