The Canary Islands will once again become the centre of the scientific world this autumn as Starmus 2026 brings together Nobel Prize winners, astronauts, world-renowned scientists and internationally acclaimed performers for its eighth edition.
Taking place from 17th to 22nd October, the festival will be based at the Pirámide de Arona in south Tenerife, before concluding with a special programme and free public concert on the neighbouring island of La Palma.
A unique blend of science and music
Few events combine science, culture and live music quite like Starmus. This year’s edition will welcome an outstanding line-up that includes legendary guitarist and astrophysicist Sir Brian May, world-famous tenor Andrea Bocelli, soprano Sarah Brightman, Nobel Prize winners, astronauts, physicists, environmentalists and many of the world’s leading scientific minds.
The programme was officially unveiled at the Cuevas Blancas Science and Technology Park in Tenerife by representatives from the Canary Islands Government, the Cabildos of Tenerife and La Palma, together with Starmus co-founders Garik Israelian and Brian May.
During the presentation, Israelian reflected on the lasting impact of the late Professor Stephen Hawking, whose visit to Tenerife helped shape the future of the festival. He described Starmus as a celebration of “the extraordinary community built around the idea that science belongs to everyone.”
Opening gala with world-class performers
The festival will officially begin on 17th October with a spectacular opening concert and awards ceremony featuring Andrea Bocelli, Brian May and Sarah Brightman, accompanied by the Las Palmas Symphony Orchestra and the Starmus All Stars Band.
The evening will also include the presentation of the Stephen Hawking Medal for Science Communication and the inaugural Jane Goodall Earth Medal.
Celebrating scientific excellence
This year’s Stephen Hawking Medal will be awarded to British physicist and broadcaster Professor Brian Cox in recognition of his outstanding contribution to science communication.
The first-ever Jane Goodall Earth Medal will be presented to Costa Rican economist and climate leader Christiana Figueres for her work promoting environmental awareness and global climate action.
Among the first confirmed speakers is Geoffrey Hinton, the Nobel Prize-winning computer scientist widely recognised as one of the pioneers of modern artificial intelligence.
Free closing event in La Palma
Starmus 2026 will conclude on 22nd October with a special programme in La Palma, featuring a scientific lecture, a panel discussion and a free public concert, giving residents and visitors the opportunity to experience the festival first-hand.
Over the years, Starmus has established itself as one of the world’s most distinctive festivals, bringing together science, music and culture in a way few events can match. Its return further strengthens the Canary Islands’ growing reputation as an international destination for innovation, education and world-class events.