Barka is one of the main venues for Omani bullfighting (muṣāraaah), which takes place on Friday mornings in season, roughly October to April, when the weather is cool enough for the bulls to be active. The Omani style is entirely different from Spanish bullfighting: two bulls are brought together and push against each other with their heads until one backs down and retreats. The contest is about dominance rather than harm; injuries are rare and the losing bull simply withdraws. There is no matador, no cape, and no killing.
The bouts take place at an open arena area near the edge of town and draw a local crowd — mostly Omani men, who take a keen interest in the animals and the outcomes. The atmosphere is sociable and good-natured. Visitors are welcome and find themselves a comfortable novelty in an audience that is otherwise entirely local. There is no ticketing system; you simply show up on a Friday morning between roughly 9am and 11am in season and watch. Timing varies, so ask at your hotel or locally about whether bouts are scheduled before making the trip specifically for this.