Barcelona is a living city where something always happens.
Whether it is street parties, traditional parties or large discos in clubs, it is practically impossible to get boredr given Barcelona's busy schedule regardless of the time of year.
However, start with a plan, and you will get a great one by reading this article on events in barcelona, classified by month.
Barcelona - upcoming events
Barcelona is not just a city to visit, it is a city where I love to live.
It is very likely that during your stay you will come across local events and festivals up to the big names like Primavera Sound and La Festa Major de Gracia.
Here I have prepared a Barcelona calendar that includes all main events of the year. It is full of festivals, conferences, parties of all kinds, sporting events, concerts and more.
Don't forget to follow my Facebook page for more information and current events.
Barcelona events in 2020 per month
January
- [DO NOT MISS IT] Parade of the Magi: January 5, 2020. The Epiphany in Barcelona is possibly more important than Christmas and is celebrated with a great parade with the Three Wise Men highlighted. The procession begins around 3:16 a.m. with the arrival of the kings by boat to the Moll de la Fusta dock, then at 00:18 a.m. it strolls through the streets of the city and ends at 00:00 a.m. from the Magic Fountain. If you visit Barcelona with children, they will love it, beware of the crowds! More info here.
- Sant Antoni Festival: from January 17 to 26, 2020. The neighborhood party season begins with a parade of animals and their protector Sant Antoni Abad (La Cabalgada des Tres Tombes). You will also enjoy a craft beer festival and other typical activities: street food, a traditional correfoc fire race, reggae concerts and even a 10km mini marathon. Everything takes place in the Portal de Sant Antoni Abat, right next to the recently reopened Sant Antoni Modernist Market. Check the full program of the 2020 parties.
- Hogueras de Sa Pobla: From January 17 to 25, 2020 Sa Pobla (a small town on the island of Mallorca) has the tradition of celebrating a party in San Antonio with a week of bonfires, barbecues and traditional music to fill the lively streets of the authentic neighborhood of Grace from Barcelona. Check the full program here.
February
- Festivities of Santa Eulalia: from February 7 to 12, 2020. Santa Eulalia has been the patron saint of Barcelona since the seventeenth century and the city continues to pay tribute to her through a great winter festival with a parade, the city's famous human castles (castellers), sardana and fire marches (correfoc) - a parade of adults and children disguised as demons jumping in fireworks. More information about the event here.
- Barcelona Half Marathon: February 16, 2020. This 21km run covers many famous areas of the city and is a great way to see some of Barcelona's most visited sites - and get in shape!
- Sitges Carnival: from February 15 to 26, 2020. In Catalan it is called carnestoltes and especially on weekends at night during the festivities you will find parties and costumes throughout the city, but the action takes place mostly in small towns. of the region, that is why we recommend celebrating the Sitges Carnival.
- Barcelona Carnival: from February 20 to 26, 2020. If you don't want to travel to Sitges, do you also have the Barcelona Carnival?
- Valentine's Day: February 14, 2020. The Catalans are not the biggest fans of this holiday since their day of romance is Saint George on April 23, but if you are in the city during this time, that does not mean that you do not plan one of the best romantic things to do in Barcelona.
- BCN Light Festival: from February 14 to 16, 2020. Many buildings and streets in the Poblenou neighborhood are illuminated by artists from around the world. Light is used as a creative tool to organize public space. Find all the information on this page.
- Mobile Phone World Congress: February 24-27, 2020. The world's largest mobile technology convention draws tons of tech-savvy tourists to the city to connect and grab tapas on the corporate card! The convention takes place at the Fira Gran Vía (Av. Joan Carles I, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat). (update: the event has been canceled for 2020)
Mars
- Sant Medir: March 3, 2020. This popular party in the Gracia neighborhood is best known for its trucks loaded with sweets and desserts that are thrown at visitors with music playing floats, trucks, and even horses! Take a front row seat, especially if you have children. Expect a visit to the dentist when you get home. See the 2020 program.
- Barcelona Marathon: March 15, 2020. The fifth largest marathon in Europe takes you on a 5 km journey that will allow you to fully understand everything that a well-planned route in Barcelona has for you. If you want to register, go to the home page of the Zurich Marathon. (update: edition of 42 has been moved to October 2020)
- Spannabis: March 13-15, 2020. This great convention dedicated to the world of cannabis and its associated products is not only a place to discover the latest technologies in the industry, but an ideal place to attend concerts and meet like-minded people. It takes place in the Cornella neighborhood and the ticket costs € 19,00 (online) for one day.
April
- Easter: April 12, 2020. Although not as celebrated as in southern Spain, you will be able to enjoy an impressive Good Friday parade as well as excellent local culinary traditions. All the best tips can be found in my article on visiting Barcelona at Easter.
- [DO NOT MISS] San Jorge: April 23, 2020. World Book Day in Catalonia is based on a fantastic tradition that unites education and romance: the city turns into a gigantic store / flower shop with citizens selling them in small stalls everywhere. Tradition says that women receive a rose while men receive a book, although you can mix it up however you like! The important thing is to show your appreciation with the idea of a small gift and take a walk to breathe the scent of roses in the city.
- Course of the English Court: April 19, 2020. This very popular 10K free race still reaches the 10-runner milestone. Here, it is more a matter of encouragement and success than competition. It is organized by the famous Spanish department store El Corte Inglés.
- Fair for the Earth: from April 18 to 19, 2020. Along with Earth Day, this holiday weekend is organized around culinary exhibitions with local products and all kinds of shows for children and adults. The festivities take place in Passeig Lluís Companys and in Parque de la Ciutadella.
- Barcelona Fire Department: April 26, 2020. The most popular 10km race in the city is Cursa Bombers. It is named after the city's firefighters who organize the event. With more than 15 participants, it has become one of the great Barcelona events of the year. Visit the official page for more information on registration.
- April Fair (Seville Fair): from April 26 to May 2, 2020. The great Andalusian party originating in the southern city of Seville takes place every year in the Parc del Fòrum: flamenco shows, live music, exhibitions, food court and even a mini theme park.
more
- Barcelona Comic Fair: From May 8 to 10, 2020. The International Comic Fair of Barcelona is the most important date on the calendar for Spanish comic collectors. Come to the Fira de Montjuic and you will find more than a dozen conferences, 29 meetings of authors and more than 180 exhibitors in more than 50 square meters.
- Girona Flower Festival: May 9-17, 2020. This splendid flower festival transforms the streets of the medieval center of Girona into an open-air art gallery with floral sculptures, lights, fountains and music. Now is the perfect time to plan your visit to the city of Girona.
- Spanish Grand Prix: from May 8 to 10, 2020. You will find all the information about one of the largest motor races in the world on the Montmeló circuit website.
- A Film Festival: from April 30 to May 10, 2020. The Barcelona Independent Film Festival takes place at the Center for Contemporary Culture (CCCB) and at the Cine Aribau.
- Night of the museums 2020: May 16, 2020. All the museums in Barcelona are free on this special day dedicated to culture, shows, classes, tours and music. You will find the same throughout Europe. You can consult the program online.
June
- Primavera Sound: June 3-7, 2020. Indie fans and hipsters from all over the world gather at the Parc del Forum for this great music festival featuring the latest rock, pop and dance groups. It sells out every year, hurry up!
- MotoGP of Catalonia: from June 5 to 7, 2020. The Catalan stop of the famous MotoGP circuit is a must for lovers of motor racing.
- [NOT TO BE MISSED] Sonar Festival: from June 18 to 20, 2020. This huge electronic and experimental music festival is undoubtedly the most important in Europe. You can see all the biggest names in the industry.
- San Juan: June 23, 2020. Since the following day (June 24) is a public holiday in Spain, it is a great excuse to celebrate the arrival of summer with a big bonfire and fireworks on the beach. Hundreds of thousands of people gather to participate in the bottle sessions (drinking in the street) and dance in chiringuitos (beach bars). Get all the information in my article about what to do in Barcelona in June.
- Gay Pride Barcelona: June 28-29, 2020. An open mind, music, civil rights and a parade highlight this LGBT classic that fills Barcelona with color, fun and a touch of madness!
- Brunch en el parque: June - September. On Sunday summer afternoons you can dance in the sun on the Montjuic mountain with Brunch in the Park, a place to listen to international DJ sessions, have a picnic with a beer in the park or even play with your children. in a dedicated play area.
July
- Cruilla Festival: July 2-4, 2020. Less known but as powerful as its cousin Primavera Sound, Cruilla is a festival popular with locals for its mix of rock, reggae, Latin music and Catalan music. It takes place in the Parc del Fòrum.
- BBF - Barcelona Beach Festival: July 11, 2020. Fancy a little dance while enjoying the Mediterranean freshness? The BBF is a festival that takes place entirely on the beach, where you will have sets by some of the most famous DJs in the world such as Armin van Buuren, David Guetta, etc.
- The world of tomorrow: date to come. After the first edition in 2017, the Spanish version of this famous Belgian electronic music festival could not resist the temptation to make it a regular event. You will have a full day of dancing from 16:00 p.m. to 03:00 a.m. in the Can Zam park (Sagrera metro red line L1 or Cam Zam orange line L9).
- Greek Festival: all july. Cycle of eclectic artistic performances organized by the city of Barcelona at the Greek Theater of Montjuic and other popular spaces. Here you will find a variety of contemporary dance, theater and even circus performances.
- Pedralbes Gardens Festival: from June 5 to July 15, 2020. The elegant gardens of the Royal Palace of Pedrables are the ideal setting for this varied series of concerts that in the past has hosted Sting, Tom Jones, the Beach Boys, Elvis Costello, the Gipsy Kings, etc.
- Raval Festival: dates to come. The famous fiestas of the Barcelona neighborhood officially begin with the multicultural Raval neighborhood and its lively parades, concerts and alternative street events.
- Fiesta Mayor Poble Sec: dates to come. The second big party of the summer is gaining momentum with a more party-oriented festival on the street with its variety of free concerts and DJ sets in the middle of the night.
- Cine al aire libre de Montjuic: all july. Do you watch your favorite classic movie under the stars and projected on the wall of a historic castle? Check. With all kinds of spaces to be able to arrive early and have a picnic, watch short films and meet local people, it is more than a movie night. Remember to bring a blanket.
Augusto
- Festival DGTL: dates to come. If you are not tired of electronic music festivals (why would you expect less? Barcelona is the European capital of electro!), Head to the Parc del Fòrum to enjoy musical and artistic performances that stand out for their durability. Check our article dedicated to the festival for all the information!
- [DO NOT MISS] Gràcia Festival: August 15-21, 2020. In my article on what to do in Barcelona in August, it takes up a lot of space: it is the largest urban party that turns Gracia into a fantasy world. Each block decorates its street according to a chosen theme, and in the streets, music and parties until 4 am makes it a kind of open-air club!
- Sants Festival: dates to come. A more modest version of the Fiesta Mayor de Gracia, but still with the intention of celebrating and celebrating a street carnival in the sun. Barbecues and street bars are a great place to soak up the atmosphere, which has the advantage of being the least touristy and most local of the main neighborhood parties.
- Circuit Festival: From 6 to 16 August 2020. Circuito, one of the largest gay festivals in Europe, is synonymous with club nights and gym sessions by the beach. The things gay legends are made of.
- Gamper Trophy: date to come. This match cup named after Joan Gamper, founder of FC Barcelona, pits Barça against a chosen rival who comes from any country in the world of football. The game takes place at the famous Camp Nou.
September
- Catalonia Day: September 11, 2020. A very important day in the local calendar is the diada, the national holiday of Catalonia, which commemorates the fall of the city in 1714 for the benefit of Spanish troops. In recent years it has taken on all its meaning. with the independence movement gaining ground.
- [DO NOT MISS] Festival of Mercy: September 20-24 (to be confirmed for 2020). The most important event on Barcelona's September agenda is the celebration of the city's patron saint with concerts, fireworks, parades, food and drink, and more. Best of all, it's free. This year the guest city is Havana (Cuba).
October
- Barcelona Marathon: October 25, 2020. The fifth largest marathon in Europe takes you on a 5 km journey that will allow you to fully understand everything that a well-planned route in Barcelona has in store for you. If you want to register, go to the home page of the Zurich Marathon. (the edition of 42 was initially scheduled for March 2020)
- Festival de Cine de Sitges: dates to come. The fantastic International Film Festival that takes place in the coastal paradise of Sitges (30 minutes by train) showcases the best genre films and allows you to meet the directors. If you are a movie fanatic and want to network, go for it. Attention! The movies here tend to lean towards horror.
- Oktoberfest Barcelona: dates to come. Who said Oktoberfest was only for Munich? Barcelona pays a pretty honest tribute to the world's biggest party with its huge beer mugs, schnitzel, pretzels, and tumultuous tables singing in front of traditional bands. Everything happens in Montjuic.
- Brunch in the city: October November. If you haven't already purchased all of the Brunch in the Park dance moves, you're in luck! The madness continues in Poble Espanyol for the fall version of this dance festival on Sunday afternoon.
- Festival de Jazz Voll-Damm Barcelona: dates to come. The Barcelona International Jazz Festival always has an incredible line-up for lovers of this genre. Unfortunately, ticket prices can go up, be sure to book well in advance.
- Chestnut: October 31 - November 1. From Halloween night until the next day, this is the most traditional time to experience the famous Castanyada - grab a bag of roasted chestnuts and stay late to bathe in the atmosphere of the street carnival.
November
- In-Edit Barcelona: dates to come. A festival of musical documentaries that usually presents the first series of short films about artists, musical movements and all kinds of stories related to music. You can buy individual tickets or get a pass for all the movies. The festival takes place at the Aribau cinema (Carrer d'Aribau 5, Universidad metro line red line L1 or purple line L2).
- Sant Martí Festival: dates to come. The very local atmosphere that you will find in the neighborhoods of Clot and Poblenou is ideal for a neighborhood party. Here you will find the Catalan classics with parades of papier-mâché giants, human castles, concerts and traditional paella dinners.
December
- Fair of Santa Lucia: dates to come. Barcelona's famous Christmas market is a short walk from Barcelona Cathedral on the square. Here you will delve into all the local traditions such as cagatio, which is explained in my Christmas in Barcelona article.
- Sagrada Familia Christmas Market: dates to come. This other Christmas market in Barcelona is the perfect place to find nativity scenes and fir trees. This artisan market is located right in front of the Sagrada Familia.
- Three Kings Market: dates to come. This market specializes more in toys and small gifts, a great option for those visiting the city with children. It's also a great place to enjoy freshly made churros con chocolate.
- Marché from Puerto Viejo: dates to come. The newcomer to Barcelona's Christmas markets arrived in force in 2019 with his 31-meter-high Christmas tree and floating crib!
- Children's Festival: from December 27 to 30, 2019 and from January 2 to 4, 2020. The festival dedicated to children is ideal for the whole family. Enjoy all the games, workshops and activities of the Fira de Montjuic.
- [DO NOT MISS] New year in Barcelona: The main events of this great night in the city are the fireworks and lights of the Magic Fountain and the great night of discos in Poble Espanyol. You will find all the information in my article about New Years Eve in Barcelona.
Get the festivities started in the comments below.
I have covered the main events in Barcelona in 2020, but you may not have found anything you like during the month of your stay here - why not write to me in the comments below for personalized advice? ?
Any questions or comments about your holidays in Barcelona will be answered as soon as possible. Also be sure to check out my comprehensive guide to Barcelona.
Also, don't be afraid to join the discussion about Barcelona events on my new Facebook group called “For City Lovers”. Here you can ask questions, voice your complaints, chat with other travelers and more - anything goes!