Summer on the Costa Brava 2026: top festivals and events you can’t miss

Summer starts with Sant Joan (June 23)


The first festive rhythm of the summer on the Catalan coast is marked by the night of Saint John — Sant Joan. On June 23, the beaches of the Costa Brava become the center of fire, music, and fireworks. People gather by the sea until sunrise, light bonfires, set off fireworks, and welcome summer in a lively and spectacular way.
This night combines ancient traditions with a modern atmosphere: from family dinners to beach parties with DJs. If you want to feel that summer has truly begun, Sant Joan is perfect — it’s like an invitation to leave city worries behind and just enjoy the moment.

Festa Major — the festival of each town


During summer, almost every town and village on the Costa Brava celebrates its Festa Major, traditional local festivals with concerts, parades, street food, and fireworks.
It’s not a single event but a whole series of local festivals held in July and August in different parts of the coast. Locals and tourists gather in town centers, listen to live music, try Catalan dishes, and take part in the festivities, an atmosphere that can only be fully appreciated in person.
Festa Major is an opportunity to experience authentic Catalonia: sardana dances, outdoor concerts, evening lights, and the lively vibe of small coastal towns.

International Fireworks Competition in Blanes (late July)


One of the most spectacular summer events is the Concurso Internacional de Fuegos Artificiales de Blanes, held traditionally in late July during the Festa Major Santa Anna.
Every night, for several days, the best pyrotechnic teams from different countries create shows over the sea. The fireworks reflect in the water, and the beaches fill with spectators long before the program begins.
If you plan to visit in July, it’s important to keep these dates in mind, as accommodation demand in Blanes and nearby towns rises sharply during the fireworks.

Cap Roig Festival — the summer’s musical centerpiece (July 3 – August 18)


If Sant Joan and Festa Major represent tradition, the Cap Roig Festival is an international music event with scale and prestige.
The festival takes place in the Cap Roig botanical gardens in Calella de Palafrugell and is considered one of the main cultural events on the Costa Brava. In 2026, concerts are scheduled from July 3 to August 18.
World-renowned and Spanish artists perform here, with the stage set right above the sea. It’s an evening where music blends with the scent of the sea and the sunset — the perfect experience to make your trip to Spain more than just a beach holiday, a living, unforgettable experience.

Sons del Món — music among the vineyards (July–August)


The Sons del Món festival takes place in summer in Roses and Castelló d’Empúries. Concerts are often organized in wineries and historic venues in the Empordà region.
It’s a more intimate and atmospheric experience: live music, tastings of local wines, and sunsets over the vineyards.
Sons del Món is a perfect opportunity to combine a beach holiday with cultural and gastronomic experiences in the region.

Why planning in advance is important


Summer festivals and events on the Costa Brava significantly impact accommodation availability. Periods like Sant Joan, the Blanes fireworks, and major music festivals fill up faster than usual.


Planning your trip ahead makes it easier to:
- choose convenient dates,
- combine beach time with cultural activities,
- stay near the events you’re interested in,
- avoid missing out on the best accommodations.

Booking through the Welcs website allows you to reserve directly with the apartment or house owner, bypassing the commissions of major tourist platforms. It’s simpler, more transparent, and often more cost-effective.