The diversification of the economic base and increased interurban competition in the contemporary Post-Fordist city has driven the role of tourism and leisure as urban and local economic development vectors. Cities try to take advantage of their innate atmosphere and the leisure, and special and cultural events they offer to attract visitors and gain income. This article looks at the possibilities offered by cultural tourist events for local and urban development in Catalonia. Specifically, it provides analysis of the local events on offer of this type, characterises them and reflects on the possibilities offered to establish strategies for local and urban development focusing on tourism.