It’s almost summer! I am so excited for all the sunshine and beach days (finally, after all the rain we’ve had!). With summer comes many activities to do and festivals to visit in Barcelona. How to figure out what to do?? We’ve got you covered here at The Grid BCN!
Looking for a fun way to kick off your summer? Coming up in just a week is the Primavera Sound Festival. It runs from June 1-5. Primavera Sound is the biggest Indie and alternative music festival in the world! According to Time Out, Primavera Sound is the number 1 festival in the world. This is going to be something you don’t want to miss.
A few of the headliners at the festival are Radiohead, LCD Soundsystem, Animal Collective, Beach House, as well as dozens and dozens of other musicians.
There are several stages set up in the venue, Parc del Forum just a bit north of central Barcelona. Primavera prides itself in bringing the festival to the entire city. Primavera als Bars offers a total of 12 free shows all throughout the barrios in BCN before the main event.
Interested in purchasing tickets? Head on over to https://www.festicket.com/festival/primavera-sound-2016/#packages
There you will find tickets, packages that include accommodation, and all the info you would like for the crazy, fun-filled, long weekend.
After Primavera Sound festival get some rest- because there is another one two weeks later (I told you, this city doesn’t sleep!). Sónar Barcelona will be in Barcelona from June 16-18. Sónar is a bit different from Primavera Sound, Sónar plays electronic music and has DJ’s from all over the world here in BCN for the weekend.
Sónar’s activities are divided into two categories: Sónar by Day & Sónar by Night. Sónar by Day is located in Fira Montjuic, and focuses on networking creative industries. It also claims to be family friendly. Sónar is unique in the way that it isn’t only about partying and listening to awesome music, it also allows creative people to connect during the day. Almost like a conference by day, concert by night.
Sónar by night has a bit of a different feel, it is located at Fira Gran Via de L’Hospitalet. It hosts live DJ’s as well as boasts an international playlist from all over the world.
Sónar has organized more than 50 events since 2002 all over the world, this year it is in Barcelona! You don’t want to miss this one either. For more information and tickets, visit: https://sonar.es/en/2016/tickets
Now, if you’re looking for something a little calmer, I’d suggest checking out the Festival Jardins de Padralbes. It is more of a family friendly event with that serves Michelin starred catering… Yum! It runs from June 11-July 16 at Jardins Palau Reial Pedralbes. It caters up to 2,000 people a night and you can get a ticket anywhere from 16-228 Euro. A few of the headliners include the Cranberries, Milky Chance and The Lumineers.
Another notable festival happening this summer in Barcelona is Cruilla. It is the most diverse festival with headliners this year including Robert Plant, Alabama Shakes, and Damien Rice. There are local food trucks and LED Castellers that you won’t want to miss. This is one of Barcelona’s most eclectic festivals. It will be at the Parc Forum from July 8-10. Tickets are available here: http://cruillabarcelona.com/en/tickets
Another local festival happening in Barcelona this summer celebrates the Saint Joan. It’s called the Nit de Sant Joan. It is a midsummer celebration happening June 23, 2016. All of Spain gets together to celebrate the shortest night of the year- the summer solstice. Sant Joan is one of Barcelona’s loudest, craziest nights. Celebrate all night with fireworks, cava and of course, no sleep! The good thing is the day after, June 24, is recognized as a holiday and many shops and offices are closed. So hopefully you won’t have to work!
One of the great things about Barcelona is that there is something for everyone! Whether you’re into alternative/indie music or electronic- you’ll find what you want here!
Alyse Latham
