September: what to do in Catalonia
From vintage markets, to exhibitions, to music, fall kicks off with plenty to do in Barcelona and rest of country
What’s ending this month
Make sure to catch these month-long events before they go away in September.
‘Creative’ Photography In Catalonia (1973-1982) | La Virreina Center, Barcelona
Right in the heart of the Catalan capital, this exhibit ends on September 30. The collection is aimed at photo buffs, giving Catalan fine art photographers from decades ago who fought for this medium to be recognized as an art form. Entrance is free of charge.
Nits de Jazz | La Pedrera, Barcelona
Translated as Jazz Nights, this event has been going all summer, and if you’ve missed it so far, it ends on September 15. This provides a perfect opportunity to enjoy the still-warm Barcelona weather on a rooftop of one of the most iconic buildings in the city: Gaudí’s La Pedrera, with entry at €35.
Pharaoh: King of Egypt | CaixaFòrum Museum, Barcelona
If you’ve ever been curious about ancient Egypt, now’s your chance to uncover its mysteries at the Barcelona exhibit. Running until September 16, the collection displays 164 items from the British Museum, ranging from fine gold jewelry, monumental statues, to carved reliefs from temples. Entry costs €4.
Shomei Tomatsu | Fundació Mapfre, Barcelona
If you’re interested in an experimentalist take on photography, until September 16 there’s the chance to discover Shomei Tomatsu, Japenese photojournalist turned experimentalist. The exhibition displays over 180 photographs and is very close to the center of Barcelona.
Picasso’s Kitchen | Barcelona Picasso Museum
If you love food and Picasso’s versatile art, this exhibition could be of interest to you. It runs until September 30, and it showcases 200 pieces where the painter lovingly recreated food, kitchens, open-air eating spaces, and more.
Oceans, the Last Wild Territory! | Museu de Ciències Naturals de Barcelona
Ending on September 24, this exhibit takes the museum-goer deep under the water in an “audiovisual tour of the seabed based on 480 hours of unpublished images” from the documentary ‘Oceans,’ explains the website. Throughout screens, 3D experiences and high definition, this is a feast for the senses.
Nits d’Estiu a Lleida | Lleida
Summer festivities continue through to the 30th of September in the western town of Lleida, with Nits d’Estiu. The festival features all kinds of cultural proposals such as concerts, shows, science, kids’ activities and much more.
Artesania i Sostenibilitat | Girona
How about some crafts and sustainability? In Girona, up until September 30, you can find just that with the Artesania i Sostenibilitat exhibition that showcases various practices that are not only good for the environment, but also for social quality in the Catalan crafts sector.
What’s on this month
The Black Angels | Sala Apolo, Barcelona | Sept 1
Presented by Primavera Sound as an individual concert, the Black Angels have recently taken the ‘60s-style psychedelic rock music scene by storm. The band also performed at the springtime festival in 2017. Tickets are set at €26.
The Magic Flute | Palau de la Musica Catalana, Barcelona | Sept 2
This iconic modernist concert hall puts on Mozart’s acclaimed opera, Die Zauberflöte (The Magic Flute). This rendition will be performed by the Orquestra Terrassa 48, with more than 80 artists on scene. Tickets range from approx. €30 to €47 and the performance will be repeated in October and November.
FiraTàrrega | Everywhere in Tàrrega | Sept 6-9
One of the most renowned performing arts festivals takes to the streets of this western Catalan town, an opportunity for both spectators and performers. 50 shows by artists from 8 countries will amount to 227 performances in 22 different venues throughout the city – most of them outdoors, in an effort to reinterpret the contemporary public space.
36th Catalan Book Week | Avinguda de la Catedral, Barcelona | Sept 7-16
For bibliophiles, the Catalan Book Week is a meeting opportunity for publishers, booksellers and readers in Catalonia for a week, showcasing all sorts of literature and activities, often free of charge.
28th Festival de l’Hora de Jazz | Plaça de Vila de Gràcia, Barcelona | Sept 9-30
Put on by the Association of Jazz and Modern Music of Catalonia (AMJM), this festival gives an insight into the best Catalan jazz has to offer. A daily free of charge program also aims to focus on artistic freedom and on women performers.
Mercat de Música Viva de Vic (MMVV) | Sept 12-16
Held in the north-central Catalan town of Vic, this music festival includes names like Alessio Arena, Alma Afrobeat Ensemble, Falciots Ninja, Ivette Nadal, Maruja Limón, Miquel Vilella, Nyandú and Tori Sparks. This is the 30th edition of the festival, and it's focusing on the feminine for this year. So to get out of Barcelona while the weather is still nice, check it out!
Santa Tecla | Everywhere in Tarragona | Sept 15-24
Tarragona gets lively in September as well, with the Santa Tecla festival. Taking place from the 15th to the 24th, and dating back to the 14th century, it was declared a “festival of tourist interest” by the Spanish government back in 2010. Visitors can take in all kinds of events ranging from gastronomy to human towers, all happening on the streets of the city.
All Those Food Market |Teatre Nacional de Catalunya, Barcelona | Sept 15
This monthly event is for foodies, giving a perfect outdoor opportunity to also enjoy some of the Catalan capital’s artisans and entrepreneurs. A family-friendly event, free of charge for entry, this event provides a way to find out what tastes good in Barcelona.
Barcelona Vintage Market | Nau Bostik, Barcelona | Sept 16
The monthly Barcelona Vintage Market is a must-do for lovers of all things second hand and vintage. You can find just about anything from books to shoes, as well as old trinkets. With food markets, kids’ activities, and art showcases, there is a little bit for everyone down at the Nau Bostik. Free entry all day, from 11am to 8pm.
Lindy al Parc | Ciutadella Park, Barcelona | Sept 17
Fancy a bit of swing? Then head down to the Parc de la Ciutadella to strut your stuff. This monthly activity takes place from noon to 2:30pm. Everybody is welcome, all you got to do is get your groove on.
Casals’ Spirit | L'Auditori Lepant, Barcelona | Sept 19
At the famed Auditori the Barcelona and National Symphony Orchestra of Catalonia are presenting a new record they made last summer, based around the Catalan figure Pau Casals. Released on Warner Classics, it includes works by Gaspar Cassadó, Glazunov, and Pau Casals, but why not check it out live and direct? Tickets cost 28 euros.
La Mercè | Everywhere in Barcelona | Sept 21-24
Barcelona’s own 'Festa Major' sees the city transformed into a festival site with concerts all over the place courtesy of BAM. There are also numerous cultural activities to get engaged in. This year the invited city is Lisbon, but expect to discover acts from all over the world. The Mostra de Vins i Caves de Catalunya, taking place on the side, showcases some of the best wines and caves the country has to offer. Several monuments and building open their doors for free on September 24, the day of the iconic fireworks in Montjuïc. On September 16 a 10km run will fill the city with racers. Some free concerts by the sea will gather thousands.
Beethoven’s Symphony | Palau de la Música Catalana, Barcelona | Sept 22
Classical music lovers can check out Schönberg’s A Survivor from Warsaw and Beethoven’s Symphony no.9 performed by the Symphonic Orchestra del Vallès, conducted by David Niemann. Tickets range from 18 to 68 €.
Festa Major de Barceloneta | Barceloneta neighborhood, Barcelona | Sept 23-Oct 1
It’s all about dancing in the streets down in the old fishermen’s neighborhood of Barceloneta for its Festa Major, happening from September 23 till October 1. Expect concerts of all kinds of music, as well as activities such as the traditional Havaneres. The best bit of all: it’s free.
Paquito Forever Barcelona | Teatre Condal, Barcelona | Sept 25
For your theatrical needs, Paquito Forever is a highlight on the calendar in Barcelona. The play is based on the true story of Paco Alonso, a Catalan dancer, singer, and actor. Before crossing the pond and heading to the Big Apple, he began his career on the famous Paral·lel Avenue in the heart of the capital, where fittingly the play is taking place on September 25 at the Teatre Condal.
SWAB | Pavelló Italià at the Fira de Barcelona | Sept 27-30
Running from September 27 to 30, the Swab art festival in Barcelona unites galleries from around the world, showcasing “young talent” and the “most innovative artistic proposals” so head down to the Pavelló Italià at the Fira de Barcelona.
Movistar Curiosus Fest | Old Estrella Damm Factory, Barcelona | Sept 29
On September 29, at the emblematic old Estrella Damm factory, Movistar Curiosus Fest brings cultural knowledge through dancing and live music. Running through from noon to 10pm, visitors can take in lectures, debates, concerts, and DJ sessions. Tickets cost 12 euros plus booking fee.
Wake Up Call Festival | W Hotel, Barcelona | Sept 21-23
The W Hotel brand’s own festival turns the hotel down by the beach into a reveler’s paradise, with different areas being turned into stages featuring such big names as Booka Shade. A special leisure area will also allow festival-goers to pimp up their outfits with special accessories. 1-day pass costs €35, 2-day pass €55.