This post covers some of the best things to do in Barcelona in September, updated for 2024, including a variety of family-friendly entertainment, nighttime events, and free activities and events.
Be sure to read our post on the weather in September in Barcelona.
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 15 EVENTS AND THINGS TO DO IN BARCELONA IN SEPTEMBER
1. Go to a Concert
Some fantastic bands and performers will be playing in Barcelona this September. They range from pop stars to nostalgic favorites.
Concert
- Elvis Costello | September 5th
- Paul Weller | September 18th
- Echo and the Bunnymen | September 29th
Music Festivals
- Jackies Open-Air Daytime | September 2nd | Le Terrazza | feat: Joey Negro
- Suite Festival 2023 | September 8th | Sala Razzmatazz 1 | feat: No Te Va Gustar
- Voll-Damm Festival de Jazz de Barcelona 2023 | September-December | Teatre Tivoli | feat: Miguel Poveda, Paquito Valdes, and more
- BIS Festival 2023 | September 15th | Sala Paral.lel 62 | feat: Puzzles y Dragones, Hidrogenesse, and more
For even more great shows to attend, check out this list of concerts in Barcelona in September.
2. La Mercè Festival 2023
Millions of visitors come to Barcelona to celebrate Catalan culture and honor Mare de Deu de la Merce, the patron saint of Barcelona.
This annual festival dates back to 1871 and is one of the biggest festivals, with events taking place across a number of locations.
In fact, there are hundreds of events, including free music concerts, street performances, circus acts, and more.
Streets are filled with parades, loads of color, and the smells of delicious foods.
You won't want to miss Correfoc (the fire run) or the human tower which has men stacked ten people high!
In 2023 the festival runs from September 21st-24th. Visit here for more information.
3. Take a Cooking Class
If you want to immerse yourself in local culture, one way to do it is through cooking. Food is such an important part of a nation's identity.
Firsthand training by locals will ensure you understand the methods used to achieve the best possible flavor.
Barcelona has a rich culinary heritage, and if you'd like to try out some of the city's traditional foods, one of these classes might be for you!
- Paella Class with Tapas, Sangria & Market Visit
- Half-Day Spanish Cooking Class & Boqueria Market Tour
- Flamenco Show & Paella Cooking Class
- Wine and Tapas Tour for Lovers of Spanish Food
4. See More of Barcelona for Less
Explore as much of Barcelona as possible for less when you purchase a discount pass.
These passes bundle admission tickets to give you savings of up to 50% on regular retail pricing.
Which Barcelona Tourist Pass is Best?
Just some of the attractions included in various passes:
- Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tours
- L’Aquarium Barcelona
- Picasso Museum
- Park Guell’s 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.
5. Attend La Festa Major del Poblenou
This family-friendly annual festival takes place in the Poble Nou neighborhood of Barcelona.
For two weeks in the first part of September, there will be all sorts of activities including music, sports activities, and dancing.
Visitors will find art on display, children's workshops, and fire runs.
For more information, visit La Festa Major del Poblenou's website or this one.
6. Take a Food Tour
Barcelona is famous for its cuisine. If trying 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.
And if you're looking to get a bit hands-on with the local cuisine, you can learn to make traditional Spanish paella.
7. Take a Sightseeing Tour
June is a great time to get out and explore the city, especially with a free walking tour.
These pay-what-you-like tours are popular and entertaining, led by local guides who love their city.
Barcelona city tours typically include the Old Town, historic port, Gothic District, and the Barcelona Cathedral, among other landmarks.
For more details, read our post covering Barcelona walking tours.
If you want to cover a bit more ground, why not try a bike tour? It's another great way to enjoy the beginning of summer while seeing the popular points of interest.
Of course, if you want to relax a bit more (and maybe see the city from a bit offshore), there are fun sunset cruises available.
8. Tour the Spotify Camp Nou Live
Futbol Club Barcelona, one of the best and most popular football teams in the world, playing out at the famous Camp Nou football stadium.
There's a brand new FC Barcelona Museum that gives you an immersive 360º experience covering the stadium and team.
For tickets and more information, visit the Football Club Barcelona Museum Immersive Tour website.
And visit Stubhub for tickets to an FC Barcelona game.
9. Comemorate the National Day of Cataonia
Festivities are to be found in Barcelona due to Diada Nacional de Catalunya.
Over 200 years ago Catalonia was defeated by over the 40,000 Spanish and French troops that entered the city during the Spanish War of Succession.
The armed forces of the area only 10,000 in number, had fought valiantly over 14 months to stay independent, with many citizens killed and the city left in ruins. On September 11th, their defenses were broken.
Celebrations take place each year, with parades and various formal ceremonies.
You'll find that shops are closed, but many bars and restaurants remain open. At times you may also find demonstrations by those who want Catalonia removed from Spain's rule.
Events take place annually on September 11th.
10. Attend the Voll-Damm Jazz Festival
For now 55 years, this jazz has been taking place in Barcelona.
Some of the most talented jazz musicians from around the world come to the city to perform, making this one of the premier jazz festivals in the world.
Concerts run from September through December at various venues across the city.
The line-up for the Voll-Damnn Festival Jazz Barcelona, as well as ticket info and FAQs, can be found on the festival's website.
11. See a Comedy Show or Open-Mic Night
You can find stand-up comedy - in English - every Friday night at Comedy Bomb Shelter.
Performances feature touring comics from all over the world. The atmosphere in the pub is laid back and friendly.
If you go on other nights of the week, you can also find live music and open-mic poetry or storytelling nights!
- Dates: Friday Nights
- Location: Pub Limerick
- Suggested Donation: €5
- Find more information.
Comedy Bomb Shelter also runs paid showcases and comedy shows, with the ticket prices usually staying between €5 - €10!
12. Attend a Rooftop Concert Series Casa Batllo Magic Nights
The unique and colorful building Casa Casa Batlló, designed by Gaudí, hosts outdoor musical performances on its rooftop.
These live concerts cover a number of different musical genres, with not just flamenco or classical but jazz, pop music and more.
Best of all, these concerts take place at night, allowing you to enjoy the music while enjoying the Barcelona skyline.
You can also visit the interior of the building, also designed by Gaudí and clearly a masterpiece of his style.
For tickets and more information, visit the Casa Batllo Magic Nights website.
13. Be Captivated by Flamenco
No trip to Barcelona would be complete without a visit to a Flamenco show, Flamenco being one of Spain's most beloved art forms.
Flamenco combines music, singing, and dance. The songs are emotional and the dance expressive, making their shows creative and captivating.
One of the most well-known companies featuring this traditional experience is Gran Gala Flamenco.
They have a number of shows planned for August. Click here for tickets.
Or, if you want to try another show, but one that includes a city tour, wine, and Flamenco, find tickets here.
14. Cheer on Bicyclists
One of the most important events in the cycling world takes place in Barcelona in August.
The annual Vuelta a España (Tour of Spain) race is one of the top three races in the world, along with the Tour de France and the Giro d'Italia.
The top professional cyclists in the world with be participating, as it passes through various towns and cities in Spain.
The race starts in Barcelona on August 26th and ends on September 17th.
If you want to cheer on the riders, visit the La Vuelta website.
15. See the Works of Banksy
If you're a fan of street art, chances are you're very familiar with the work of Banksy.
His unique vision has taken the world by storm, and he has quickly become one of the most easily recognizable artists of our time.
At the Banksy Museum in Barcelona, there is a permanent exhibit showcasing his work.
For more information, visit the Museo Banksy website.
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