BAM Festival 2026

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Image courtesy of BAM

Over 25 years in the game, Barcelona Acció Musical (BAM) is an integral part of Barcelona’s festival scene. Each year, this iconic event coincides with La Mercè, Barcelona’s citywide festival, which sees the city come alive with music and performances throughout the weekend. BAM adds a unique range of music into the mix, exploring new and imaginative sounds. Featuring a wide range of local and international acts playing everything from hard rock to electro, pop and jazz there's sure to be something for everyone.

More than 50 groups fill four stages across the city each year with unique, new and original sounds, bringing together an extensive program combining technology and tradition, music and performance arts, mobilizing the entire city. In this way, BAM is also structured as a musical celebration profoundly connected with Barcelona. You'll be able to catch free concerts at Plaça de Catalunya, Rambla del Raval, Moll de la Fusta and Antiga Fàbrica Damm from September 23rd to the 28th.

What to Do for La Mercè

Celebrated in the days surrounding September 24th, the La Mercè festival program is packed with things to do and see. From parades and exhibits filled with gegants (giants), capgrossos (bigheads) and fire-breathing beasts to giant castells (human towers), traditional dances, correfocs (fire runs), drone light shows, fireworks displays and free concerts, you're sure to find something to delight and amaze you.

But if all the festivities of La Mercè get to be a bit too much, why not take a culture break? Many of the city’s museums observe the holiday with a jornada de portes obertes (open doors). To make the most of your time, take a look at our interactive map with all the locations that are throwing open their doors for free: Map of Barcelona Museums with Free Entry for La Mercè.

See our Guide to La Mercè for a list of the festival's events and discover the story behind one of the biggest celebrations on Barcelona's calendar and the many traditions that make this beloved Catalan holiday so special.

For more events during the Festes de la Mercè check our online events calendar.