This summer will see Portugal come alive as an abundance of international entertainment, cultural and historical festivals make their way to the cities, beaches, rivers and rural environments.
As the entire country gets ready for months of festivities, now is the time to get ready and explore the unique atmosphere of Portugal, a country renowned for its love for a party!
With the UK as the largest source of tourists to Portugal, the country also seeks to maintain a smooth and stable process for British visitors having recently launched the “Brelcome”campaign with the slogan “Brelcome, Portugal will never leave you”.
For those looking for a summer of music, sun, sea, partying and 850km of beaches, Portugal offers the best combination of unmissable concerts and street festivals.
From the party goer looking for a once in a lifetime music festival on the beach, to the explorer seeking to delve into the history of one of Europe’s most historic religious street festivals, here is what the Portuguese summer has to offer between June and August.
June
Nos Primavera Sound, Porto 6-8th June –https://www.visitportugal.com/en/node/156022
June sees an electric alternative music festival in the lush setting of Portugal’s largest city park, featuring big names and fresh talent in Parque da Cidade. With Matosinhos beach just 30 metres away from the NOS Primavera Sound entrance, the wide expanse of golden sands is perfect for chasing waves and eating the best fresh fish in town when you’re not experiencing the next generation of international musical talent.
Festa de Santo António, Lisbon – 12th -13th June –https://www.visitportugal.com/en/content/festas-de-lisboa
June sees Lisbon transform into a destination of month long celebrations, with the sound of music and the scent of sardines filling the air of the city’s historic neighbourhoods.
One of the main celebrations is the Festa de Santo António on the 12th and 13th June, where the Alfama district in Lisbon hosts street entertainment, concerts, folk festivals and food stalls. Evenings are animated by traditional festivities in neighbourhoods from Castelo to Mouraria, Graça, Alfama, Ajuda and the Bairro Alto. Decorated with coloured globes and garlands, the city’s streets are invaded by the smell of roasted sardines and sweet basil accompanied by paper carnations and paintings that allude to Santo António.
Festa de São João, Porto – 23rd June
Festa de São João has been held on the 23rd June in Porto for over 600 years, as it pays tribute to St. John the Baptist. With street parties and music in the afternoon, the festival continues into the night, capturing the imagination of each and every individual. The festival is full of colour, sky lanters and baloons as well as a midnight firework display. Celebrations continue until dawn
July
NOS Alive’19, Lisbon 11th-13th July –https://www.visitportugal.com/en/content/nos-alive
Nominated as one of the 10 best European festivals, NOS Alive will return for its 13th edition at the Passeio Marítimo de Algés in July 2019. The concert takes place just off the beach and is perfect for the adrenaline seeking music fans who wish to listen to superb music and bask in the Portuguese sunset with a drink in hand. There is also the opportunity for those visiting the festival to enjoy the very best of Portuguese surfing as the adrenaline inducing waves provide the perfect chance to burn off some of that energy from the NOS Alive partying. The Ribeira d`Ilhas Beach, where one of the World Surfing Championship contests is held every year is one of the most exhilarating surfing experiences in the country, whilst Carcavelos is the largest beach on the Lisbon/Cascais coastline and is the birthplace of Portuguese surfing.
Super Bock Super Rock Festival, Sesimbra 18th -20th July – https://www.visitportugal.com/en/content/super-bock-super-rock
This festival, which many have already called “chameleon” for its willingness to reinvent itself over the years, and after having passed through the Parque das Nações in Lisbon, it is returning to its original stage in Meco, Sesimbra, closer to the beach. In 2019, there will be more space available, with a campsite and a bigger parking area, although direct transport between Super Bock Super Rock and Lisbon will be ensured.
Músicas no mundo, Alentejo 18th -27th July – https://www.visitportugal.com/en/node/155813
The programme of FMM Sines, Músicas no mundo embraces and transcends the scope of world music. It is open to folk, jazz, alternative music, fusion and urban music. More than just a world music or traditional roots music festival, FMM Sines strives to discover the music of the real world as it is made and experienced in our times. Visitors can also begin a spectacular tour of Rota Vicentina whilst they are there, as the venue is just off the Alentejo coast.
Tomorrowland, Porto 27th July –https://www.tomorrowland.com/en/unite-portugal/en/welcome
As one of the most exciting announcements for the region in recent years, world renowned music festival Tomorrowland is coming to Porto in July at theParque Oriental da Cicade. An event held in a setting inspired by Tomorrowland, Belgium, welcoming a well-curated line-up of local and international artists, it’s a unique show that allows you to escape reality and join a world beyond your dreams. Discover the magic of UNITE in Porto, bringing the people of Tomorrowland together to enjoy unity and experience the euphoria of one of the entertainment industries flagship events.
August
MEO Sudoeste, Zambujeira 6th – 10th August –https://www.visitportugal.com/en/content/meo-sudoeste
MEO Sudoeste has become the home for thousands of festival goers who travel to Zambujeira do Mar, in the southwest Portuguese coast every year.
The 23rd edition takes place from 6-10th August, with the camping site opening on August 3rd, but it’s never too soon to prepare the comeback to the favorite place of those who choose music with a unique Summer mood, near some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. This year will see global stars such as Rita Ora, Post Malone, Years & Years and Steve Aoki grace the stage.
Vodafone Paredes de Coura Festival, Porto 14th -17th August –https://www.visitportugal.com/en/content/vodafone-paredes-de-coura
The oldest and most charismatic Portuguese festival has made history in discovering new musical promises and presenting the most renowned musicians worldwide. For those who want to make the most of nature contact and live fully the festival spirit, the best option is to buy the four-day pass that offers free camping. On the river beach at Taboão, it is a good example of a heavenly setting in the midst of nature. Bike rides, trekking, canoeing and river bathing are just a few of the suggestions that can perfectly complement a few truly well-spent days
Festival Bons Sons, Tomar 8th -11th August –https://www.visitportugal.com/en/content/festival-bons-sons
In mid-August in the village of Cem Soldos near Tomar, the Bons Sons Festival spotlights the best of Portuguese music, embracing all genres and open to all generations.
More than a festival, Bons Sons is a unique experience since the festival venue is the actual village, which accommodates eight stages, perfectly incorporated into its streets, squares, churches, and other local facilities, each with a different programming line.
