STARMUS VIII: The Search for Truth 2026 takes place from Saturday, 17 October to Thursday, 22 October 2026 across Tenerife and La Palma in the Canary Islands. The international festival brings together Nobel Prize winners, astronauts, scientists, artists, musicians and curious audiences for six days of talks, concerts, panels, stargazing and big questions about truth, knowledge, technology and the future of humanity.
The 2026 edition returns STARMUS to Tenerife ten years after the festival’s landmark 2016 gathering. The main conference programme is hosted at the Pirámide de Arona in Playa de las Américas, while the opening concert and medals ceremony takes place in Santa Cruz de Tenerife on 17 October 2026. The festival concludes in La Palma on 22 October 2026 with a special scientific programme and the free public Space Station Earth closing concert.
"STARMUS VIII is a rare opportunity to combine science and culture with one of the world’s great island landscapes."
The Story of STARMUS
A Meeting of Stars and Music
STARMUS is an international festival founded by astrophysicist Garik Israelian and musician, astrophysicist, and Queen guitarist Sir Brian May. It brings science and music together in a way few other global events attempt. The name combines “stars” and “music,” but the festival has expanded far beyond astronomy.
STARMUS explores some of the biggest questions facing society:
- How do we know what is true?
- What can artificial intelligence teach us, and what risks does it create?
- How should humanity explore space?
- What do black holes reveal about the universe?
- How can science help protect Earth?
- What is the relationship between art, music, and scientific imagination?
- How do we communicate evidence in an era of misinformation?
The 2026 edition is expected to welcome more than 40 prominent figures from science, exploration, music, and culture.
The 2026 Experience
What Awaits at STARMUS VIII
The confirmed STARMUS VIII dates are:
- Saturday, 17 October 2026
- Sunday, 18 October 2026
- Monday, 19 October 2026
- Tuesday, 20 October 2026
- Wednesday, 21 October 2026
- Thursday, 22 October 2026
The festival takes place in:
- Tenerife
- La Palma
- Canary Islands, Spain
The official theme is:
The Search for Truth
STARMUS VIII combines science, exploration, music, art, technology, and environmental responsibility. It is designed for researchers, students, educators, families, science enthusiasts, music fans, and travellers who want a more meaningful Canary Islands experience.
Into the Cosmos
The Search for Truth Theme
The theme The Search for Truth gives STARMUS VIII a particularly timely focus. Truth is central to scientific practice. Scientists form hypotheses, collect evidence, test ideas, challenge assumptions, and revise conclusions when new information appears.
In 2026, truth also has wider social meaning. Artificial intelligence, digital media, misinformation, climate science, space exploration, and public trust in institutions all shape the way people understand evidence.
"STARMUS VIII is expected to explore the scientific method, artificial intelligence, neuroscience, space travel, cosmology, and more."
STARMUS VIII is expected to explore:
- Scientific method
- Artificial intelligence
- Neuroscience
- Space travel
- Cosmology
- Climate and environmental responsibility
- Human exploration
- Communication of science
- Music and creativity
- The future of technology
- The ethics of discovery
The festival is not only for specialists. Its talks and concerts are designed to make big ideas accessible, inspiring, and connected to everyday life.
A Celestial Opening
STARMUS VIII Opening Concert: 17 October 2026
The festival opens on Saturday, 17 October 2026 with the Opening Concert and Medals Ceremony in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The celebration begins at 7:00 p.m. and features:
- Andrea Bocelli
- Sir Brian May
- Sarah Brightman
- Las Palmas Symphony Orchestra
- STARMUS All Stars Band
- Special guests and additional performers
The evening also celebrates the tenth anniversary of the Stephen Hawking Medal for Science Communication and introduces the inaugural Jane Goodall Earth Medal.
"The opening concert brings science, music, and culture together at the highest level."
The ceremony recognises people who have made exceptional contributions to science communication, public understanding, environmental awareness, and human knowledge.
Interactive Exploration
STARMUS Camp: 17–21 October 2026
The daily STARMUS Camp runs from 17 to 21 October 2026 in the Tenerife metropolitan area. STARMUS Camp is designed as an interactive public space where visitors can engage directly with science, technology, music, and creativity.
The daily schedule includes:
- Saturday, 17 October: 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Sunday, 18 October: 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Monday, 19 October: 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- Tuesday, 20 October: 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, 21 October: 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Expect:
- Science activities
- Interactive demonstrations
- Educational experiences
- Youth programming
- Space-related exhibits
- Creative workshops
- Public engagement sessions
- Family-friendly learning
- Technology and innovation displays
STARMUS Camp is one of the festival’s most accessible elements. It is especially appealing for families, students, teachers, and visitors who want hands-on experiences alongside the formal conference programme.
Musical Universes
Rick Wakeman: Echoes from Black Holes
On Sunday, 18 October 2026, the Pirámide de Arona hosts the world premiere of Rick Wakeman: Echoes from Black Holes. The performance begins at 7:00 p.m. and is included with every registered STARMUS VIII pass.
Rick Wakeman is a legendary keyboardist, composer, and former member of progressive rock band Yes. His work has long connected music, storytelling, and cosmic imagination.
Echoes from Black Holes is expected to bring together:
- Progressive music
- Cosmic themes
- Visual storytelling
- Black-hole science
- Live performance
- Science-inspired composition
"This is one of the most distinctive events in the entire STARMUS VIII programme."
Following the concert, the festival hosts a Welcome Cocktail at 8:30 p.m. at Pirámide de Arona.
The Heart of STARMUS
Main Conference Programme: 19–21 October 2026
The central conference programme takes place at Pirámide de Arona in Playa de las Américas. Confirmed conference days are:
- Monday, 19 October 2026: 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Tuesday, 20 October 2026: 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, 21 October 2026: 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
The conference brings together a remarkable range of speakers from science, space exploration, technology, and culture. Confirmed and announced participants include:
- Geoffrey Hinton, Nobel Prize-winning computer scientist and pioneer of modern artificial intelligence
- Brian Cox, physicist and science communicator
- Christiana Figueres, climate leader and former UN climate official
- May-Britt Moser, neuroscientist and Nobel laureate
- Julie Payette, astronaut, scientist, and engineer
- Jeremy Hansen, Artemis II astronaut
- Victor J. Glover, astronaut and Artemis II crew member
- Sir Brian May, musician, astrophysicist, and STARMUS co-founder
"The final line-up may include additional Nobel Prize winners, astronauts, physicists, environmental thinkers, artists, and musicians."
Celestial Celebrations
STARMUS Star Party: 20 October 2026
On Tuesday, 20 October 2026, STARMUS VIII hosts a special Star Party at 9:00 p.m. in an undisclosed Tenerife location. The Star Party is expected to offer a memorable night-sky experience under Canary Islands skies. Tenerife is famous for low light pollution in higher areas and exceptional astronomical conditions around Mount Teide.
Bring:
- Warm layer
- Closed shoes
- Water
- Small torch with red-light mode if permitted
- Camera tripod if allowed
- Phone power bank
- Patience for transport and setup
- Respect for darkness and night-sky etiquette
Darkness is essential for both astronomy and the experience of other guests.
Finale on La Palma
La Palma Closing Programme: 22 October 2026
STARMUS VIII concludes on Thursday, 22 October 2026 in La Palma, one of the world’s most important island destinations for astronomy. The schedule includes:
- 3:00 p.m.: GTC 108-Minute Panel Discussion
- 7:00 p.m.: Space Station Earth, Closing Concert
The closing concert is planned as a free public event, giving residents and visitors an accessible way to experience STARMUS VIII. La Palma is home to the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory, where international telescopes sit high above the clouds. Its dark skies, volcanic terrain, and protected astronomical conditions make it a fitting final location for a festival built around curiosity and cosmic perspective.
The GTC refers to the Gran Telescopio Canarias, one of the world’s largest optical-infrared telescopes.
STARMUS VIII Ticket Information
Plan Your Attendance
STARMUS VIII offers several registration tiers. Registration includes access to the main conference programme and the Rick Wakeman world premiere performance on 18 October 2026.
The opening concert on 17 October 2026 may have separate ticket arrangements, depending on ticket category and availability. Check the official STARMUS booking page for current access details. The Space Station Earth closing concert in La Palma on 22 October 2026 is announced as a free public event.
Booking PeriodStudent PassStandard Pass Until 15 August 2026€150€300 16 August to 30 September 2026€200€350 From 1 October 2026€250€400 Where to Stay
Accommodations for STARMUS VIII
Choose your stay based on proximity to events and personal preferences:
- Playa de las Américas: Best for the main conference programme at Pirámide de Arona. Offers hotels, restaurants, beaches, and easy walking access to the festival venue.
- Los Cristianos: A good choice for visitors who want harbour access, restaurants, and a slightly calmer setting near Playa de las Américas.
- Costa Adeje: Best for upscale hotels, resort comfort, and beach time. Arrange transport to Pirámide de Arona if not within walking distance.
- Santa Cruz de Tenerife: Best for the 17 October opening concert and visitors who enjoy museums, city life, restaurants, and historic neighbourhoods.
- La Laguna: Best for historic architecture, university atmosphere, and access to north Tenerife. It is farther from the main conference venue.
- Santa Cruz de La Palma: Best for visitors attending the final La Palma programme on 22 October. Book flights or ferries early if you plan to move from Tenerife to La Palma during the festival.
Travel Logistics
How to Travel Between Tenerife and La Palma
The festival uses two islands, so careful planning is essential. Options include:
- Domestic flights from Tenerife North Airport
- Domestic flights from Tenerife South Airport
- Inter-island ferries
- Package transport arranged by the event, if offered
- Private transfer connections
Flying is generally faster, while ferries offer a scenic sea journey but require more time. Book early. The 22 October La Palma finale may increase demand for flights and ferries.
Explore Tenerife
Beyond STARMUS
Tenerife offers outstanding natural and cultural experiences. Consider visiting:
- Teide National Park: Mount Teide is Spain’s highest peak and a major astronomy destination. Book guided excursions early, especially if combining the festival with night-sky experiences.
- La Laguna: San Cristóbal de La Laguna is a UNESCO-listed historic city with colourful streets, cafés, and colonial architecture.
- Anaga Rural Park: Anaga offers lush forest, dramatic coastal roads, and hiking trails. It is a striking contrast to the dry south of Tenerife.
- Garachico: Known for volcanic natural pools, historic streets, and north-coast atmosphere.
- Whale and Dolphin Watching: Boat trips from Los Cristianos or Costa Adeje offer opportunities to see marine life in the waters between Tenerife and La Gomera.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Things People Always Want to Know
When is STARMUS VIII 2026?
STARMUS VIII takes place from 17 to 22 October 2026 in Tenerife and La Palma.
Where is the main STARMUS VIII conference venue?
The main conference programme takes place at Pirámide de Arona in Playa de las Américas, Tenerife.
Who performs at the STARMUS VIII opening concert?
The opening concert on 17 October 2026 features Andrea Bocelli, Brian May, Sarah Brightman, the Las Palmas Symphony Orchestra, and the STARMUS All Stars Band.
How much are STARMUS VIII tickets?
Standard passes range from €300 to €400, depending on the booking period. Student passes range from €150 to €250.
Is the STARMUS VIII closing concert free?
Yes. The Space Station Earth closing concert on 22 October 2026 in La Palma is announced as a free public event.
What is the STARMUS Star Party?
The Star Party is a night-sky observation event on 20 October 2026 at 9:00 p.m. in Tenerife. The exact location will be announced later.
Can families attend STARMUS VIII?
Yes. STARMUS Camp offers interactive science activities that are especially suitable for children, students, educators, and families.
Verified Information at a Glance
- Event Name: STARMUS VIII: The Search for Truth 2026
- Event Category: Science, space, technology, music, art, and public education
- Confirmed Dates: Saturday, 17 October to Thursday, 22 October 2026
- Locations: Tenerife and La Palma, Canary Islands, Spain
- Main Conference Venue: Pirámide de Arona, Playa de las Américas, Tenerife
- Opening Event: Opening Concert and Medals Ceremony, 17 October 2026 at 7:00 p.m., Santa Cruz de Tenerife
- Opening Performers: Andrea Bocelli, Brian May, Sarah Brightman, Las Palmas Symphony Orchestra, and STARMUS All Stars Band
- STARMUS Camp: 17–21 October 2026, Tenerife metropolitan area
- Rick Wakeman Premiere: Echoes from Black Holes, 18 October 2026 at 7:00 p.m., Pirámide de Arona
- Main Conference Dates: 19–21 October 2026, 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Star Party: 20 October 2026 at 9:00 p.m., Tenerife location to be announced
- La Palma Programme: 22 October 2026, including GTC 108-Minute Panel Discussion at 3:00 p.m.
- Closing Concert: Space Station Earth, 22 October 2026 at 7:00 p.m., La Palma
- Closing Concert Entry: Free public event
- Standard Pass Prices: €300 until 15 August, €350 from 16 August to 30 September, €400 from 1 October 2026
- Student Pass Prices: €150 until 15 August, €200 from 16 August to 30 September, €250 from 1 October 2026
- Best For: Science enthusiasts, students, families, educators, music fans, space lovers, and Canary Islands travellers
Reserve 17 to 22 October 2026 for STARMUS VIII, listen to the people shaping humanity’s next discoveries, explore Tenerife and La Palma under extraordinary skies, and become part of a festival where science, music, and the search for truth meet at the edge of the Atlantic.
```
