Sounds of the City: Summer Music Festivals
Made plans for summer? If you’re staying in the city, you won’t be alone. It should come as no surprise to most that Barcelona is fast transforming into the go-to destination for festival lovers, given Catalunya’s covetable combination of culture, great weather and an increasingly diverse concert circuit. Add the fact that it’s far more affordable than many of its European counterparts, and you have the makings of a musical mecca. So if you’re looking to expand your horizons while staying put this season, here’s a summary of the summer music events taking place near you, from big-name gatherings to boutique takeovers.
Casa Batlló Magic Nights
April 4-July 31, 2024, Casa Batlló, Barcelona
While not exactly a music festival, the Casa Batlló Magic Nights program offers live performances nearly every night from April and throughout the summer. You can enjoy a drink in a unique open-air setting while listening to some of Barcelona's favorite jazz, soul, blues, flamenco and rumba ensembles. Basic entry includes the concert, your own table, a glass of cava and access to this beautiful architectural wonder with an audio guide.
Ticket prices range from €59 to €119. Spanish residents receive a €20 discount on most nights, but availability is limited. Also, make sure to get your tickets in advance, because as the date nears ticket pricing increases significantly. Schedule and tickets available online for purchase on the Casa Batlló website. casabatllo.es
Mas i Mas Festival
May 4-August 29, 2024, various locations in Barcelona
Most people accept that the options for cultural activities wane significantly in the heat and many can happily replace it with a nice, leisurely stroll to the nearest beach and indulge in a heat-induced coma for a month. But the Mas i Mas group bargained on there being a substantial portion of the population who didn’t appreciate the drought in things to do, and they’ve been answering those people’s wishes since 2003. Starting in May and running all the way though the end of August the Mas i Mas Festival caters to wide range of musical tastes, providing concerts for fans of jazz, blues, flamenco, classical, techno and groove. Details and tickets available on the festival website. masimasfestival.com
Talents Jazz a La Pedrera
May 16-July 26, 2024, La Pedrera, Barcelona
Another roof-top concert venue worth mentioning in another of Antoni Gaudí’s iconic buildings is the Talents Jazz a La Pedrera with live jazz every Thursday and Friday night from mid May to the end of July. Take in the beautiful view under Barcelona's night sky as you sip on a glass of cava and allow the evening to wash over you. Tickets include a visit to Espai Gaudí, located in the iconic attic of Casa Milà, which takes you on a visual tour around the work of the amazing architect. The tour is followed by a concert on the rooftop where you can listen to the live jazz in this unique and enchanting setting. Tickets are €39 and can be purchased on La Pedrera website. lapedrera.com
Primavera Sound
May 29-June 2, 2024, Parc del Fòrum, Barcelona
One of the largest and most well known festivals in Spain, Primavera Sound opens the summer festival season with a vibrant line-up of more than 200 international artists. This year's schedule features everything from reggaeton to K-pop and punk; headliners include the likes of Pulp, Vampire Weekend, Justice, Lana del Rey, The National, Disclosure, SZA, PJ Harvey, Mitsky, FKA Twigs and Charli XCX. The festival offers a little something for everyone with a diverse roster of talent that encompasses everything from the music world's most respected names to up-and-coming artists. Tickets must be purchased well in advance—they sell out quickly!—and are available on the festival website. primaverasound.com
Share Festival
June 7-9, 2024, Parc del Forum, Barcelona
Featuring urban and pop music with a number of Catalan artists in the line up, Share Festival is indeed a big party. But Share Festival isn’t just about music and having a good time. Its motto is: "the best path to happiness is sharing." With that in mind, the festival collaborates with a number of NGOs to provide festival goers the opportunity to learn about and actively participate in projects that address important issues such as climate change, human rights, gender equality and extreme poverty.
This year's program features performances from Myke Towers, Aitana, Lola Digo, JC Reyes, Maka, Cali and the Dandee Yovngchimi, the Bobe, Cano, Chanel & Ptazeta, Juliet, Lia Kali, Belemén Aguilera, Raul Clyde, Queralt Lahoz, Mama Dousha, Aida Redru, Tay de León and many more. Tickets range from €45 to €90 and must be purchased in advance on the festival website. sharefestival.org
Sónar
June 13-15, 2024, Fira Montjuïc and Fira Gran Via L'Hospitalet
If dance music is your jam, then this event is for you, as once again Sónar has curated a veritable selection of styles for your listening pleasure. Whether it's thumping bass, club bangers, gritty garage or niche tunes from the farthest flung corners of the globe, Sónar caters for everyone. It's an inclusive romp that will have you craving next year's party the minute it is over.
Now in its 31st year, this festival of music, creativity & technology is set to be as exciting as ever with electronic artists flying in from across the planet to delight its equally international audience. This year Sónar by Day includes over 70 activities—including live shows, DJ sets, talks, installations and more—spread over five stages and a variety of spaces. Throughout the day, punters can head to Fira Montjuïc to hear the vibrant tunes of people like Bikôkô, Blck Mamba, Coco Em, Kabeaushé, and Loraine James. Sónar by Night is a Barcelona's celebration of global electronic music. Across four stages, from sundown to sunrise, experience jaw-dropping live shows, forward-thinking sounds from around the world, and the biggest and best DJs around. Tickets range from €45 for a Thursday pass to €310 for a VIP pass. Details and tickets on the festival website. sonar.es
ALMA Festival Jardins de Pedralbes
June 24-July 21, 2024, Poble Espanyol, Barcelona
ALMA Festival Jardins de Pedralbes brings together international artists from a wide range of genres for a relaxed, family-friendly series of concerts. The event began 11 years ago to celebrate the history and beauty of the city and to offer an escape from city life—even if just for an evening. This year's program has been expanded to 21 live shows, with highlights including Sheryl Crow, Glen Hansard, Alice Cooper, India Martínez, James Blunt, Kool & The Gang and many more. When it's time to recharge your batteries, The Village offers a space to relax and grab a bite to eat as you listen to the music of emerging artists. Tickets range from €39 to €187 and are available exclusively through the festival website. almafestival.info
Les Nits de Barcelona
July 1-25, 2024, Jardins del Palau de Pedralbes, Barcelona
Music returns to the gardens of the Palau de Pedralbes with Les Nits de Barcelona. Enjoy great musical performances in a charming setting, surrounded by lush vegetation and impressive architecture. Featuring 20 concerts on the agenda, you can catch performances from international stars like Pretenders, Patti Smith Quartet, Rufus Wainwright, Luz Casal, Vanesa Martín, Diana Krall, Simple Minds, Passenger and more.
In addition to concerts you'll find gastronomy alongside performing arts and design in The Village. This leisure and entertainment space will invigorate the hours before and after the concerts with dance, magic, acrobatic and circus shows. Young designers will exhibit their creations where you'll discover new trends in design, fashion and crafts. And, when you're ready for a break and a bite to eat, you can choose from some of the big names in Barcelona gastronomy. Tickets prices range from €15 to €135 and can be purchased on the festival website. nitsdebarcelonapedralbes.com
BACHcelona Festival
July 8-21, 2024, various locations in Barcelona
Launched in 2013 in homage to the great composer Johan Jebastian Bach, the BACHcelona Festival strives to bring Bach out of the somewhat stuffy setting of the concert hall and breathe some life into the rigid and dusty image we have of his work. The 18th-century German musician was a master of composition and improvisation, and this annual festival is dedicated to shining a light on his brilliance through an array of activities and concerts. The festival takes place in some of the most beautiful historical venues in Barcelona, including La Pedrera, Basílica de Santa Maria del Pi and Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau. Concert and ticketing information are available via the festival website. bachcelona.com
Festival Cruïlla
July 10-13, 2024, Parc del Fòrum, Barcelona
Originating in Mataró in 2008 as a cycle of concerts, Cruïlla enjoyed immediate success, and in 2010 moved to Barcelona’s Parc del Fòrum as a three-day festival. Although not as well-known as its bigger Barcelona counterparts, Cruïlla (meaning "crossroads'' in Catalan) has rapidly grown into a broad-spectrum festival, with a diverse program of global artists and local talent alike. Headliners include Petshop Boys, The Smashing Pumpkins, Avril Lavigne, Kasabian, The Kooks and many more! In addition to music, the festival offers food trucks serving up cuisine from around the world and artisan craft stalls. There is also plenty on offer for families—in previous years family friendly activities included circus acts, ball pits and model-making workshops. Tickets range from €45 for a Thursday ticket to €150 for a four-day pass and are available on the festival website. cruillabarcelona.com
BAM Festival
Dates for 2024 to be announced, various locations in Barcelona
For over 20 years, the Barcelona Acció Musical (BAM Festival) has hosted an eclectic mix of world, indie, electronic, pop, rock and every genre of music in between. Each year, this iconic event coincides with La Mercè, Barcelona’s citywide festival held at the end of September, which sees the city come alive with music and performances throughout the weekend. Held at various open-air locations across the city such as Plaça dels Àngels, Plaça Reial and the Antiga Fàbrica Estrella Damm, the festival features live music from local and international talent. Dates and program line up to be announced on the festival website. barcelona.cat/lamerce/en/bam