Barcelona in August is the place to be! Summer is officially upon us and this month comes packed with refreshing, exciting and sun-filled activities to make sure you get your summer fix.
We’re bringing you a list of our top 10 activities to beat the summer heat in Barcelona in August. So whether you’re looking for ways to cool off during the day or to a place to relax and take in the long balmy evenings, we’ve got you covered. Let’s go!
1. Mas i Mas Festival
Various locations throughout the city, including Plaça Reial and Palau de la Música
Throughout the month of August, Barcelona will welcome electronic beats, jazz rhythms and the melodies of soul and blues. Buy tickets online here for big names including the Wayne Escoffery Quartet and the all-female Las de Barcelona.
2. Day trip
Looking to escape the sticky heat of the city? In Barcelona in August, there’s nothing better than taking hitting the road in the early morning, heading towards the coast and basking in the fresh sea air of the Costa Brava.
We recommend a host of day trips, but a visit to the quaint fishing village of Cadaqués has to be top of our list.
3. Festes de Gràcia
From 15 to 21 August the streets of Gràcia will be filled with decorations in every colour you can imagine. Find events for the whole family, live music and incredible examples of recycled art in this weeklong celebration.
Find our complete guide to enjoying these festes here.
4. Sala Montjuïc Outdoor Cinema
Montjuïc Castle, Ctra. de Montjuïc, 66
What better way to spend the balmy summer evenings in Barcelona in August than with a live music concert, food and drinks, and one of your favourite films? This August you can catch A Hero (Iran, 2021) on the 1st, Palm Springs (2020, USA) on the 3rd and a surprise movie on the 5th.
General admission costs €7.50 and admission with a chair €10.50. We recommend getting there early to grab a spot!
5. Let’s go to the beach!
Let’s face it – what better way to enjoy Barcelona in August is there than a long, sleepy day at one of its many beaches? To be exact, Barcelona has nine beaches and total, which makes for a total of 9km of sandy shores where you can top up your tan.
From La Barceloneta, Bogatell, Mar Bella and Badalona, discover our complete guide to Barcelona’s beaches here.
6. Festes de Sants
If you still haven’t got your fix of street parties, live music and a myriad of decorations, not to worry! From 20 to 28 August, the neighbourhood of Sants will host its yearly Festa Major. With concerts, dances and street dinners, you’ll find something for everyone!
7. Nits d’Estiu at CaixaForum
Avinguda Francesc Ferrer i Guàrdia, 6-8
Barcelona in August will welcome an array of cultural activities at CaixaForum as part of its Nits d’Estiu (Summer Nights) programme from 27 July to 31 August.
Performance, poetry, opera and international cinema come together, in addition to the stunning outdoor exhibition Farbalà by Xevi Bayona, which interacts with light and wind. Tickets are on sale now and start at €6.
8. Magic Nights at Casa Batlló
Passeig de Gràcia, 43
What better way to discover one of Gaudí’s masterpieces than with a drink in hand, the best views in the city and live music in the background? Casa Batlló’s Magic Nights take place every evening throughout the month of August on the building’s marvellous roof terrace, overlooking Passeig de Gràcia.
Discover the line-up with artists from the world of flamenco, jazz and soul, and book your tickets here.
9. Visit Poble Espanyol with kids
Avinguda Francesc Ferrer i Guàrdia, 13,
Poble Espanyol is a hidden gem in Barcelona in August, so this summer don’t miss its activity programme for all ages. On 13 and 27 August, there’s the third edition of Rock & Kids, with some of the biggest hits adapted for the youngest members of the family.
What’s more, the Summer Street Escape to find the magic “gaticornio” will take place every Saturday throughout August and promises to be a fun-filled mission for the entire family.
10. Relax on a terrace
If you’re dreaming of sitting back with a book and a drink in hand, while taking in the wonderful streets of Barcelona in August, we’ve got good news for you! Here’s our top 10 terraces for outdoor plans in the city, including rooftop bars with the best views and hidden bars that are the refreshing, tranquil oases you’ve been dreaming of. See you there?
We hope you’ve enjoyed this list of things to do in Barcelona in August. If there’s anything we’ve missed, let us know!