Looking for cultural events on the Costa Brava? These Costa Brava festivals may be just what you’re looking for.
Jamie Cullum performing at Porta Ferrada in July 2017
When it comes to music, the Costa Brava is spoilt for choice. A number of towns put on annual events during the tourist season but there are three key festivals providing an eclectic mix to suit all tastes.
The big three Costa Brava festivals
The three big festivals on the Costa Brava are Porta Ferrada in Sant Feliu de Guíxols, Cap Roig near Calella de Palafrugell and the festival at Peralada castle.
Performances take place during July and August with a mixture of international and local artists and a complete mix of music. Many well known names play these festivals, which draw a mix of enthusiastic locals and tourists. They have all been going for years and well organised as a result.
Porta Ferrada Festival takes place in Sant Feliu de Guíxols each year during July and August. The festival, which takes its name from the historic iron gate of Sant Feliu’s monastery, was established in 1958 and provides a mix of well known international artists as well as local talent. In the last few years artists have included Jamie Cullum, New Order, Patti Smith, The Human League and The Pretenders. Inside the venue there are drinks and some upmarket snacks provided by one of the best restaurants in the area.
Cap Roig Festival is held in the botanical gardens of Cap Roig castle near Calella de Palafrugell between late July until the third week of August. The festival features a diverse range of artists with many acts selected for local audiences rather than tourists. However, there are always some big names too. Ticket prices tend to be pretty hot though which limits the audience.
Festival Castell Peralada runs from early July until mid August with a wide range of performances that can include both popular and classical artists. Depending on the night you can go and see rock, pop, ballet or opera. The festival mainly takes place in the gardens surrounding Peralada castle with chamber concerts and small operas hosted in the church. As well as hosting the festival the castle is home to one of the Costa Brava’s best known wineries. It is also a 5-star hotel with casino and golf course.
Smaller festivals
As well as the big three music festivals on the Costa Brava there are a number of smaller scale local events. These sometimes also include dance and theatre as well as concerts. While the big three draw crowds from all over Catalonia, the smaller ones have a much more local focus. They are also much more modestly priced to attend or completely free.
Nits de Jazz in Platja d’Aro is a free festival with a concert every Friday night right on the beach. The festival features leading artists from the Catalan jazz scene and encompasses gospel, swing, ragtime and New Orleans jazz.
PortalBlau in L’Escala has been going since 2008 and offers evenings of music, dance and theatre. The venues can vary but include concerts at the Greco-Roman ruins at Empúries. Here you can expect to see the best local talent.
White Summer is a family friendly festival near Pals. During August it combines music, performing arts, design, gastronomy and shows.
Estartit Jazz Festival runs for a few days at the end of July. If you love jazz and are in Estartit during that time it’s definitely one to look out for.
S’Agaró International Music Festival is organised by the Pau Casals Association. Debuting in 1998, it features soloists, duets, quartets and small ensembles performing classical works in the neoclassical church.
Festival de Música de Begur features musical styles as diverse as soul, pop and flamenco. Dating from 1977 it aims to showcase great talent to the widest possible audience of locals and holidaymakers as possible with affordable tickets.
Festival de Torroella dates from 1981 and focuses on a series of classical concerts at venues across the town.
Festivals in Girona
As well as the Costa Brava proper, there are a number of festivals in the city of Girona. As well as music these include the hugely popular Girona Flower Festival which sees the centre of the city covered in spectacular arrangements of blooms.
Strenes festival usually runs from the end of March to the beginning of May and features a variety of musical acts at venues across the city, including free concerts at an open air stage in Plaça Catalunya.
Temps de Flors in Girona is a week long celebration of flowers and features some truly weird and wacky flower arrangements. During this time some historic buildings are open to the public.
Girona Guitar Festival takes place at venues across the city and at a number of coastal resorts between July and September.
