Barcelona closed out July with a punishing heatwave and now heads into a rough patch for transport, with airport and rail strikes both landing on August 4. At the same time the city's cultural calendar is in full swing, with Circuit Festival packing venues and excitement building for the total solar eclipse on August 12.
The Week's Biggest Stories
Airport ground staff strike begins August 4, no end date set
Groundforce workers who handle passenger assistance and flight coordination at Barcelona Airport are starting an indefinite strike on August 4 over deteriorating working conditions. The action follows one of the airport's busiest weekends on record, with over 3,300 flights scheduled as summer travel peaks. Anyone flying in the coming days should check with their airline before heading to the airport.
Rodalies train strike hits Friday, August 4
A strike affecting Rodalies and long-distance trains is planned for this Friday, with only 66 percent of services running at peak hours and 33 percent off-peak. Commuters who rely on regional trains should expect reduced schedules and heavier crowding. It falls on the same day as the airport strike, so getting across the city may be harder than usual.
Heatwave pushed temperatures past 36 degrees this week
Barcelona went through an intense heatwave from July 29 through August 2, with the worst day bringing highs around 30.7 degrees and humidity that made it feel even hotter. It's a reminder of how quickly summer heat can become uncomfortable or risky here, especially for anyone without easy access to shade or air conditioning.
Total solar eclipse coming August 12, first since 1905
Barcelona will see a total solar eclipse on August 12, its first in over a century, with totality peaking around 20:29. Montjuïc Castle is hosting a public viewing event from 19:00 to 21:30, and nearby spots like Montserrat and Tarragona are drawing interest for even better views. Demand for certified eclipse glasses has already surged at local opticians, so anyone planning to watch directly should sort out proper eyewear ahead of time.
L'Hospitalet sets deadline to phase out tourist rental licenses
L'Hospitalet has approved new regulations requiring existing tourist rental licenses to close within five years, alongside a new municipal surcharge on tourist stays. It's part of a wider effort across the metro area to limit short-term rentals and ease pressure on long-term housing supply. Similar rules could follow in neighboring municipalities.
Circuit Festival opens, running through August 9
Circuit Festival 2026 kicked off this week, drawing an expected 60,000 attendees to venues across Barcelona for more than 50 international acts. It continues until August 9, so expect livelier nightlife, later hours and bigger crowds in the neighborhoods hosting events.
Free museum entry this weekend and select summer evenings
This weekend's first Sunday of the month brings free entry to numerous Barcelona museums, while MACBA and the Picasso Museum are separately offering free access on select summer evenings. It's a low cost way to see exhibitions that normally charge admission, though expect larger crowds than usual on the free dates.
Gràcia festivities bring extended bar and shop hours
With Fiestas de Gràcia approaching, bars and shops in Vila de Gràcia will extend their hours to accommodate late night celebrations. Residents and visitors in the neighborhood should expect a livelier, later atmosphere than usual for the duration of the festival.
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What's On in Barcelona This Week
20:15; 20:45; 22:00 · Fossat de Santa Eulàlia, Montjuïc Castle, Barcelona · From €8.5
21:30 · Fundació Mies van der Rohe · €2
22:00 · Sala 3, Apolo, Barcelona · €12 in advance or €15 at the door
22:00 · Pati de les Dones, CCCB · €5
Illa Fantasia, Vilassar de Dalt · Tickets required
19:00 · Estadi Nou Congost
20:15; 20:45; 22:00 · Fossat de Santa Eulàlia, Montjuïc Castle · From €8.5
20:30 · Nou Sardenya
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