Your Summer 2018 Guide to Gay Barcelona

your-summer-2018-guide-to-gay-barcelona

With its variety of gay bars, LGBTQ-themed bookstores, drag shows, festivals and the notoriously queer Eixample (Gayxample) neighborhood, Barcelona has come to be the destination for the LGBTQ population, and summer is the best time to explore it all. Whether you´re looking for events focused on partying, music, culture and art, or social justice, Barcelona´s gay scene offers a multitude of activitis. Check out the following LGBTQ parades, film festivals, conferences and other events happening from June-August 2018 in Barcelona.

Poster for 2018 FIRE!! via Mostra Fire

FIRE!! Mostra Lambda Barcelona International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival – June 7-17

11 days, 48 beautiful films = FIRE!! This film festival, put on by Mostra Lambda,  features an array of submissions all focused on LGBTQ themes and includes feature films, documentaries and short films. The festival kicks off at the French Institute of Barcelona with the year´s inaugural film (this year´s is U.S. film Love, Cecil, about famous designer and photographer Cecil Beaton).  You can check out their website for tickets and the full festival schedule.

Photo via Jornades Municipalisme Queer

Municipalismo Queer – June 22-23

If you want to talk LGBTQ policy and human rights with Barcelona mayor Ada Colau, you´ll benefit from attending thistwo-day conference focused on diversity within the LGBTQ community. Speakers include Ada Colau and a variety of activists, sociologists, journalists, and policy makers offering feminist, transgender, and intersectional points of view on queer dialogue and policy. Along with speakers, there will be points of sale at local LGBTQ bookstores Cómplices and Antinous. Organized by the Escuela en Comú, a branch of local political party Barcelona en Comú, the event takes place at the Fabra i Coats in San Andreu. Tickets cost 5€ and 10€ for included food.

The 2018 logo for Barcelona Pride – via Barcelona Pride

PRIDE Barcelona – June 23-30

If you´re going to experience one gay event in Barcelona, it´s got to be Barcelona Pride. The biggest gay event in the city draws hundreds of thousands of attendees and focuses on a different social justice theme each year, this year´s being LGBTI refugees. One of the busiest areas besides the Main Stage will be Eixample, the gay haven of the city. On Saturday June 23, enjoy the IX Gayxample Street Market, featuring a variety of local businesses along with music and entertainment. June 27 features a conference with LGBTI refugees offering testimonies of their experience. The festival officially opens on Thursday June 28 at 9 p.m. at Plaza Universitat, and the next two days contain all the best parts of Pride at Av. Maria Cristina – performers, electronic and house DJ´s, family-centered activities with Pride Kids, sports, drag shows, dance competitions, a high heel race, and more. The 2018 Pride Parade will take place on Saturday from 5-7 p.m., with the route starting at Parc de les Tres Xemeneies and ending at Av. Maria Cristina.

Swimmers at the multi-sport LGBTQ sports club Panters Grogues – photo via Ayuntamiento de Barcelona

Panters Art and Wellness Festival – June 15-16, July 2-3, July 9-10

During various weekends in June and July, LGBTQ sports center Panters Grogues will be offering their first Art and Wellness Festival, which focuses offers athletic, culture and arts activities aimed towards the well-being of the LGBTQ community. Come experience a variety of sports classes such as Tai-chi, yoga, salsa, and pilates, and arts events such as choir, dance and theater productions. The festival is open to both Panters Grogues members and non-members, with activities generally costing 5€ for members and 10€ for non-members.

Photo via Getty Images

Circuit Festival Barcelona – August 9-19

This music festival is essentially an 11-day rager for the international gay male community. Started in 2008 by nightlife promoter Matinée Group in Barcelona, the festival offers a series of parties and DJ´s, a waterpark and sports competitions throughout the week. The 2018 Circuit Festival is still confirming all its events and performers, but right now is boasting 16 parties and 40 DJ´s. You can buy full-access or day passes online.