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Home to the world-famous Primavera Sound festival, Parc del Fòrum is one of Barcelona’s most dynamic event spaces. Throughout the year, this unique waterfront venue comes alive with music festivals, spectacular drone shows, themed fundraising races, local festivities and much more. 

With its spacious open-air setting by the Mediterranean, Parc del Fòrum has become a popular meeting point for some of the city’s biggest events and celebrations. Whether you’re visiting Barcelona for a major festival or simply looking to see what’s happening during your stay, there’s often something exciting taking place here. 

History  

Parc del Fòrum was originally developed for the 2004 Universal Forum of Cultures, an international event organised in collaboration with UNESCO. Its creation formed part of a major urban transformation that completely reshaped the Besós area and Barcelona’s eastern waterfront. 

The project helped shift the city’s development towards the east, transforming a previously industrial area into a new urban district with public spaces, cultural venues and improved access to the Mediterranean coastline. 

Key areas 

• The Plaça del Fòrum is one of the largest urban squares in the world, covering approximately 84 hectares and featuring the iconic photovoltaic pergola. 

• The photovoltaic panel is one of Parc del Fòrum’s most distinctive landmarks. Its striking design combines modern architecture with solar energy, reflecting the area’s focus on sustainability. 

• The Urban Forest area is home to Barcelona Bosc Urbà, an adventure park offering activities for children, families and groups, including zip lines, trampolines and high-altitude challenges. 

• Located beside the photovoltaic pergola, Parc dels Auditoris is a large open-air venue with auditoriums overlooking the Mediterranean. It connects directly to the Fòrum bathing area, bringing together culture, leisure and the waterfront.  

• The Fòrum bathing area offers an alternative to Barcelona’s traditional sandy beaches. It is a paved, sand-free waterfront area where visitors can sunbathe and enter the sea via steps and ramps. 

• The Camp de la Bota Memorial, created by artist Francesc Abad, commemorates the 1,706 people executed in Barcelona between 1939 and 1952, most of them at the nearby Camp de la Bota site. Its memorial wall lists their names and preserves the memory of the victims of Francoist repression. 

• The Parc del Fòrum is also home to the Museu de Ciències Naturals de Barcelona, located inside the iconic Fòrum Building. Its main exhibition, Planeta Vida, takes visitors on a journey through the history of the Earth and the evolution of life, combining scientific collections, audiovisual material and interactive displays. With temporary exhibitions, family activities and dedicated spaces for younger children, the museum offers a useful indoor alternative if the weather is too hot or if you are visiting the area with children. It is an easy addition to a walk around the park, especially when combined with the Plaça del Fòrum, the Parc dels Auditoris and the bathing area. 

Agenda-what’s on 

Parc del Fòrum’s year-round calendar means there’s often something happening, from major festivals to sporting events and shows. 

September:  

• Extreme Barcelona: An action-packed urban sports festival featuring a wide range of competitions, including skateboarding, BMX, basketball and more. 

• Festival-B: A music festival showcasing some of the most exciting names from the alternative and emerging music scene.  

• Wodcelona: An inclusive fitness competition that bring together athletes of different abilities through crossfit inspired challenges, promoting sport, community and accessibility   

October:  

• Love the 90s: Travel back to the 90s for a night packed with iconic hits, nostalgia and plenty of dancing. 

• Love the 20’s: Following a similar concept, this party celebrates the biggest songs and artists of the 2000s and 2010s, bringing back the soundtrack of the millennial generation. 

• DroneArt Show Harry Potter™: An unforgettable open-air spectacle during which thousands of drones illuminate the sky, recreating the magic and atmosphere of the wizarding world. 

December:  

• Santa Claus Run: One of Barcelona’s most festive and entertaining races, where participants take to the streets dressed as Santa Claus. The event also has a charitable side, with part of the funds raised supporting programmes run by the Spanish Red Cross. 

Yearly events to look out for  

Primavera Sound is one of Barcelona’s most famous music festivals. It brings together some of the biggest names and most exciting artists from around the world. Over several days, the city comes alive with a diverse programme featuring everything from indie and rock to pop, electronic and alternative music. Over the years, its stages have welcomed major international artists such as Lana del Rey, Arctic Monkeys, Rosalía, Dua Lipa and The Strokes. 

For those looking for an even broader mix of music, culture and entertainment, Festival Cruïlla offers a different a different take on Barcelona’s festival scene. Its diverse programme combines live music with comedy, art and other creative experiences, while also placing a strong emphasis on sustainability and social commitment. Previous editions have featured artists such as The Offspring, Placebo, Pet Shop Boy and Jamiroquai, alongside popular Spanish and Catalan performers. This eclectic mix makes Cruïlla a great choice for visitors looking to discover different styles of music and entertainment during summer in Barcelona. 

Moving from Cruïlla’s eclectic programme to the world of electronic music, Brunch Electronik Festival is another highlight of Barcelona’s summer calendar. The festival combines internationally renowned DJs with emerging talent while creating a strong sense of community. Previous line-ups have included leading names from the electronic music scene such as Carl Cox, Paul Kalkbrenner, Nina Kraviz, Peggy Gou, Boris Brejcha and Amelie Lens. With its energetic performances and lively atmosphere, Brunch Electronik is an excellent way to experience Barcelona’s thriving electronic music scene. 

How to get there 

Metro: El Maresme-Fòrum (L4) 

Bus: lines 7, 136, H16, B20, B23, V29, V33, V31 

Tram: T4 

Discover a different side of Barcelona by exploring the Parc del Fòrum and Diagonal Mar area. With events taking place throughout the year, it’s worth checking the upcoming events calendar before your trip. 

At AB Apartment Barcelona we offer wide range of apartments near Parc del Fòrum and Diagonal Mar. Visit our website to explore our available accommodation or contact our friendly team, who will be happy to help you find the perfect apartment for your stay in Barcelona!