Lisbon is a city that never stops celebrating. From lively street festivals and international music events to cultural gatherings and culinary fairs, there’s always something going on in the Portuguese capital. Whether you’re interested in music, food, film or traditional festivities, Lisbon offers an exciting calendar of events throughout the year.
Here’s a monthly guide to Lisbon’s major events and festivals, so you can plan your visit around the city’s best experiences.
The year begins with the Concerto de Ano Novo (New Year’s Concert) at the Centro Cultural de Belém (CCB), where the Orquestra Metropolitana de Lisboa performs a spectacular classical music concert. Throughout the month, Fado lovers can experience Fado in Chiado, a daily live performance of Portugal’s most iconic musical genre.
February is all about Carnival, with colourful parades, costumes and street parties taking over Lisbon. While Lisbon itself hosts smaller celebrations, nearby towns such as Torres Vedras and Sesimbra hold some of Portugal’s most traditional and extravagant Carnival festivities.
March is a big month for fashion and sport. ModaLisboa – Lisbon Fashion Week showcases the latest trends from Portuguese designers at Pátio da Galé in Terreiro do Paço. Sports fans can participate in or watch the EDP Lisbon Half Marathon, an iconic race that takes runners across the Ponte 25 de Abril.
April brings a mix of culture and gastronomy. The Peixe em Lisboa (Fish in Lisbon) festival at Pátio da Galé celebrates seafood with cooking demonstrations by top chefs. Meanwhile, film lovers can enjoy the IndieLisboa International Independent Film Festival, which showcases creative and alternative cinema. Classical music lovers won’t want to miss Dias da Música em Belém, a weekend of concerts featuring renowned musicians at the CCB.
May is festival season with some of Lisbon’s most exciting events. Sónar Lisboa brings electronic music lovers together for a weekend of cutting-edge beats. Art lovers can explore contemporary works at ARCO Lisboa, Portugal’s most important international art fair. Meanwhile, the Festa do Cinema Italiano offers a selection of the best Italian films, screenings and cultural activities.
June is one of the most festive months in Lisbon, as the city celebrates the Festas de Lisboa. This month-long festival honours Santo António, Lisbon’s patron saint, with lively street parties, traditional sardine barbecues, and the famous Marchas Populares, a colorful parade in which different neighbourhoods compete in a dance and music contest. The highlight is Santo António’s Night on June 12th, when the streets of Alfama, Mouraria and Bica fill with music, dancing and grilled sardines.
Music lovers can enjoy Rock in Rio Lisboa, one of Europe’s largest music festivals, which brings international superstars to the city every two years.
July is all about music. The NOS Alive Festival, held in Algés, features an impressive line-up of international and Portuguese artists, covering rock, indie and electronic music. Super Bock Super Rock, held in Meco, is another major festival that attracts fans of rock, pop and alternative music.
For jazz lovers, the EGEAC Out Jazz Festival continues with free outdoor concerts in Lisbon’s parks every Sunday, while Lisboa na Rua offers open-air cultural performances throughout the city.
August is the perfect time to enjoy Lisbon’s outdoor events. The Feira de Artesanato do Estoril (Estoril Craft Fair) showcases traditional Portuguese crafts and gastronomy, while the Jazz em Agosto Festival at the Gulbenkian Foundation features avant-garde and experimental jazz performances.
Beach lovers will enjoy the O Sol da Caparica Festival, a four-day celebration of Portuguese and Lusophone music held near the stunning Costa da Caparica coastline.
As summer fades, Lisbon’s cultural scene continues to thrive with exciting events. The Lisbon Book Fair, held in Eduardo VII Park, is a book lover’s paradise, with a huge selection of books, author signings, literary discussions and special discounts from publishers and bookstores.
For film lovers, the MOTELX – Lisbon International Horror Film Festival brings a chilling atmosphere to the city. Dedicated to horror cinema, this festival showcases a mix of classic, indie and international horror films, along with workshops, talks and special guest appearances.
October is a great month for movie and gaming lovers. The DocLisboa International Film Festival focuses on documentary cinema, showcasing compelling real-life stories. Meanwhile, Lisboa Games Week brings together gamers, developers and eSports enthusiasts for a massive gaming convention.
Food lovers can take advantage of Lisbon Restaurant Week, when the city’s best restaurants offer gourmet meals at special prices.
November is all about technology and music. The Web Summit, one of the world’s largest tech conferences, gathers innovators, entrepreneurs and investors to discuss the future of technology. Meanwhile, the Super Bock em Stock Festival transforms the Avenida da Liberdade into a live music hotspot, with several concerts at different venues.
The year ends with festive celebrations, starting with Lisbon’s Christmas Markets, where visitors can enjoy traditional Portuguese sweets, handmade gifts and holiday decorations. Wonderland Lisboa, held in Eduardo VII Park, features an ice rink, Ferris wheel and festive stalls.
Finally, on New Year’s Eve, the city gathers at Praça do Comércio for a massive celebration with live concerts and an incredible fireworks display over the River Tagus.
Lisbon is a city that never stops celebrating. Whether you are coming in the summer for world-class music festivals, in June for the Festas de Lisboa, or in the winter for Christmas markets and film festivals, there’s always something going on.
Plan your trip around these events and experience the best of Lisbon’s culture, music and gastronomy. No matter when you visit, the city’s energy and traditions will make your stay unforgettable.
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