While many businesses close for much of August, there is still a great deal for locals and visitors to enjoy, especially when it comes to live music and concerts in Barcelona. Here’s the lowdown on just some of the ways to take in a bit of culture if you find yourself in the Catalan capital this month.
Music in the parks
The Music in the Parks initiative offers you a series of free summer-night concerts in Barcelona by young musicians featuring classical music, jazz and blues, amongst other genres, all in the city’s green spaces. Local music schools will take part in the project to highlight the educational work they carry out in Barcelona. The series helps to promote gardens and parks as spaces for positive community life, culture and recreation surrounded by nature. Upcoming concerts include Blai Mañer, next Thursday 16 August, playing pieces by composers such as Debussy and Mozart on the piano, as well as the Pau Mainé jazz trio, on 15 August. The grand finale to this year’s edition will be on Thursday 30 August at the Parc del Clot, with a concert from the Txell Sust & August Tharrats Trio.
Concert at Montjuïc’s fortress
If you’ve never visited the Montjuïc castle, an old military fortress dating back to the XVII century, there is perhaps no better way of discovering it than enjoying one of the best views of the city while listening to a jazz concert. Every Sunday the city council offers free concerts as part of the Vespres d’Estiu programme. Entry tickets to the castle are free every Sunday after 3pm. A free shuttle bus will bring you down to Plaça Espanya after the concert ends.
Sardines and Catalan rumba
Food and music are deeply intertwined in Barcelona’s social life. One of the city’s trademark beers is organising a series of dinners every Wednesday for the price of 25€ where you’ll enjoy sardines and a concert of Catalonia’s most famous music genres: the rumba Catalana. The event takes place at the Caseta del Migdia, in the Montjuïc mountain, offering exceptional views over the sea and the mountain — and a fresh alternative to the summer heat.
Electronic music at the luxurious Hotel Vela
The W Barcelona, commonly known as Hotel Vela, has become an icon of the city’s coastal skyline. Located on the Barceloneta beachfront, this luxury hotel is hosting a series of electronic sessions of house beats by world-renowned DJs. There are only two sessions left, taking place on Sunday 12 and 19 August and starting at 7pm. Doors close at 8:30pm, as of this time access will be restricted. Attendance confirmation is required.
Music and modernism at Casa de les Punxes
The Casa de les Punxes (Catalan for ‘House of Spikes’) shines with its own light in the pantheon of modernist buildings in Barcelona. Built by the architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch, it is playing host to Nits amb Ritme (Nights with rhythm). Enjoy concerts during the warm summer nights on an impressive rooftop in the centre of the Catalan capital. This year’s edition also allows visitors to enjoy a journey through the history and symbolism of one of the building. Afterwards, how about a glass of cava whilst you groove to the rhythms of jazz, swing, bossanova or soul. Concerts are every Friday at 8pm.
More places to catch a concert
Barcelona is known for its bars. And in many of them it’s possible to take in a concert in the evening. Some of the best ones in the city include Little Italy where Italian food is mixed with jazz. Other highlights for jazz include Jamboree, and the Harlem Jazz Club. But what about a bit of Flamenco? If this genre better suits your groove, you can take in an intimate concert at Robadors 23 in the centre. At Margarita Blues, also in the centre, you can sip on a cocktail while listening to some live music. Gigs include anything from pop to blues and everything in between. And let’s not forget the Festes del Barri. For people in Barcelona in August, there are week-long street parties in the neighbourhoods of Sants (18 to 26 August) and Gracia (15 to 21 August).
