Barcelona hosts an incredible variety of events throughout the year, from major festivals and concerts to sporting events and exhibitions. Here are my top picks for the best things to see and do.
Festivals
Barcelona Jazz Festival International jazz festival featuring concerts at venues across the city. 21 October–23 December 2026.
LOOP Festival An international video art festival featuring exhibitions, screenings and installations exploring artists’ moving images at venues across Barcelona. 10–21 November 2026.
IN-EDIT Barcelona An international music documentary film festival featuring films about legendary musicians, emerging artists, music history and the stories behind the songs. 29 October – 8 November 2026.
Festival 42 A fantasy and science fiction literature festival featuring author appearances, discussions and activities at Fabra i Coats. 4–8 November 2026.
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Exhibitions
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The Cult of Beauty at CCCB. A thought-provoking exhibition exploring how ideals of beauty have evolved through history, and how art, society, medicine and commerce shape what we consider attractive. Running until 8 November 2026.
Sim: Drawing and War An exhibition at MNAC exploring the work of artist Sim, whose powerful drawings documented the Spanish Civil War and captured the human experience of conflict. Until 31 December 2026.
A Force from the Past (Una força del passat) – CaixaForum Barcelona. An exhibition exploring how the past continues to shape the present, examining the enduring influence of history, memory and cultural heritage. Until January 10th, 2027.
World Press Photo 2026 — The internationally acclaimed photojournalism exhibition returns to the CCCB, showcasing powerful images documenting major global events and contemporary issues. 5 November – 13 December 2026.
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Concerts
La Oreja de Van Gogh at Palau Sant Jordi The popular Spanish pop-rock band returns to Barcelona with their melodic sound and a set featuring beloved hits from across their career. November 6th–7th.
Joe Bonamassa – Sant Jordi Club The acclaimed American blues guitarist comes to Barcelona as part of his European tour, bringing soulful vocals and electrifying guitar solos to the stage. November 7th.
Bryan Adams at Palau Sant Jordi The Canadian rocker comes to Barcelona, bringing decades of classic hits including Summer of ’69 and Heaven to the stage. November 14th.
Samara Joy at Palau de la Música Catalana The American jazz singer brings her rich vocals and fresh interpretations of jazz standards to one of Barcelona’s most spectacular concert halls. November 13th.
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Shows and Performances
Madama Butterfly Puccini’s tragic opera takes the stage at Teatre Apolo. 19 November 2026.
El retrat de Dorian Gray – Teatre Romea A stage adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s gothic classic exploring beauty, vanity, morality and the consequences of eternal youth. Until 17 January 2027.
L’hostal de les tres Camèlies Mercè Rodoreda’s play, directed by Carme Portaceli, takes the stage in the Sala Gran of the Teatre Nacional de Catalunya. 26 November 2026–3 January 2027.
A View from the Bridge – Teatre Goya Arthur Miller’s classic drama exploring family loyalty, forbidden desire, jealousy and betrayal, directed by Sílvia Munt. Until 29 November 2026.
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Sports Events
Allianz Jean Bouin Barcelona’s historic running event returns for its 103rd edition, with open 5km and 10km races alongside school and competitive races. 29 November 2026.
Cursa de Bombers Barcelona’s popular Firefighters’ Race returns for its 27th edition, bringing thousands of runners together for a 10km course through the city centre, with firefighters traditionally taking part in full uniform. 8 November 2026.
Carrera de la Mujer Barcelona’s women’s running event returns as part of the nationwide Carrera de la Mujer series. 22 November 2026, 9am.
Premier Padel Finals at Palau Sant Jordi The world’s leading padel players compete in the season-ending tournament, with men’s and women’s competitions. December 10th–13th.
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Conferences
IBTM World A major business travel and events exhibition at Fira Gran Via bringing together tourism boards, hotels, event planners, and industry professionals for exhibitions, talks, and networking, exploring the latest trends in meetings, conferences, and incentive travel. November 17–19, 2026.
Tech Spirit Barcelona A major technology event at Llotja de Mar bringing together startup founders, investors, and industry leaders for keynote talks, workshops, and networking, exploring the latest developments in AI, entrepreneurship, and innovation. December 2–3, 2026.
ICE Barcelona A major gaming industry event at Fira Gran Via bringing together operators, technology providers, regulators, and industry professionals for exhibitions, talks, and networking, exploring the latest developments in gaming technology, regulation, and business opportunities. January 18–20, 2027.
iGB Affiliate Barcelona A major affiliate marketing event at Fira Gran Via bringing together affiliates, online gaming operators, and technology providers for exhibitions, talks, and networking, exploring the latest industry trends and opportunities for commercial partnerships. January 19–20, 2027.