5 January

Popular culture

Along with the La Mercè festivities, the Three Kings Parade is one of the most eagerly awaited and popular events on Barcelona's festive calendar. The entire city turns out for this large – and painstakingly planned – parade through the city centre streets, with a large retinue of pages, floats and choreographed pieces. It is a display of fantasy, colour and rhythm that attracts people of all ages. Pure Christmas magic created in Barcelona.

11 January

Music

The Argentinian artist has revolutionised the industry to the rhythm of hits such as Automático, Adiós and, one of the most recent works, Corazón vacío. 
The urban music legend comes to Barcelona in January to perform at the Sant Jordi Club as part of the Cruïlla Hivern 2025.

24 - 26 January

Music

The Tenor Viñas Contest is celebrating its 62th anniversary as one of the most prestigious singing contests in the world, an event that has brought to the public’s attention singers who are now well-known figures on the international lyric opera scene. The preliminary rounds of the contest, created in 1963 and organised by the Gran Teatre del Liceu, are held at some of the world’s leading opera houses, such as those of Paris, Beijing, Milan, London and New York, as well as at the Liceu itself. The most promising young lyric opera singers meet in this contest’s final round, which is open to the public.

Congresses

30 January

The Barcelona Fashion Summit has established itself as a meeting and networking space for top executives in the fashion business in Spain and is a unique event in southern Europe.
The thirteenth edition is being held at the Palau de la Música in January, exploring the matters that shape the agenda for this sector, particularly those that will define the fashion industry of the future.

Until 2 February

Exhibitions

The exhibition “Art in Stone” places in La Pedrera some of the late works by eight historical sculptors, born between the late 19th and early 20th century – Hans Arp, Louise Bourgeois, Eduardo Chillida, Naum Gabo, Barbara Hepworth, Henry Moore, Isamu Noguchi and Jorge Oteiza – who were almost contemporary, and it describes their often parallel artistic paths to explore these new means of expression, highlighting points of convergence.
In addition to these abstract pieces, a complementary section gives visitors the chance to see how the pioneers of modern sculpture influenced the subsequent generation – Stephen Cox, Luciano Fabro, Barry Flanagan, Cristina Iglesias, Anish Kapoor, Ettore Spalletti and Alison Wilding – and how stone has been the inspiration for new conceptual ways of working.

Until 9 February

Exhibitions

How did Matisse and Miró have access to each other's works? What did they see, what was each able to see in the other? Who were the people that facilitated this contact? The exhibition “MiróMatisse. Beyond the Images” focuses on key moments when these shared perspectives were particularly productive: the evocation of Fauvism in Miró's work at the end of the 1910s and the beginning of the 1940s.
The display reveals an unprecedented dialogue between the two artists and shows how they revolutionised painting, redefining the boundaries of modern art in a relationship marked by creative influence and mutual admiration.

2 February

Sports

The X-Trial 2025 world championship will include its now-traditional round in Barcelona with the 48th Indoor Trial Barcelona, which also features the 5th consecutive edition of the Women's Trophy.
The world’s top riders will be looking to put an end to Toni Bou’s five consecutive wins at the Palau, while Berta Abellán will be aiming to repeat her triumph from 2024 and gain her second victory in the Women’s Trophy Barcelona, the world’s only women’s indoor trial competition.

3-5 February

Fairs

More than 1.100 wineries and 75 Designations of Origin will be exhibiting their best wines at a fair that highlights the quality of Spanish-produced wines to importers from around the world.  

The Barcelona Wine Week programme also features around 100 prestigious experts who will discuss the challenges the sector is facing and unveil the latest wines.

4 - 7 February

Fairs

Barcelona will become the global epicentre of the audiovisual sector with Integrated Systems Europe, the most important systems integration and audiovisual fairs in the world. It is the benchmark showcase of technologies and solutions in the audio, video and lighting fields and attracts the sector’s international community to the city. 

7-9 February 

Festivals

Every February, the Poblenou neighbourhood lights up for three nights with installations, projections and mappings from the best creators on the international scene. Llum BCN is one of Europe’s major light arts festivals and a big public festive occasion.

9 - 12 February

Popular culture

Known as Barcelona’s winter festival (festa major), this family-friendly celebration pays tribute to the city’s co-patron saint, St Eulàlia, with activities for everyone: street parades with giants, fire-runs (correfocs), human tower (casteller) performances, concerts and lots more. Don’t miss the Eagle’s Dance (Ball de l’Àliga) at Santa Maria del Mar!

10-16 February

Festival

Barcelona’s international noir fiction festival turns twenty. Under the slogan “Barcelona-Marsella-Nàpols”, this year’s edition brings together 145 participants, including Yasmina Khadra, Arnaldur Indriðason, Ivy Pochoda, Benjamin Black, Donna Leon, Chris Whitaker and François Thomazeau.
The BCNegra programme has 46 activities in different spaces around the city. Round tables predominate, but there will also be film screenings, music, theatre, workshops, reading clubs and discussions.

Shows

13-16 February

Your favourite Disney stories come to life at the Palau Sant Jordi with this top-class ice-skating show featuring acrobatics and some amazing stunts.
People of all ages can enjoy together the performances of characters from some of the most iconic films, such as Encanto, Vaiana, Toy Story and Frozen.

16 February

Sport

The Half Marathon is much more than a sports competition. It is also a day of recreation which every year invites athletes from all over the world to enjoy running on a fast circuit surrounded by monuments around some of the city’s most emblematic streets. 

Music

18 February

The Scottish band, known for their countless anthems, such as Take Me Out, No You Girls, Do You Want To and The Dark of the Matinée, will be offering three concerts in Spain, one of them at the Razzmatazz in Barcelona.
Besides their greatest hits, Franz Ferdinand will be presenting their new album, The Human Fear. 

3-6 March

Congresses

The Mobile World Congress is the world’s biggest and most influential mobile phone and connectivity event. The most important companies in consumer electronics will be presenting their latest news and products at the congress, while key figures will be sharing their ideas and experiences.
This year’s event will explore notable topics such as artificial intelligence, 5G and the future of mobile networks, total connectivity, business transformation, sustainability and tech diversity, among other issues.

Fairs

3 - 6 March

4YFN, the congress for start-ups, returns to Barcelona as the global benchmark for the innovation ecosystem. A new opportunity to connect investors, creators and entrepreneurs from all over the world in a unique setting: at the heart of the Mobile World Congress.

12-13 March

The pop icon Anastacia will be bringing her #NTK25 tour to Barcelona ​​as part of the Banco Mediolanum Festival Mil·lenni, performing at the concert hall Paral·lel 62 on 12 and 13 March.
The tour marks the 25th anniversary of her album Not That Kind, which catapulted her to international stardom in the year 2000 with hits such as “I’m Outta Love” and “Not That Kind”. 

13-23 March

Food and drink

A culinary festival in the heart of Passeig de Gràcia. Top restaurants on this thoroughfare and the surrounding area will be offering tastings at affordable prices. From dish-specific itineraries to gourmet meals, culinary evenings with Michelin star chefs and workshops led by renowned cooks, come and enjoy haute cuisine in one of the city’s most iconic spots. 

16 March

Sport

The long-distance race bar none is one of Europe’s benchmark marathons. The Barcelona Zurich Marathon is an IAAF Gold Label event and attracts thousands of runners every year who consider its little over 26 miles as one of the most spectacular routes in the world. The magic of Barcelona and sport combined in a unique experience.

23 March - 11 April

Music 

March is classical music month in Barcelona. The Spring Festival brings the best international performers to stages at the Liceu, Palau de la Música Catalana and Barcelona Auditori. In addition, Ciutat de Clàssica hosts concerts by talented young performers in museums, art galleries and emblematic buildings, such as Casa Batlló.

23 March - 3 April

Music

Barcelona turns into the world piano capital for this prestigious competition aimed at promoting talented young performers from around the globe. The grand finale at the Palau de la Música Catalana is one of the most important piano events in the city. Moreover, public spaces are filled with pianos for everyone to enjoy and play throughout the event. 

24-30 March

Sport

This historical Catalan bike race is a top-flight event on the UCI World Tour and fought over seven stages between Sant Feliu de Guíxols and Barcelona, with an explosive final on the Montjuïc circuit.

27 March- 6 April

Shows

The new Cirque du Soleil production is touring the globe and there’s a chance to see it at the Palau Sant Jordi in Barcelona at the end of March and the start of April.
Corteo transports us to a theatrical universe of fun and spontaneity, a world between Heaven and Earth, contrasting grandiloquence with the most intimate, the beauty of perfection with the attraction of imperfection.

30 March - 2 April

Festivals

Discover the best contemporary, international independent and arthouse cinema at the D’A! The main attractions at this top Barcelona cinema event include award-winning films, world premières and Q&As with directors.

4 - 6 April

Fairs

New edition of the unmissable event for fans of comics and graphic novels. Major international authors will be visiting the 43st edition of the fair. Over the course of three days, it will feature competitions, themed exhibitions, talks, signing events, film and videogame sections, but most importantly a great atmosphere. 

12–20 April

Sports

Created by Carlos Godó Valls, count of Godó, and held for the first time in 1953, this tournament is an iconic event for the city of Barcelona. Grand slam champions, some of Spain's best players ever and a long list of top-ranked players in the world have written this competition’s history. Two-time champion Carlos Alcaraz, currently world No. 2, has confirmed his participation in the 2025 championship. 

22 April

Music

The Twenty One Pilots’ world tour will take them across North America, the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. The Clancy World Tour is their biggest tour ever, and will be coming to Barcelona’s Palau Sant Jordi.
With 33 billion streams worldwide and over 3 million tickets sold on world tours, the duo have established themselves as one of the most successful bands of the 21st century.

23 April

Traditions / Culture

Every 23 April, thousands of people go for a stroll through Barcelona and enjoy one of the most special, intense and beautiful days of the year. Sant Jordi’s Day, declared World Book Day by UNESCO, fills the streets with books and roses, which are traditionally given as gifts to loved ones. Few celebrations bring the people of Barcelona together as much as this day. A cultural event not to be missed.

23 - 27 April

Trade fairs

For over 30 editions now, this annual international gathering has been bringing the entire bridal fashion community (and the fashion world in general) to Barcelona.
The fashion show side of the event includes 4 days of catwalks featuring the latest collections of 37 designers, while the trade show will be an opportunity for over 400 brands to fill the BBFW venues with their latest accessories and bridal, groom and party collections.

6 - 8 May

Trade fairs

Barcelona will be hosting the world’s largest fish and seafood industry trade fair. Buyers, suppliers and other professionals from the distribution and sales chain in over 160 countries will come together at this global event to discover the industry’s latest innovations and products.
The lineup of talks will feature over 20 educational sessions led by leading experts in the fishing industry. 

8-10 May

Festivals

Disseny Hub Barcelona is once again the venue for OFFF Barcelona - the benchmark creativity, design and digital culture festival. International professionals, influencers and innovators will share what is happening right now in the creative industries, including conferences, performances, interactive installations and exhibitions.

13 - 15 May

Fairs

This is another of the major tech events on Barcelona’s calendar. The IOT Solutions World Congress is the leading international event devoted to the transformation of the sector via disruptive technologies. The fair will bring together 250 first-class experts and specialised talks, along with an exhibition zone where more than 300 companies from all over the world will display the latest IOT, AI and DT trends, products and applications.

20-22 May

Trade fairs

The complementary fair includes a programme of activities for sector professionals:  the Sustainable Building Congress addresses sustainability as a vector for innovation in the sector and, in 80 sessions and talks, it presents real projects that showcase materials, construction systems and technologies designed for responsible construction.

23 - 25 May

Trade fairs

This contemporary photography festival based in Barcelona seeks to connect photographers, industry professionals, collectors and the general public in a space where they can explore, discover and enjoy images in all their forms. 
Each edition of Art Photo BCN brings together a photography trade fair, a photobook market, portfolio viewings and a wide range of free activities.
The event has cemented itself as a leading platform for photography and photo publishing in Spain, expanding exhibition and visibility opportunities for both emerging and well-established artists and publishing houses.

28 May to 1 June

Sport

New edition of the prestigious international regatta, once again bringing the excitement of top-class sailing to the city’s beaches. The world’s finest sailing crews will be taking part in the competition, organised by the Reial Club Nàutic de Barcelona since 1974. 

30 May to 5 October

Food and drink

“Dinner with the Stars” combines scientific outreach and star gazing with truly tempting cuisine. Dine in the open at one of the best vantage points in Barcelona and gaze upon faraway constellations, stars and much of the solar system with one of the largest and oldest telescopes in Europe.

30 May - 1 June

Sports

The Barcelona-Catalonia Circuit will be hosting the 35th edition of this event in the year of Formula 1’s 75th anniversary.
The Spanish Grand Prix promises thrills, excitement and many unknowns in an edition that’s full of changes: Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari, Carlos Sainz at Williams, and Fernando Alonso facing his first season under Adrian Newey, who will be at the helm of the Aston Martin project.

Open days

Barcelona is one of the 120 European cities taking part in Museum Night, an event linked to International Museum Day (18 May). Museums and heritage sites will be opening until the early hours for a night of culture where visitors can enjoy collections and exhibitions, as well as guided tours, family workshops, concerts and recitals.

4 - 8 June

Music

Three days of the best indie music concerts at the Parc del Fòrum, featuring over 150 artists and three headliners: Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan and Charli XCX, who’s invited Troye Sivan to her show.
As is tradition, there will be a free opening event on Wednesday with performances by Caribou, La Casa Azul, Hinds and Llum. And on Sunday 8 June, the Primavera Bits x Nitsa closing party will feature Michael Bibi, Paul Kalkbrenner, Carlita, BUNT and Ona.

9 June

Music

Guns N’Roses will be coming to Europe and the Middle East in 2025. The Because What You Want & What You Get Are Two Completely Different Things tour will be made up of 24 concerts and just one stop in Spain: in Barcelona, at the Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium on 9 June.
The opening act will be American band Rival Sons.

12 - 14 June

Music

Every June, the Sónar festival turns Barcelona into the heart of the avant-garde music and arts scene, drawing fans, artists and professionals from around the world who are eager to experience innovative content and formats at various Fira Barcelona stages and venues.
Notable names in this year’s lineup include Nathy Peluso, Plastikman, Arca, Overmono and Polo & Pan, as well as sessions by Peggy Gou, Four Tet, Honey Dijon, Vintage Culture, Mochakk, Barry Can’t Swim, Helena Hauff and Andres Campo. 

14 - 15 June

Music

Billie Eilish’s world tour, Hit Me Hard And Soft, will take her across the United States, Australia and Europe. 
And she’ll be stopping by the Palau Sant Jordi on 14 and 15 June for live performances including some of her most iconic songs, such as “Happier Than Ever”, “When the Party’s Over”, “Bad Guy” and “Bury A Friend”, as well as the songs on her latest album.

23 June

Festivals

The night of 23 June is the “Revetlla de Sant Joan”, a magical night celebrating the summer solstice, and one of the most traditional popular festivals held in Catalonia.

In Barcelona there isn’t just one, city-wide celebration, instead all the neighbourhoods have their own bonfires and “St John’s Eve” parties at the same time. It all starts when the Canigó Flame arrives in Plaça de Sant Jaume, and then taken by runners all over the city to light the neighbourhood bonfires, which herald the start of the festivities with communal meals, firework displays featuring devils, beasts, dances, bangers and, without fail, traditional Sant Joan cake.

24 June - 22 July

Music

Camila Cabello, Wilco, Alan Parsons Live Project, The Corrs, Madness, Zahara + Natalia Lacunza and Julieta Venegas + Rita Payés are just some of the artists who have confirmed they’ll be at this year’s Alma, the festival where you can relax, dance and enjoy great live music during Barcelona’s summer nights at the city’s legendary Poble Espanyol venue. 
Before the concert, take a stroll around the Village and enjoy a concert by an up-and-coming artist, as well as the food area.

Festivals

The history and programme of the international festival for theatre, music, dance and circus make this one of the most iconic events on Barcelona’s cultural panorama. With over 45 editions under its belt, the Grec backs exceptional artistic projects and offers a showcase for the finest local creations and the most innovative projects from stages all over the world. 

Popular culture

The Dancing Egg is a Barcelona tradition linked to the festival of Corpus Christi. It consists of making an egg “dance” on the jet of water coming from fountains in the cloisters and gardens of unique historical buildings: the Cathedral, the Museu Frederic Marès, the Casa de l’Ardiaca and the Ateneu Barcelonés. The fountains are decorated with fruit and flowers, offering fragrances and textures typical of the spring. This is a festivity that invites people to take to the streets and discover the most beautiful corners of the city.

1 July

Music

Imagine Dragons have announced a world tour that will include a stop in Barcelona. They’ll be presenting their latest album, Loom, live for the first time in a concert at the Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium on 1 July 2025.
The Las Vegas group has become one of the largest rock bands in the world, with sales of over 74 million albums, 65 million digital songs and over 160 billion streams.

3 - 12 July

Music

This festival has been held in Barcelona since 2005 and features lyrical singers from all over the world. It preserves and internationally promotes the repertoire of Latin American and Iberian artistic song in Spanish, Catalan, Portuguese and indigenous languages, along with its composers and performers.  The event consists of a course in the history and interpretation of the vocal repertoire of a cycle of concerts with top-class international artists.

9- 12 July

Music

The Cruïlla Festival will be held at Parc del Fòrum, an unbeatable outdoor setting facing the sea and a can’t-miss event for lovers of alternative and indie music. 
The 2025 lineup features names such as Alanis Morissette, Texas, Thirty Seconds to Mars, Ben Harper and Girl in Red, and in addition to the music, there will be comedy shows and other acts. Get ready to dance, bounce and enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience at the festival’s 15th edition.

26 July

Music

Carlos Santana is coming to Barcelona this summer with his Oneness Tour, the perfect chance to re-live his classics.
The tour will feature some of his greatest hits, with songs from iconic albums such as Abraxas, Caravanserai and Welcome, not to mention Supernatural, which sold 30 million copies and introduced a whole new generation to his music.

28 june - 20 july

Festivals

The grand festive occasion standing up for LGBTI rights and freedoms is one of the most popular in Europe, attracting thousands of people every year. Packed concerts, lectures, talks, films, exhibitions and a big demonstration all form part of an extensive programme of activities to give a voice to sexual and gender diversity, make it more visible and celebrate it.

Film

The summer brings us another edition of the Sala Montjuïc open-air film festival, with a selection of the season's most outstanding films, the most recent releases and the award winners, as well as essential cult and classic films, accompanied by concerts and picnics under the stars. All the films are in the original version with subtitles.

Music

As its name tells us, Bachcelona is Barcelona’s festival devoted to Johann Sebastian Bach. The competition features concerts and a variety of musical activities in iconic venues across Barcelona, such as the Palau de la Música, the Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau and La Pedrera. Reflecting its commitment to quality, every year the festival invites the most renowned international artists specialising in Bach. 

9 - 17 August 

Festivals

Circuit is one of the largest LGBTI leisure festivals in Europe, running over nine fun-packed days on the beach with pool parties, terraces and night-time events. The event offers good music, a place to make friends from around the globe and meet new people, celebrate diversity and discover Barcelona – a city with non-stop culture and leisure attractions.

Film

An event to enjoy good films in the outdoors on summer nights. The programme features quality films that have been screened at renowned film festivals, and these are shown in original version with subtitles in Spanish. Each session also starts with a short film. The completely free event is held on Sant Sebastià Beach in Barcelona.

Football

If you're a football fan, this is a chance for you to watch Barça play live. The Joan Gamper Trophy is a historic tournament, where FC Barcelona will be launching the 2025-2026 season squad to fans in a friendly match. For the past four years, this trophy has also had a women’s category, offering a spectators the chance to enjoy one of the best women's teams in the world.

Popular culture

If visiting the city in August, make sure you head over to Gràcia. The neighbourhood hosts one of Barcelona’s most important summer festivals in mid-August. It is famous for its distinctive best decorated street competition that the locals spend the whole year preparing for. Walk around decorated streets that have transformed into small fantasy worlds with a wide variety of themes.

5-7 September 

Sports 

The main ingredients of MotoGP™, the pinnacle of world motorcycling, include the best motorcycle manufacturers, the best riders in the world and a competition format that is more and more exciting every year. 
The flamboyant world champion Jorge Martín will be taking on his first year with Aprilia, while Marc Márquez will be wearing Ducati red with Pecco Bagnaia as his team mate. This will be one of the most epic duels in the history of the championship. For his part, Pedro Acosta will become an official rider for KTM, adding more excitement to the battle. 
Off the track, fans will be able to enjoy constant fun and entertainment thanks to a wide array of activities. 

15 September

Music

Six years after his last visit, Jason Mraz is back in Europe, this time for his Still Yours tour. The Barcelona leg will be in September at the Palau de la Música Catalana, as part of the Guitar BCN festival.
This special evening in an intimate atmosphere will be acoustic only, with Mraz performing his most iconic songs in addition to releasing some new ones. 

18–21 September

Fairs

Barcelona’s art season kicks off with this event for art lovers, collectors and professionals. This weekend, the city´s top galleries will be hosting exhibitions by national and international artists, together with presentations, performances, conversations, gatherings and guided tours. It’s a can’t-miss event for anyone interested in learning about the latest trends in contemporary art. 

30 September - 2 October

Trade fairs

This is the leading international event for defining the future strategy of Europe’s property market and a place to discover projects to invest in according to environmental, social, and governmental criteria. This three-day congress brings together specialists in property assets to gauge the market and anticipate the major trends for the different classes of assets and their performance.

Day events

This is the leading annual gathering for Barcelona's ecosystem of international talent, the main welcoming and networking space foreign professionals living and working in our city. 

BICD offers information and practical sessions, workshops, networking activities, music and performances in other disciplines, children's activities and more. There's also a fair with companies and organisations offering products, services and other initiatives for the international community.

Sport

The Copa del Món UCI Mountain Bike Eliminator is a race in which adrenaline, explosiveness and technical prowess stand out. The Eliminator is a cross country race where four riders compete in unison along a short course with many obstacles. The world's best mountain bike riders meet in Barcelona to vie for the jersey by which they will be recognised as a champion on a world scale.

Food and drink

Great food, music and the unbeatable setting of the Born are at the heart of this street food fair. The best restaurants and chefs in the area will prepare dishes with seasonal products in front of the public, who can then enjoy a taste of their creations.

Popular culture

Barcelona is La Mercè and La Mercè is Barcelona. If you want to truly experience the city’s essence, this is one of the best times to visit. Barcelona will be abuzz with its festa major, or main annual festival, one of the events Barcelona residents look forward to all year. Streets, parks and public spaces will be filled with street art shows, concerts featuring all kinds of music, gegants [giant figures], castellers [human tower builders], devil figures and fire creatures. The celebration culminates with a spectacular musical fireworks display that attracts thousands of people every year. 

Sport

The Fòrum Park will host one of the largest urban sports events in Europe. Fans of extreme sports and action sports won't want to miss the scooter, skate, BMX and breakdancing competitions, which will feature international stars in these disciplines. 

2-5 October

Fairs

Swab is Barcelona's contemporary art fair. It is an independent project created 15 years ago as an experimentation platform for emerging artists. Priority is given to the quality of the artistic programme and the project's proximity to the public. Around eighty art galleries from all over the world take part in the event, which was founded by the architect and collector Joaquín Díez-Cascón.

2 - 5 October

Sports

In October, Barcelona will become the world capital of equestrianism for the 113th International Show Jumping Competition.
Over four days, the Olympic track at the Barcelona Royal Polo Club will host a total of 10 competitions featuring the most prominent equestrian athletes from around the world. 
The second edition of the Longines League of Nations™ will also be held here, with individual competitions including the City of Barcelona Trophy and the Queen’s Cup - Segura Viudas Trophy - Government of Catalonia Award.

7-17 October

Festivals

The Barcelona Design Week (BDW), the city's annual design, creativity and innovation event, is one of the world's leading events in its field. The festival, which seeks to introduce the public to the world of design, will cover areas such as social design, creativity, impact and digitalisation in an expansive programme of exhibitions, conferences, workshops and a variety of spaces open to all.

8 - 12 October

Trade fairs

The Barcelona International Boat Show, going into its 62nd edition this year, is the city’s annual sports and recreational sailing event.
The show will display a wide range of vessels, including sailing boats, yachts and catamarans, at the Port Vell. It will also feature a space for various start-ups to showcase their most transformative projects in the fields of digitalisation and environmentally friendly sailing, including electric, hybrid and hydrogen vessels.

Food and drink

Barcelona is a market city, and Mercat de Mercats is the markets' grand celebration. This gastronomic fair focuses on high-quality, local and sustainable food and takes place in Plaça de les Glòries, where you can taste tapas prepared by some of the best local chefs, buy fresh food from the markets' suppliers and even cook it yourself right there in the barbecue area. There will also be chats, talks and show cooking by professional cooks.

Festivals

48h Open House is one of Barcelona's main architecture events. A full weekend of free guided tours in which over 250 buildings of all types, shapes and sizes in the city of Barcelona and its surrounding areas will throw open their doors to visitors. The festival is a perfect opportunity to enjoy experiences related to Barcelona's heritage, from Roman ruins to today's city, including buildings that are examples of Catalan Gothic, Neoclassicism, Catalan Modernisme and the Modern movement. 

4-6 November

Fairs

The first international summit on cities and smart urban solutions brings together leading figures from companies, governments and the most innovative organisations from over 400 cities around the planet. The congress offers a three-day programme with renowned experts to share ideas and discover the best practices for a more sustainable world, plus an exhibition zone where hundreds of businesses and organisations will be showcasing their avant-garde projects and smart solutions.

4-6 November

Fairs

This international event on smart and sustainable urban mobility is held every year in Barcelona in parallel to the Smart City Expo World Congress. The congress explores mobility projects and initiatives for the future, with national and international experts and businesses, organisations and research centres looking to strengthen their capacities, increase collaboration and share solutions to speed up the transition to sustainable mobility.

6 November

Music

After a six-year break, Jamiroquai is back with The Heels Of Steel Tour, which will take them around Europe and the United Kingdom. 
The iconic jazz funk band is celebrating over 30 years of music on this tour which includes just one stop in Spain: 6 November at Barcelona’s Palau Sant Jordi. 
Headed by Jay Kay, they’re ready to continue their legacy by bringing back their fans’ favourite hits and surprising them with new sounds too.

18–20 November

Fairs

Barcelona is confirming its leadership as a destination for congresses and business by hosting IBTM World, the jewel in the crown in this sector. This is the most important global fair for tourism linked to meetings, incentives, conferences, events and the business travel industry (MICE). The last edition brought together around 2,650 hosted buyers (international companies in charge of organising events) and 2,500 exhibitors from more than 100 countries, along with 12,000 professionals from the sector.

6-10 November

Festivals

This November, Barcelona, a UNESCO City of Literature, will be the capital of non-realistic literature. Festival 42 provides a meeting point for creators, readers, publishers and disseminators of fantasy genres, an unmissable event that boosts connections ranging from mythology to science fiction and from YA fantasy to the most unsettling horror, featuring domestic and international authors and the latest releases. 

Sports

The Jean Bouin is the longest-running athletics race held in Barcelona and this year it celebrates in 102st edition. The race consists of a 5k and a 10k course which go through some of Barcelona's most iconic streets. The Jean Bouin is named after the French long-distance runner who broke several world records at the 1912 Stockholm Olympics.

Fairs and conferences

Arts Libris has become firmly established as one of the most important international artist's book fairs in the world. The fair breaks away from the traditional Anglo-Saxon model adopted by most fairs in this sphere, casting its gaze instead towards southern Europe and Latin America. The fair features around a hundred publishers and an ambitious range of cultural activities, including talks, debates and workshops around artist publications, contemporary bibliographies and photobooks.

Shows 

Every year, Barcelona sees in the Christmas season by switching on the Christmas lights throughout the city. It is something unique to behold, full of imagination and excitement, and specially designed to kick-start the most magical time of the year. All the Christmas lights in the city are officially switched on right after the end of the show, lighting hundreds of streets and squares and filling them with a festive atmosphere and the Christmas spirit. If you come to Barcelona during the holiday season, let yourself be dazzled by the decorations in the city's most iconic places. You will be pleasantly surprised!

Sports

The Challenge Barcelona Triathlon promises to exceed expectations and offer a unique experience for athletes of all levels. One of the main new aspects to this year’s event comes in the form of 80 places for amateur athletes in the short distance, who will have to meet two basic requisites: to be federated triathletes and to accept and meet all the cut-off times and established rules for this distance. The other categories are: Olympic, sprint, junior challenge and aquathlon.

Festival

5-8 December

Japanese culture and Barcelona combine for Manga Barcelona, the stellar event for manga and anime lovers which is held at Fira de Barcelona Gran Via. The fair offers the latest developments and trends in this sector, specialised publishing companies and booksellers, with a chance to enjoy roundtable discussions, talks, meetings with authors, competitions and all sorts of activities, including the most international of cosplay competitions, the World Cosplay Summit.

31 December

Sport

Every year, Barcelona closes out the sports year on 31 December with a highly original and festive run which has become a true Christmas tradition in the city. The Nose Race is a 10 km event open to all which attracts large numbers of runners in a circuit around the streets of Barcelona. The event is complemented with a 5 km event, the International Nose Race 5K, exclusively for 50 professional runners and considered by many as the best race in the world over this distance. 

31 December

Festivities

Barcelona sees out the year with the most spectacular countdown from Montjuïc’s emblematic Magic Fountain. Music, fireworks, a monumental set and the most spectacular tech innovation are set to make Av. Reina Maria Cristina a really special place to bid farewell to 2025 and see in 2026. This is a show to amaze anybody wishing to celebrate a New Year’s Eve packed with magic and emotions and in the best of company.

Festivities

During the month of December, Barcelona is transformed to celebrate one of the most magical festivals of the year. The city is all dressed up, its illuminated streets brimming with activities to suit all tastes. You’ll find the iconic Santa Llúcia and Sagrada Família fairs, shows, concerts and festivals for all the family, such as those in Plaça Catalunya and Plaça de la Universitat, along with traditional nativity scenes like the one at the Museu Frederic Marès and innovative alternatives such as the one in Plaça Sant Jaume. Experiencing Christmas in Barcelona is a true gift.

Fairs

Barcelona confirms its place as one of the grand design capitals with events such as this one. Design Market Barcelona is the market for independent designers, organised every Christmas at the Disseny Hub Barcelona by the association Fostering Arts and Design (FAD). Featuring over a hundred exhibitors, it offers a chance to find the best products and creations in fashion and accessories, household items, contemporary jewellery, crafts products, furniture, illustrations, games, food products and lots more. Lovers of great design will be able to find the perfect gift here.

Sports

Barcelona becomes the international padel capital in December. The Palau Sant Jordi will be hosting the second edition of the Premier Padel Tour Finals, where the eight top pairs in the world ranking will be competing to win the last trophy of the 2025 Premier Padel circuit season.

Shows 

As Christmas draws near, the Sant Pau Modernista Complex becomes a space full of fantasy, joy and colour, delighting young and old. Els llums de Sant Pau is a light show like never before, a fully immersive experience in an extraordinary setting, declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. An essential event for enjoying the magic of Christmas with the family.

Routes

The Barcelona Christmas Tour is a unique experience enabling you to really feel the magic of Christmas. This panoramic bus tour takes you on an evening trip around the city’s grandest streets and avenues and its most iconic buildings, such as Passeig de Gràcia, the Sagrada Familia, the Cathedral and the Arc de Triomf, all specially decorated and lit up for the festive season. The tour follows a route full of colour where the authentic Christmas ambience will rub off on you and you’ll discover the traditions and secrets surrounding Christmas in Barcelona, explained by tourist guides on board the bus.