What to do in April in Barcelona
There is something about April that is simply refreshing. The city’s energy becomes softer, and people spend even more time outside. The anticipation of summer creates a certain level of excitement that is very apparent in the city. This is the perfect time to explore Barcelona at an easy pace and enjoy the calm atmosphere of the spring before summer arrives.
What to do in April in Barcelona?
Semana Santa (Easter)
In addition to these breathtaking processions, Easter in the city also offers events such as concerts and religious services at the Sagrada Família and the Barcelona Cathedral, traditional foods such as cod and ‘Mona de Pascua’ (Easter Cakes), and the annual performances of ‘La Passió d’Olesa de Montserrat’, which reenacts Jesus’ death and resurrection.
Discover everything happening in the city this Easter season by checking out our Easter in Barcelona post below!
In addition to these breathtaking processions, Easter in the city also offers events such as concerts and religious services at the Sagrada Família and the Barcelona Cathedral, traditional foods such as cod and ‘Mona de Pascua’ (Easter Cakes), and the annual performances of ‘La Passió d’Olesa de Montserrat’, which reenacts Jesus’ death and resurrection.
Discover everything happening in the city this Easter season by checking out our Easter in Barcelona post below!
Sant Jordi
Whether you are single or in a relationship, Sant Jordi, on the 23rd of April, is a beautiful day to celebrate love in whatever shape or form. Traditionally, on this day, women receive a rose from their loved ones, and men receive a book; however, nowadays, people all have their own way of celebrating this day.
According to one version of the legend, Sant Jordi, also known as Saint George, slayed a ferocious dragon preying on the people of a small town in Catalonia, thereby saving its inhabitants and their princess from this danger. A rosebush with the reddest and most beautiful roses grew from the dragon’s blood, and Sant Jordi gifted the princess one of these roses. Thus began the tradition of giving a rose to your sweetheart on the saint’s name day.
On the 23rd April, it is beautiful to have a walk around the city, with buildings such as Casa Batlló covered in roses, and many book and literature events taking place as well. Even if you do not feel like participating in this tradition, it is still very nice to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the day and get an idea of this part of Catalan culture.
More Events in April
April in Barcelona: Art, Music & Culture
The Hat Parade - Passejada amb Barret
To celebrate the beginning of springtime, participants of ‘Passejada amb Barret’ put on their best hats to join the parade through the streets of Barcelona. The parade is an initiative of Nina Pawlowlsky and Cristina de Prada, who are both hat makers in Barcelona. It’s becoming increasingly popular amongst the Catalan people. The parade starts at Rambla de Catalunya, so put on your most extravagant hat and join the fun!
- 12th April
- Free
- Rambla de Catalunya/Diagonal
- More info
BCN Film Festival
This April, the Barcelona Sant Jordi International Film Festival, known as the BCN Film Festival for short, is hosting its 10th annual edition. In 11 different venues throughout the city, the festival showcases a wide selection of international films centered around historical and literary themes. Due to its connection to Sant Jordi, the festival creates a space for culture and history to be celebrated by film enthusiasts all throughout Barcelona!
- 16th - 24th April
- Depending on the film
- Several locations
- More info
Brunch Electronik
If you’re looking for a place to dance, brunch, and enjoy the outdoors, the music festival Brunch Electronik is the place to be. The festival starts in March and takes place until the beginning of August. This year, the festival will take place in Poble Espanyol and Parc del Fòrum.
The festival’s purpose is to bring together those who have a big appreciation for electronic music. At the event, you will find that there are both Catalan and international artists performing, creating an amazing atmosphere for everyone living in Barcelona. This festival, unlike many others, is family-friendly. For the kids, there is a petit brunch. This is a great way for children to make new friends. They will also be able to enjoy the outdoors through multiple entertaining activities and workshops. This festival is really beloved in Barcelona, so it is recommended to get your tickets on time.
- 19th April
- Poble Espanyol, Parc del Fòrum
- More info
Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week
If you are a lover of fashion, then the Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week (BBFW) is an event you should not miss! With runway shows from the 22nd to 24th April and trade shows from the 24th to 26th, the event presents renowned designers and creates an international stage where creativity, talent, and innovation unite to shape the future of bridal fashion. Their many events, such as the tenth anniversary of the Barcelona Bridal Night, on the 22nd April, allow you to explore fashion in Barcelona from a new and exciting perspective.
- 22nd - 26th April
- Fira de Barcelona
- More info
Flavours of April
Feria de Abril de Catalunya
This year, the Feria de Abril de Catalunya (‘Fair of April’) is hosting its 53rd annual edition. Started as a small fair with only four stalls in Castelldefels in 1971, it has since become an extremely popular and vibrant event in Barcelona. The spirit, culture, and traditions of the festival are celebrated anew every year, and the event kicks off the spring season with colour and joy.
- To be announced for 2026
- El Fòrum
- More info
More Food Festivals in Barcelona
Catalonia’s love affair with food is undeniable. Whether it’s sipping cava, sharing vermut with friends, or enjoying traditional dishes like calçots, there’s always something delicious to try. Festivals and food markets capture that spirit perfectly, offering a taste of Barcelona’s culinary scene in one lively setting. Explore our list of events in April below, and get ready to indulge!
- Pizza Fest, All Those, Feria de Abril de Catalunya, Biergarten Barcelona
- Depending on the festival
- Several locations
April in Barcelona: Museums
Free Museum Days
On the first Sunday of every month, enjoy Free Museum Day! A selection of local museums opens their doors at no cost, giving residents the perfect opportunity to explore a wide variety of galleries, exhibitions, and historic buildings – completely free of charge.
Take advantage of this special day to discover art, culture, and history in your community. Check out our detailed guide below for participating museums and helpful tips to plan your visit, and explore other free museum days throughout the month!
World Capital of Architecture 2026
This year, Barcelona has been nominated as ‘World Capital of Architecture 2026’. In order to showcase everything the city has to offer, Barcelona has organised many events, installations, and walking tours that center around creating an awareness of its historic and modern architecture. These projects examine the city’s ever-shifting role in the face of a growing population and the continuous threat and pressures of climate change on urban spaces.
April in Barcelona offers exhibitions, such as the ‘Welcome to the World Capital of Architecture’ installations, as well as many other activities throughout the city, which present a unique opportunity for locals and internationals alike to look past the famous facades of the city and explore the spaces between and beneath what is familiar.
- Throughout the year
- Free
- Barcelona
- More info
Gaudí Year Activities
In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the death of the famous modernist architect Antoni Gaudí in 1926, Barcelona is organizing many architectural events throughout the year. The large variety of exhibitions invites audiences to connect more deeply with Gaudí’s work and his life, and cast a light onto both his famous and his lesser-known projects.
Both Casa Batlló and Sagrada Família are hosting different interactive events in the coming months. And since the 31st of January, a new contemporary art exhibition, ‘Beyond the Façade’, has opened on the second floor of Casa Batlló, offering the perfect opportunity to visit – or revisit – this work of Gaudí’s during April in Barcelona. The gallery can be viewed both alongside a visit to Casa Battló or separately.
Park Güell also celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2026. With over 100 years of history, it was opened to the public in 1926, and has been one of Barcelona’s most defining landscapes since then. Check out our free museum days guide to find out when you can visit the park for free!
Monastery of Pedralbes Year 2026
This year, the ‘Reial Monestir de Santa Maria de Pedralbes’ is celebrating its 700th anniversary. Founded in 1326, this three-storey monastery is one of the oldest and most beautiful Gothic buildings in all of Barcelona. In honour of its seventh centenary, the museum is hosting a large number of activities and special exhibitions from the 26th of March 2026 to the 3rd of May 2027. The events seek to highlight the monastery’s historical heritage, the significance of the woman, and the topic of spirituality.
Located only a 15-minute walk away from the bustling Avinguda Diagonal, this museum offers a pocket of peace amidst fast-paced city life, and functions as a portal to a rich historical, religious, and artistic heritage just waiting to be explored. Check out our free museum guide to discover on which days entry to the Monestir de Pedralbes is free!
April in Barcelona: Sport Events
Barcelona Tennis Open
This year sees the 73rd edition of the Barcelona Tennis Open. From the 11th to the 19th of April, the best tennis players in the world will meet here in Barcelona to face each other on the field. Players include Carlos Alcaraz (world number 1), Lorenzo Musetti (world number 5), Felix Auger-Aliassime (world number 8), Alex de Minaur (world number 6), amongst many others.
- 11-19th April
- €30+
- Real Club de Tenis de Barcelona
- More info
Salomon Run Barcelona
The Salomon Run Barcelona is the perfect blend of trail challenge and city flair, a must-do for anyone seeking a unique running experience in Barcelona. With over 3,500 participants each year, the race is one of the most electric and exciting of the city, giving runners the chance to explore highlights of Montjuïc, such as the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya and Poble Espanyol, from a new perspective. The final spectacle of the event is known as the Vertical Salomon Run, where 32 women and 32 men race up the imposing main staircase of Montjuïc in an impressive showdown.
Read more about the race, and about other running events in Barcelona by clicking on our article below!
- 11th April
- Free - €17
- City Centre
- 5-10 kilometres
- More info
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