Barcelona in August: Travelers’ Ultimate Guide

Nothing can be more natural than spending time in Barcelona this August. That is because, during this month, the city has a lively street culture that goes on a different gear as sunburns and parties may not send the tourists to sleep in advance.

This August 2021, Barcelona is starting to become the best place to visit. However, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, some of the most iconic events that the city has during August may not run this year. Yet, you can still get the most out of Barcelona through these ways:

Why Should You Go to Barcelona in August?

August is the ideal month to go at Barcelona’s best beaches so you can show your sexy new bikini!

Aside from that, you can enjoy Barcelona’s great weather and spend a longer time at the city’s best attractions. Moreover, you can have unlimited booze from the best rooftop bars that the city has to offer.

Once you include the classic barrio parties and best music festivals that Barcelona frequently holds, you can be all set.

Just remember that August is Barcelona’s most visited month in its tourist calendar. Because of that, you may likely encounter sold-out venues and long lines.

Advice Before Visiting Barcelona

Make sure to purchase tickets online in advance, as lots of main attractions sell out weeks ahead of time. Avoid getting caught without it, so you will skip the lines and have guaranteed spots!

Also, make sure to get a transport pass so you can save time and money. It would be best to rent a bike to get around the city and take advantage of its fresh air. You will indeed have a great experience going on a ride by the beach. Since many businesses are closed for the holidays in August, make sure to double-check the times when your favorite restaurants and shops are open before you go there.

We also suggest that you go on a walking tour of the Secrets of the Old City on your first day. That is because being educated and enhance all of your endeavors.

Whenever you go to Barcelona in August, be careful of the pickpockets who frequently go to the tourist spots. Also, always check out our website, as we will continually be including events that will be happening in Barcelona once they are announced.

What’s the Weather Like in Barcelona This August

In August, Barcelona promises humid and hot temperatures that come with a lot of sunlight.

On average, the temperature is at 82 °F (ca. 28 °C). By the end of the month, the temperature can drop to 67 °F (ca. 19 °C).

Expect to get sunshine for 9 hours a day and rainfall for five days a week. If you feel heat sensitivity, it would be better if you exercise caution because it is common to experience heat waves. It is likely for the city to turn into a sauna with temperatures that approach the middle 30s.

People who want to visit Barcelona this August would have to pack light. Bring shorts, t-shirts, a light jacket, and flip-flops. We highly recommend that you also bring sunscreen and sunglasses with you. Having a whole bottle of water can also save your life!

La Festa Major de Gràcia

In August, one of the undisputed main events is the La Fiesta de Gracia. The party happens in the Gracia district, known as Barcelona’s answer to Carnevale.

Gracia’s streets are fully decorated with paper mâché giants, gigantic flowers, and colored banners in this festival. Many roads have their stages put up with sound systems that can split your ear. They all come in various genres: hip hop, salsa, electronic, punk, and more.

You may spend a long time wandering the streets and listening to live music that you can experience in every square for free! You may also have kebabs, tapas, beer, and more with great pricing.

In this festival, bars traditionally open late, and they have stands set up with sangria, wine, and beer kegs. Since the lines can be ridiculously long, you can freely indulge in the favorite pastime of Spain: botellon! Here you won’t be alone, and you’ll grab a mixer and a bottle of liquor that you will pour in the plastic cups.

By the end of the festival, the street that is most beautifully decorated will win a prize. Now, people are planning to have the main gate decorated in the neighborhood. 

However, because of the people’s hesitation on COVID, certain events are unannounced. Get more information by checking out the schedule of Fiesta de Gracia once it is closer to the date when they are planning to hold it.

Festivals in Barcelona this August 2021

This August, you can find a different party in the neighborhood almost every week. Always remember that you are free to attend all of them. Just make sure that you are in the vicinity, walk around, and have fun with the festivities.

La Festa Major del Barrio Gotico

If you want to go for something traditionally authentic, check out the oldest barrio party in the city.

People hold this to honor Saint Roc. According to legend, he caught the black plague when he visited the city. He got nursed to being healthy again by the dog of the local baker. Because of that, he worked on protecting the city against another outbreak. 

It may be similar to getting inside a time machine because the dances, songs, and costumes are similar to how they were in its first edition last 1589. The magical central neighborhood has squares and streets where you can find paper mâché giants in a parade, and people perform the traditional Catalan dance or Sardana.

Here, the chaotic correfoc is the highlight. This kind of parade has children and adults dressed up as devils and lighting firecrackers as dragons that spitfire in a series fire off fireworks and sparklers in every direction. When this happens, be careful, or else you might get burned! 

Make sure that you check out the festival’s official food, which is the panellets. It is a traditional marzipan dessert that has pine nuts. Have them accompanied by sweet wine, and you will be all set. Check them out at Placa de l’Angel 12 or Dolceria De La Colmena. Last 2019, the Festa Major del Barri Gòtic happened from August 13 to 17. The dates of the celebration this 2021 is still TBA. Visit festmajor if you want to get more information on Festa Majores.

La Festa Major de Sants

People celebrate this neighborhood festival to honor the patron saint of the Sants, Saint Bartomeu. Because of his beliefs, he was skinned, flayed, and martyred. He morbidly became a significant figure to all professionals related to leather that resided in the vicinity.

You may find 22 streets or more in the neighborhood that is decorated with specific themes. One of the competition’s recent winners was the street with a New York and King Kong them as it was an incredible sight! Some barrio party’s great Catalan highlights are the human tower building, the correfoc ‘fire run’ and its fire-spitting dragons, and the classic giants made of paper mâché.

Also, try not to miss the fireworks that happen during the closing of the festival. If you want to get to this festival, get off at the Sants Estaciò metro.

This 2021, the Festa Major de Sants should run in the final week of August. However, they still haven’t announced the dates.

Check out the website Festa Major de Sants website if you want to get more information.

A Brunch in the Park

Here is a legendary techno party held outdoors at the top of the tallest hill in Barcelona. You can find this daytime dance with the lineup of great international DJs every Sunday afternoon. People look for fun early on Monday, with the festival running from 12 noon to 10 in the evening.

At a Brunch in the Park, you will see some great spots where you can cool off from the spray of the water. It also has a beer garden, some food trucks, as well as a playground for kids.

This epic festival had artists like Fatboy Slim, Boris Brejcha, and Deborah Luca last 2019. For this festival, always make sure to bring a hat and sunscreen. Go to their official website if you want to get additional information about the Brunch in the Park.

DGTL Festival

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the DGTL Festival’s 2021 version got pushed back to September, with the artists still unannounced.

Since the previous years have been successful, this Dutch techno festival’s Spanish version will happen again. 

DGTL is dazzling because of its fire-spitting modern machines and eco-friendly and visually interactive art installations. The festival maintained its gritty sounds and warehouse feel in contrast to the crashing waves at the well-known Parc del Fòrum that happens on a beach in Barcelona.

The fans were treated with a diverse lineup of famous and underground DJs such as Agoria, Nina Kravitz, John Talabot, Maceo Plex, and more in the past year.

Cap Roig Festival

The Cap Roig Festival is a concert series in a beautiful natural setting that overlooks the Mediterranean Sea.

Go on the coast for an hour and more and check out Costa Brava, where you will see one of the best botanical gardens in the Mediterranean. After that, check out the fantastic international artists from numerous genres.

This 2021, they will be welcoming David Bisbal, Love of Lesbian, Passengers, and more.

The Mas i Mas Festival

Here is a concert festival that has more than 200 concerts and spans six classic venues in Barcelona. Here, you may witness classical music from the Palau de la Musica or a flamenco show at Tarantos. Because of that, there may be no better way for you to escape the summer heat other than listening to live music.

Here, many international and local artists perform rock, jazz, funk, flamenco, gospel, hip-hop, and more.

Summer Nights at the Classic Attractions

If you are not interested to wake up with a terrible headache, look for something cultural and calm at the top attractions in Barcelona.

August Club Nights and Concerts

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the clubs in Barcelona have still not re-opened. Once it becomes available, you surely won’t go wrong in spending a night at Razzmatazz or Sala Apolo.

The Joan Gamper Cup

People who love soccer or football will be happy once the sport returns to Barcelona with a vengeance this August.

This season the most vital matches of Barcelona will be in honor of its past president and founder, Hans Gamper. The game will be between Manchester City, a legendary English club, and an invited team. Right now, the date is TBA.

If you want to take a glimpse of some best sports memorabilia that includes the Golden Boots of Messi and Champions League trophies, check out the Camp Nou stadium.

Magic Nights at Casa Batllo

If you plan to visit Barcelona this August, check out the concert venue on the rooftop at the crazy Art Nouveau mansion of Gaudi.

Here, you won’t just get rare access to one of Barcelona’s most impressive sights during the night. You will also enjoy the concert that happens on the Dragon Roof Terrace. The shows include flamenco, soul, rock and roll, opera, jazz, and more. Children younger than seven years old can enter free.

Other Fun Things You Can Do in Barcelona This August 2021

Outdoor Cinema

If you’re a fan of classic movies and the silver screen, check out the outdoor cinema projected on the walls of the Montjuic Castle. It has a series that is complete with concerts, short films, and more. Just make sure to bring your snacks and beer so you can feel cozy!

This August, they will be showing a surprise movie, Mujercitas, and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. The projects have a price of €7.50 in advance. If you want a lounger, you have to pay €10.50.

Every show begins with a concert at 20:45. The movies start at 22:00.

Check out the Best Places to visit in Barcelona at BCN Travel!

BCN Travel is a local team dedicated to ensuring that you have a pleasant stay in this beautiful city. Since we have an extensive background in traveling and the tourism industry, we have a passionate and enthusiastic professional crew about Barcelona’s tourism. We have a perfect understanding of what people need whenever they travel abroad to countries with different customs, languages, and cultures. Contact us to learn more about Barcelona!