Casa Batlló Magic Nights.
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 all the summer music events taking place near you, from big-name gatherings to boutique takeovers.
Casa Batlló Magic Nights
May 1-July 31, 2023, Casa Batlló, Barcelona
While not exactly a music festival, the Casa Batlló Magic Nights program offers live performances nearly every night from May through July. 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. Entry includes the concert, your own table, a glass of cava and access to the “10D Experience” offering a unique way to experience this architectural wonder through new technological installations and intelligent devices. Schedule and tickets available online for purchase on the Casa Batlló website.
Image courtesy of Primavera Sound.
Primavera Sound
May 29-June 4, 2023, Parc del Fòrum
One of the largest and most well known festivals in Spain, Primavera Sound opens the summer festival season with the hottest new talent as well as long established names in the alternative music scene. This year's lineup features everything from reggaeton to K-pop and punk; headliners include the likes of Pet Shop Boys, New Order, Kendrick Lamar, Depeche Mode, Blur, Halsey, Rosalía, Calvin Harris and Red Velvet. With over 200 artists, this year's theme "I'll be your mirror" reviews the past two decades of Primavera Sound. 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 in advance and are available on the festival website.
Image courtesy of La Pedrera.
Talents Jazz a La Pedrera
June 8 to August 18, 2023, 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 June to mid-August. 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 and program information available on La Pedrera website.
Image courtesy of Share Festival.
Share Festival
June 9-10, 2023, Parc del Forum
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. Tickets can be bought on the festival website and must be purchased in advance.
Image courtesy of Sónar.
Sónar
June 15-17, 2023, 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 30th 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 Black Coffee, Eliza Rose, Albany and Bored Lord. 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. Sónar 2023 features a lineup fit for a 30th Anniversary party. Details and tickets on the festival website: sonar.es.
Jardins de Pedralbes.
Les Nits de Barcelona
Jun 27 to Jul 26, 2023, Palau de Pedralbes
Music returns one more year to the gardens of the Palau de Pedralbes with a brand new festival: Les Nits de Barcelona. With a whopping 30 concerts on the agenda, you can catch performances from Sebastián Yatra, Natalia Lafourcade, Antonio Orozco, Tom Odell, David Bisbal, Buhos, Meritxell Nedderman, God Save the Queen, Ara Malikian, Manhattan Transfer and many 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, including Deleito, Kao, Casa Pepe, Camarasa, Nomo, Sauleda, Madrelievito and Cal Blay Food Lovers. nitsdebarcelonapedralbes.com
Image courtesy of Festival Cruïlla.
Festival Cruïlla
July 5 to 8, 2023, 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. This year’s headline performers include The Offspring, Franz Ferdinand, Pinpilinpussies, Shego, Renaldo & Clara, Stay Homas, Amaia 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 must be purchased in advance and are available on the festival website.
Image courtesy of Festival Jardins de Pedralbes.
ALMA Festival Jardins de Pedralbes
July 10-27, 2023, 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 10 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 features 14 live shows in July, with highlights including Chris Isaak, LP, Bastille and many more. Tickets must be purchased in advance and are available exclusively through the festival website.
Image courtesy of Bachcelona Festival.
BACHcelona Festival
July 12-27, 2023, 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. Tickets must be purchased in advance and are available on the festival website.
Image courtesy of Mas i Mas Festival.
Mas i Mas Festival
July 27 to September 3, 2023, 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. For nearly every day in August the Mas i Mas Festival has something scheduled. Catering for a wide-range in musical tastes, Mas i Mas manages to provide for fans of jazz, techno, flamenco, classical, techno and groove. Details and tickets available on the festival website.
Image courtesy of BAM Festival.
BAM Festival
Dates for 2023 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.