For those seeking sunny days with milder temperatures, October is an ideal time in Barcelona. The city still offers plenty of autumnal activities, allowing visitors to enjoy the lingering warmth without the intensity of summer heat. Another perk of spending October in Barcelona is the reduced crowds, making it easier to explore Barcelona’s attractions and neighbourhoods at a more relaxed pace. Whether you’re looking to hold on to summer or embrace the fall, Barcelona at this time of year strikes the perfect balance.
Activities and events in October in Barcelona
Bank holidays in October in Barcelona
National Day of Spain
The 12th October is the National Day of Spain, commemorating the country’s history and the anniversary of Christopher Columbus’ discovery of the Americas, which marked Spain’s cultural and linguistic expansion. It’s celebrated across Spain and the Hispanic world, highlighting shared heritage and cultural ties. However, in regions like Catalonia, the day is more controversial, often marked by demonstrations. While Madrid hosts grand celebrations with a military parade and royal family involvement, Barcelona’s observance is more subdued, though there are still activities and events to attend.
Sitges Film Festival
From the 3rd-13th October, the Sitges Film Festival is back! This amazing festival started in 1968 and is known to be one of the most recognisable film festivals in Europe. It is an essential rendezvous for movie lovers. Not only will you be able to attend the screening of some of the best, most interesting films, there will also be an array of presentations, projections and exhibitions to attend.
The festival is qualified by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in Hollywood and has been attended by big stars such as Quentin Tarantino, David Lynch, Jodie Foster and many more. Tickets to one of the screenings or presentations can be bought on the official website.
Manifesta 15 Barcelona Metropolitana
From the 8th of September to the 24th of November 2024, Manifesta, the European Nomadic Biennial, will come to Barcelona and the wider metropolitan region for its 15th edition.
Manifesta 15 Barcelona Metropolitana aims to bring new perspectives to Barcelona and its surrounding regions. Through artistic interventions in prominent historical venues and industrial sites never before opened to the public, the biennial is dedicated to fostering positive social change through art, urbanism, design, architecture and the involvement of local communities.
Check out the 12-week programme featuring projects, interventions, events, and talks across 12 cities, with over 90 local and international participants.
Music & Culture
Festa Major
Barcelona is a city of celebration. It feels as if there is always a festival or holiday or parade to find, full of passion and joy, and rich with cultural elements. From human towers to giants, to traditional Catalan and Spanish music, the street and neighbourhood festivals in Barcelona are no exception. Most taking place in late summer and fall, a signature Festa Major in Barcelona is hosted by each neighbourhood for its residents. Each Festa Major in Barcelona is unique and definitely worth experiencing.
- Free of charge
- Festa Major de Sarrià, Festes del Roser (La Rambla en Flor) and Festes Major de les Corts
- Several locations
Barcelona Jazz Festival
The Barcelona Jazz Festival, the city’s longest-running musical event with over 50 editions, fills the streets with vibrant live music for several months each year. Running until the end of December, the festival will offer plenty of opportunities to experience one of the most spectacular musical events in Barcelona. Musicians from around the globe come together to showcase a wide variety of jazz styles, making it a truly international celebration. In addition to live performances, the festival also features lectures and master classes, providing a deeper dive into the world of jazz. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this unforgettable event!
48H Open House Barcelona
48H Open House Barcelona is a non-profit cultural association that aims to promote architecture and help others understand it as an essential component of culture. They host other events throughout the year as well, such as a seven week program starting in May aimed at reinforcing the link between architecture and citizenship. But their main event is the 48H Open House BCN architecture festival, which is held in October.
The festival is free, and has expanded into the cities surrounding Barcelona in the past few years. Many cultural products and services in the field of architecture are offered, including fun activities for people of all ages, access to some of the most impressive architecture works in the city, and more. Check out their website for more information on this upcoming festival!
- Free
- October 26th and 27th
- Several locations
Food & Drink
Food festivals in Barcelona
One of the biggest parts of Catalonian culture is the food! From Calçots to Cava and Vermut (Vermouth), to all of the other wonderful foods Barcelona has to offer. There is no shortage of new things to try and a food festival is the perfect place to try them. We’ve detailed a comprehensive list of all the food markets and festivals in October in Barcelona- trust us, you don’t want to miss them!
- Depending on the festival
- Oktober fest, Mercat de Mercats, All Those Food Market
- Several locations
Barcelona Coffee Awards
The Barcelona Coffee Awards is set to take place from 18th-20th October at Nau Bostik. Celebrating excellence in Spain’s specialty coffee scene, recognising top roasters, baristas, coffee shops, and industry professionals across various categories. This event honours craftsmanship, innovation, and dedication to quality, with winners selected from a highly competitive pool of participants.
It’s an exciting platform to showcase emerging talent and the dynamic coffee culture in Spain, reinforcing Barcelona’s position as a key hub for specialty coffee. The festival not only highlights individual excellence but also fosters a community passionate about advancing the art and science of coffee.
- Date: October 18th to 20th
- Location: Nau Bostik
- More info
Castaween
La Castanyada, often called the “Catalan Halloween,” is a traditional celebration marking the end of summer and the arrival of winter, with roots in All Saints’ Day (Dia de Todos Los Santos) on 1st November. It’s a time when families honor their deceased loved ones by visiting cemeteries, placing flowers on graves, and attending church services. If you want to know more about this day, you can visit the cemetery museum at Montjuïc.
The night of 31st October is often marked by the ringing of bells, a practice that dates back to the Middle Ages. La Castanyada also brings together family and friends to enjoy seasonal treats like roasted chestnuts (Castanyes), sweet potatoes (Moniatos), and marzipan sweets (Panellets), often accompanied by sweet wine like Moscatell. The foods consumed on this holiday tend to vary by region. Throughout October, you’ll find ‘Castanyeras’ selling hot chestnuts and sweet potatoes on the streets, with bakeries stocking up on the beloved Panellets, which are sold in huge quantities across the city.
Halloween, on the other hand, has its origins in both the Christian All Saints’ Day and the Celtic festival of Samhain, which marked the end of the harvest season and was associated with spirits and the transition into winter. While traditionally a more serious observance, Halloween has since become a lighthearted celebration of costumes, candy, and trick or treating. Others may opt for Barcelona’s infamous nightlife and visit costume-themed clubs such as Opium, Sala Apolo, Shoko and more, which throw their very own Halloween edition parties.
In Barcelona, both traditions are becoming increasingly intertwined. While La Castanyada retains its focus on honouring the dead with family gatherings and traditional foods, Halloween’s fun, spooky spirit has gained popularity, especially among younger generations. Together, these two holidays offer a rich blend of cultural heritage and modern festivities, making late October a unique and festive time in the city.
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