Are you thinking of traveling to Barcelona in August? Are you afraid that there will be hardly any plans or that it will be too hot?
If you type “Barcelona in August” or “what to do in August in Barcelona” in your search engine, you’ll discover that the heat is no excuse not to come and explore the city; on the contrary, it’s the perfect time to enjoy a cultural and musical calendar that you won’t find anywhere else.
The thermometer may read over thirty degrees, but there are beaches, municipal swimming pools, and misted terraces to provide a refreshing counterpoint while you decide what to do, which is plenty. Look!
Festivals and Concerts in Barcelona in August
The music kicks off on August 9th, when BLACKPINK and their signature k-pop land with their Deadline tour at the Olympic Stadium.
But the range goes far beyond Korean pop. From August 6th to 16th, the Teatre Apolo revives disco fever with EuroAbba – Dancing with Abba, the most faithful tribute show to the Swedish quartet. What will you see? A carefully crafted 70s wardrobe, live vocals, and all the group’s hits, from “Waterloo” to “Dancing Queen”.
The same Apolo also hosts a musical event of a completely different register: the Summer Opera Festival, a mini-season alternating La Traviata, Turandot, and a Three Tenors Gala, all performed by the National Opera of Moldova with more than seventy artists on stage. It’s the coolest way to enjoy Verdi and Puccini without straying far from La Rambla.
If you prefer more intimate concerts, save August 19th for The Fall of Troy at Razzmatazz 3. The math-rock trio celebrates the twentieth anniversary of their album Doppelgänger and promises an unforgettable night of mosh pits.
And if you want more, take note of these three events: the Jardins Pedralbes Festival, which fills the gardens of the Pedralbes Palace with pop, jazz, and classical music concerts; the Circuit Festival, one of the largest LGBTQ+ gatherings in Europe; and the Grec Festival, a program full of theater, dance, and music with performances throughout the city.
And Barcelona in August still has more musical plans! You just have to visit the website of the Palau de la Música, Jamboree, or any venue in Barcelona to discover that every weekend there are more than fifty concerts of all genres scheduled throughout the city.
Summer Activities and Plans to Do in August in Barcelona
Despite so much music, the city doesn’t forget its traditions. On August 15th, a national holiday for the Assumption of Mary, the Festa Major de Gràcia begins: a week where the neighborhood streets are dressed with thematic decorations worthy of a movie, and the squares are filled with free concerts, human towers, and buñuelos (fritters).
And that’s not all: from August 23rd to 31st, it’s time for the Festa Major de Sants, less touristy, equally authentic, and famous for its fireworks.
You also have plenty of water activities: excursions to the coves of the Costa Brava, snorkeling routes, kayaking and paddle surfing, and catamaran trips departing from Port Olímpic.
For urban plans, join the rooftop with pool craze. There are many hotels you can visit – without staying – and enjoy a drink while taking in good views and having a dip on their rooftop.
And if you don’t want to climb a skyscraper, explore the new shaded areas and mist sprayers that the City Council has installed in parks and squares, or head to a beach or municipal pool. Don’t let the heat stop you from enjoying the city!
Tips for Enjoying Barcelona in August
As you already know, it’s hot in the Ciudad Condal in August: the thermometer hovers around 30°C on average during the day and the heat index can be even higher. The weather is not surprising, so the first thing is to pack broad-spectrum sun protection, a cap or hat, and sunglasses. Be careful with sunburns and, even more so, with the possibility of heat stroke; seek shade, rest when the sun is strong, and take advantage of the early morning hours or sunset for longer walks.
The best trick to make the most of what to do in Barcelona in August is to organize plans according to the temperature and not underestimate the crowds: this month also has its audience and concentrates tourists along with many locals on vacation. Buy your tickets, book your accommodation, and, in general, plan your trip in advance.
Keep in mind that August 15 is a holiday; some businesses close and, typically, there are changes in public transport schedules.
And, although you surely already had it noted, remember that Barcelona houses some of Antoni Gaudí’s most impressive architectural works: the Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, and Casa Batlló are must-see visits if you’re in central Barcelona. Just be sure to book your tickets in advance.
August is the Perfect Month to Enjoy Barcelona
Without a doubt, this summer it’s time to pack your bags and head to Barcelona, one of the most complete cities in the world for all kinds of plans. And the best part is that everything fits into just one day!
So it doesn’t matter if you come for a weekend getaway, stay for a couple of weeks, or decide to extend for the entire month: Barcelona never gets boring, and in August, even less so.
However, if you’re traveling with limited time—or simply don’t want to waste hours and hours on commuting—choose your base camp wisely. Our apartments, lofts, and studios are right in the center and have everything necessary for a pleasant stay.
With such accommodation, concerts, endless cultural offerings, and beaches and pools scattered throughout the city, you have the perfect combo to make the most of Barcelona in August.
Book your accommodation with Key Barcelona now and ensure you live the experience to the fullest!