13 – 23 August 2026
Correfocs, castellers and a Matisse masterpiece's final days — your guide to Barcelona & Catalunya this week.
Festa Major season is in full swing across the city, so most of this week's picks are free street festivals. We've balanced it with a couple of paid must-sees too — book ahead where noted.
Barcelona's oldest neighbourhood festival (running since 1589) closes out with a giant correfoc fire-run and fireworks on Sunday night. Expect giants, habaneras, and the centuries-old "porró llarg" drinking challenge.
More infoThis is your last week to catch this major exhibition tracing Matisse's influence on 20th- and 21st-century art, built around works from the Centre Pompidou. Free for CaixaBank customers and under-16s.
TicketsBarcelona's most famous street festival: 23 committees compete to decorate their streets, with live music on almost every square and a closing correfoc fire-run on the 21st. Everything except the drinks is free.
Full Catalunyaar guideMuseu Picasso's summer free-entry programme is back: walk in for free on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, including a free guided tour of the permanent collection. Reserve at least 4 days ahead online.
More infoA free light, water and music show below the Palau Nacional — no tickets or booking needed, just turn up early to get a spot on the steps.
More infoGaudí's Dragon Roof Terrace turns into a live-music venue for the summer — a night visit, two drinks and a rooftop concert with a different genre each night, from jazz to rumba.
TicketsA free-entry side of Catalunya's biggest summer music festival — live music, a market and food stalls in the monastery gardens on the Costa Brava. Ticketed headline concerts also run on the main stage nearby.
More infoPicks up where Gràcia leaves off: 11 decorated streets, 400+ concerts and around 50 activities a day, right through to the end of August. Kicks off the same weekend this roundup ends — worth planning ahead for.
More infoThe Consulate General of India in Barcelona marks 80 years of independence with an official flag-hoisting and community celebration, open to the Indian community and Friends of India. Registration required in advance — free to attend.
Full Catalunyaar guideTell the community — we'll add it to next week's roundup.
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Open Bizum on your banking app, send to 667 900 501, and you're done. Instant, fee-free, and it goes straight back into the platform.
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Catalunyaar — Connecting India & Catalunya. Barcelona's Indian expat community hub.
