The tender sets out the nine days per year when Parc del Fòrum may host small- and large-scale night-time music festivals during the 2026–2028 period, along with their capacity limits
It also introduces new requirements for music promoters regarding noise impact, mobility, sustainability and the funding of additional cleaning, mobility and Guàrdia Urbana services
The deadline for submitting proposals is 30 April
Barcelona City Council has issued a public tender for small- and large-scale night-time music festivals at Parc del Fòrum for the period 2026–2028. This initiative is part of a plan introduced last December to regulate the number of festivals held at Parc del Fòrum and define their obligations to the city. The plan aims to improve harmony with local residents and maximise the positive impact of these events on surrounding neighbourhoods, in an effort to balance these residents’ demands with the needs of the music sector.
The tender, managed through BSM, sets out the nine days per year when Parc del Fòrum may host night-time music festivals in 2026, 2027 and 2028. These nine annual days have been strategically chosen to avoid an excessive concentration of events within a short time period, helping to minimise their impact on the surrounding area. The tender also establishes maximum attendance limits, distinguishing between small-scale events with up to 9,000 attendees, and large-scale events, which can accommodate up to 30,000 people.
Thus, a public tender has been issued for one one-day large-scale festival, two two-day large-scale festivals and two two-day small-scale festivals each year.
During this three-year period, Parc del Fòrum will continue to operate with a maximum of 15 days per year for musical activities during cultural hours and 15 days with concerts running past 11:00 pm. Furthermore, Friday concerts will have to finish by 1:00 am to allow event-goers to take the metro home and minimise late-night disturbances for local residents. On all other weekdays and public holidays, performances must end by 11:00 pm, while on Saturdays and the eves of public holidays, they may continue until 3:00 am.
As previously announced, the new rules will not apply to city events held at Parc del Fòrum, such as the Cruïlla and Primavera Sound festivals, which are governed by their own regulations and whose contracts are still in force.
New requirements for mobility, noise impact and community benefits
The tender also introduces new obligations for music promoters with the aim of reinforcing Parc del Fòrum’s commitment to sustainability, mobility and noise control.
One of these requirements is that organisers must develop a sustainable mobility plan that includes reaching agreements with local car parks and bicycle parking facilities, as well as conducting an environmental impact analysis focused on CO2 emissions. Additionally, for large-scale events, specific measures must be implemented to reduce traffic, such as providing shuttle buses, reaching agreements with taxi operators and extending public transport services. Event organisers will also be required to use reusable cups and take steps to reduce single-use plastics.
Regarding noise impact, organisers must have certified technical support to monitor real-time sound levels, enabling tighter oversight and immediate corrective action if the limits are exceeded.
From an economic standpoint, the tender sets daily venue rental fees for both concert days and set-up and dismantling days, as well as a royalty based on total ticket sales. Promoters will also be responsible for covering security, cleaning, technical services and utilities costs, as well as additional expenses for any additional cleaning, mobility and Guàrdia Urbana services associated with these events. These funds will be allocated entirely to the Sant Martí district and the City Council of Sant Adrià de Besòs.
Furthermore, all festivals must adhere to the ‘NO CALLEM’ protocol established by Barcelona City Council to combat gender-based violence, sexual violence and LGBTI-phobia. Promoters must also implement a social impact plan in line with Parc del Fòrum’s strategy to generate positive local benefits, with a particular focus on job opportunities for young people and individuals at risk of social exclusion.
The deadline for submitting proposals is 30 April.
