Events in Porto, Portugal: culture, food and adventure

Porto, Portugal’s second‑largest city, is renowned for world‑class wine, dramatic riverside vistas and centuries of history. But one thing that truly brings the city to life is its dynamic calendar of events. From music and gastronomy festivals to local traditions, Porto offers experiences that appeal to every traveler.

In this guide, you’ll discover Porto’s top annual events, what to expect and tips for planning your trip.

Porto’s calendar is rich and varied, catering to culture seekers, food lovers, music fans and adventure travelers. Most events take place from spring through early autumn, but the festive season and winter holidays add unique charm.

Porto’s compact layout means you can easily pair events with outdoor adventures or wine tour experiences along the Douro.

From legendary street festivals and world-class music gatherings to wine celebrations and seasonal markets, Porto offers something for every kind of traveler. Find some of the city’s most iconic annual events to look out for.

Fantasporto (International Film Festival) – February / March
Portugal’s largest and oldest film festival celebrates fantasy, horror and science fiction cinema at the historic Teatro Rivoli. It attracts international filmmakers and cinephiles for screenings, awards and Q&A sessions.

Queima das Fitas do Porto (Burning of the Ribbons) – May
Porto’s university students celebrate the end of the academic year with concerts, parades and serenades. The whole city joins the fun: a lively, colourful week of music and tradition.

Festa de São João (Saint John’s Festival) – June 23–24
Porto’s most famous street festival fills the city with fireworks, balloons, grilled sardines and the joyful sound of plastic hammers. Expect a night-long celebration that blends devotion, dance and Douro side revelry.

Festival of Our Lord of Matosinhos (Festa do Senhor de Matosinhos) – May / June
One of Portugal’s most important religious festivals, combining faith, processions and light displays. The Matosinhos waterfront glows with thousands of bulbs and fairground energy.

Festival Internacional de Marionetas do Porto (Puppet Festival) – September
An acclaimed event celebrating the art of puppetry, with companies from around the world performing in theatres and public spaces across the city.

NOS Primavera Sound – late May / early June
Held in Parque da Cidade, this is Porto’s biggest contemporary music festival, bringing international headliners from indie, pop and electronic genres.

Serralves em Festa – early June
Europe’s largest contemporary arts festival offers 40 hours of non-stop music, dance, theatre and installations in the stunning Serralves Park and Museum.

MEO Marés Vivas Festival – July
Set on the Vila Nova de Gaia waterfront, this open-air music festival features global artists and a lively summer vibe with sunsets over the Atlantic.

Noites Ritual Rock – August
A long-running celebration of Portuguese rock, held in the gardens of Palácio de Cristal, showcasing local bands and emerging artists.

Porto Blue Jazz – September
Jazz lovers gather in the Jardins do Palácio de Cristal for outdoor concerts featuring national and international musicians.

Essência do Vinho – Porto – February / March
Hosted at Palácio da Bolsa, this prestigious event unites Portuguese and international producers for tastings, masterclasses and the annual “Top 10 Portuguese Wines” ranking.

Porto Wine Fest – May
Celebrating Porto’s most famous export, this riverside festival in Vila Nova de Gaia offers wine tastings, pairing sessions and live entertainment.

Vinho Verde Wine Fest – September
Held at Alfândega do Porto (the Customs House), this event highlights the fresh, vibrant wines of northern Portugal, alongside gastronomy and showcooking sessions.

Francesinha Festival (Festival da Francesinha) – October
Dedicated to Porto’s most iconic sandwich, this food fair brings together local restaurants to reinterpret the beloved francesinha in creative and delicious ways.

Grande Prémio do Porto (Historic Car Race) – June (biennial)
Classic racing cars roar through the historic Boavista circuit, combining nostalgia, engineering and speed on Porto’s coastal roads.

Porto Half Marathon – September
An energetic race along the Douro River that attracts thousands of runners each year, including international participants.

Maratona do Porto (Porto Marathon) – November
One of Portugal’s major marathons, starting and ending in Parque da Cidade, perfect for endurance runners seeking scenic views and local support.

Corrida de São Silvestre (Saint Silvester Run) – December
A festive night race through downtown Porto just before New Year’s Eve, open to all fitness levels.

Christmas Markets and Lights – December
From Avenida dos Aliados to Ribeira, Porto glows with festive markets, crafts, and mulled wine stands. The lights and music make it one of Europe’s coziest December destinations.

Feira do Artesanato do Porto (Crafts Fair) – December
An extensive fair featuring artisans from all over Portugal — ideal for unique gifts and local souvenirs.

New Year’s Eve in Porto – December 31
Thousands gather downtown for concerts and fireworks to welcome the new year with music and celebration along the Douro.

Month	Highlight events	Notes for visitors
February–March	Fantasporto, Essência do Vinho, Carnival celebrations	Great time for culture and wine lovers
April	Porto Interceltic Festival, Easter celebrations	Enjoy music and local traditions in spring bloom
May	Queima das Fitas, Festa do Senhor de Matosinhos, Porto Wine Fest	Perfect for spring festivals and tastings
June	NOS Primavera Sound, Serralves em Festa, Festa de São João, Rabelo Boat Races	Book early — peak festival season
July	MEO Marés Vivas, Folklore Festival of Porto	Best for outdoor concerts and cultural shows
August	Noites Ritual Rock, coastal festivities	Ideal for music and sea breezes
September	Puppet Festival, Vinho Verde Fest, Porto Blue Jazz, Half Marathon	Warm weather and fewer crowds
October	Francesinha Festival, harvest season	Gastronomy lovers’ highlight
November	Porto Marathon, cultural exhibitions	Perfect time for active travellers
December	Christmas Markets, Crafts Fair, São Silvestre Run, New Year’s Eve	Magical winter atmosphere in Porto

• Book accommodations early: popular festivals like Primavera Sound and Saint John’s fill up hotels and guesthouses quickly;
• Public transport and mobility: use Porto’s metro or e-bike systems to avoid traffic. Expect road closures during major street festivals;
• Day trips and side activities: use quieter morning hours for walking tours, river excursions, or wine tastings before the evening crowds arrive;
• Weather: Summer festival season is warm and sunny; spring and autumn may bring occasional rain, so pack layers;
• Local etiquette: wearing a plastic hammer at São João is tradition, not sarcasm! 

Porto’s festivals offer sensory immersion (music, food, fireworks), but pairing them with scenic biking, hiking, rail adventures, or wine walking experiences unlocks the region’s natural and historic beauty.

Authentic Trails offers tours that begin or end in Porto and weave through the Douro Valley, Minho region, or coastal landscapes, perfect complements to the city’s flamboyant events.

After a festival day, imagine cycling from Porto through rolling vineyards, or strolling through Douro wineries. Here are Authentic Trails tours that work beautifully around events in Porto, Portugal:

🚴 Minho to Porto Self‑Guided Bike Tour
Cycle from the lush green Minho region down to Porto’s riverside, enjoying local cuisine and historic towns along the way.

🚴 Porto to Coimbra Self‑Guided Bike Tour
Continue south from Porto to the university city of Coimbra, passing rural landscapes and local wineries.

🍷 Porto Douro Shortbreak Tour — Wine Walking Experience
A short break combining guided winery visits, Douro‑valley hikes, and Porto‑area wine tasting.

🚴 Fisherman Trail to Porto Self‑Guided Shortbreak Tour
Hike sections of the historic Fisherman’s Trail along Portugal’s Atlantic coast, ending at Porto’s waterfront.

⛰️ Porto and the Douro Valley Rail and Hike Tour
Travel by train into the Douro region, hiking scenic trails, then return to Porto refreshed.

🚴 Minho to Porto Self‑Guided Essential Bike Tour
A focused bicycle journey from Minho into Porto, with essential stops and local experiences.


If you’re searching for events in Porto, Portugal, you’ll find a vibrant array of cultural, culinary, and musical highlights throughout the year. The energy of Porto’s city festivals can be beautifully balanced with Authentic Trails’ immersive biking, hiking, Rioja‑valley‑style wine‑walking, and rail‑adventure itineraries. Whether you want the vibrancy of city nightlife or the serenity of Douro vineyards, Authentic Trails has tours that perfectly complement Porto’s event calendar.

Enjoy Porto’s events, then discover its countryside magic with Authentic Trails!