What to do in Barcelona in May 2026?
Festivals and cultural events in May 2026
Barcelona Agenda May 2026
- In May 2026 in Barcelona, the public holidays on May 1 and May 25 mark the city, with some museums and restaurants closed.
- A month rich in varied events such as DocsBarcelona, La Cursa de El Corte Inglés, the International New Roses Competition at Cervantes Park, Museum Night, RetroBarcelona, the Fira Modernista, and the growing momentum of the World Capital of Architecture Year.
May 1 and Whit Monday: 2 public holidays in Barcelona.
As in many European cities, Wednesday, May 1 – Dia del Trabajador (Labour Day) – and Monday, May 25, 2026 – Whit Monday – are public holidays in Barcelona. Many restaurants and museums will be closed on these two days. The Sagrada Família does not close on these dates.
RetroBarcelona from May 16 to 17, 2026.
RetroBarcelona is an exhibition dedicated to the world of classic and retro video games. It is a fair where fans of vintage video games gather to share their passion, explore booths featuring old games and consoles, take part in competitions, and attend conferences on retrogaming. Visitors can play video games that made history, learn about the evolution of gaming technologies, and meet other enthusiasts. The event attracts a wide range of participants, from collectors to those nostalgic for the games of their childhood.
DocsBarcelona Festival from May 7 to 17, 2025
DocsBarcelona is an international event dedicated to documentary filmmaking, held annually in Barcelona. It is a comprehensive project that includes a professional market, a distribution label, an exhibition network, and training courses for documentary filmmakers. In addition to film screenings, the festival features competitive sections, school sessions, conferences, funding and development activities, as well as workshops to learn and improve documentary storytelling.
La Cursa de El Corte Inglés – May 10, 2026 at 9 a.m.
Cursa de El Corte Inglés is one of the largest popular races in the world, held annually in Barcelona. It attracts tens of thousands of participants, from serious runners to families with strollers, making it a major sporting celebration in the city’s streets. The route offers a unique opportunity to discover Barcelona’s iconic landmarks in a festive atmosphere, with participants of all ages and abilities. This race is not only a competition but also a celebration of community and sport, reflecting the vibrant spirit of the city.
>> La Cursa de El Corte Inglés
International New Roses Competition at Parc Cervantes from May 8 to 10, 2026.
The International New Roses Competition takes place in the beautiful setting of Parc Cervantes, known for its vast collection of roses. This competition attracts growers, botanists, and rose enthusiasts from around the world, who present their new varieties in hopes of winning the prestigious prize. During the event, visitors have the unique opportunity to see hundreds of rose varieties, often before they are available to the general public. The roses are judged on several criteria such as color, fragrance, disease resistance, and originality. The International New Roses Competition is not only a contest but also a celebration of beauty and innovation in horticulture, offering an exceptional sensory experience in one of Barcelona’s most emblematic green spaces.
>> International New Roses Competition at Parc de Cervantes
Museum Night in Barcelona on May 16, 2026 from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Museum Night is an annual event held simultaneously in several European cities, including Barcelona. During this special night, museums and cultural institutions open their doors for free in the evening and sometimes until midnight or later, allowing the public to discover collections and exhibitions in a festive atmosphere, often enhanced by special activities such as concerts, guided tours, workshops, and artistic performances. Museum Night in Barcelona is particularly interesting because of the diversity and richness of the city’s museums, ranging from institutions dedicated to modern and contemporary art, such as the Picasso Museum and the MACBA (Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art), to spaces devoted to history, archaeology, and science. It is a unique opportunity to discover these places from a different perspective, often enriched by exclusive experiences offered only during this event.
>> La Nit dels Museus Barcelona
Fira Modernista de Barcelona from May 29 to 31, 2026.
The Fira Modernista de Barcelona is an event that transports you back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries to explore the city’s unique architectural and cultural heritage. It is a celebration of Modernism, the artistic movement that shaped Barcelona’s landscape and personality. The 18th edition of the Fira Modernista will take place from May 29 to 31, 2026 and will be dedicated to the poet and playwright Àngel Guimerà.
>> Fira Modernista de Barcelona
MASiMAS Festival – April and May 2026
jazzy, soulful and rhythmic, the MASiMAS Festival blends classic and contemporary styles, from traditional jazz to fusion with influences from around the world.
The program in May:
- Thursday, May 7, 2026 – Seun Kuti & Egypt80 (Afrobeats) at 8 p.m. at Razzmatazz 2.
- Saturday, May 16, 2026 – Charlotte Dos Santos (Soul/R&B) 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Sala 1.
- Saturday, May 30, 2026 – Cuban Jazz Syndicate (Latin Jazz) 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Sala 1.
Barcelona 2026, World Capital of Architecture
Barcelona Capital Mundial de l’Arquitectura 2026
Throughout the year, 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.
Most of these events are free – take advantage of them!
In May:
- Architectural 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 events such as those at the Mies van der Rohe Pavilion (Pavilion Day): every first Sunday of the month, special openings of iconic buildings or heritage structures.
- Workshops, conferences and debates around 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 open to all ages.
>> Barcelona World Capital of Architecture 2026
Temporary exhibitions
Explore Gaudí’s architecture: Visit Antoni Gaudí’s 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 summarizes all the must-see attractions of the Catalan capital!
Weather in Barcelona in May: The joy of spring
May is an ideal time to visit Barcelona, as spring is in full bloom and the city begins to dress itself in colorful flowers.