Discover everything Barcelona has in store for you in 2022. You won't want to miss it! 01/02/2022

2022 couldn't be shaping up better for Barcelona. This year, the city will be hosting big-name events from every genre. World-famous events, so varied that they are more than worthy of the label "unmissable". Unique exhibitions, historic concerts, festivals that are an absolute must, and much, much more, are waiting to satisfy your appetite for culture, sport, art, literature, music and popular traditions. Make a note of the dates in your diary, because you won't want to miss out on a single one.

Turner, Klee, Banksy …with Picasso, Gaudí and Van Gogh

The history of art is full of big names, but there are some truly special artists who have defined the narrative discourse and trends. Some of these "chosen ones" are being put in the spotlight this year at the city's museums: J.M.W. Turner's romantic, passionate landscapes at the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya, Paul Klee's spectacular mastery of colour at the Fundació Miró, and Banksy's activism and expressive strength at the Museu from Disseny can be seen alongside exhibitions of works by geniuses of the calibre of Picasso, Van Gogh and Gaudí. And if we're talking about the transformative power of art, we can't forget the cultural paradigm shift represented by video games. The exhibition "Homo Ludens" at CaixaForum explores our video-gamefied present.

Iron Maiden, The Cure and other music legends are waiting for you on stage

This year sees the spectacular and full-scale return of live music with stadium concerts by iconic music legends, including The Cure, Red Hot Chili Peppers and the indestructible Iron Maiden, who are bringing their "Legacy of the Beast" tour to Barcelona. Major festivals are back too, their energy levels fully replenished: Primavera Sound, the Barcelona Voll Damm International Jazz Festival, whose line-up features performers of the calibre of Madeleine Peyroux, and Sònar, the ultimate festival of advanced music and multimedia art that attracts followers from around the world. And if you're a classical music buff, the Barcelona Obertura Classic & Lyric - Spring Festival is a unique opportunity to see big names from the international and Spanish music scenes live on stage.

Festivals: it's time to indulge your passion

And it isn't just music that's the perfect subject matter for festivals. This year, many other artistic disciplines will take centre stage in festival format to satisfy your thirst for culture. Design, one of the city's signs of identity, is the main protagonist of Barcelona Design Week BDW City Festival, and will be showcased at different venues around the city over the course of a week. The Grec that captivates visitors and locals every summer, is back this year with an explosion of dance, theatre, circus and top-quality music. Some of the city's buildings will be bathed in a special light during Llum BCN, the Festival of Luminous Arts, which will transform some of the city's public spaces.

Architecture also takes centre stage during Architecture Week, a festival that includes a number of initiatives that invite us to reflect on the city and its environs.

Wine and food ideas for all tastes

This year sees the addition of a number of new, unmissable events for foodies and wine lovers to Barcelona's attractive and powerful culinary offering, such as Barcelona Wine Week Likes the City, an event that brings together a mouthwatering array of tastings and pairings at unique venues, and Catalan Wine Week, which provides the perfect opportunity to discover some of our region's most special wines and cavas. Produce and food are the focus of the city's ultimate food fair, the Mercat de Mercats. Come along and discover a whole host of foodie events, including tastings, talks, workshops and tapas tastings.

Sporting events: adrenaline and spectacular entertainment are guaranteed

Do you like sport? Welcome to an extremely active year. Sporting events will be revving up in May, quite literally, because it's the month when the world's top drivers and racing teams will be coming to the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya to vie for the podium at the Spanish Formula 1 Grand Prix. In May, the city also hosts another major event, the Barcelona Zurich Marathon, now in its 44th year. Once again, it will attract runners from around the world. In September, it'll be time for CrossFit as well as diversity and inclusivity, as the city hosts the first Wodcelona, which will bring the city a great deal of cheer.

Festivals with soul and international performances

Barcelona has no shortage of entertainments to suit all audiences . This year's highlights include the return of Cirque du Soleil, who will be landing with their new show Luzia, a spectacular staging inspired by vibrant and colourful Mexico. And throughout the year, Barcelona will be staging events that have happiness and celebrations as their linking thread. Make a note of the 23rd April, Sant Jordi's Day in your diary. You will discover the magic and delights of book and rose day, a veritable ode to culture and love. Love and good vibrations will fill the city's streets during Pride Barcelona, a special celebration that raises awareness of LGTBIQ+ rights. In September, it's time for one of the most eagerly awaited events: the city's main festival, La Mercè. It brings together all kinds of entertainments, including music, circus, dance and theatre, as well as the most impressive and spectacular popular traditions, including giants, dragons and fire-breathing beasts and human tower displays during an action-packed week.

As you can see, culture and fun are guaranteed any time of the year. Discover all the above and much, much more in the what's on section of our website and make the most of Barcelona in 2022. Make it an unforgettable year!

Main Events - Winter

Main Events - Spring

Main Events - Summer

Main Events - Fall