Major Events & Festivals in Porto, Portugal
1. Porto Wine Festivals
Celebrate the rich Porto wine tradition with these lively events showcasing tastings, concerts, and vineyard visits.
- Wine Tasting: Taste a variety of Port wines from local producers
- Live Music: Enjoy live performances featuring local and international artists
- Vineyard Tours: Explore the Douro Valley vineyards where Port wine is produced
2. Saint John's Fair
An age-old tradition held in June featuring food stalls, music, and the famous water fight known as 'Rainha do Arco', a contest to elect the queen of the arch.
- Food Stalls: Sample traditional Porto dishes such as tripe and francesinha
- Water Fight: Join the exciting water fight between teams, symbolizing a medieval battle
- Queen of the Arch Election: Witness the election of the beautiful 'Rainha do Arco' (Queen of the Arch)
3. Nuit Brûlée
Experience Porto's vibrant nightlife during this annual festival celebrating electronic music and local talent.
- Electronic Music: Listen to the latest in electronic dance music
- Local Talent Showcase: Discover rising Porto-based DJs and producers
- Various Venues: Visit multiple venues across the city for a diverse music experience
4. Serralves Em Potência
A contemporary arts festival held in July and August featuring live performances, exhibitions, and workshops at the Serralves Museum.
- Live Performances: Watch dance, theater, and music performances by leading artists
- Exhibitions: Discover thought-provoking visual art exhibitions
- Workshops: Participate in creative workshops led by artists and experts
5. Porto Book Fair
Celebrate the literary world during this annual event showcasing book launches, discussions, and workshops.
- Book Launches: Discover new titles from local and international authors
- Author Discussions: Meet your favorite authors during panel discussions and Q&A sessions
- Workshops: Improve your writing skills through workshops led by industry professionals
6. Boom - Lisbon & Porto Music Meeting
A music conference and showcase festival in March focusing on promoting emerging talent and networking opportunities for the industry.
- Emerging Talent Showcase: Discover new artists and bands from Portugal and beyond
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with industry professionals and fellow music enthusiasts
- Workshops and Panels: Learn about the latest trends in the music industry through workshops and panels
7. Festas da Luz
A traditional Christmas event featuring light displays, concerts, and a boat parade on the Douro River.
- Light Displays: Marvel at stunning light installations throughout the city
- Concerts: Enjoy festive concerts showcasing local and international talent
- Boat Parade: Watch the beautiful boat parade on the Douro River
8. Festa de São João
Celebrate Porto's patron saint with a lively festival featuring music, fireworks, and the famous tradition of hitting others with garlic-stuffed ham during midnight.
- Music and Fireworks: Enjoy concerts and firework displays throughout the night
- Garlic-Stuffed Ham Tradition: Participate in the unique tradition of hitting others with garlic-stuffed hams
- Festive Food and Drink: Taste traditional Porto foods such as sardines, octopus, and wine during the festival
9. Porto Pride Parade
Celebrate diversity and LGBTQ+ rights with a colorful parade, concerts, and workshops in June.
- Parade: Join the lively pride parade through the streets of Porto
- Concerts and Performances: Enjoy live music performances by local and international artists
- Workshops and Discussions: Participate in educational workshops and discussions on LGBTQ+ topics
10. Porto Marathon
Test your endurance by participating in the annual Porto Marathon in October. The event attracts runners from around the world.
- Marathon Race: Challenge yourself with a full or half marathon race
- Walking Route: Join the walking route for a less intense experience
- City Tour: Discover Porto's landmarks while participating in the event
11. Porto River Fest
Celebrate the Douro River with live music, boat trips, and water sports during this summer festival.
- Live Music: Enjoy concerts featuring local and international artists
- Boat Trips: Take a boat trip to explore the Douro River and its surrounding vineyards
- Water Sports: Participate in water sports such as paddleboarding or kayaking
12. Porto Christmas Markets
Get into the holiday spirit with traditional festive markets selling handmade crafts, food, and drinks.
- Handmade Crafts: Purchase unique souvenirs made by local artisans
- Festive Food and Drink: Taste traditional Porto holiday treats such as bolo rei and vinho do porto
- Live Music and Entertainment: Enjoy live music performances and other festive entertainment
13. Porto Beer Festival
Celebrate the rich beer tradition of Porto with this annual festival featuring tastings, concerts, and workshops.
- Beer Tastings: Taste a variety of beers from local and international breweries
- Live Music: Enjoy live performances by local and international artists
- Workshops: Learn about the brewing process and beer pairings through workshops led by experts
14. Porto Film Festival
Experience a diverse selection of films from around the world during this annual event.
- Film Screenings: Watch a variety of films from different genres and countries
- Director Q&A Sessions: Meet directors and actors during Q&A sessions after screenings
- Workshops and Panels: Learn about the film industry through workshops and panel discussions
15. Porto Fashion Week
Discover the latest fashion trends during this annual event featuring runway shows, pop-up shops, and workshops.
- Runway Shows: Watch local and international designers showcase their collections
- Pop-Up Shops: Shop exclusive items from participating designers
- Workshops and Panels: Learn about fashion design, styling, and other industry topics through workshops and panels