Barcelona in August 2023: Events, Festivals, Activities

There’s nothing more natural than deciding to spend part of August in Barcelona.

It’s the month the city’s already lively street culture finds another gear. Sure, the parties and sunburns tend to send tourists to bed early – but we won’t be having any of that.

Yes, August 2023 in Barcelona is shaping up to be the best one yet.

Here’s how to get the most of it.

What to Do in Barcelona in August 2023

It’s the ideal month to hit Barcelona’s best beaches and take that long awaited Mediterranean swim.

With amazing weather you’ll enjoy longer hours at Barcelona’s top attractions, not to mention the walks in Barcelona nature or drinks at Barcelona’s top rooftop bars.

Throw in some top notch music festivals and Barcelona’s classic barrio parties and we’re all set.

Advice Before Visiting Barcelona in August

Many main attractions sell out weeks in advance so don’t get caught without! Buy your tickets in advance online – this way you guarantee your spots and skip the lines.

Also make sure you get yourself one of the best Barcelona transport passes to save money and time.

Another underrated option for Barcelona public transport is to rent a bike and take advantage of the fresh air – those beach side rides are a thing of legend.

Many businesses close in August for holidays so make sure you double check the opening times of your favourite Barcelona shopping spots and top Barcelona restaurants before going.

I also suggest the Secrets of the Old City walking tour on day one: the education will really enhance all your later endeavors.

If you’re visiting Barcelona in August be careful with pickpockets in top tourist areas.

Keep an eye out here because I’ll be adding more Barcelona events as they’re announced.

La Festa Major de Gràcia

The undisputed main event of things to do in August in Barcelona: La Fiesta de Gracia.

The party finds itself in the Gracia district (metro Fontana, green line L3) and is known as Barcelona’s answer to Carnevale.

During the festival the streets of Gracia are decorated with coloured banners, giant flowers, and papier mâché giants. A lot of the streets put up their own stages with ear-splitting sound systems and every one has a different genre: electronic, salsa, punk, hip hop and more.

You can spend hours wandering through the streets and catching a bit of live music in every square… and it’s all free! You’ll also find great prices on beer, tapas, kebabs and more.

During the festival bars are traditionally open late and they set up stands with beer kegs, wine, and sangria. The lines can get a bit ridiculous so of course you’re free to indulge in Spain’s favourite past time: botellon! Grab a bottle of liquor and a mixer and pour it into plastic cups. You won’t be alone.

At the end of the festival the most well decorated of the streets (which decorate according to a theme like Japan, the underworld, space etc.) wins a prize. This year there are plans to decorate the main gate into the neighbourhood.

Due to ‘COVID hesitation’ specific events have not yet been announced but do check the Fiesta de Gracia schedule closer to the date for more information.

The only certainty is that the 2022 version will run from August 15-21.

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Barcelona Festivals in August 2023

In Barcelona in August you’ll find a different neighbourhood party practically every week. Keep in mind that all of them are free to attend so just get to the area, walk around, and enjoy the festivities.

La Festa Major de Sants

This neighbourhood festival honours Saint Bartomeu, the patron saint of Sants, who was martyred and even flayed (skinned) for his beliefs – morbidly becoming a major figure to all the leather-related professionals that inhabited the area.

Again, you’ll find no less than 22 streets in the neighbourhood decorated in particular themes. A recent winner of the competition was the King Kong/New York themed street – quite the sight!

The classic papier mâché giants, the fire-spitting dragons of the correfoc (‘fire run’), and human tower building are just some of the very Catalan highlights of this barrio party.

Also not to miss are the fireworks at the closing of the festival.

To get to the festival get off at Sants Estaciò metro (green line L3 or blue line L5).

The Festa Major de Sants 2023 dates are August 20th to August 28th.

Please check the Festa Major de Sants website for more information.

La Festa Major del Barrio Gotico

If you’re looking for something authentic and traditional then look no further than the city’s oldest barrio party.

Held in honour of Saint Roc, who according to legend caught the plague upon visit to the city but was nursed back to health by a local baker’s dog, and protected the city against a later outbreak.

It’s a bit like stepping into a time machine as the costumes, songs, and dances are pretty much the same as they were for the first edition in 1589. In the streets and squares of this magical central neighbourhood you’ll find performances of the sardana (a traditional Catalan dance) and parades of papier mâché giants.

The highlight here is the chaotic correfoc, a sort of parade with adults and children dressed up as devils and lighting off firecrackers while a series of fire-spitting dragons fire off sparklers and fireworks in all directions – you may get burned!

Make sure you try the official food of the festival: panellets (a traditional marzipan dessert with pine nuts). Accompany them with a sweet wine and you’re set! Grab them at Dolceria De La Colmena (Placa de l’Angel 12).

The 2023 version runs from August 13th to 16th.

For information on all the Festa Majores check out this website.

DGTL Festival

FYI: in 2022 they’ve pushed DGTL back a bit from it’s traditional August start. It’s now September 2nd and 3rd – close enough 😉

With the success of years past we knew the Spanish version of this Dutch techno festival would be back.

DGTL dazzles with its modern fire-spitting machines and interactive, eco-friendly visual art installations. The festival maintains its vintage warehouse feel and gritty sounds that contrast the crashing waves on the beach at Barcelona’s famous Parc del Fòrum.

Last year fans were treated to a mixed lineup of underground and popular DJs like Maceo Plex, John Talabot, Nina Kravitz, Agoria, and more.

Top names for 2022 Ben Klock, Dax J, Cora Novoa, Colyn, Dj Boring, Farrago, Evan Baggs, Hunee, Mama Snake, I Hate Models.

Prices: €39.50 (one-day early bird) – €90.00 (weekend passes).

There’s also a €100.00+ ticket with backstage experience option.

Metro: El Maresme-Forum (yellow line L4).

For more information consult the official DGTL 2023 website.

Brunch in the Park

The legendary outdoor techno party takes place these days either on Montjuic Hill or at the Parc del Fórum.

Every weekend you’ll find this daytime dance doozy with a lineup of spectacular international DJs.

You’ll find a great beer garden and some nice cool-off spots spraying you with water. Then add some food trucks and even a playground for children (who says parents can’t party?) and you’re set.

The August 2022 lineup includes highlights like Boris Brejcha (August 7), Fisher OZ (August 14), Fatboy Slim (August 21), and Stephan Bodzin (August 28).

Starting in 2023 there are no walkup tickets so you’ll need to buy them online.

Full dates: August 7, 12, 13, 14, 21, 28.

Prices: €20.00 (first release) – €35.00 (4th release).

Metro: Paral·lel (purple line L2, green line L3) then change for Montjuic Funicular

For more information on Brunch in the Park consult the official website.

Festival Mas i Mas

Over 200 concerts spanning six classic Barcelona venues make up this concert festival.

Whether you’re catching a flamenco show at Tarantos or some classical music at the Palau de la Musica there’s no better way to escape the summer heat than live music.

Check out a ton of local and international artists performing jazz, flamenco, hip-hop, gospel, funk, rock, and more.

Prices and venues vary but check out the here.

Cap Roig Festival

A concert series in a spectacular natural setting overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

Head up the coast an hour or so to the Costa Brava and see one of the Med’s best botanical gardens before checking out great international artists across many genres.

Dates: various.

Tickets €20.00 – €375.00 depending on artist.

For more information on the Cap Roig festival click here.

August Concerts and Club Nights

I’ll add to this list of concerts and nights at Barcelona’s best clubs as the information becomes available – in the meantime as a base idea you can’t go wrong with a night at Sala Apolo or Razzmatazz.

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Summer Nights at Classic Attractions

Casa Batllo Magic Nights

Whether you’re visiting Barcelona in August or any other time there’s no better concert venue than the roof top at Gaudi‘s crazy Art Nouveau mansion.

Not only can you get rare nighttime access to one of the most mind-blowing sights in Barcelona but a concert on the Dragon Roof Terrace as well.

Concerts include rock and roll, jazz, opera, soul, flamenco, and more.

2022 Dates: Daily at 8:00 pm (house visit 8:00 pm, concert 9:00 pm)

Tickets: €69.00 with audio guide, Gaudi cube, a cava sparkling white wine, and concert.

Children under 7 enter free.

Related: How Many Days Should I Stay in Barcelona?

Other Things to Do in Barcelona in August 2022

The World of Banksy Exhibition

After its huge success in Paris, the World of Banksy exhibition couldn’t help but land here in Barcelona at the Espacio Trafalgar near Urquinaona metro station (yellow line L4).

Expect this immersive experience to really bring to life the satirically touching works of this Bristol street artist, who is arguably the most well known in the world.

Tickets cost €12.00.

You can read reviews of the show and make your booking using the button below.

The Joan Gamper Cup

Football/soccer lovers will be happy that the sport comes back with a vengeance in August in Barcelona.

The first of Barça’s most important matches of the season is in honour of its founder and former president Hans Gamper. The match involves an invited team from anywhere in the world and the 2021 Gamper Cup guest was the legendary English club Manchester City – the August 2022 date currently is TBA.

You may also want to take a tour of Camp Nou stadium to see some of the best sports memorabilia around including Champions League trophies, Messi’s Golden Boots and more.

The Magic Fountain

It’s an emblem of the city and a staple in any summer month.

Especially in August though you’ll find Barcelona’s Magic Fountain the optimal place to cool off.

Right by Plaça Espanya you’ll find this magical fountain show set to music that’s an explosion of colours and sounds – and refreshing water!

Shows run from Wednesday to Sunday from 21:30 to 22:30.

Outdoor Cinema

Fans of the silver screen and classic movies wont go wrong here.

Projected onto the walls of Montjuic Castle is this outdoor cinema series complete with short films, concerts and more. Bring your own beer and snacks and cosy up!

August 2022 films are still TBA.

Projections cost €7.50 (advance) or €10.50 with lounger.

Each show begins at 20:45 with a concert (movies start at 22:00).

More info here.

Barcelona Weather in August

Barcelona weather in August promises hot and humid temperatures with a lot of sun.

August has an average temperature of 28 °C (82 °F) with lows dropping down to 19°C (67°F) at the end of the month.

Expect 9 hours of daily sunshine and about 5 days of rainfall – those who are sensitive to heat may want to exercise caution as heat waves are common. The city can become a sauna with temperatures approaching the mid 30’s.

Those visiting Barcelona in August should pack light: t-shirts, shorts, flip flops, and a light jacket in case of rain. Sunglasses and sunscreen are a must.

A filled water bottle can also be a life-saver!

Still Looking to Visit Barcelona in August?

If for whatever reason you still feel you haven’t got enough things to do in Barcelona in August then you know what to do: harass me mercilessly.

Any questions you have about your Barcelona holiday will be answer promptly and in earnest.

Also, any comments you have would be greatly appreciated.