Beer festivals in Barcelona: good times on tap!

Barcelona plays host to four major beer festivals each year:

• March: Beer Festival Barcelona
• April-May: Biergarten
• July: Fira del Poblenou
• October: Oktoberfest

March: Beer Festival – 3 days, 300 artisan beers

Beer Festival Barcelona is pretty much heaven for beer-lovers: 300 craft beer producers come together over three days as part of a fun and friendly festival.

• Note that the organisers encourage drinking in moderation, and they may refuse service if you’re already somewhat the worse for wear…

In this case, beer is considered as a gastronomic product, to be discovered, tasted and compared, but not consumed to excess.

Beer Festival Barcelona: how it works

Entry to the Beer Festival Barcelona costs around 7 euros. This gets you a glass, two tokens and a guide, packed with information on craft beer.

You’ll then need to buy tokens (€1 each) to exchange for the beers you want to taste. There’s also food available, with 3 tapas bars participating in the festival.

• Beer is only served in the official festival glass, which you’ll be given on entry.
• Payment is in tokens. Prices vary according to production method.

There are over 300 beers in total, served from numbered kegs. Look at the main display board to find out where your favourites are located.

The video below gives a glimpse of the 2015 festival:

Gluten-free and alcohol-free beer

At least one stand is devoted to gluten-free beer, and another to high-quality alcohol-free options.

Useful information

• The 2019 edition of the Beer Festival Barcelona was held over a long weekend (Friday-Sunday) at the end of March, from 11am to around 11pm each day.
• Beer Festival Barcelona is held at La Farga de L’Hospitalet, Carrer Barcelona, 2 at L’Hospitalet de Llobregat (Metro: Rambla Just Oliveras (L1).
• The festival is wheelchair-accessible.
• Given the popularity of the event, you’re likely to have to queue. Try to get there early before it gets busy.

April-May: Biergarten at Poble Espanyol

See our article on this event.

July: Fira del Poblenou – beer and more!

Fira del Poblenou, a festival for all tastes

Fira del Poblenou is a beer festival held in over three days in early July every year. The focus is on craft beers, mostly from Catalonia.

You’ll also find a whole host of food stands at the event.

• Good news for celiacs: the Fira del Poblenou festival features both gluten free beer and food.

There’s music and a whole host of other activities on offer, including beer tasting sessions, swing dance lessons and zumba sessions… open to all, even if you don’t like beer!

See the festival website for more information.

Useful information

This year, the Fira del Poblenou will be held on 6th, 7th and 8th July.

• The Fira is held in the Parc del Poblenou (metro: Poblenou).

October: Oktobertfest – popular and free!

If you like beer, you’ve almost certainly heard of Oktoberfest, held in Munich every year since 1810. It’s the biggest popular festival in the world, and has inspired imitations all over the world… including one in Barcelona. The atmosphere is considerably more festive than at the Beer Festival!

Oktoberfest, Barcelona: more details

Oktoberfest in Barcelona will be held from 3th-13th October 2013. See the official website for more details.

The event is held under a huge marquee of over 5000 m2. There are tables available, but they go quickly, so we recommend booking ahead as soon as possible via this link. Booking also gives you free access to a whole host of prize draws with plenty of surprises to be won!

Typical Bavarian beer and food

You’ll be able to try the famous Paulaner, specially brewed for the original Munich Oktoberfest.

There’s typical food from Munich and the surrounding area, too, incluing grilled chicken with potatoes, German sausages, pretzels, etc.

Not the most typically Catalan delicacies, but it’s all tasty, and you’re sure to have fun!

A festive atmosphere

Unlike the Beer Festival, which is more focused on beer tasting, the Oktoberfest is all about fun. DJs and live music contribute to the festive feel.

There’s a special children’s area with budget-friendly attractions, so there’s plenty to attract families alongside the crowds of party-goers!

Top tip: Oktoberfest offers

There are often flyers available for special offers at Oktoberfest, so keep your eyes open!

Useful information

• Access is free
• The festival is held at La Fira de Montjuïc (metro: Plaça Espanya, L1 and L3)
• Times vary depending on the date.

If you enjoyed your festival experience, then you’re sure to love Fàbrica Moritz, where you can taste Barcelona’s most famous craft beer.

Cheers!