Agenda

A city trip to Barcelona isn’t complete without experiencing one of the many events that take place in the city. Barcelona buzzes day and night with a rich calendar of cultural, musical, and gastronomic events, in addition to official holidays. It’s not uncommon to be surprised by a festive parade or music festival while strolling through the streets. Make sure to check beforehand if your visit coincides with a specific event or celebration in Barcelona, so you don’t miss out.

A City Full of Events

It’s impossible to get bored in Barcelona: the best concerts, exhibitions, and events related to art, culture, gastronomy, and leisure take place here week after week. Epiphany, Carnival, Holy Week, Sant Jordi, Sant Joan, and La Mercè are some of the major events marked on every Barcelonian’s calendar. Additionally, the city observes numerous important holidays. But what are the key events you simply can’t miss? I’ve outlined them below for you.

Exciting Events in Barcelona

From diverse exhibitions to film screenings, music and theater performances, fairs, festivals, and markets, Barcelona’s vibrant event calendar keeps the city alive and bustling. The city is packed with fun happenings; here are a few of my personal favorites:

• The Castellers (human towers)
• The Sardana dance
• Sant Jordi (Day of Love)
• Sant Joan (Midsummer Night Festival)
• Calçotada (Calçot feast)
• Palo Alto Market
• Food festivals
• Music festivals
• Outdoor cinemas

Barcelona Calendar by Month

Are you planning a visit to Barcelona and wondering if there’s an exciting event happening during your stay? Check out the monthly event calendar below to see what’s happening in Barcelona throughout the year.

Barcelona by Season

Thanks to its Mediterranean climate, Barcelona is a great destination year-round. Each season offers something unique: from calçotades in the winter and city parks in full bloom in the spring to warm beach days in the summer and the castanyada in the fall. Below, I’ll explain what makes each season special and what you can do during your visit.

Barcelona in the Spring

Spring is one of the favorite seasons for locals. Rising temperatures, blooming city landscapes, and festive events like Holy Week and Sant Jordi make it a great time to visit. Around Easter, patisseries in Barcelona display colorful chocolate eggs and figurines to decorate the mona de pasqua (a traditional Easter cake for children). Spring also marks the start of outdoor festivals like Primavera Sound and is perfect for outdoor activities.

Barcelona in the Summer

Despite the heat, Barcelona is an ideal summer destination thanks to its long stretches of beach. Locals and visitors alike enjoy long summer evenings at chiringuitos (beach bars), terraces, and open-air cinemas. Indulge in delicious ice cream, iced coffee, or tinto de verano (a refreshing summer wine drink) while relaxing by the beach. Summer is also packed with festivals, with highlights like the midsummer celebration of Sant Joan and the Festa Major de Gràcia.

Barcelona in the Fall

With increasingly longer summers, Barcelonians continue to enjoy outdoor life well into the fall. By late September, the first chestnut stalls pop up on the streets, filling the air with the aroma of roasted chestnuts. These, along with panellets (traditional pastries), are key ingredients for castanyada, a festival that coincides with All Saints’ Day. Halloween, influenced by American traditions, is also gaining popularity. On rainy autumn days, Barcelona offers plenty of indoor options, from visiting food markets to relaxing at a spa.

Barcelona in the Winter

During crisp winter days, Barcelonians often gather in granjas, traditional cafés where treats like chocolate con churrosare served. After the holidays, which feature festive Christmas markets and celebrations like Christmas Day, New Year’s, and Epiphany, the winter sales begin. Locals also enjoy calçotades (feasts with grilled spring onions and romesco sauce) and activities like ice skating and skiing in the nearby Pyrenees. Winter’s main events include the Festes de Santa Eulàlia and Carnival.

Holidays in Barcelona

Barcelona is rich in holidays and neighborhood festivals. Special occasions like Sant Jordi (April 23) and the eve of Sant Joan (June 23) are celebrated in grand style. Some of the most notable and beloved holidays include:

• Epiphany or Three Kings’ Day (January 6)
• Holy Week (March/April)
• Sant Joan (June 24)
• La Mercè (September 24)
• Christmas (December 25)