When and where to enjoy concerts, dance, and theatrical shows at La Mercè

Barcelona's biggest public street party, La Mercè, kicks off on Friday, September 23, with concerts, art, dance, and theatre taking over the city until Monday, September 26. 

For the first time since 2019, there will be no restrictions on capacity, no need to book tickets in advance, and no need to keep social distances from other people. The Catalan capital's 'festa major' is back in full swing.

Across the city, there will be a dozen places to enjoy concerts for free throughout the whole weekend, of practically every genre you can imagine. 

Another handful of stages and locations will be dedicated to the performing arts, where people will be able to enjoy everything from interpretive dance, contemporary dance, modern urban dance, as well as circus performances, clowns, and much more. 

Additionally, a few other iconic city locations will host beloved traditions of La Mercè as they do every year, from the famous musical fireworks show to close off the festival, to the 'castellers' human towers. 

Here's a breakdown of the locations and times where you can best enjoy the La Mercè festival this year: 

Music 

Teatre Grec – Friday, Saturday, Sunday, starting at 8.30pm each day 

Jardins del Doctor Pla i Armengol – Friday from 8pm, Saturday and Sunday from 12pm, Monday from 12.30pm

Rambla del Raval – Friday, Saturday, Sunday. Starting at 9pm Friday and Saturday, and 9.30pm on Sunday 

Avinguda de la Catedral – Concerts in a more laidback and relaxed setting. Friday, Saturday, Sunday from 10pm 

Avinguda Maria Cristina – Friday from 9.30pm, Saturday from 7.30, Sunday from 8pm 

Antigua Fàbrica Estrella Damm – Sunday and Monday from 1pm. Concerts, dance, theatrical shows.

Bogatell beach – Friday and Saturday from 9.30pm 

Moll de la Fusta – Two stages, starting between 6pm and 8pm on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday until late, and all day Monday from 1pm

Plaça Major de Nou Barris – Symphonic orchestral concerts Friday, Saturday, Sunday 8.45pm, and Monday at 7.30pm

Fabra i Coats – Saturday from 5pm, Sunday from 12pm

Ronda Sant Antoni – One or two concerts each day. Friday 10pm, Saturday 12.30pm and 10pm, Sunday 12.30pm and 10pm

Zona Universitària – Sunday from 8.45pm

Parc de l’Aqüeducte – Sunday only. Balkan Paradise Orchestra 1.30pm, Barcelona Jazz Orchestra 7pm 

Performing arts 

Parc de l’Aqüeducte – Sunday only. Comedy, clowns, and concerts. 

Parc de la Ciutadella – Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday. Visual feasts, performing arts, food trucks, some concerts, and more 

Parc Joan Miró – Area especially designed for kids. Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. Minigolf, games, puppets, and clowns.

Montjuïc Castle – Saturday and Sunday only. Theatre, acrobatics, interpretive dance, and games for kids as well.

Palauet Albéniz – Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. Theatrical shows and dramas, clown shows, art installations.

Parc de la Trinitat – Saturday and Sunday. Clown shows, performing arts, family-friendly shows.

Antigua Fàbrica Estrella Damm – Sunday and Monday from 1pm. Concerts, dance, theatrical shows.

Other: 

Barceloneta beach – fireworks Friday and Saturday 10pm

Plaça Sant Jaume – 'castellers' Saturday 1pm, Sunday 12pm 

Passeig de Gràcia – Traditional parades, including dancing giants and stick dancing – Sunday 11am; 'correfoc' fire run – Sunday 8.30pm 

Avinguda Maria Cristina – Piromusical, musical fireworks – Monday 10pm