July: what to do in Catalonia

Festival Cruïlla | Parc del Fòrum, Barcelona | July 3 – 6

Cruïlla music festival has grown steadily over the past few years, attracting important local and foreign musical acts as it’s built its reputation on the European festival scene. Some of this year’s performers include The Black Eyed Peas, Garbage, Kylie Minogue or Jorge Drexler, with 1-day tickets starting at €25.

 

 

Ballet Nacional de Cuba | Teatre Tívoli, Barcelona | July 3 – 14

Classical ballet fans are in for a treat this summer with what is considered to be one of the world’s most prestigious dance companies visiting the Catalan capital to perform parts of both Swan Lake and Cinderella. With 12 performance times to choose from, Alicia Alonso’s Cuban National Ballet will be at the Teatre Tívoli until Juy 14^th.

 

Vida | Masia d’en Cabanyes, Vilanova i la Geltrú | July 4 – 6

Taking place among the Mediterranean pines of an old country house, Vida festival brings music aficionados the best of the local and international scenes at a more intimate and peaceful setting than any of the bigger Barcelona festivals. If you’re interested you should hurry up – 3-day tickets have already sold out!

 

Porta Ferrada | Sant Feliu de Guíxols (Girona) | July 4 – August 20

As one of the country’s oldest summer music events, Porta Ferrada has been presenting festival-goers with world-renown songsmiths since 1958. New Order, Manolo García, Joan Baez, Amaia, and Patti Smith & Band will be some of this year’s headliners.

 

Poblenou Craft Beer Festival | La Fira de Poblenou, Barcelona | July 5 – 6

Who doesn't enjoy a good cold beer on a warm summer’s day? Poblenou’s Craft Beer Festival, which claims to be “the biggest Spanish craft beer fair,” is the ideal stop for hops connoisseurs and, of course, those looking for a good place to beat the heat with a drink or two (or few).

 

Festa Major de Vic| Various sites in Vic | Until July 7

Festivities in honor of patron saint of Vic, Saint Michael de Sanctis, have already kicked off in the central Catalan city. Many events will take place all over the city until the 7th, including museum open days, a medieval walking tour, typical dances in the main square or live music.

 

Transsegre| Camarasa, Sant Llorenç de Montgai, Gerb and Balaguer (Lleida) | July 12 - 14

One of Catalonia’s wettest events will take place over three days in the province of Lleida when navigation enthusiasts build homemade rafts and embark on a non-competitive descent along the Segre river. Fueled by alcohol and nightlong concerts at resting points, Transsegre seeks to celebrate the regions natural spaces.   

 

Cap Roig Festival | Cap Roig, Calella de Palafrugell (Girona) | July 12 – August 21

Taking place in the Costa Brava town of Calella de Palafrugell’s botanical gardens, Cap Roig Festival will host the likes of legendary musicians such as Sting, Diana Krall, Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals or Liam Gallagher. With tickets ranging from €20 to €300 depending on the night, it’d be a good idea to look into buying them sooner rather than later.

 

Festival Jardins de Pedralbes| Jardins del Palau de Pedralbles, Barcelona | until July 15

If what you’re into is a little classier than the usual festival sweat and grunge, this music festival at Pedralbes’ stately gardens is the one for you. Many of the concerts have already sold out, so be sure to book your tickets soon!

 

 

Sónar Festival| Fira de Montjuïc, Barcelona and Fira Gran Via, L’Hospitalet | July 18 – 20

Fans of electronic and dance music should not miss out on Sónar, which since 1994 has showcased some of the industry’s biggest names. This year’s edition will include artists such as A$AP Rocky, Bad Bunny or Paul Kalkbrenner.

 

Feminisms!| CCCB, Barcelona | July 19 – December 1

Barcelona’s Center for Contemporary Culture, CCCB, has put together two exhibitions, "The Feminist Avant-Garde of the 1970s. Works from the VERBUND COLLECTION, Vienna" and "Choreographies of Gender." These delve into the similarities and differences between the 1970s feminist movement and current-day feminisms, which find themselves amongst “the rise of conservatism and the cutting back of rights.”

 

Festival Grec| Various venues in Barcelona | until July 31

The Catalan capital’s most important cultural event this summer – a comprehensive theater, dance, music, and circus festival – is on for its 44 edition. Be sure to catch a show featuring the best of Catalan and foreign talents before the festival is over on July 31^st.

 

Cinema a la fresca | Various venues in Barcelona and Badalona, El Prat de Llobregat, Mataró, Palamós and Tossa de Mar beaches | all summer long

If you don’t want to spend any money but still want to go outside and take in culture this summer, the generally free (or low-cost) outdoor cinemas are a good way to do so. Six movies will be screened at six different beaches as part of the Cinema Lliure a la Platja series, along with the usual Sala Montjuïc sessions or those that will be held at the L’Illa mall, CaixaForum or at civic centers including Cotxeres de Sants.