Barcelona never sleeps, not even in the summer, quite the opposite in fact. In July, the city dances to its very own soundtrack as it becomes the venue for a whole host of top musical events. So as you can see, July is not just about sun and beach, it's also the month of music in Barcelona.
- The Grec Festival
Dates: 1 to 31 July
Venue: Teatre Grec de Montjuïc and various cultural spaces around Barcelona.
El Grec is a well-established festival with a long tradition in Barcelona. In fact, this will be its 42nd edition. The festival brings together all the performing arts: theatre, dance, music and circus. It aims to promote the talent of Catalan artists while showcasing the very best acts on the international artistic scene.
This year, within the framework of the El Grec festival, there is a special programme marking the 50th anniversary of the Barcelona International Jazz Festival. From 6 to 25 July, five concerts will be held: 4 at BARTS (Snarky Puppy, Cory Henry, R + R= NOW and Cécile McLorin Salvant) and 1 at the Montjuïc amphitheatre (Pat Metheny).
- Rock Fest Barcelona
Dates: 5, 6 & 7 July
Venue: Can Zam Park, Santa Coloma de Gramanet
A must for all rock and heavy metal fans. A final line-up of 51 bands has been officially confirmed for the festival, which is celebrating its fifth anniversary this year. The star attractions include Kiss, Scorpions and Ozzy Osbourne.
If you want to enjoy the full Rock Fest experience, the organisers are setting aside special areas in the gardens and football field of the La Torreta cultural centre where festival goers can camp.
- Cruïlla Festival
Dates: 12, 13 & 14 July
Venue: El Fòrum Park
Cruïlla is a Catalan word meaning "crossroads", which is precisely what the festival aims to be. A crossroads of the most diverse musical styles or, more specifically, a meeting point for them all: pop, hip-hop, electronic music, rock, reggae, ska... This year's line-up includes Kygo, Blaumut, La Pegatina, Lori Meyers, Ben Howard, The Roots...
The organisers of the Cruïlla are committed to making it a festival for the whole family. Apart from the concerts, there will also be activities for young and old alike, as well as catering areas. Admission is free for under-15's accompanied by their parents or legal guardians.
- Barcelona Beach Festival
Dates: 14 July
Venue: El Fòrum i Parc de la Pau beach, Sant Adrià del Besós
This is one of the most awaited festivals of the entire summer. Year after year, the Barcelona Beach Festival attracts the biggest names on the electronic music scene. This year, festival goers will be able to dance to the rhythm of top DJ's such as Armin Van Buuren, Axwell Ingrosso, The Chainsmokers, David Guetta, Robin Schulz, and many more.
- Barna 'n' Roll
Dates: 14 July
Venue: Poble Espanyol
Following the huge success of the last two editions, Barna 'n' Roll has become Barcelona's number 1 punk rock festival. In this its third year, the festival brings together some of the world's top punk bands such as Descendents, Sick of It All, Jello Biafra and the Guantanamo School of Medicine, Gatillazo, Crim... and the icing on the cake: London's legendary Cock Sparrer.
- Tomorrowland
Dates: 28 July
Venue: Can Zam Park, Santa Coloma de Gramanet
For the second year running, this popular electronic music festival hits Barcelona. This hybrid event combines live performances with satellite connections to Boom (Belgium), home to the main stage, and to other points around the globe which, like Barcelona, have been chosen as UNITEs (Abu Dhabi, Italy, Beirut, Malta, Mexico and Taiwan). Enjoy a fantasy ambience in a fairy-tale setting, where thousands of party animals from around the world get together to live the Tomorrowland experience to the rhythm of top DJ's such as Alan Walker, Carl Cox, Hardwell and Steve Aoki. Plus, the event promises plenty of mystery and intrigue: the names of the DJ's who will be performing live on the Barcelona stage from midnight onwards.
