Ready to ditch the tourist traps this weekend (Jan 31 - Feb 1)? We've dug up the most authentic local happenings, from Mallorcan fire festivals taking over Gràcia to hands-on science adventures in Montjuïc. Grab the kids—these are the unique plans only locals know about!
Quick Picks
'Foguerons' de sa Pobla in Gràcia (Main Day)
Various squares and streets in Gràcia
Experience the traditional Mallorcan fire festival atmosphere for free in Gràcia.
Reading and Play Area: Voices of the Pacific
Av. Francesc Ferrer i Guàrdia, 6-8, (Montjuïc)
A perfect indoor quiet spot with books and games about Pacific cultures for younger kids.
Reading and Play Area: Voices of the Pacific
Av. Francesc Ferrer i Guàrdia, 6-8, (Montjuïc)
Ideal for 3-11 year olds to explore and play quietly indoors.
· January 31
3'FOGUERONS' DE SA POBLA IN GRÀCIA (KICK-OFF)FREE : The traditional Mallorcan fire festival kicks off in Gràcia! Streets will start setting up the traditional bonfires, and there will be a festive atmosphere with music and popular dances starting early. It’s a fun, local way to experience Catalan tradition.Catch the kick-off of this unique Mallorcan tradition making noise in Gràcia—lots of street music and bonfire prepping!
WORKSHOP: WIND, WAVES, AND STARS : Hop on an immersive canoe trip simulation between two Pacific islands in this family workshop. It's a super creative way to engage older kids with science and storytelling, letting them feel like they are really on an adventure.It's an active simulation workshop! Kids get to pretend they are canoeing between Pacific islands—great for active learners.
LEONARDO VERSUS MICHELANGELO: IMMERSIVE ART CHALLENGE : Get the kids into Renaissance art with this huge digital exhibition pitting Da Vinci and Michelangelo against each other. With VR and a meta-universe game, it’s learning disguised as a video game adventure.It mashes up Renaissance masters with VR and gaming—learning disguised as a meta-universe battle your older kids will actually want to join.
· February 1
3'FOGUERONS' DE SA POBLA IN GRÀCIA (MAIN DAY)FREE : The Sant Antoni Abad festival continues with 'Foguerons' in Gràcia, celebrating this Mallorcan tradition! Expect more street parties, music, and the general lively atmosphere centered around the traditional bonfires. A truly unique community vibe to soak up.This is the main day for the fire festival; soak up the authentic community vibe around the bonfires in Gràcia.
READING AND PLAY AREA: VOICES OF THE PACIFICFREE : This is a chill mediation space linked to the 'Wind, Waves, and Stars' exhibition, full of books and games about Pacific cultures. It's a great indoor spot for younger kids to explore and play quietly while learning a little something.A great, free indoor decompression zone for younger kids that ties into the science workshop theme nearby.
STICKER/TRADING CARD SWAP AT SANT ANTONI MARKETFREE : Head to the Sant Antoni Market this Sunday morning to join the traditional gathering where local kids (and adults!) trade stickers and trading cards. It’s a super authentic local experience, maybe your kids can snag that rare card they need!This is peak local culture—a real community trading session happening right inside the historic Sant Antoni Market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which events are completely free for the family this weekend?
You can enjoy the community atmosphere of the 'Foguerons' de sa Pobla kick-off on Saturday (starting 11:00 AM in Gràcia) and the main day on Sunday. Also, the Reading and Play Area at CaixaForum is free access.
What's a good hands-on activity for kids aged 6+?
The 'Wind, Waves, and Stars' workshop at CaixaForum on Saturday lets kids participate in an immersive canoe simulation—it's super creative and educational.
Where can we find an authentic local gathering this weekend?
Head to the Sant Antoni Market on Sunday morning for the Sticker/Trading Card Swap—a real local tradition for trading and browsing.