This post covers some of the best things to do in Barcelona in May including a variety of family-friendly, nighttime, and free activities and events, updated for 2024.
For even more suggestions of things to do this month, make sure to read some of the following posts:
Disclosure: While our recommendations are always unbiased, we may receive a small share of sales through some of the links below at no cost to you. See the full text.
TOP 12 EVENTS AND THINGS TO DO
This section provides several different popular activities you can enjoy in Barcelona this month, including special events, festivals, and other fun activities you may want to consider.
1. Go to a Concert
Some fantastic bands and performers will be playing in Barcelona this May.
Below we list some of the best concerts taking place this month.
Concerts
- Andrea Bocelli | May 1st
- Jonas Brothers | May 25th
Music Festivals
- Primavera Sound | May 29th-June 2nd | An alternative music festival with Lana Del Ray, Pulp, FKA Twings, Mitski, and more.
Check out this list of even more concerts in Barcelona in May.
2. Attend a Sporting Event
When it comes to sports, the people of Barcelona can鈥檛 get enough football, and there will be a few different opportunities to see their team performing this month.
Basketball
Football (Soccer)
If you are traveling with kids, you can take a tour of Camp Nou where FC Barcelona plays football, a family-friendly activity.
3. Attend a Few Festivals or Events
Here are a few other things to do in and around Barcelona in May.
Barcelona International Comic Fair 2024 | May 3rd-5th | The 42nd year of this comics festival with exhibitors, guest speakers, and programs for kids.
Barcelona International Record Fair | May 3rd-5th | Music and artists memorabilia changes hands at the Estacio del Nord.
Fira Modernista de Barcelona | May 24th-26th | A celebration of the Barcelona of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Gran Premi Moto GP | May 24th-25th | The perfect entertainment for those who love motorcycle racing.
Patum de Berga | May 29th-June 2nd | A 600 year old festival in the town of Berga with street entertainment, giants, fire, dancing, and devils.
Corpus Chrsitie's L'ou com Balla | May 30th-June 2nd | In a few places in the Gothic Quarter an egg is placed atop of fountain of water where it "dances".
Trofeu de Vela Comte de God贸 | May 29th-June 2nd | Head down to the water and catch a sailing regata with some of the best boats in the world.
And you might see if the International New Roses Competition returns to Cervantes Park in May.
4. La Nit dels Museus (Night of the Museums)
Like many European cities, Barcelona holds an annual Night of the Museums.
Many museums throughout the city stay open late and offer free admission! There are also special events planned like music and dancing.
It is usually held as close to May 18th, International Museum Day, as possible.
In 2024 Night of the Museum takes place on May 13th from 9:00 (7 pm) to 1:00 am.
This is a fantastic way to spend an evening out in Barcelona.聽See what other museums have late hours all year round.聽
Our post on things to do at night in Barcelona has many more ideas on what to do after dark.
5. Dia Internacional dels Museus (Day of the Museums)
May 18th, 2024, is International Museum Day in Barcelona. Like Night of the Museums above, this event is held in dozens of cities in Europe in mid-may.
Many museums in Barcelona will offer free admission all day.
If you are not in Barcelona on May 18th, you can still visit some museums for free.
Certain museums never charge for admission. Others have occasional free days. Some are included for free with a tourist attraction pass.
6. See More of Barcelona for Less
Explore as much of Barcelona as possible for less when you聽purchase a tourist pass.
These passes bundle admission tickets to give you savings of up to 50% on regular retail pricing.
Just some of the attractions included in various passes:
- Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tours
- L鈥橝quarium Barcelona
- Picasso Museum
- Park Guell鈥檚 Monumental Zone
- Montserrat Morning Tour
- Sagrada Familia
- Dali Museum
- Barcelona Zoo
- and more.
See our post comparing Barcelona tourist passes to see if a pass is right for you.
7. Take a Walking Tour
May weather is lovely so it's an excellent time to be outside and take a free walking tour.
On a tour, you'll gain insight into the city from an experienced tour guide without busting your budget.
Barcelona city tours typically include the Old Town, the historic port, the Gothic District, and the Barcelona Cathedral, among other landmarks.
For more details, read our post covering Barcelona walking tours.
8. Head to Sant Pon莽 Fair聽
In an era when homeopathic remedies are increasingly popular, the centuries-old Sant Ponc Fair on May 11, 202, will be of interest to some people.
This fair dates back to the Middle Ages when natural remedies were being explored and used to treat illness.
It's free to attend! For more free events, read our post on free things to do in Barcelona
The Sant Pon莽 Fair has been held in Carrer de l鈥橦ospital since 1817. It is quite popular since more and more people are looking for natural products.
You can find lots of products like essential oils, fresh herbs, homemade honey, jam, preserved fruit, and syrup.
Read more about the Sant Pon莽 Fair here.
9. Take a Food Tour
Barcelona is famous for its cuisine. If trying the local food isn't already on your list of things to do, you might want to add it.
If you don't know where to start, we suggest you consider taking a Secret Food Tour.
On a food tour, you'll taste tapas, paella, Iberian ham, Spanish cheeses, Catalonian pastry, and more.
Spanish wines rival the city's incredible food. On a Secret Wine Tour, you'll be tasting some of the best varietals, paired with food that complements the wine.
10. Guitar BCN Festival
This annual prestigious guitar-based festival runs from January 26th-July 26th. This May there are multiple concerts you can attend.
Performers are top-notch and come from all around the world. You鈥檒l hear styles of all kinds from pop/rock,聽 flamenco, classical and more.聽
Concerts are held at various venues and ticket prices vary. Some concerts are free to attend, depending on who is playing.
See the Guitar BCN Festival for the schedule and to buy tickets.
11. Attend a Film Festival
For 10 days from May 2nd-12th, you can see documentaries from around the world at the DocsBarcelona International Documentary Film Festival.
This annual festival has a big turnout and is quite popular among cinephiles. Check out their website for the schedule.
12. Festa Major de Nou Barris
Held annually in the district of Nou Barris, this week-long festival offers some fantastic cultural happenings.
The Festa Major de Nou Barris takes place during the second fortnight of May. This is a great festival to bring the whole family.
The festival is free, making this an excellent budget-friendly activity.
There are lots more ways to save money in the city. Read our post on free things to do in Barcelona for more ideas.
For more family-friendly activities see our post on things to do with kids in Barcelona.
