This old factory, built in 1905 and in functional as real factory for the famous Estrella Damm (and…read moreother variants) beer from Barcelona (that you can buy here in the US almost everywhere these days) worked until 1992. It was known as La Bohemia, and it is declared as building of historic interest. Currently it is used for many cultural events, and I had the opportunity to visit for the first time during the past Merce festivities, end of September with a Brazilian friend who just moved from San Francisco to Barcelona.
This was the best time and location to kick off a new life! The factory smelled like beer (of course they were selling tons of it). Atmosphere: very family oriented, parents with small children, no problem, no one gets drunk. It is a very permissive environment where people behave. Control (security people everywhere) yet freedom. Cheap beer while learning about the history of the building that has an Art Nouveau touch to it is already an awesome experience by itself.
If you add free entry and great music, then the awesomeness multiplies. There was enough space for several (super cute) food trucks as well as different spaces, some covered, some open air. The big brick chimney clearly alludes to the industrial past even though the factory is located in the middle of l'Eixample, which is a very populated area of easy access by various methods of transportation. Worth a visit for any musical event.
