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…
What to do in August in Barcelona?
August 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.
Barcelona’s neighbourhood street festivals perfectly capture the city’s festive spirit, with the Festa Major celebrations standing out as must-see events. These vibrant community gatherings showcase everything from impressive human tower formations to towering giant figures, all accompanied by authentic Catalan and Spanish musical performances. Every district in Barcelona organises its own distinctive Festa Major, and each one offers its own special character and traditions. The Festa de Gràcia ranks among Barcelona’s most famous festivals, where the entire neighbourhood transforms into a dazzling display of street decorations.
- Festa Major de Gràcia, Festa Major de Sants
- Free
- Several locations
August in Barcelona: Art, Music & Culture
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
- 9th-17th August
- More information
Grec Festival 2025
The 49th Barcelona Grec Festival returns from 26th June to 4th August, establishing itself as one of Europe’s premier celebrations of music, circus, dance, and theatre. While the iconic Teatre Grec serves as the festival’s main venue, performances will unfold across numerous locations throughout the city. This year’s programme showcases an impressive blend of Barcelona’s finest local artists alongside a diverse international lineup, with a notably strong female presence creating an incredibly rich and varied cultural experience.
- Depends on the event
- 26th June-4th August
- Teatre Grec
- More info
Outdoor Film Festivals
August in Barcelona brings fantastic open-air cinema festivals that offer the ideal opportunity to enjoy quality time outdoors with friends and family. Set in some of the city’s most stunning locations, these screenings showcase emerging international films from around the globe. Discover the top outdoor film festivals happening this August in Barcelona…
- Depending on the festival
- July to September
- Several locations
Free museum days
August presents excellent opportunities to explore Barcelona’s world-class museums without spending a single euro. The city’s premier cultural institutions, including the Picasso Museum, MACBA, and MNAC, regularly offer complimentary admission on designated days throughout the month, typically the first Sunday, Sunday afternoons, or Thursday evenings.
Year-round, visitors can always enjoy free entry to gems like El Born CCM and La Virreina Centre de la Imatge. These free museum days provide the perfect chance to immerse yourself in Barcelona’s extraordinary artistic and historical legacy.
Monestir de Pedralbes offers free evening visits to the magnificent 14th-century Gothic cloister every Tuesday and Friday from 6pm to 9pm (4th June – 13th September).
Museu Picasso offers free evening entry on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 7pm to 9pm throughout August (15th April – 12th October).
August in Barcelona: Other Events & Activities
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 honour of Joan Gamper, a founding member, player, and subsequently president of the FC Barcelona.
Perseids (Meteor Shower)
The Perseid meteor shower, known in Spanish as ‘Las Lágrimas de San Lorenzo‘ (the tears of St. Lawrence), graces the night sky each August with one of the year’s most spectacular celestial displays. This dazzling phenomenon occurs when Earth passes through the debris trail left by the Swift-Tuttle comet, producing brilliant streaks of light that appear to radiate from the Perseus constellation.
For stargazers in Barcelona, several prime viewing locations offer excellent vantage points. The Bunkers del Carmel and Tibidabo provide elevated city views, while venturing to nearby natural areas like Montserrat and Collserola Natural Park rewards viewers with darker skies and enhanced visibility due to reduced light pollution.
- 17th July - 24th August (reaching its peak during the night of 12th-13th)
- More info
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.
Rooftops in Barcelona
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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