Top Experiences
BEST PORTO TOURS & TICKETS
Save up to 60% on accommodation
FIND THE PERFECT PORTO STAY
- Add travel dates for best deals
- Add guests & filters
- Zoom out to expand search
Porto’s lively cultural scene is punctuated by a host of festivals and events throughout the year, offering a chance for visitors to immerse themselves in the city’s unique traditions and spirit.
Held annually on June 23rd and 24th, the São João Festival is Porto’s largest and most famous celebration. This lively event commemorates Saint John the Baptist and features street parties, colourful decorations, live music, and fireworks. Locals and visitors alike come together to share in the festivities, hitting each other playfully with plastic hammers or leek bouquets as a sign of affection.
Held annually on June 23rd and 24th, the São João Festival is Porto’s largest and most famous celebration. This lively event commemorates Saint John the Baptist and features street parties, colourful decorations, live music, and fireworks. Locals and visitors alike come together to share in the festivities, hitting each other playfully with plastic hammers or leek bouquets as a sign of affection.
A renowned international film festival, Fantasporto takes place every February or March, showcasing the best in fantasy, horror, and science fiction cinema. Attracting film enthusiasts and industry professionals from around the world, this event celebrates creative storytelling and supports independent filmmaking through screenings, panel discussions, and award ceremonies.
Held in August, the Festa de São Bartolomeu is an important religious and cultural event in Porto. This vibrant celebration honors Saint Bartholomew and features an iconic procession called “Cortejo do Traje de Papel,” in which participants don elaborate paper costumes depicting various themes. The event also includes traditional games, folk music, and dance performances, offering a unique glimpse into the city’s rich cultural heritage.
For fans of comic books, animation, and pop culture, AnimaComics is an exciting event held in July each year. This festival brings together artists, creators, and enthusiasts to celebrate the world of comics and animation through workshops, exhibitions, and panel discussions. Visitors can also enjoy various cosplay activities, gaming tournaments, and live performances.
Whether you’re visiting Porto during one of its renowned events or happen upon a local celebration during your stay, don’t miss the opportunity to experience the city’s exuberant spirit and rich cultural heritage.
In 2024, Porto’s cobblestone streets and sun-drenched plazas will pulse with the rhythm of a diverse and electrifying festival scene. From the verdant expanse of Serralves Park to the sandy shores of Leça da Palmeira, each corner of this historic city will transform into a stage for musical expression.
May 24-26
As spring blooms in Serralves Park, so does the North Music Festival. Headliners Keane, Tom Odell, and Myke Towers will ignite the main stage, while a curated selection of emerging artists will offer sonic discoveries around every corner.
June 6-8
Parque da Cidade becomes an indie haven for three days, drawing music aficionados from around the globe. Icons like PJ Harvey, SZA, Lana Del Rey, Pulp, and The National will headline, but the real magic lies in uncovering hidden gems like American Football and Water from your eyes.
June 28-29
Trade your dancing shoes for flip-flops as Leça da Palmeira’s golden sands transform into a pulsating dance floor. DJ Hardwell and “Goddess of Hardcore” Miss K8 will command the decks, ensuring the party rages on under the stars.
Dates TBA
Get ready to immerse yourself in the world of electronic music. Parque da Pasteleira will host an otherworldly experience, where cutting-edge beats and visual spectacles will leave you breathless. While the full lineup is yet to be revealed, past appearances by Ricardo Villalobos and Jan Blomqvist set the bar high.
July 19-21
The Douro River and the Atlantic Ocean provide a dramatic setting for this multi-genre festival. From pop, icons Take That to Portuguese favourites D’ZRT, Meo Marés Vivas offers a diverse lineup that will resonate with every musical taste.
Porto is more than a destination – it’s a feeling, a melody, a story waiting to be written. Let the festivals of 2024 be your muse as you explore the city’s vibrant culture, indulge in its culinary delights, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
BEST PORTO TOURS & TICKETS
FIND THE PERFECT PORTO STAY