What to do in August in Barcelona?
The peak of Summer has arrived and Barcelona is the ideal place to be to soak up the sun and hit the beach, or enjoy a drink at a terrace with some friends. August is also the height of the tourist season, so while the locals tend to escape to surrounding beach towns, the city is still bustling with tourists. The city comes alive in Summer and you’ll be spoilt for choice for things to do: spend long days at the beach, celebrate local festivities, go for evening walks, have picnics, watch movies outdoors and so much more…
Activities and events in August in Barcelona
Bank holidays
Assumption of Mary
This August in Barcelona, the religious celebration of the assumption of Mary will take place on Thursday 15th, commemorating Virgin Mary’s ascension into Heaven after her death. This day is the most important religious day in the Catholic calendar for the Spanish. It includes spiritual and secular customs like church services, parades, feasts, and more because it’s believed that Mother Mary’s body got transported into Heaven rather than going through the usual post-death process. It has been widely celebrated around Spain, since the 1700s.
August in Barcelona: Events
Outdoor film festivals
During the summer months, Barcelona hosts several open-air cinema festivals and it’s the perfect way to spend more time outdoors with your friends and family. In some of the most beautiful locations across Barcelona, you can watch up-and-coming films from around the world. Check out some of the best open-air film festivals in Barcelona via the link below!
- Depending on the festival
- July-September
- Several locations
Circuit festival
In 2008, for the first time in history, the best parties, promoters and international artists gathered in Barcelona to celebrate a week of clubbing and holidays that turned the city into what we know it for today: the international gay capital. Circuit Festival means discovering the best music on earth, meeting with friends from all over the world and making new ones, celebrating cultural and affective diversity, discovering a city that has an endless leisure and cultural offer, visiting beautiful beaches and incredible places…
Spread across 9 days, you can experience 12 mind-blowing parties, more than 30 world class DJs and be united with thousands of people from all over the world.
- 300-430
- August 10th-18th
- More information
August in Barcelona: Festa Major
Festa Major de Gràcia
Gràcia’s Festa Major is regarded as the ultimate representation of the neighborhood’s identity. The festival consists of a number of events that bring together traditional and popular culture. A portion of the celebration is organized by residents’ groups, each of which is in charge of a particular street or plaza. Due to the involvement of the people of Gràcia, there are now a week’s worth of events taking place in every nook and cranny of the ancient town.
In Spain, there’s never not a celebration taking place.
Festa Major de Sants
Festa Major de Sants takes place right after Festa Major de Gràcia. The celebration is similar to the one in Gràcia, with residents decorating the streets and organizing activities. Festa de Sants celebrates the feast of the patron of the district, San Bartolomé (August 24th). Activities include: bastoners, butifarradas, concerts, habanaras, workshops, dances and games.
August in Barcelona: Trofeu Joan Gamper
Before the start of Barcelona’s La Liga season, in August, top level clubs from across Europe play in an exhibition game known as the Trofeu Joan Gamper or ‘Joan Gamper Cup’. In honor of Joan Gamper, a founding member, player, and subsequently president of the FC Barcelona.
Other activities in August in Barcelona
Perseids (Meteor Shower)
The Perseids, also known as ‘Las Lagrimas de San Lorenzo’ (tears of St. Lawrence), are an annual meteor shower visible in mid-August, with the 2024 peak occurring between 11th and 13th of August. Caused by Earth passing through the debris of the Swift-Tuttle comet, these meteors radiate from the constellation Perseus, creating bright streaks of light in the night sky. In Barcelona, popular viewing spots include the Bunkers del Carmel and Tibidabo, as well as nearby natural parks like Montserrat and Collserola, where the reduced light pollution enhances visibility.
Pool day at Montjuïc
Since August is Barcelona’s warmest month of the year, it is the perfect time to spend days by the pool. Many Spanish families and friend groups go to the Piscines Municipals Montjuïc to cool off. You can buy tickets on the day at the entrance of the pool.
Beach Days
During the scorching hot days in August there is only one place to be – la playa. Barcelona is home to some of the best beaches and stunning coastline in all of Europe. Whether you decide to take a short road trip to Sitges or the Costa Brava, or stay local and spend the day at Barceloneta, you will find beautiful beaches all across the coast of Catalonia.
Rooftop
What better way to enjoy the glorious weather and a cocktail or chilled drink, than with a nice view over the city of Barcelona? In a city packed with fantastic rooftops and terraces, it is not an easy task trying to find the perfect one.
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