There is always something going on in Barcelona, it is impossible to get bored here. Along with the numerous attractions and activities in Barcelona all year round, you’ll also find an impressive lineup of festivals in Barcelona to celebrate Catalan culture, music, literature, and pretty much anything else you can think of! I’ve brought together my favourite Barcelona festivals for you so you can soak up Catalan culture, watch top international artists and have a great time in Barcelona!
Traditional Festivals in Barcelona
Barcelona is a city rich in cultural traditions, and throughout the year, it hosts numerous festivals that offer a deep dive into Catalan culture and history. Here are some of the best Barcelona festivals celebrating Catalan culture:
Cavalcada de Reis (January)
The Cavalcada de Reis, or the Three Kings Parade, is one of Barcelona’s most fun family traditions, taking place on January 5th. The parade marks the arrival of the Three Wise Men, who bring Christmas gifts to children.
The Three Kings arrive by boat in Port Vell and then travel through the streets in a parade with floats, music, and dancers. There is a fun, festive atmosphere as the Wise Men travel through the city distributing sweets to the crowds. The parade is followed by a grand fireworks display.
This event marks the end of the Christmas season in Barcelona the festive season winds down soon afterwards.
Festa Major de Sant Antoni (January)
The Festa Major de Sant Antoni is one of the first festivals of the year, celebrated in mid-January in the Sant Antoni neighbourhood.
The festival marks the feast day of Saint Anthony, the patron saint of animals, and includes a blessing of the animals ceremony known as “Els Tres Tombs.” This tradition features a parade of pets and livestock, including horses, donkeys, and even the occasional exotic animal, brought to be blessed by a priest.
The festival also includes street markets, live music, traditional Catalan dances, and the “correfoc” (fire run), making it a lively start to the year.
Festa de Sant Eulàlia (February)
The Festa de Sant Eulàlia, held in mid-February, is dedicated to Barcelona’s co-patron saint, Saint Eulàlia. The festival, often referred to as La Laia, is a celebration of Catalan folklore, with a focus on children and families.
The streets of the Gothic Quarter are filled with parades featuring “gegants” (giant puppets) and “capgrossos” (big-headed figures), traditional dances, and the impressive “Castellers” building their human towers.
The festival also includes a beautiful candle-lit procession through the city centre. Sant Eulàlia’s festival is a more intimate and traditional celebration compared to La Mercè, offering a deeper connection to Barcelona’s history and spiritual roots.
Carnival (February)
While Carnival is celebrated across Spain, Barcelona has its own unique take on this lively festival, which usually takes place in February.
The city’s Carnival features colourful parades, street parties, and masquerade balls. One of the highlights is the “Taronjada,” a playful battle of orange confetti (that used to be done with oranges) that takes place in the streets.
The festival traditionally begins with the arrival of King Carnival, who presides over the festivities, and ends with the “Burial of the Sardine,” a symbolic event marking the end of Carnival and the beginning of Lent. Barcelona’s Carnival is less extravagant than cities like Rio or Venice but offers a fun and distinctly Catalan celebration.
For an alternative experience, Carnival in Sitges (around 30 minutes south of Barcelona) is a fabulously raucous affair and renowned for its LGBTQ+ celebrations, parades and parties.
Festa de Sant Medir (March)
Known as the “Sweetest Festival” in Barcelona, the Festa de Sant Medir is celebrated on March 3rd in the Gràcia neighbourhood. The festival honours Saint Medir, a 4th-century Christian martyr, who was killed by the Romans.
The festival is famous for the thousands of sweets that are thrown to the crowds from colourful, horse-drawn carriages during the parade. Participants on horseback or in carriages, dressed in traditional attire, make their way through the streets, distributing candy to spectators.
The day also includes a pilgrimage to the Hermitage of Sant Medir in the Collserola hills, making it a unique blend of religious devotion and festive fun.
Sant Jordi (April)
Sant Jordi, celebrated on April 23rd, is often referred to as the Catalan Valentine’s Day or the Day of the Rose and the Book and is a Catalan festival in Barcelona filled with love, literature, and culture.
The festival honours Saint George, the patron saint of Catalonia, who is said to have slain a dragon to save a princess. Where the dragon’s blood fell on the ground, roses sprung up, and Saint George picked one to give to the Princess.
On Sant Jordi day, the streets of Barcelona, especially La Rambla, Passeig de Gracia and Carrer Gran de Gracia are lined with stalls selling books and roses, which are exchanged between loved ones and friends.
Men traditionally give roses to women, and women give books to men although it’s not a fixed rule. Red roses are the most common but different colours are becoming more popular, with yellow signifying friendship for example. There are also lots of toy dragons around too!
Sant Jordi is a beautiful celebration of Catalan identity there are Catalan flags, roses and books everywhere. The festival also features book signings by authors, literary events, and public readings.
Semana Santa in Barcelona – Holy Week (March/April)
Easter is a moveable festival so the dates change every year between different dates in March and April.
During Semana Santa, or Holy Week, Barcelona observes this significant religious occasion with a mix of traditional and cultural events. While the celebrations here may not be as intense or elaborate as in some other Spanish cities like Seville, there are still some events worth noting.
Religious processions play a role in Barcelona’s Semana Santa, with participants wearing traditional robes parading through the streets. These processions typically involve the carrying of religious statues and symbols.
Church services are a central part of Holy Week in Barcelona. Many churches host special Masses, processions, and reenactments of the Stations of the Cross, providing worshippers with opportunities for reflection and religious observance.
In addition to the religious aspects, Barcelona often incorporates cultural events into its Semana Santa celebrations. This can include concerts, art exhibitions, and other activities that showcase the city’s diverse cultural heritage. Specific neighbourhoods may have unique events or processions that are characteristic of the community.
Festa de la Mare de Déu de la Mercè a Sants (May)
This is a smaller, more localized celebration held in the Sants neighbourhood in May, dedicated to the Virgin of Mercy. While it shares its name with the larger La Mercè festival in September, this event is more intimate and focuses on the local community.
The festival includes religious processions, traditional music, and dances, as well as communal meals and activities for all ages. It’s an excellent opportunity to experience the warmth of a close-knit community in Barcelona
Nit de Sant Joan (June)
The Night of Sant Joan, celebrated on June 23rd, is one of Barcelona’s most magical nights. It’s a night of fire and light, marking the summer solstice and celebrating the shortest night of the year.
Bonfires are lit across the city, particularly on the beaches, where people gather to celebrate with fireworks, music, dancing and all-night beach parties. The tradition is deeply rooted in ancient pagan rituals, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness.
The night is also associated with purification and renewal, with some people jumping over the bonfires or swimming in the sea at midnight to cleanse themselves for the year ahead.
Families and friends gather for dinners that often include Coca de Sant Joan, a special sweet bread topped with candied fruit.
The night culminates in a dazzling display of fireworks, with everyone flocking to the beaches of Barcelona to enjoy the bonfires and fireworks all night long. It’s a lot of fun!
Corpus Christi (May/June)
Corpus Christi is a traditional Catholic festival celebrated the Thursday after Trinity Sunday to mark the Feast of Corpus Christi, which is usually in May or June. It’s known in Barcelona for the “L’ou com Balla” (The Dancing Egg) tradition.
In this unique event, eggshells are balanced on the jets of water fountains in cloisters, courtyards, and gardens across the city, creating a mesmerizing sight. The tradition dates back to the 17th century and is believed to symbolize the cycle of life.
The main celebration takes place at the Barcelona Cathedral, where the fountains are adorned with flowers and greenery. Corpus Christi also features processions, including the solemn “Corpus Procession,” where religious relics are paraded through the streets.
This year due to drought restrictions, water fountains were not operating so the eggs were suspended in mid-air instead.
La Festa Major del Raval – Raval Cultural Festival (July
This neighbourhood festival celebrates the diverse culture of El Raval. It features live music, dance performances, street art, workshops, and gastronomic events and is celebrated the weekend before the Feast of the Mare de Déu del Carme, the Patron Saint of El Raval.
It’s also a chance to experience some typical Catalan culture, with uniquely Catalan activities like Castellers (human towers), correfocs (fire runs where people dressed as devils run through the streets with fireworks), gegants (giant sculptures that dance) and lots more.
I couldn’t find an official website, but this site (in Catalan, use Google Translate to read it in English) has the most information about the program.
Festa Major de Gràcia (August)
In mid-August, the neighbourhood of Gràcia hosts its own epic festival known as Festa Major de Gràcia.
This week-long celebration is famous for its elaborate street decorations, where each street competes to create the most imaginative and colourful designs, often made from recycled materials.
The festival includes parades, live music, traditional dances, and various workshops. The Festa Major de Gràcia is a community-driven event that showcases the creativity and strong community spirit of the Gràcia district, making it one of the most beloved festivals in the city.
Festa Major de Sants (August)
Similar to the Festa Major de Gràcia, the Festa Major de Sants is another neighbourhood festival celebrated in late August. The district of Sants comes alive with street decorations, concerts, and cultural activities.
The festival is known for its strong community involvement, with residents taking part in organizing events such as traditional Catalan dances, theatre performances, and Castellers. The competition for the best-decorated street is fierce, with each street showcasing its creativity.
La Diada (September)
La Diada, or the National Day of Catalonia, is celebrated on September 11th, and commemorates the fall of Barcelona to Bourbon forces during the War of the Spanish Succession in 1714.
La Diada has become a symbol of Catalan nationalism and pride demonstrating the Catalan spirit of resistance and the ongoing push for cultural and political recognition, and is marked by political demonstrations, cultural events, and the laying of floral tributes at the monument of Rafael Casanova, a leader in the defence of Barcelona during the siege.
The day is also filled with concerts, poetry readings, and other activities celebrating Catalan culture and history. It’s a day of both celebration and remembrance, deeply rooted in the region’s identity.
La Mercè (September)
La Mercè is Barcelona’s biggest annual festival, held in honour of the city’s patron saint, the Virgin of Mercy (Mare de Déu de la Mercè). Celebrated in late September, the festival transforms the entire city into a cultural playground with hundreds of activities.
Highlights include the “Correfoc” (Fire Run), where participants dressed as devils light fireworks in the streets, and the “Castellers” (human towers), a breathtaking display of strength and teamwork.
There are also parades featuring giant puppets known as “gegants,” traditional sardana dancing, and free concerts across the city. La Mercè is a perfect blend of ancient traditions and modern celebrations, embodying the spirit of Barcelona.
September is a fantastic time to visit Barcelona and La Mercè is one of the best Barcelona festivals to experience.
Día de la Hispanidad (October)
Día de la Hispanidad, celebrated on October 12th, is Spain’s National Day. There are a lot of Latin American people and Spanish people from other parts of Spain who live in Barcelona so they tend to celebrate this festival more than Catalans, given the complex history between Catalonia and Spain. The day is marked by various events, including military parades, traditional dances, and concerts.
La Castanyada (October/November)
Although La Castanyada officially begins on October 31st, its festivities often extend into November 1st, coinciding with All Saints’ Day. This traditional Catalan festival is centred around the custom of eating roasted chestnuts (“castanyes“), sweet potatoes, and “panellets” (small almond-based pastries).
The festival has its origins in an old tradition of staying awake all night, eating chestnuts, and praying for the souls of the departed. Today, it is celebrated with street vendors selling roasted chestnuts and sweet potatoes, and families gathering to enjoy these seasonal treats.
Christmas in Barcelona (December)
Christmas is a wonderfully festive celebration in Barcelona, marked by a blend of Catalan traditions and broader Spanish customs. The city comes alive with colourful lights, markets, and nativity scenes, with Christmas lights and markets usually starting during the last week of November, and continuing throughout December until after Kings Day in January.
One of the most beloved traditions is the “Fira de Santa Llúcia,” a Christmas market that dates back to 1786. Held in front of the Barcelona Cathedral, the market is filled with stalls selling handcrafted decorations, gifts, and traditional Catalan figures like the “caganer” (a pooping figure placed in nativity scenes).
The market is also known for its selection of “pessebres” (nativity scenes), which are often elaborate and detailed, reflecting the importance of this tradition in Catalan culture.
In addition to the markets, Barcelona has unique Christmas traditions like “Tió de Nadal,” a wooden log with a painted face, which children “feed” in the days leading up to Christmas. On Christmas Eve, the log is hit with sticks while the children sing traditional songs, and it “poops” out small gifts and sweets.
New Year’s Eve (December 31st)
New Year’s Eve in Barcelona, known as “Nochevieja” or “Cap d’Any,” is a lively celebration filled with traditions, parties, and fireworks and the highlight of winter in Barcelona.
The city’s main event takes place at Plaça d’Espanya, where thousands gather to ring in the New Year with a spectacular fireworks display and light show at the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc. There is live music, DJ performances, and a countdown to midnight that draws both locals and visitors. If you can’t make it to Plaça d’Espanya, find a rooftop and watch the fireworks from there!
A unique Spanish tradition observed during New Year’s Eve is the eating of twelve grapes. As the clock strikes midnight, people eat one grape with each chime, making a wish for good luck in the coming year.
Many people celebrate the night at home with family or head out to one of the city’s many restaurants and bars, which often offer special New Year’s Eve menus and parties.
After midnight, the celebrations continue at nightclubs and beach parties, where revellers dance until dawn!
Music Festivals in Barcelona
Barcelona is a haven for music lovers, hosting a variety of music festivals throughout the year that cater to different tastes and genres, although summer is the most popular time for Barcelona music festivals.
Here are some of the best music festivals in Barcelona that are held annually in the city:
Primavera Sound (June)
Primavera Sound is one of Europe’s most renowned music festivals, attracting tens of thousands of visitors each year.
Held in late May or early June at Parc del Fòrum, this multi-day festival features an eclectic lineup of international and local artists across genres like indie, rock, pop, electronic, and hip-hop.
Past lineups have included big names like Pulp, The Pixies, Gorillaz, Radiohead, Kendrick Lamar, and Arcade Fire, as well as emerging talents. The festival is known for its diverse programming, inclusive atmosphere, and high-quality sound.
In addition to the main event, Primavera also hosts smaller concerts across the city in the days leading up to the festival.
Official Primavera Sound website
Sónar Festival (June)
Sónar is one of the world’s leading festivals dedicated to electronic music and digital arts. Typically held in mid-June, Sónar features cutting-edge performances, DJ sets, and multimedia art installations.
The festival is divided into Sónar by Day, which includes concerts, workshops, and exhibitions, and Sónar by Night, where the focus shifts to large-scale performances and DJ sets from top international artists.
Sónar has hosted performances and DJ sets from icons like Björk, Daft Punk, and The Chemical Brothers, making it a must-attend event for fans of electronic music and digital creativity.
Vida Festival (June/July)
Held just outside of Barcelona in the coastal town of Vilanova i la Geltrú, Vida Festival takes place in late June or early July and is a charming, smaller-scale alternative to the city’s larger festivals.
Vida is known for its carefully curated lineup of indie, folk, and alternative artists, as well as its picturesque setting in a forested area where you can camp.
The festival offers a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere, with art installations, food trucks, and activities like yoga sessions. Vida Festival is perfect for those looking to enjoy quality music in a beautiful, natural setting.
Alma Festival – Poble Espanyol (June/July)
This summer music festival takes place in Poble Espanyol, an open-air architectural museum located on Montjuïc Hill in Barcelona. The festival line-up for July 2024 included The Divine Comedy, Take That, James Blunt and Kool and the Gang.
Get more information and tickets on the official Alma Festival Website.
Cruïlla Festival (July)
Cruïlla is a summer music festival held in early July at Parc del Fòrum. Known for its relaxed, friendly vibe, Cruïlla offers a diverse lineup that spans genres such as rock, pop, reggae, electronic, and world music as well as comedy sets.
The festival emphasizes a broad musical palette, featuring both well-known international acts and local Spanish artists. Past performers have included the likes of Placebo, Bomba Estereo, Duran Duran, Kylie Minogue, and Damian Marley.
Cruïlla is also distinguished by its strong focus on sustainability and social responsibility, with various initiatives aimed at reducing the festival’s environmental impact and aiming for zero waste.
Reggaetón Beach Festival (July)
Reggaetón Beach Festival in Barcelona is one of the biggest reggaetón music events in Europe, attracting fans of Latin urban music from all over the world.
Held during the summer, typically in July, this festival is a major highlight for reggaetón enthusiasts, offering a day filled with performances by some of the genre’s biggest stars, as well as emerging artists.
The festival has now moved from the beach to the Circuit de Barcelona at Montemelo, and as well as Barcelona there are other Festivals around Spain all summer.
In addition to the music, the festival often features a variety of activities and attractions, including food trucks serving Latin American cuisine, dance performances, and interactive experiences that celebrate Latin culture.
Official Reggaetón Beach Festival website
Rock Fest Barcelona (July)
Rock Fest Barcelona is a must for rock and heavy metal enthusiasts. Held in early July at Parc de Can Zam in Santa Coloma de Gramenet, just outside Barcelona, this three-day festival features an impressive lineup of legendary rock and metal bands.
Past editions have seen performances from rock icons like Iron Maiden, Ozzy Osbourne, Alice Cooper, Deep Purple and Kiss. The festival is known for its high-energy atmosphere, passionate fans, and strong community spirit. It’s a pilgrimage for rock and metal fans from around the world.
Official Rock Fest Barcelona website
Les Nits de Barcelona (July)
The Festival Jardins de Pedralbes is a unique summer music festival held in the beautiful gardens of the Palau de Pedralbes. Running for around 2 weeks at the end of June or the start of July, this festival offers a series of open-air concerts in a stunning setting, featuring a wide range of musical genres, from classical and jazz to pop and rock.
There is a diverse lineup of international, Spanish and Catalan artists, which includes the likes of The Pretenders, Patti Smith Quartet, Sopa de Cabra, Mika, Simple Minds and Rufus Wainwright.
The website is all in Spanish or Catalan, but you can check ticket availability and prices here.
Barcelona International Jazz Festival (October-December)
The Barcelona International Jazz Festival is one of the most prestigious jazz festivals in Europe.
The festival is mainly held from October to November with additional concerts throughout the year, and features performances by world-renowned jazz musicians, as well as up-and-coming talent, offering a wide range of styles from traditional jazz to avant-garde.
Concerts take place in various venues across the city, including the Palau de la Música Catalana, L’Auditori, Apolo, Razzmatazz and smaller jazz clubs like Jamboree, creating an intimate and immersive experience for jazz lovers.
The website is all in Spanish or Catalan, but you can check ticket availability and prices here.
Live Concerts & Music All Year Round
If you don’t manage to visit one of these music festivals in Barcelona then you can still get to watch live music and concerts in Barcelona every week. Some of the best places to watch live music in Barcelona include:
- The Palau Sant Jordi: the largest indoor music venue in Barcelona, hosting the biggest stars from all genres of music.
- Razzmatazz: One of Barcelona’s most iconic venues, and a great spot for both international and local acts, ranging from rock to electronic music. It’s also a nightclub with five different rooms, each offering a unique musical experience.
- Sala Apolo: Another legendary venue, Sala Apolo hosts a variety of live performances almost every night. The main hall is perfect for larger acts, while the smaller venue upstairs, La [2] de Apolo, offers a more intimate experience.
- Palau de la Música Catalana: A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Palau de la Música Catalana is not only a stunning piece of architecture but also a prime venue for classical music, opera, and jazz performances. Its modernist design creates an enchanting atmosphere for live music.
- Jamboree Jazz Club: Located in the heart of the Gothic Quarter, Jamboree is one of the best spots in Barcelona to catch live jazz and blues. The club has hosted numerous legendary performers over the years and continues to be a hub for jazz enthusiasts.
More Festivals & Yearly Events in Barcelona
These events highlight the city’s rich cultural landscape and attract both locals and international visitors. Here are some of the top cultural festivals in these categories:
Llum BCN (February)
Llum BCN is a lighting arts festival organized by Barcelona City Council which takes place in early February. Llum BCN brings together exhibitions and displays by creators from all areas of the visual arts, including contemporary art, design, architecture, technology and lighting design.
During the three-day festival, the Poblenou neighbourhood and the surroundings of Plaça de les Glòries became a focal point for the city’s cultural activities. Over in 2024 more than 220,000 people enjoyed the lighting installations designed by internationally renowned artists, along with projects from the city’s top architecture and design schools.
Llum BCN is a visually spectacular event that draws large crowds and offers a unique way to experience Barcelona at night, blending art, technology, and urban space in a captivating display.
BCN Negra Literature Festival (February)
BCNegra is a festival celebrating crime novels and has lots of free activities revolving around fictional crime, including talks, exhibitions, film screenings, plays and performances. Most events are in Catalan.
Kosmopolis (March)
Kosmopolis is a biennial literature and storytelling festival held at the Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona (CCCB). The festival is dedicated to exploring the boundaries of literature, storytelling, and the written word across various media.
Kosmopolis features a rich program of readings, discussions, performances, and workshops, with participation from writers, poets, journalists, filmmakers, and other storytellers from around the world.
In the last edition in 2023, guests included Jarvis Cocker, Tsitsi Dangaremgba, Virginie Despentes, Sara Mesa and Salman Rushdie, with the next event due in 2025.
Check the official website here for details.
Barcelona Beer Festival (March)
One for the adults, the Barcelona Beer Festival typically features tastings, workshops, and opportunities to discover unique and diverse brews. Beer enthusiasts can indulge in a wide selection of craft beers from local and international breweries.
La Feria de Abril – April Fair (April)
Traditionally, the Feria d’Abril, or April Fair, is an Andalucian celebration but Barcelona has its own version organised by the Federation of Andalusian Cultural Entities in Catalonia.
It’s a fun and cheesy party with fairground rides, restaurants and marquees in the Parc del Fòrum, with events celebrating Andalusian culture including flamenco shows.
Barcelona International Film Festival (BCN Film Fest) (April)
The Barcelona International Film Festival, also known as BCN Film Fest, takes place every April at the historic Verdi Cinemas in the Gràcia district as well as other venues around the city.
This festival focuses on films related to history, literature, and art, offering a curated selection of international and Spanish and Catalan films, including premieres, documentaries, and retrospectives.
In addition to screenings, the festival hosts panel discussions, Q&A sessions with directors, and workshops, providing a platform for filmmakers and cinephiles to engage in meaningful dialogue.
Learn more on the official website here.
Sant Jordi Literary Fair (April)
In conjunction with the traditional Sant Jordi celebrations, Barcelona hosts a Sant Jordi Literary Fair on April 23rd which is World Book Day, where authors, publishers, and book lovers gather to celebrate literature.
The fair features book stalls set up along La Rambla and other parts of the city, with numerous author signings, readings, and literary events.
It’s a significant day for the Catalan publishing industry, as many new books are released on Sant Jordi, and it provides an opportunity for readers to engage directly with their favourite authors.
Modernist Fair of Barcelona (May)
The Modernist Fair celebrates Modernist culture and architecture in the city with special events, stalls and exhibitions showcasing this unique cultural heritage and its importance to Barcelona.
Step back in time and enjoy live performances, vintage cars and lots of traditional dress from the Modernist era.
Get more information on the official website here.
International Museum Day & The Night of Museums (May)
International Museum Day is celebrated on 18th May and sees numerous museums in the city open their doors for free access for everyone.
That same evening, the Night of Museums continues with free entry to participating museums in the evening and through until 1am. It’s a great time to learn about Catalan culture at some of the amazing museums in Barcelona.
Some museums will require you to pre-book as there are limited spaces, and top Barcelona museums that participate include the Picasso Museum, the Moco Museum, MACBA, the CaixaForum, Montjuic Castle and many more.
The official Nit dels Museus website is only available in Spanish or Catalan here.
DOCS Barcelona International Documentary Film Festival (May)
DOCS Barcelona is a prestigious documentary film festival held in May, dedicated to showcasing the best in documentary filmmaking from around the world.
The festival features screenings of both feature-length and short documentaries, covering a wide range of topics from social issues and politics to art and culture. In addition to the screenings, DOCS Barcelona hosts workshops, masterclasses, and industry events, making it an important gathering for filmmakers, producers, and documentary enthusiasts.
Most films are shown at Cinemes Renoir Floridablanca in Sant Antoni, with a few other venues. The festival is a key event for those interested in non-fiction storytelling and provides a platform for important voices and perspectives to be heard.
Learn more on the official website here.
Barcelona Poetry Festival (Barcelona Poesia) (May)
The Barcelona Poetry Festival, celebrated every May, is a week-long event dedicated to the art of poetry. The festival features readings, performances, and discussions with poets from Catalonia, Spain, and around the world.
Events are held in various locations across the city, including cultural centers, libraries, and public spaces, creating an intimate atmosphere for poetry lovers to engage with the art form.
The festival often includes multilingual readings, and is a significant event for both established poets and emerging voices.
Get more information on the official website here.
El Grec Festival (June-July)
The Barcelona Grec Festival, held in June and July, is a major cultural event that showcases a wide range of performing arts, including theater, dance, music, and circus.
Named after the iconic Greek Theater on Montjuïc Hill, where many of the performances take place, the festival draws artists from around the world and features both contemporary and classical works.
The Grec Festival is an important platform for local and international artists and provides an opportunity to experience innovative and diverse cultural performances in a variety of settings across the city.
Barcelona Design Week (October)
Barcelona Design Week, held annually in October, is one of the most important design festivals in Spain and Southern Europe. This week-long event showcases the latest trends in design, architecture, and innovation, with a focus on sustainability and social impact.
The festival includes exhibitions, conferences, workshops, and networking events, attracting designers, architects, and creatives from around the world. Barcelona Design Week is a must-attend for anyone interested in design and the creative industries, where you can go to explore new ideas and inspiration.
See more on the official website here.
Open House Barcelona (October)
Open House Barcelona, known as 48h Open House Barcelona, is an annual architectural festival that offers a unique opportunity for the public to explore some of the city’s most significant and often inaccessible buildings.
Held over a weekend in October, this event is part of the global Open House initiative, which aims to promote appreciation and understanding of architecture and urban design by granting free access to a wide variety of buildings and spaces.
During Open House Barcelona, more than 200 buildings across the city open their doors to the public, including iconic landmarks, private residences, historical sites, modern architectural marvels, and spaces not usually open to the public. One year I got to go to the top of the Arc de Triomf which was a great opportunity to see it from a different angle!
You can explore these buildings either on your own or through guided tours provided by architects, historians, and volunteers. The event also includes special activities such as workshops, lectures, and children’s activities, aimed at engaging people of all ages in the world of architecture.
Open House Barcelona is a must-attend for architecture enthusiasts, locals, and tourists alike, offering a rare chance to see buildings which are usually closed to the public. Some activities require booking in advance.
Learn more on the official website here.
Barcelona Independent Film Festival (L’Alternativa) (November)
L’Alternativa is Barcelona’s Independent Film Festival, offering a platform for independent filmmakers to showcase their work. It is held in November with onsite in person events and with online only film sessions in January.
The festival features a diverse selection of films, including fiction, documentary, animation, and experimental films from both emerging and established directors. Screenings take place at the Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona (CCCB) and other venues around the city.
L’Alternativa also includes workshops, debates, and masterclasses, providing opportunities for filmmakers to connect and learn. The festival is a vital space for independent cinema and a celebration of creative freedom.
Learn more about the 2024/2025 edition here.
Loop Barcelona (November)
Loop Barcelona is a festival dedicated to video art and moving images, held in November. The festival brings together artists, curators, collectors, and enthusiasts to explore the latest developments in video art.
Loop events include exhibitions, screenings, and panel discussions in various galleries, museums, and cultural institutions across the city. Loop Barcelona also hosts a professional fair, where galleries and collectors can discover new works and talents.
Get more information on the official website here.
If you want more ideas for the best things to do in Barcelona month by month, check out when to visit Barcelona, or the individual articles below: