Posted on Monday, 24 June 2024

Discover the best outdoor musical events, family activities and cultural celebrations in Barcelona, Rome and Paris this summer.

A summertime trip to mainland Europe ranks among the most popular and aspirational travel experiences, as evidenced by vast summer crowds from Amsterdam to Venice, Lisbon to Krakow.

And with sunnier weather comes a huge array of outdoor activities, music festivals, and food-and-drink events - all designed to ensure locals and visitors have a memorable summer.

But with so many cities and so many cultural experiences, it's not easy to plan an itinerary.

Here we’ve collated some of the most promising outdoor experiences in three of Europe’s top summer destinations for 2024: Barcelona, Rome, and Paris.

 

Barcelona: Outdoor street festivals and music events this summer

“Why aren’t all cities like this?” - it’s a question many ask themselves after a trip to Barcelona. Its gridded streets and well-tended public spaces prove that high-density cities can be pleasant to live in.

What’s more, Barca is a hotbed of cultural activity - especially in summer.

Here are some unmissable outdoor events and festivals taking place in the Catalan capital over summer 2024.

Live music events in Barcelona

Festa Major de Raval and Festa Major de Poble-sec are two of the biggest and best-known of Barca’s grand fiestas. These live music events tend to be a little chaotic in terms of organisation, but are all the more authentic for it. Each is inspired by the local culture of its respective neighbourhoods - and are free to enjoy. They take place in the second fortnight in July.

Barca also plays host to three big-name festivals, namely EDM-focused Sonar, multi-genre Primavera Sound, and alternative-themed Cruilla. The latter takes place in July this year and offers tickets from just 30 euros per performance - making it potentially a lot cheaper than Sonar or Primavera Sound.

More refined musical fare comes in the form of Festival Jardins Pedralbes - holding a series of family-friendly concerts in Poble Espanyol. This year, James Blunt, Jamie Cullum, and Queens of the Stone Age will be providing the sounds. The festival concludes in late July.

Sala Montjuic outdoor movie nights

Many European cities hold outdoor film screenings, but few settings are as spectacular as Montjuic Mountain, a short hop from Barcelona. Here, you can enjoy three avant-garde films each week.

It’s the perfect place to chill out with friends on a picnic blanket while watching a great movie under the Catalan stars.

Many folks bring their own wine and snacks - but there is a bar and restaurant on site.

Rome: Outdoor events and festivals this summer

Rome is thrilling at any time of year - but especially so in summer. Indeed, strolling the sunny piazzas and ancient ruins, one gets the impression that the whole world has come to Rome for their summer getaway.

While this adds a soupçon of excitement to any visit to the Eternal City, the crowds can wear thin pretty quick. Here are a few alternative Roman excursions, outdoor events, and festivals - for when you’ve ticked off the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and Pantheon.

Rome’s summer festivals

Italian wine is reason enough to visit the Rome region, so why not keep abreast of the most exciting new local tipples at VinoForum - a vast wine festival held in the city’s north every June?

More than 2,500 wines will be made available for tasting.

Alongside guided wine tastings at the Vino Forum Academy, there’s plenty of food to soak up all that fabulous vino, in the form of pop-up restaurants headed by Michelin-star chefs!

Another unmissable festival is Lungo il Tevere: Estate (aka Roman Summer Festival). Running from June through to September, there’s still plenty of time left to enjoy it.

Key events include the outdoor cinema at the Isola Tiberina, outdoor ballets and operas in the Baths of Caracalla, and lots of colourful goings-on at Gay Village.

Don’t miss the fabulous International Chamber Ensemble in the Sant'Ivo alla Sapienza church courtyard.

Activities at Rome’s beaches

Italy’s capital isn't just about exploring ancient ruins among the urban sprawl. The city is within striking distance of many beguiling beaches.

These sandy stretches have something for everyone - from watersports fun to a family-friendly tan-and-swim day. What’s more, there’s a host of outdoor events taking place this summer down by the shore.

Just a 30-minute train ride from Rome’s Port of Ostia, Lido di Ostia may not be the prettiest beach near Rome - but it is the easiest to reach.

There are also various music concerts and mini festivals, including Vitamine Zen Festival, which has a yoga-and-wellbeing vibe.

Best of all, you’ll be back in plenty of time to enjoy Rome’s effervescent nightlife.

If you fancy a little high-end people-watching, head to Fregene - where you’ll rub shoulders with young, chic Romans, and quite possibly the odd off-duty football player.

Expect a soft sandy beach, cobalt blue waters - and some challenging beach club price lists! There are about 20 beach clubs to choose from, but the best known is Singita Miracle Beach, where you can expect live music performances every evening.

But for a truly picturesque beach, head to Sperlonga. It does involve a 90-minute train ride from Rome, but with its alluring whitewashed houses and long sandy beach, it is very much worth the effort.

Not far from Sperlonga, Festa della Musica 2024 is held in late June, and is free to all.

Paris: Outdoor street festivals, music and activities this summer

Like Rome and Barcelona, Paris can be somewhat overwhelming during the summer. So many people, so much history, so many things to do.

To help with the latter, here are some of the best outdoor events and festivals taking place in the City of Light this summer.

See Lana del Rey and Massive Attack - live

Rock en Seine has been going for 20 years and this summer's line-up is as impressive as any. Headline acts include Lana Del Rey, The Offspring, Massive Attack, LCD Soundsystem, Soulwax, and Kasabian.

It runs from 21-25 August. The fun takes place in the stunning Saint Cloud National Park, on the left bank of the Seine.

Top up your tan at a pop-up beach in the city

Paris has developed two temporary "pop-up" beach areas by the River Seine, where there's lots of activities for both kids and grown-ups to enjoy. The authorities have even added palm trees, giving the zones a true Riviera look.

Fête de la Musique

Fête de la Musique (Make Music Day) is a unique event where musicians nationwide are encouraged to take their sounds to the street.

As you might expect, a great many performers will be heading for the capital, where there are free organised concerts in the main squares, as well as ad hoc performances. Takes place on the 21st of June.

See the famous Bastille Day Parade

The storming of the Bastille, which took place on July 14, 1789, is marked every year with a huge military parade. This year it takes place on Avenue Foch due to preparations for the Olympics (it normally goes down the Champs Élysées).

After a flyover at 10:45 am, the parade begins at 11 am. Arrive early to get a good viewing spot.

Enjoy a Bastille Day Dinner Cruise (July 14)

See the spectacular Bastille Day fireworks display illuminate some of Paris' iconic sites with a dinner cruise.

Many are available, from simple 2-hour affairs with a simple boxed meal, to 4-hour trips with a 6-course dinner and plenty of Champagne!

Experience Monet's lily pond garden in Giverny

Monet's beautiful lily pond garden in Giverny is the perfect antidote to the tourist throngs of Paris. It takes around 1.5 hours to reach - by car or train - which just about makes it a comfortable day trip from the French capital.

Claude Monet spent his final years in this property, which inspired so many of his best-loved works.

The lilies bloom in July and August, and many tours are available.

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