
After music festivals fell silent in 2020 and were held under pandemic restrictions in 2021, this year some of Catalonia’s favorite events make their post-pandemic, restriction-free comeback.
Thanks to high vaccination rates and low levels of Covid amongst the population, festival organizers have been able to schedule a summer packed with music catering to all genres and tastes.
Cruïlla, however, is the only event on this list that will have any sort of Covid restriction implemented - a capacity limit of 15,000 seated and 25,000 attendees per day.
Perhaps the two most notorious Catalan music festivals, Primavera Sound and Sónar, did not take place at all last year, and so 2022 marks a return from their two-year hiatus.
The headliners include some of the biggest names in the music industry past and present, such as Dua Lipa, Tyler, The Creator, Disclosure, Jack White, Christina Aguilera, Sting, Mika, James Blunt, The Beach Boys, The Chemical Brothers, Megan Thee Stallion, The Strokes, Gorillaz and more.
However, the festivals are a good opportunity to witness some up-and-coming artists, as well as local bands from Catalonia, namely lockdown sensations Stay Homas, rock band Mujeres, pop group Oques Grasses, Catalan legend Joan Manuel Serrat, amongst others.
Where: Barcelona
When: June 2-12
Main acts performing: Tyler, The Creator, Megan Thee Stallion, Dua Lipa, The Strokes, Gorillaz, Pavement, Beck, King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard, Disclosure, Tame Impala
Tickets: From €245 for one weekend
Where: Barcelona
When: June 16-18
Main acts performing: The Chemical Brothers, The Blaze, Arca, Oneohtrix Point Never, Richie Hawtin, AJ Tracey, C. Tangana
Tickets: From €165 for the full weekend. Several events are scheduled for Sónar Day and Sónar Night, with different shows designed for children and families to enjoy.
Where: Barcelona
When: June 30 - July 1-2
Main acts performing: KISS, Judas Priest, Manowar, Alice Cooper, Megadeath, and Mercyful Fate
Tickets: Fans can choose between attending the three days or specific days. Prices range from €90 to €175 plus fees.
Where: Barcelona
When: July 6-9
Main acts performing: Jack White, Duran Duran, Juan Luis Guerra, Rubén Blades, Rozalén
Tickets: Fans can choose between attending one day, two days, or three days, for prices ranging from €25 to €300 plus fees.
Where: Vilanova i la Geltrú
When: June 30-July 2
Main acts performing: alt-J, The Avalanches, Balthazar, Belle and Sebastian, Cat Power, Lewis Ofman
Tickets: Day tickets for €64 or full weekend passes for €132. Tickets including camping and bungalow accommodation are also available for up to €583.
Where: Barcelona
When: September 2-3
Main acts performing: Ben Klock, Folamour, Nina Kraviz, DJ Koze, Mall Grab
Tickets: Day tickets from €50, both days for €100
Where: Sabadell
When: May 19-21
Main acts performing: Baiuca, Chico Blanco, Santa Salut, Mujeres, Ladilla Rusa, Dani
Tickets: Start at €22 for a Thursday ticket, and €33 for Friday and Saturday, whereas three-day entry is €55
Where: Canet de Mar
When: July 2
Main acts performing: Stay Homas, La Fúmiga, Oques Grasses, Miki Núñez, Suu
Tickets: €40 for the full day, with discounted prices for younger fans.
Where: Calella de Palafrugell
When: July 22-August 15, with only one concert per night.
Main acts performing: Sting, Christina Aguilera, Mika, Stay Homas, Rosario, Miki Núñez, Sebastián Yatra
Tickets: Prices vary depending on the performance
Where: Sant Feliu de Guíxols
When: July 1-August 21
Main acts performing: Iggy Pop, Simple Minds, Jamie Cullum, Herbie Hancock, Manolo García, Serrat, Kool and the Gang
Tickets: Varying prices depending on the concert
Where: Barcelona
When: June 7-July 24
Main acts performing: James Blunt, Simply Red, Jethro Tull, Tom Jones, A-ha, Jessie J, Patti Smith, Jorge Drexler, The Beach Boys
Tickets: Varying prices depending on the concert
Where: Barcelona
When: July 2
Main acts performing: Armin Van Buuren, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Vini Vici
Tickets: Starting from €84
Where: Sitges
When: July 28-August 13
Main acts performing: Serrat, Hombres G, Rozalén, Stay Homas, Rosario
Tickets: Varying prices depending on the concert
Where: Peralada
When: July 16-29
Main acts performing: Serrat, Rufus Wainwright
Tickets: Start at €55 and depend on concert