Barcelona kicks off 2026: Key events in the first quarter

Can you feel the excitement of a fresh start? 2026 is here, and at Lugaris, we’re excited to share the best events in Barcelona for the first quarter of the year. If you’re planning a getaway to kick off the year, we’ve got great news—the Catalan capital is already buzzing with events that will make you want to book your trip today.

At Lugaris, we know that accommodation is the heart of the trip. Whether you’re here for business or looking to wander through the streets of Poblenou, our Barcelona apartments with sea views or in the heart of the tech hub are the perfect place to relax after a day of excitement. Grab your calendar and mark it down!

January 2026: Start the year with standout events in Barcelona

January in Barcelona is a month of contrasts: the (moderate) Mediterranean cold, blue skies, and a calm atmosphere that allows you to enjoy the city without the rush of summer. Plus, there are plenty of January events in Barcelona that you won’t want to miss!

New Year’s celebrations in Barcelona

If you were lucky enough to celebrate New Year’s Eve here, you know that the party doesn’t end on the 1st. The star event of January is, without a doubt, the Three Kings Parade. On January 5th, Barcelona transforms into a fantasy stage. Their Majesties from the East arrive by sea at Port Vell, and the parade that follows is one of the most beautiful in Europe.

For the brave, the “Primer Bany de l’Any” (the first bath of the year) on January 1st at Barceloneta Beach is a tradition you can’t miss. And the best part is, if you stay in our Barcelona beach apartments, the hot shower is just steps away to warm up!

Winter activities to enjoy in Barcelona

What would winter be without a good chocolate with churros? January is the perfect month to visit the cafes on Petritxol Street. But if you’re looking for something more active, the winter sales (starting January 7th) are the perfect draw. From Passeig de Gràcia to the Glòries shopping center, very close to our apartments, you’ll find the best brands to refresh your wardrobe.

Also, in January, the “Tres Tombs” (Three Turns) are celebrated in the Sant Antoni neighborhood, a parade of carriages and animals with centuries of history that shows the most authentic and traditional side of the city.

February 2026: The month of Carnival and major exhibitions

Let’s continue exploring the best events in Barcelona for 2026, this time in February, the month of Carnival and culture. It’s the month when Barcelona shows that culture never stops.

Barcelona Carnival: dates, parades, and main parties

Get your costume ready! From February 12th to 18th, 2026, Carnival will take over the streets of Barcelona. Although the Sitges Carnival (just 30 minutes by train) is internationally famous for its extravagance, Barcelona’s version has a special charm in its neighborhoods. The arrival of King Carnival and the famous “taronjada” (a symbolic battle of orange confetti) in the historic center are a must-see.

It’s a fantastic time to travel in a group. Our recommendation for where to stay in Barcelona? Rent one of our large-capacity apartments. You’ll have plenty of space to prepare your costumes and enjoy a pre-party dinner before heading out to dance in Born or Gràcia.

Art and culture exhibitions to visit in February

2026 is a key year for modernism, and February is the perfect month to visit museums without the crowds. The MNAC (Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya) usually inaugurates its major retrospectives during this time.

Additionally, the Llum BCN Festival, from February 6th to 8th, will transform the Poblenou neighborhood (where our apartments are located) into an outdoor light museum. International artists will create light installations that will leave you speechless. That’s why staying in our Poblenou apartments places you literally in the heart of this luminous festival.

Music and gastronomy festivals in Barcelona

On February 12th, Santa Eulàlia is celebrated, Barcelona’s major winter festival. You’ll be able to see the famous castellers (human towers), giants, and the Sardana dance.

In terms of gastronomy, February is the official month of the Calçotada. Although it’s a typical tradition from the countryside, many restaurants in Barcelona offer calçot menus with romesco sauce. It’s a messy, fun, and delicious experience that every traveler should try at least once.

Fairs and conferences in the first month of the year

If there’s one event that will capture everyone’s attention this month, it’s the 40th Goya Awards. On February 27th and 28th, Barcelona will dress up for the grand celebration of Spanish cinema, and it will do so at an unbeatable venue: the CCIB (Centre de Convencions Internacional de Barcelona).

It’s a historic occasion, as the Goya Awards celebrate their 40th anniversary in the heart of the city’s tech and coastal district. If you want to experience the red carpet atmosphere up close, see your favorite actors, or simply enjoy the cultural buzz surrounding the event, you won’t find a better event to attend.

March 2026: Art, culture, and sports on the Barcelona agenda

With the arrival of spring, the city fully awakens. The days get longer, and the afternoon light invites you to stroll along the promenade and enjoy Barcelona’s top events. Here are a few!

Spring Music Festival: concerts and activities

March 2026 will be a musical hub. The Guitar BCN cycle will be in full swing, bringing international artists to iconic venues like Palau de la Música Catalana or L’Auditori. In the 2026 edition, you’ll enjoy performances by artists like Andrés Suárez, El Kanka, Silvia Pérez Cruz, and Ludovico Einaudi.

If you prefer something more intimate, the city’s jazz clubs offer daily concerts, making it the perfect plan to wrap up a night before heading back to the comfort of your apartment.

Art and design fairs in Barcelona

Barcelona breathes design. In March, events like the contemporary art fair or local designer markets, such as the Palo Alto Market (just five minutes on foot from Lugaris), are essential stops.

You can buy unique pieces, enjoy food trucks, and listen to live music in a reclaimed industrial setting that you’ll love. It’s the ideal place to get a souvenir of Barcelona that isn’t the typical fridge magnet.

Major sporting competitions: marathon, football, and more

For sports lovers, March is the month marked in red on the calendar for the Zurich Marató Barcelona. This year, it will take place on March 15th, and you’ll have the chance to run through the streets of the city, passing by landmarks like the Sagrada Familia and the Arc de Triomf—it’s an incredible experience! If you’re a runner, our apartments are perfect: you can prepare your specific diet in your own kitchen and relax in a hot tub after crossing the finish line.

And we can’t forget about football. With the new Spotify Camp Nou fully operational, experiencing a Barça match in March, with the spring weather already setting in, is a spectacle that goes far beyond just the sport.

International events in Barcelona during the first quarter of 2026

Barcelona is a hub that, every year, becomes the center of all eyes. If you’re looking to be where the action is, the first quarter of 2026 has events that set the rhythm for the world.

World-renowned congresses and conferences

It’s impossible to talk about events in Barcelona 2026 without mentioning the giant: the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026. From March 2nd to 5th (tentative dates), the city will completely transform. It’s not just a technology conference; it’s where the future of communication is decided. While everything happens at the Fira Gran Via, the atmosphere spills over into every café and terrace in the city.

Another event will take place from February 3rd to 6th, 2026, with ISE (Integrated Systems Europe). It is the largest global event for the audiovisual and system integration sector.

If you’re coming to work, forget about impersonal hotels: an apartment at Lugaris lets you have your own office with high-speed Wi-Fi and the privacy you need to prepare for your meetings.

International film and theater festivals in the city

For culture lovers, the first quarter of 2026 brings proposals that cross borders. The Barcelona International Jewish Film Festival will be held in April 2026, offering you a deep insight through the seventh art.

As for performing arts, the Gran Teatre del Liceu and the Teatre Nacional de Catalunya (TNC) will present their most ambitious international productions in March. It’s the perfect time to experience operas and performances straight from London, Berlin, or New York.

Enjoy a gala night and then take a nighttime stroll under the palm trees to your apartment—simply the perfect plan.

Tips to enjoy events in Barcelona in 2026

We know that big cities can be overwhelming when there are so many events. That’s why we want to share the insider tips that only those of us who live here know, to ensure your experience is smooth and stress-free.

How to get around Barcelona during major events

During the Goya Awards, MWC, or ISE, traffic can be tricky in Barcelona. Our golden advice? Use public transport. The Barcelona metro is impeccable, fast, and safe.

• L9 Sud Line: It takes you directly to the airport and Fira Gran Via.
• Bicing and scooters: If the weather is nice (which it usually is in March), moving along the bike lane by the coast is a delight.
• Mobility apps: Always have apps like AMB Mobilitat or Citymapper handy to know in real-time the fastest route.

Best accommodation areas near major events

If you’re attending a major event, the temptation is to stay right next to the venue. But, here’s a friend’s tip: Stay in Poblenou. Why? Because it’s the most balanced neighborhood in Barcelona.

You’re in the 22@ tech district, surrounded by innovation, but you also have the beach just two minutes away on foot. It’s a peaceful area, with an incredible food scene (Rambla del Poblenou is sacred) and without the crowds of the historic center.

At Lugaris, our apartments in Lugaris Beach and Lugaris Rambla offer exactly that: the peace of a home with luxury services. Plus, if you want to stay longer, you need to check out our long-stay apartments in Barcelona. This way, you can end a busy day at an international conference and go for a run on the sand or have dinner on your own terrace overlooking the sea. That’s priceless.

Additionally, we’re perfectly connected by metro and tram to any point in the city, allowing you to reach events in just a few minutes and, most importantly, truly disconnect when the day ends.

Why choose Lugaris for Barcelona 2026?

Barcelona is a city of neighborhoods, and to truly experience it, you need to feel like a local. At Lugaris, we offer you a home designed so that your only concern is enjoying the agenda we’ve prepared for you.

• Well-connected location: Close to the beach for relaxation, but perfectly connected to the center, so you don’t miss a single event.
  
• Total comfort: Fully equipped kitchens (perfect for leisurely breakfasts), high-end beds, and balconies to watch the sunrise over the Mediterranean.
  
• Flexibility: Whether traveling solo, with a partner, for business, or with the whole family, we have the space that adapts to you.

At Lugaris, we want to be your home in Barcelona. We’re ready for the first quarter of 2026 to be the start of an unforgettable year. See you soon?