What to do in Barcelona in August 2026?
Festivals and cultural events in August 2026
Barcelona Agenda August 2026
- In August, Barcelona offers a packed calendar of events, including the Sala Montjuïc and Brunch Electronik festivals, the Festes de Gràcia, and the World Capital of Architecture.
- Plus more classic experiences such as the Magic Fountain shows and nighttime sightseeing tours by bus.
Sala Montjuïc Festival
Sala Montjuïc is an open-air “cinema under the stars” festival combining films, live music, and picnics in the unique setting of Montjuïc Castle. As always, it offers a great lineup for anyone who missed the standout films of the year—or wants to revisit a few classics. Each evening begins with a concert, followed by a movie screening.
Each evening starts with a concert at 8:45 pm, followed by the film screening at 10:00 pm. > Standard ticket: €7.50
>> Tickets must be purchased in advance online on Sala Montjuïc
Brunch Electronik Festival from August 7 to 8, 2026
The Brunch Electronik Festival 2026 will take place in Barcelona from August 7 to 8, with more than 90 artists. The main headliners for Brunch Electronik Festival 2026 in Barcelona include Eric Prydz, Paul Kalkbrenner, Jamie Jones, Deborah de Luca, I Hate Models, CamelPhat, and Floating Points (Live). The concerts will be held at Parc del Fòrum, with afterparties in various clubs.
>> 2-day passes from €107.90 on brunchelectronikfestival.com.
Festes de Gràcia
This iconic neighborhood celebration in Barcelona is famous for its richly decorated streets, open-air concerts, Catalan traditions, and friendly atmosphere.
Festes de Sants
Festes de Sants is a neighborhood festival in Barcelona, celebrated in August just after the Festes de Gràcia. Streets in Sants are decorated and brought to life with concerts, community activities, traditional competitions, and shows. It’s a vibrant celebration that highlights Catalan culture and conviviality.
Almost Total Solar Eclipse in Barcelona on 12/08/2026
On August 12, 2026, Barcelona will look up to the sky for a rare and spectacular event: an exceptional solar eclipse visible in the late afternoon. From the city, the Sun will be almost completely covered by the Moon (99%), creating a striking atmosphere, an unreal golden light, and a suspended moment above the Mediterranean.
Settle into an open spot: a hotel rooftop, a terrace with a view, the beach of Barceloneta, or the heights of Montjuïc — and don’t forget your special eclipse glasses to observe the phenomenon safely. A magical moment to experience during your stay in Barcelona…
Barcelona 2026, World Capital of Architecture
All year long, Barcelona is the World Capital of Architecture 2026, a title awarded by UNESCO and the International Union of Architects. Exhibitions, tours, debates, installations, and events across the city celebrate its unique architectural heritage and invite reflection on the future of cities—balancing innovation, sustainability, and quality of life. 1,500+ events run until December 13, 2026, celebrating architecture as a cultural and urban driving force in Barcelona.
Most of these events are free—take advantage of them!
In August:
- Architecture exhibitions exploring Barcelona’s urban identity, contemporary projects, and future challenges (supported by museums and cultural centers).
- Urban routes and guided tours in different neighborhoods to discover architectural heritage in everyday life.
Throughout the year:
- Open Day / open-house days, such as at the Mies van der Rohe Pavilion (Pavilion Day): on the first Sunday of every month, iconic buildings or heritage structures open specially to the public, allowing visitors to explore them and better understand their design and role in the urban landscape.
- Workshops, conferences, and debates on the major themes of the capital—sustainability, housing, public space, etc.—for both the general public and professionals.
- Specialized themed tours (for example on timber architecture, rehabilitation, urban design) scheduled throughout the month and suitable for all ages.
>> Barcelona Capital Mundial de l’Arquitectura 2026
Flamenco show at Los Tarantos: all month in July
Los Tarantos, the oldest flamenco tablao in Barcelona, located on Plaça Reial, offers a varied program with daily shows highlighting different facets of flamenco. Choose between a show only or a show + tapas option.
>>> Los Tarantos
The Magic Fountains of Montjuïc: spring and summer
The Magic Fountains of Montjuïc (Font Màgica de Montjuïc) are a spectacular set of fountain displays located between Plaça d’Espanya and the Palau Nacional in Barcelona. A show of sound, lights, and water jets: the main fountain offers a synchronized display of colorful water jets, lights, and music, attracting thousands of visitors every week. Created for the 1929 International Exhibition, they have become one of the city’s most famous nighttime shows.
The usual schedule for the Magic Fountains is:
- June to September: Wednesday to Sunday, 9:30 pm to 10:30 pm
- October: Thursday to Saturday, 9:00 pm to 10:00 pm
- November to March: Thursday to Saturday, 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Each show lasts about 15 to 20 minutes and starts every 30 minutes. Entry is free and no ticket is required.
Barcelona night tour by hop-on hop-off bus (until mid-September 2026)
Discover Barcelona’s most beautiful landmarks at night, in the cool evening air.
> 1h 40 min round trip in an open-top double-decker bus
> Guided Barcelona night tour
> Free Wi-Fi access
> Departure and return: “Plaça de Catalunya”.
>> Your tickets for the night bus tour
A magical evening at Casa Batlló: visit and concert
Enjoy a magical evening at Casa Batlló: discover Gaudí’s sea-inspired architecture, then take in an enchanting concert on the Dragon rooftop under the stars.
Dinner under the stars at Fabra Observatory until October 4, 2026
What if you combined gastronomy and astronomy for an unforgettable evening? From May to October, Fabra Observatory invites you to enjoy a refined open-air dinner overlooking Barcelona, before exploring the mysteries of the starry sky through a telescope.
Temporary exhibitions
Explore Gaudí’s architecture Gaudí: Visit Antoni Gaudí’s architectural masterpieces such as the Sagrada Familia, Casa Batlló, and Casa Milà (La Pedrera). Spring weather is perfect for admiring these iconic buildings.
>>> For even more ideas, visit our page What to do in Barcelona? which sums up all the must-see visits in the Catalan capital!
Weather in Barcelona in August : Enjoy the heat of summer.
August is the peak of summer in Barcelona. The city experiences hot, sunny weather, making it an ideal time for beach lovers and outdoor activities.