Summer festivals in Barcelona: the definitive guide 14/07/2021

Summer nights have so much to offer. For instance, summer wouldn't be summer without a festival. Barcelona's fine weather and eclectic, cosmopolitan spirit make it one of the world's festival capitals, and summer features some of the most eagerly awaited ones. And we're not just talking about music (although in summer there are concerts to suit absolutely all tastes) but practically every artistic trend: literature, film, design, theatre, dance, food… Get ready to cool off with our great choice of culture, concerts and leisure attractions.

Festivals where music takes centre stage

Dates with music, like Primavera Sound, have made Barcelona the indie music capital. This summer, the organisers of this legendary festival have lined up a series of concerts called "Forum Nights" (July to September) with numbered tickets and performances by leading artists from Spain and around the world. You'll also find a great line-up of performers from the alternative music scene at another of the season's unmissable events, the Cruïlla Festival (6, 7, 8 and 9/7). And it's younger brother, Cruïlla XXS, will be staging concerts at different venues around the city so you can enjoy music in a more intimate format. Big names will also come together at one of the music events that is a favourite with the locals, the Jardins de Pedralbes Festival. Throughout July, this idyllic setting will provide the backdrop to world-class performers of the calibre of James Blunt, the Simply Red and Juanes. You'll also find a select range of food that will make your summer nights even more unforgettable. Barcelona has been the perfect setting for all kinds of music (jazz, pop, soul, blues, electronica, Latin, flamenco and urban sounds) for years now. You can cool off during the summer nights at the Mas i Mas Festival, which is held at five venues across the city throughout August. If you're a classical music buff, there's no need to worry because the city also plays host a big event you won't want to miss: The Mozart Summer Nights Festival (30/6-16/7) which is wholly dedicated to the genius from Salzburg.

The Share Festival (15-17/7) is another ambitious project. Its aim is to bring happiness through music and solidarity while giving the audience the opportunity to win tickets by helping others.

Culturefests

Music is one of the main events at the city's iconic culturefest, the Barcelona Grec Festival. But it isn't the only form of entertainment on offer. From 29/6 to 28/7, the Teatre Grec, from which the festival takes its name, and a wide range of venues, will be staging plays, dance and circus performances and other performing arts that fully connect with Barcelona's artistic spirit.

There's also room for photography in the city's summer diary. Art Photo Bcn (8-11/9) is a festival and photography fair that showcases established and up-and-coming photographers and brings photography to everyone.

Do you need an energy boost? If you do, don't forget to pop by one of the food festivals that feed your mind and body. This year, for instance, we welcome the Corpinnat Festival (June to August), an initiative held at the different wineries near Barcelona that produce sparkling wine under the Corpinnat classification. Each winery will be serving a lunch or dinner created by some of the most renowned chefs on the Catalan food scene, paired with their sparkling wines. Not far from Barcelona, you can also enjoy a true adventure high in the sky. The European Balloon Festival (7-10/7) takes place in Igualada and is the biggest display of hot-air balloons in Spain. More than 50 balloons will take to the skies, filling the summer with happiness and colour. You can even book a balloon ride.

If you've read this far, you might like to know there are even more festivals on offer. These are just a brief outline, so we invite you to look up all the festivals being held in Barcelona this summer and choose the one you like the most. You're bound to find the perfect one for you!