The long, warm afternoons of July invite us to seek refuge in beauty. There is something almost poetic about the cool silence of a bookstore or the light streaming through a Modernist window when the city’s asphalt is scorching. This summer, that connection between the pages of a good book and walls steeped in history is more accessible than ever for those seeking unique experiences without straying from the cultural scene.
The well-known chain of bookstores and cultural shops, Laie , has launched Laie Fest, an event that will run from July 1 through September 1, 2026. This summer event aims to bring culture closer to the public by offering the opportunity to enjoy exclusive experiences and artistic tours—completely free of charge—at some of Spain’s most important cultural centers, museums, and monuments. Access to all events is managed through a system of advance registration and a lottery.
From Barcelona to Granada: the festival’s venues
The selection of venues participating in this edition is a true feast for lovers of architecture and art. In Barcelona, those lucky enough to win the raffles will be able to explore such iconic locations as:
- The Sagrada Familia
- La Pedrera
- The Modernist Complex of Sant Pau
- The National Art Museum of Catalonia (MNAC)
- The Museu Picasso Barcelona
- The Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona (MACBA)
- The Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona (CCCB)
- CosmoCaixa and CaixaForum Barcelona
But the journey doesn’t stop in the Catalan capital. The initiative crosses regional borders to take visitors to other key destinations across the country. The festival’s itinerary includes the CaixaForum centers in Madrid, Seville, Valencia, and Zaragoza; the MAPFRE Foundation in Madrid; and one of the south’s most coveted heritage gems: the Alhambra and Generalife complex in Granada.
Pages to Take You on a Journey from Your Lounge Chair
Beyond in-person visits, the festival aims to be a beacon of inspiration for reading during the warmest months of the year. To that end, the organizers have curated a selection of books organized around two major themes to complement the program.
On one hand, *Stories That Happen in Summer*, acollection of short stories that capture the essence of the discoveries and encounters that only take place under the summer sun. On the other, *Destinations on Paper*, an initiative designed for those who wish to travel and explore new landscapes, cultures, and stories through reading, without having to leave home.
All the information on how to enter the ticket giveaways, as well as details on the catalog of literary recommendations, can be found directly on the festival’s official website.
