Festa de la Ciència 2026 will bring 180 activities to El Born on 18 and 19 April

El Born and Plaça Comercial host more than 180 scientific activities. The Festa de la Ciència celebrates its most ambitious edition. There will be proposals for all ages and prizes for young people. The event runs over the weekend of 18 and 19 April.

Barcelona turns El Born and Plaça Comercial into the epicentre of science outreach with the arrival of the 19th Festa de la Ciència. The event, already established in the city's calendar, offers a programme designed for those looking to discover, experiment and enjoy science with family or friends.

On 18 and 19 April, the Born. Museu d’Història de Barcelona and its surroundings will be filled with interactive proposals, workshops and shows. More than 120 institutions and research groups are taking part in an edition that brings together more than 180 activities spread across 30 different spaces, with the involvement of more than 350 people dedicated to bringing science closer to all audiences.

Among this year's new features are spaces dedicated to the brain, in tune with the city's hosting of the FENS Fòrum, Europe's largest neuroscience conference. There will also be activities focused on architecture, taking advantage of Barcelona's recognition as World Capital of Architecture.

The youth programme takes centre stage, especially on Saturday night, with proposals designed for those looking for different experiences. The new scientific Escape Room will challenge young people to put their ingenuity to the test, with prizes such as a bicycle for the 14 to 17 age group and tickets for Sónar 2026 for those aged 18 to 25.

Photo by Ajuntament Barcelona

The atmosphere will be enlivened by fresh activities such as the nanoscience vermouth and the science slam, where the public will decide which of the six research projects presented is the most inspiring. The Neurones Fregides collective will bring a show to the stage that mixes humour and participation to bring scientific concepts closer to all attendees.

As the close of Saturday's programme, the Neurodesconcert show, promoted by Fens Fòrum and Lost to the River, will explore the relationship between music, emotions and creativity through rock, designed for both young people and adults.

The activity schedule runs from 11 to 20 h on both Saturday and Sunday, with proposals especially aimed at families. In addition, on Saturday from 19 to 23 h, the programme is aimed at an adult audience, from the age of 16 onwards, with experiences designed to surprise and stimulate curiosity.

The Born. Museu d’Història de Barcelona, located in the very heart of the city, has established itself as a key space for outreach and urban culture. Its ability to host large events and its historic setting make it the ideal venue for initiatives such as the Festa de la Ciència, which every year manages to attract thousands of visitors and foster interest in science and innovation among Barcelona residents of all ages.

Extended programme (1 Apr 2026) The 19th Festa de la Ciència (18-19 Apr) adds Parc Ciutadella (Hivernacle + Martorell) to El Born/Plaça Comercial. >30 spaces, Friday Citizen Science (schools). Completely free, booking via City Council app. 350 scientists from 120 institutions (CosmoCaixa, UB, IRB).

Unmissable new features for young people Saturday night (19-23h, +16 years): scientific Escape Room (prizes: bicycle 14-17, Sónar 2026 18-25); science slam (public votes on 6 projects); nanoscience vermouth; Neurones Fregides (humour+participation). Neurodesconcert rock+emotions closes Saturday.

Featured institutions FENS Forum (neuroscience Barcelona 2026), Capital Arquitectura, Épica La Fura dels Baus, Solar observation, Exporecerca Jove. Families: Niu Ciència (0-6), Reacciona química (8-14, take-home flubber). Metro L4 Jaume I. >20,000 attendees expected!