What’s Happening in November

Here are our picks for the top activities for the month of November.

All Saints Day November 1
Today is a national holiday in Spain in honor of the Roman Catholic holiday that celebrates all saints, those known and unknown.

La Castanyada November 1
In honor of All Saints day, Barcelona residents celebrate by eating roasted chestnuts, sweet potatoes and panellets (small, sweet balls of baked dough with ground almonds layered with pine nuts) while washing it all down with Muscatel. This of course takes place after a visit to the church when families and friends gather together for a big meal.

Barcelona International Jazz Festival November 11 – December 2
This is one of Europe’s top-rated jazz symposiums that gathers every year renowned performers and musicians. This year the jazz event will culminate in 70 performers from world class acts like Jamie Colum to Sonny Rollins and Chick Corea to Chucho Valdes. Concerts will be hosted at 15 different locations throughout the city. There will also be various other fringe events free for the whole family.
For more information on the concert schedule, locations and tickets visit: barcelonajazzfestival.com

World Architecture Festival 2010 (WAF) November 3 – 5
For one short weekend Barcelona once again becomes the epicenter of modern architectural design when the WAF arrives to the Barcelona International Convention Center. This 3-day event sheds light on architectural advancements that are taking place on a global scale with participants from over 100 countries showcasing their latest works. At the core of the convention is its grand awards program, which includes the revered Architectural Prix de Barcelona—‘’Best in Show’’ prize. Attendees can look forward to presentations, interactive seminars, networking events and much more.
For more information on the program of events and entrance passes log onto: worldarchitecturefestival.com

CCIB Forum (Centro de Convenciones Internacionales de Barcelona
Rambla Prim 1-7

Disney Live – Mickey’s Music Festival November 3 – 7

Just in case you haven’t visited any of the Euro-Disney sites you are in luck because Mickey and his pals are hitting the road and are bringing a little magic to BCN for a 5-day performance. Stars from your or your child’s favorite movies like The Little Mermaid, Aladdin and Toy Story will be performing. Surely this will be a fun night out for the whole family.
Palau Sant Jordi Sports Arena
Passeig Olimpic - Montjuic
Admission: 22€ - 33€
Time: 6:30pm
To purchase tickets visit servicaixa.com

Fira Mediterraneo 2010 November 4 – 7

Celebrating the fine traditions of Catalan folk and dramatic arts, Mediterrania promises four fun days of music, theatre and dance performances that will delight the whole family. The festival takes places just outside the Barcelona city limits and easily reached via train.

For more information on the program schedule, performance locations and costs visit: firamediterrania.cat (be aware that the site is only in Catalan!)
Costs for tickets to various performance range for 5€ for a single entrance up to 24€ for multiple entrances.

Cirque du Soleil - Varekai November 5 – December 12

Cirque du Soleil performance is a yearly occurrence in Barcelona and although every fall the talented troupe of acrobats, performers and contortionists can be expected their shows are always beyond belief and worth seeing time after time. Its also one of those rare shows where mom, dad and the kids will be equally entertained.

Plataforma Zoo Marino – Under the White Big Top
Avenida Litoral s/n (corner of Calle Josep Pla, next to the Forum)
Admission: 24.50€ - 195€
To purchase tickets and information on show times visit: cirquedusoleil.com and search for Barcelona, Spain program.

Barcelona International Boat Show November 6 – November 14

Barcelona has a long seafaring history and strong nautical ties therefore its no wonder that its annual Boat Show, now in its 49th edition is considered one of Europe’s top three with regards to quality and attendance. Boat lovers wont want to miss out on the numerous activities and a chance to see some of the sharpest biggest or fastest boats on the market today.

Floating Exhibition at Port Vell Marina
Regular Exhibition at Fira Gran Via Exhibition Centre
Calle del Botanica 62

For more information on the program events log onto: salonnautico.com

Blind Guardian Concert November 6

Heavy metal music heads get prepared for Germany’s leading metal band of the 80’s to rip the roof off Sant Jordi Club here in Barcelona playing hits that were to become classics in the cannon of power metal and speed metal subgenres.

Sant Jordi Club (venue attached to the Pala Sant Jordi Sport Arena)
Passeig Olimpic – Montjuic
Time: 7pm
Admission: 24€
To purchase tickets log onto: ticktackticket.com

LCD Soundsystem Concert November 6

If you are a dance music fan then LCD Soundsystem needs no introduction and you better get yourself a ticket to see James Murphy spin his latest club anthems from his 2010 release ‘’ This is Happening’’ at Razzmatazz.

Sala Razzmatazz
Calle Almogavers 122
Time: 7:30pm
Admission: 30€

To purchase tickets go to: ticktackticket.com

Pope Benedict XVI Visit November 7

The Pope is coming to town. Nothing more needs to be said except he will preside over the consecration of the Sagrada Familia. 6,000 spectators are expected to attend the service within the cathedral while 36,000 extra seats will be made available surrounding the church so spectators can watch the activities on big jumbotron screens outdoors. Off all days to visit the Sagrada Familia this might be THE day to do so. If somehow you can’t get past the 11-block radius around the church, which will be closed to motorized traffic you can still catch a glimpse of ‘’El Papa’’ in the Popemobile along his route through Barcelona.

Sagrada Familia
Plaza de la Sagrada Familia
Mass: 10am
Visit to Barcelona ‘’Obra Benefco-Social Nen Deu: 5:15pm
Farewell Ceremony at El Prat Airport: 6:30pm

Glenn Miller Orchestra Barcelona November 7

The ever-popular Glenn Miller Orchestra led by the director Ray McVay comes back to Barcelona to perform its signature big band sound at the grand Palau de la Musica. The present band, which was formed in 1956 has been touring the globe consistently since its inception and is considered the best jazz/swing big bands to date with an average of 300 engagements a year.

Palau de la Musica Catalana Concert Hall
Calle del Palau de la Musica 4-6
Time: 6pm
Admission: 32€ - 65€
To purchase tickets go to: servicaixa.es

Caminada Montjuic November 14

So you aren’t a fan of running. No big deal. Any physical therapist or sports doctor will admit that over the long term running is hard on the joints and walking is a good alternative. Therefore why note lace up her walking shoes and join an informal group of walkers for a 10k stroll around Montjuic. It’s not a bad way to start off a Sunday.

No registrations required. Just show up and walk!
Start Location - Parc de les Tres Xemeneies (between Pasaje de la Canadenca and Calle Palaudaries)
Start Time: 9:30am

Freestyle Masters MX Barcelona 2010 November 14

Prepare yourself for a wicked and wild freestyle motocross show when the best riders come to the Palau Sant Jordi Arena to strut their stuff. It’s almost guaranteed you’ll be sitting on the edge of your seat as these young daredevils perform spectacular stunts and tricks in mid-air risking life and limb.

Palau Sant Jordi
Passeig Olimpic – Montjuic
Time: 6pm
Admission: 30€
To purchase tickets visit: servicaixa.com

Marathon Horror Movie Festival November 15 – 20

Boo! Halloween is over however there is still something eerie in the air thanks to this weeklong scary film fest. Gore lovers and scream freaks will be thrilled with the hair-raising program of independent short film and full-length features that are scheduled to be shown during the festival.

Cotxeres Civic Center
Calle de Sants 0079

To see program of show times and other events log onto: cotxeres.org (website is in Catalan)

Primal Scream Concert November 20

Scottish rock band with front man Bobby Gillespie will be in Barcelona to perform their 1991 classic album Screamadelica for the first time in over twenty years. A music event not to be missed by die hard fans.

Sala Razzmatazz
Calle Almogavers 122
Time: 8pm
Tickets: 35€
To purchase tickets visit: ticktackticket.com

Stand-Up Comedy – Sean Walsh November 20

Going to the theatre or watching a comedy show in a language other than your native tongue is not advisable which is why we rarely suggest visitors attend local performances but English speakers who enjoy a good laugh might want to check out Sean Walsh when he comes to town. Sponsored by the Giggling Guiri Barcelona comedy club, this English comedian has won several comedic awards and earned some of the biggest laughs over the last year throughout the UK.

Café Teatro Llantiol
Calle de la Riereta 7
Time: 10:30 pm (doors open at 10pm)
Admission: 17€
To purchase tickets go to: comedyinspain.com

Arcade Fire Concert November 21

Indie rock-band Arcade Fire, whom have won numerous awards for albums ‘’Funeral’’, ‘’Neon Bible’’ and their latest release ‘’The Suburbs’’ comes to Barcelona for a one-night engagement all the way from their hometown of Canada. The husband and wife duo that fronts the 5-person band is known for using a multitude of traditional and non-traditional instruments in their music and will surely have them on hand for this special performance at the Palau Sant Jordi.

Palau Sant Jordi Arena
Passeig Olimpic – Montjuic
Time: 9:30pm
Admission: 35€
To purchase tickets visit: ticktacktickets.com

Alice Cooper Concert November 23

Mr. Cooper, the hard rocker who invented the concept of rock concert as theatre returns to the stage with his signature creepy face paint to perform songs from his latest studio album, ‘’Along Came a Spider.’’ He will visit Barcelona, his second stop on the Spanish leg of his Theatre of Death Tour.

Sant Jordi Club (venue attached to the Pala Sant Jordi Sport Arena)
Passeig Olimpic – Montjuic
Time: 7pm
Admission: 36€
To purchase tickets go to: ticktackticket.com

Primavera Club 2010 November 24 – 28

The winter version of the Spring music festival is back again for its 5th year bringing together over 60 bands to play at seven different concert venues throughout the city over the course of five days.

Venue Locations: Sala Apolo, La 2 de Apolo, Bikini, Moog, Cabaret Berlin, Monasterio and Casino L’Aliança Poblenou

Visit primaverasound.com for program schedule and ticket information.

Shakira Concert November 24

Known for her hip shaking and unique voice the 4-time Grammy award winner superstar will make a stop in Barcelona on her ‘’The Sun Comes Out World Tour’’ to perform new hits like ‘’Loca’’ and the 2010 World Cup Anthem ‘’Waka Waka’’ along with all time favorites. A preeminent performer, songstress and musician Shakira in concert is not to be missed.

Palau St. Jordi Arena
Passeig Olimpic –Montjuic
Time: 8:15pm
Tickets: 45€ - 60€
To purchase tickets visit: ticktacktickets.com

Suede Concert November 26

Breaking into the British music scene in 1992, Suede was later accredited with creating the Britpop movement and giving new life to the English rock. The band over the years released 4 hit albums with their 5th and latest album being released this year after the band reformed from their 2005 split. Suede fans now is your chance to see the band back to together again after a 5-year hiatus.

Sala Razzmatazz
Calle Almogavers
Time: 8pm
Admission: 30€
To purchase tickets go to: ticktacktickets.com

Christmas Market November 27 – December 23

At the end of November signs of the Christmas holiday start popping up all over town with the largest being La Feria de Santa Lucia. Mom and pop vendors set up stalls taking over the Cathedral Square selling Christmas decorations, crafts and tiny figures to construct homemade nativity scenes, which is a favored tradition in Spain during the holiday season.

Avenida de la Catedral (In the plaza in front of the Gothic Cathedral)

November Football Matches at Camp Nou, Calle Aristides Maillol
FC Barcelona vs. AD Ceuta November 11
FC Barcelona vs. Villareal November 14
FC Barcelona vs. Real Madrid November 28
Ticket Prices: 32€ to 102€; to purchase go to www.fcbarcelona.cat