An October to explore design and creativity in Poblenou

This autumn, Poblenou once again becomes one of Barcelona’s key meeting points for creativity. Over several weeks, the district brings together design, architecture, art, culture and new forms of creative expression through a programme that connects local initiatives with some of the city’s leading creative events.

The month gets off to an especially busy start and reaches one of its key moments over the weekend of 23–25 October, when events such as AR-DE, Urban Talks, Escena Poblenou, Blanc! Festival and 48H Open House Barcelona come together in the neighbourhood.

AR-DE y Urban Talks

From 23 to 25 October, AR-DE once again brings Poblenou to life with a route through galleries, studios, showrooms, workshops and creative spaces across Barcelona’s Creative District. The circuit invites visitors to discover projects, exhibitions and initiatives connected to art and design, bringing them closer to the places where much of the neighbourhood’s creative activity takes place.

Meanwhile, on Saturday 24 October, the Museu del Disseny will host the 10th edition of Urban Talks, a gathering focused on ideas, design and contemporary culture.

48H Open House Barcelona

Over the same weekend, 48H Open House Barcelona will offer the chance to visit distinctive buildings and places, learn about their history and architecture with the help of volunteers, and take part in different architectural itineraries. Highlights include Can Framis, the Poblenou Cemetery, the Cloudworks 22@ building and the Poblenou cooperative housing project, offering an insight into both the district’s historic heritage and its urban transformation.

Blanc! Festival

Adding to the programme is Blanc! Festival, one of Barcelona’s leading events for graphic design and creative culture. Its 2026 edition will take place on 23 and 24 October at La Nau Barcelona, at Carrer de Llull 121 in Poblenou, featuring talks, project presentations, performances, a market and events centred on design and visual culture.

Barcelona Design Week

From 14 to 25 October, Poblenou will host a range of initiatives connected to design and creative practice as part of Barcelona Design Week. These include Casa de la Llum – Simon, one of the BDW’s associated venues, which will host a series of activities, and Underground BDW, an experimental group exhibition taking place at the Parking Gallery at LCI Barcelona. In addition, The Social Hub Barcelona Poblenou will be the Official Hotel of Barcelona Design Week 2026, further strengthening the district’s presence in one of the city’s leading design events.

Festival Escena Poblenou

The neighbourhood’s cultural programme continues during the same period with the 25th edition of Festival Escena Poblenou, taking place from 22 to 25 October. The festival will once again take over the neighbourhood’s streets and venues with a programme focused on the performing arts, including theatre, dance, circus, performance and new dramaturgy. The 2026 edition will feature 19 performances and a range of activities centred on creativity and community.

In October, Poblenou invites visitors to explore its streets and discover what happens behind the doors of its studios, workshops, galleries, cultural centres and urban spaces. An opportunity to experience the district’s creative scene up close and gain exceptional access to places that are not usually open to the public.