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Barcelona doesn’t disappear when summer does; October in Barcelona is a wonderful month, with plenty to experience and enjoy. The city steps into autumn with a wide array of events, from local festivals to concerts and celebrations of world-famous artists.  

Here, you can discover the best events taking place in Barcelona this October, with dates, locations, and all the information you need to make the most of your visit.  

Oktoberfest

Starting the month off strongly is the 13^th edition of Barcelona’s Oktoberfest. Here, you will have the chance to experience Bavarian German culture in Barcelona, experiencing the variety of German beers, traditional food, live music, and an incredible atmosphere. Entrance is free in the mornings, and a €5 admission fee in the evenings, from 17:00h onwards. If heading with friends, you can book ahead and reserve a table to ensure you get a spot (while not always necessary; this is definitely recommended on weekends, at its busiest). Be sure not to miss this opportunity to experience a bit of German culture! 

• Date: 24^th September- 11^th October 2026 

• Location: Fira Barcelona, Gran Via 

Mahou Bravas Fest

Also taking place in October is the 5^th edition of the Mahou Bravas Festival. Exactly as it sounds, it is a festival dedicated to one of Barcelona’s favourite tapas dishes; patatas bravas. This festival brings together plenty of bars and restaurants, all of which will compete for the title of “Best Bravas”. If visiting the festival, you will be able to take part, tasting the different recipes and voting for your favourite, alongside a panel of judges, who will also choose their own winner. As well as food, there is set to be live music, DJ sessions, and cooking classes, making this a great atmosphere, and the setup for an incredible weekend.  

• Date: 2^nd-4^th October 2026 

• Location: Poble Espanyol 

Sitges Film Festival

Located just a 40-minute train ride away from Barcelona is the coastal town Sitges. This year in 2026 they are hosting their 59^th Film Festival, a celebration of all genres of cinema, bringing together major international premieres, cult classics, emerging filmmakers, and special screenings. With areas dedicated to screenings, exhibitions, food trucks, fan shops, and family-friendly areas, the festival transforms the town of Sitges into a hub for film fans. Every year there are talks and appearances from renowned filmmakers and actors, and this year’s guests and honourees include Peter Jackson, Danny Devito, Amy Irving and Robert Eggers.  

• Date: 8^th-18^th October 2026 

• Location: Various Locations across Sitges 

Neighbourhood Festa Majors

Throughout October 2026, several neighbourhoods in Barcelona will celebrate their neighbourhood-specific festivals. With a mix of live music, concerts, street parades, fire runs and so much more, these festivals are the perfect opportunity to experience the city beyond the typical tourist attractions and celebrate Catalan culture. Each neighbourhood adds its own character; 

• Hostafrancs: 2^nd– 11th October 2026: includes a variety of cultural activities, medieval markets, and community events. 

• Sarrià: 2^nd– 12^th October 2026: features deeply rooted Catalan traditions, such as ‘gegantes’ (structures of giants), ‘castellers’ (human towers), and popular paella competitions. 

• Congrés: 3^rd– 11^th October 2026: celebrates local culture through fire runs, parades, and local food stalls. 

• Vilapicina i la Torre Llobeta: 3^rd– 12^th October 2026: offers everything from rock concerts, local bands and a fire run to popular food stalls and family activities. 

Barcelona International Boat Show

This October 2026, the International Boat Show returns to Barcelona. On display will be over 200 boats, from sailing yachts and catamarans to motor yachts and speedboats, with many available to explore up close and step aboard. In addition to the impressive boats on display, the show will offer plenty of hands-on experiences, including sea trials, scuba diving, and a range of other water activities. The show also includes dedicated areas, showing off the latest marine technology and equipment. Also, visitors of the boat show can enjoy Mediterranean gastronomy and live music! 

• Date: 14^th-18^th October 2026 

• Location: Port Vell 

48h Open House Barcelona

For one weekend in October, visitors get the opportunity to discover the city from a completely different perspective. Over 200 buildings and architectural spaces open their doors, including ones typically closed to the public. This annual architecture festival celebrates the architectural heritage, landscape, and contemporary design of Barcelona. Alongside guided tours, this weekend will include everything from historic buildings and private homes to cultural institutions, industrial spaces, and modern architectural projects. 

• Date: 24^th-25^th October 2026 

• Location: Various locations across Barcelona 

La Castanyada

Falling over Halloween and All Saint’s Day, this festival is celebrated all across Barcelona. Its origins are to celebrate the end of summer, and the start of autumn, and also to honour the dead. Families will typically gather and share foods traditional to this celebration, such as roasted chestnuts, sweet potatoes, and panellets (small sweets made from marzipan). Around the celebration, Barcelona’s neighbourhoods and civic centres also organise family activities, workshops and local festivities, making La Castanyada a great opportunity to experience an authentic side of Catalan culture while enjoying the cosy atmosphere of autumn in the city. 

• Date: 31^st October- 1^st November 

• Location: Across Barcelona 

October is a fantastic time to experience Barcelona, with food festivals, traditional celebrations, cultural events and unique activities taking place throughout the city. From enjoying German culture at Oktoberfest and tasting Barcelona’s best patatas bravas to discovering normally inaccessible buildings during 48h Open House, there is something for everyone. Add the Sitges Film Festival, neighbourhood festes majors, the Barcelona International Boat Show and the traditional Castanyada, and October offers plenty of reasons to get out and explore Barcelona this autumn.