Connect with thousands of people worldwide while dancing under the rainbow strobes at one of Barcelona’s many famous summer music festivals. If any city understands the power of music, it is Barcelona. Hosting music festivals since the 1990s, Barcelona is a pro in catering different environments for people to come together and bond through their love for music. The festivals feature many famous artists, from Catalonia, but also from the US and other international countries. It is so special to see this range of music alongside so many other international people. To experience this incredible phenomenon yourself, here are the best Barcelona summer 2023 music festivals and everything you need to know about when and where they are happening.
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The best 4 Barcelona music festivals in summer 2023
People come to Barcelona from all over to attend its world-famous music festivals. Barcelona takes it to the next level with a wide variety of artists from all different genres. There is a range of performers from Calvin Harris, a Scottish DJ, to Sigur Rós, an Icelandic rock band, to Bad Gyal, a Catalan artist. The love and appreciation for international music come to life with these Barcelona music festivals. Check out these top 4 most popular Barcelona summer 2023 music festivals.
1. Primavera Sound
One of the first, and arguably most popular, music festivals of the year is Barcelona’s Primavera Sound. Starting on May 31 and lasting until June 4, Primavera Sound lasts for 5 days, featuring an array of artists each day. You can purchase a ticket for the whole festival for about 300 euros, or a singular day pass for about 125 euros. Primavera Sound is located at the Parc del Fòrum, right along the beach on the northern end of Barcelona. Known for its outstanding layout and significance in the festival world, Primavera Sound brings in some of the most people due to its impressive line-up of artists. Some of the big names include Halsey, Rosalía, Kendrick Lamar, Pet Shop Boys and Diplo. It will be a week to remember to say the least.
2. Sónar
Going back to 1994, Sónar has been an influential Barcelona music festival that pushes boundaries. It focuses more on electronic music and creating a platform for emerging music that combines music and technology to create something new and exciting. Sónar takes place on June 15, 16 and 17 in two different locations. Sónar by Day is held at Fira Montjuïc and Sónar by Night is at Fira Gran Via L’Hospitalet. You can purchase passes separately depending on your preference or you can buy the SonarPass for about 210 euros. Some of the line-up includes Aphex Twin, Black Coffee, The Blessed Madonna and Peggy Gou, incorporating music from DJs all over the world. This music festival is an experience unlike anything seen before, constantly transgressing the norm.
3. Cruïlla
Cruïlla goes beyond the typical music festival, creating an experience full of not only music but also art and comedy. Running from July 5 until July 8, Cruïlla states that they are all about “freedom, happiness and a guaranteed party.” This festival is also at Parc del Fòrum, facing the ocean, creating the perfect setting for a musical experience. For the full 4-day pass, tickets cost about 160 euros, but there are other options available for single days or the weekend. Some of the artists include Nicki Nicole, Sen Senra, Omara Portuondo, The Offspring and Antònia Font. In addition, with 95% of Cruïlla’s audience being local to Barcelona, they have made a multitude of sustainability efforts to give back to the community. They feel a social responsibility to create a safe and respectful space for attendees that are leaving the area better than they found it.
4. Brunch Electronik
Toward the end of the summer, Brunch Electronik, a nomadic-style festival in Barcelona, occurs from August 11 until August 13. Brunch Electronik is unique because it takes place in different locations all over the world. It prioritises creating an inclusive, family-friendly environment where people can feel free to dance around to electronic music. In terms of location, the Friday and Saturday venues are at Parc del Fòrum, but the Sunday venue is Jardins Joan Brossa in Montjuïc. However, there are also afterparties at Sala Apolo if you do not want the celebration to end. For the 3-day attendance pass, tickets cost about 120 euros, but you can purchase singular tickets as well. Some of the main performers include ANOTR, Cera Khin, Carl Cox, Shimza and Adiel. This variety of international artists is sure to bring the party with their exciting display of electronic beats.