Why visit Barcelona in October? Well, the sun is still shining, the queues are fairly non-existent and you have all the space you need to enjoy the city!
Take in the sights of Barcelona without the summer tourism rush, enjoy your surroundings and even take a trip to the beach.
Even better, culturally speaking there is plenty on offer, October in Barcelona is one of the best months in the city regarding events. Experience fiestas like you haven’t before; horror film festivals, Halloween parties, Barcelona’s very own Oktoberfest and more!
Related read: The Best Barcelona Events in August
The best events to experience in Barcelona in October
Thinking about visiting Barcelona this October? Plan your Barcelona itinerary around the below events.
Barcelona’s Oktoberfest
If you can’t make it to Munich this year, Barcelona has you covered with their very own Oktoberfest. From the 5th of October to the 16th, there will be plenty of eating and drinking in Plaza Universo, where you will find a huge festival tent with a plethora of bars within.
Here you can find plenty of beer from a variety of countries, as well as traditional Bavarian food like German sausages and pork knuckle. There will also, of course, be DJ’s keeping the atmosphere lively, and fabulous German costumes knocking about!
Dates: 5th- 16th October 2022
Festa Major de La Rambla
The Ramblas in Barcelona is one of the most famous streets in the city of Barcelona, separating the Raval neighbourhood from the Gothic Quarter. This October, you cannot miss out on its very own Festa Major. The Fiesta Mayores (traditional street festivals) are a great opportunity to experience the culture of Barcelona and the celebration of individual areas of the city.
This festival is held in honour of the Ramblas patron saint, the Mare de Déu del Roser. You can find a statue dedicated to her next to the Palau de la Virreina. On the 7th of October you will find incredible parades, castellers (human towers), fairs, outlets, crazy outfits and even joint meals for local residents and shop keepers!
Date: 7th October 2022
Sitges Film Festival
Sitges is a beautiful coastal town about 40 minutes via the train from Barcelona. This wonderful place is home to many beautiful beaches, great beach bars and stunning little shops. You may have heard of Sitges because of their very famous Carnaval, which takes place annually every Easter. This is one of the most anticipated festivals in Europe!
Sitges film festival is completely dedicated to film lovers. Learn about the latest trends and technologies applied to films and see the community of Sitges dress up in their craziest costumes to celebrate this annual festivity. Last year’s theme for dressing up was werewolves and inner beasts, it is yet to be announced what this year will bring!
There are awards for the best short films. This year, marking the 55th edition of the film festival, has brought a total of 32 audiovisual works, submitted by 15 film schools. It’s a great experience to watch these incredible films, and decide for yourself who you think deserves an award.
Dates: 6th-16th October 2022
48H Open House BCN, Barcelona’s festival of Architecture
The 48H Open House Barcelona is an annual festival which offers plenty for those lovers of architecture. You may already know that the city of Barcelona hosts some of the oldest and most incredible architecture in the world, with normal accommodation buildings dating back to the 13th century! This festival presents a unique opportunity to explore some of the greatest architecture in the city, experience self and group guided visits in buildings and areas, and audio guide tours.
This fantastic festival gives you the opportunity to enhance your knowledge of Barcelona’s history and indulge yourself in the catalan gothic, neoclassic, modernist and modern style buildings the city has to offer. This event offers 275 activities for anyone to get involved with!
Dates: 22nd- 24th October 2022
Mercat de Mercats
Barcelona offers some of the best gastronomy in the world. You will know if you have tried any of the best restaurants in Barcelona, or visited their incredible markets. Luckily for those visiting in October, they offer a festival of the markets. This major food festival takes place on the Plaça de les Glòries, offering talks, presentations, cooking shows and tastings by professionals and journalists in the world of gastronomy.
From the 21st of October, there will be three days for you to discover the best local tapas and dishes prepared by the best restaurants in Catalonia, not one to miss out on!
Dates: 21st- 24th October 2022
Halloween in Barcelona
Instead of Halloween, in Barcelona, they celebrate La Castanyada.
La Castanyada
La Castanyada is celebrated during almost the entire of October, you can find traditional treats such as castanyes (roasted chestnuts), panellets, which are small almond flavoured balls and boniatos (sweet potatoes). These specialities can be found in many street vendors which will be set up all over Barcelona during the final weeks of October.
This comes from the tradition of eating roasted chestnuts and sweet potatoes stems from stories of the night before All Saints Day. All Saints Day, which is celebrated on the 1st of November. This day is special for honouring the celebration, by attending masses or cemeteries and bringing flowers and candles.
Although, if you love a good party, October 31st still remains one of the liveliest nights in Barcelona. You may not be parading around the streets demanding sweeties and carving pumpkins, but they certainly do know how to throw a party. Check out the best clubs in the city, like Opium Mar, Shoko, Sala Apolo and Pacha.
Dates: End of October 2022
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