Immerse Yourself in Local Culture at Lisbon's Exciting Festivals
Lisbon Celebrations You Won’t Find Anywhere Else
The golden shores of Lisbon, its open squares, and beautiful buildings make an enchanting setting for festivals of all kinds. The lively city combines the spirit of a modern metropolis with a rich cultural history, meaning that some of the events that take place in the streets date back centuries to myth and legend, while others are new additions to the annual calendar.
Whether you’re into films or fish, parties or parades, Lisbon’s festivals will surely capture your attention. Experience big-name musicians onstage by the shore, fascinating local traditions, and incredible seafood at these events that bring Portugal’s many wonders to life.
1. New Year
Fireworks over the water
Good for: Nightlife, Photo
The streets of Lisbon come alive on the night of New Year’s Eve. The reflection of the fireworks in the Tagus and on the white walls of the buildings makes an already vibrant city even more spectacular. Some of the best places to see the fireworks are the Praça do Comércio, the viewpoint by the Christ the King statue, and, of course, a cruise on the river.
You could check out some of the special parties in the local nightclubs or find a street party to join. If you want a touch more local flavor, try some traditional Portuguese New Year dishes in one of Lisbon’s excellent restaurants. Bacalhau is very popular, and the bolo-rei cake is a must.
New Year
2. Lisbon Carnival
Bright colors, wild beats, time for a carnival
Good for: History, Photo
Roughly 40 days before Easter, the city of Lisbon bursts into color and activity as Lisbon Carnival comes to town. This celebration, based on the same traditions as Mardi Gras, is a party like no other. Bright costumes, music, and an infectious air of goodwill fill the streets.
Some of the best places to experience this for yourself are The Parque das Nações, where you’ll find the parades and hundreds of people in colorful costumes, and Bairro Alto, which hosts events and plenty of high-spirited people enjoying themselves. Wherever you wander around the city, you’ll find plenty of parties to enjoy during Carnival.
Lisbon Carnival
3. Peixe em Lisboa
A city-wide celebration of seafood
Good for: Budget, Food
Lisbon’s position on the coast where the Tagus meets the Atlantic Ocean has led to an incredible range of seafood being available. The city’s love for these ingredients led to the creation of Peixe em Lisboa, also known as the Lisbon Fish and Flavors festival. For more than a week, restaurants and chefs around the city dedicate themselves to bringing their joy for seafood to the masses.
Usually held in April, if you’re visiting while the festival’s on, you’ll find a mouthwatering array of fish and seafood dishes available, including Portuguese classics and innovative new takes. As well as the food, fun and educational events about fishing and sustainability can be found around the city.
Peixe em Lisboa
4. Rock in Rio Lisboa
Summer sun and incredible music
Good for: Couples, Nightlife
Rock in Rio, as you might expect from the name, began as a music festival in Brazil before flying across the Atlantic to Lisbon in 2004. Held every other year in June or July, the festival spans 4 days and takes place in Tejo Park, on the bank of the Tagus by Vasco da Gama Bridge.
Gather with thousands to let the music take over. The World Stage in Lisbon has hosted a variety of acts, from Doja Cat to Duran Duran and the Chemical Brothers to the Jonas Brothers. From the atmosphere of the crowd to the beautiful setting, it’s an incredible experience that you and your friends, old and new, will remember for decades to come.
Rock in Rio Lisboa
5. FIMFA
Astounding feats of puppetry in May
Good for: Families, Unusual
One of the most unique festivals in Lisbon is FIMFA, which stands for Festival Internacional de Marionetas e Formas Animadas, or the International Festival of Puppetry and Animated Forms. Yes, that’s right, a festival dedicated to the art of puppetry and animation. It’s been running since the start of the millennium and covers almost the whole of May.
Prepare to be amazed at the skill and artistry of the intricate puppets and lose yourself in the stories they tell. The puppets come in all shapes, sizes, and styles, and the performances cover the whole gamut from the weird and wonderful to the comedic. Book in advance, as many of the shows sell out.
FIMFA
6. Feast of Saint Anthony
Street decorations, parades, and a bellyful of sardines in June
Good for: Food, Unusual
June 13 is the Feast of St Anthony, but the city doesn’t just celebrate for one day. The whole of June is dedicated to the Festival of Sardines, as it’s known. If you’re a fan of fish, you’ll love it, with grilled sardines being served around every corner.
There are many traditions around the Feast of St Anthony, the patron saint of missing objects and matchmaking. These include a huge parade the day before, brightly colored decorations being hung in the streets, and a mass wedding on the actual feast day. It’s also traditional to give your loved ones a little potted plant called manjerico, a type of basil, on the feast day. So, why not take part yourself?
Feast of Saint Anthony
7. NOS Alive
Party time by the ocean in July
Good for: Nightlife, Photo
In July, thousands of people head on down to the beach at Passeio Marítimo de Algés, at the southwestern edge of Lisbon to NOS Alive. With 6 stages and 3–4 days of performances, this music festival is a haven for music fans of all kinds. Recent acts include Olivia Rodrigo and Benson Boone, as well as classics like Muse and Nine Inch Nails.
The festival has gone by a few different names since it first began in 2007, but it’s incredibly popular, with over 200,000 people coming to join in the fun in recent years. Grab some tickets and become part of the action.
NOS Alive
8. Festival dos Oceanos
Lisbon’s culture on display in August
Good for: Families, History
When the sun is high in the August sky, Lisbon brings culture and art to the forefront at the Festival dos Oceanos. Spanning 15 days, this festival is dedicated to Lisbon’s watery history, and many events are free of charge or cost little to enter.
Focused on the history and culture of the city, there is a host of events taking place across the city, and museums have special exhibits, staying open later than they usually would. For those wishing to submerge themselves in Lisbon’s rich heritage and understand more about the city and its past, this gives you the chance.
Festival dos Oceanos
9. MOTELx
Horror galore in September
Good for: Couples, Unusual
If you love to be scared, Lisbon’s annual horror film festival, MOTELx, should be on your to-do list in September. The festival invites filmmakers and movie buffs from all over the world to come together to celebrate and appreciate the horror genre. From psychological thrillers to gorefests and classic monster movies, you’ll find all sorts of subgenres represented, as well as documentaries and tributes to famous figures of the genre.
With prizes for feature films, short films, and even children’s horror, there’s a wide range of options available. The 7 days of films are preceded by parties and concerts to get everyone in the mood. Get your tickets, grab some popcorn, and get ready to be afraid, be very afraid.
MOTELx
10. Lisbon & Estoril Film Festival
International Film Festival in November
Good for: Couples, Families
The Lisbon & Estoril Film Festival is a highlight of the second half of the year in Lisbon’s calendar. Held in November every year, this festival, also known as LEFFEST, gathers together movie lovers of all types to watch and discuss films together.
You’ll find the festival at various venues around the city, including the São Jorge cinema, Tivoli BBVA Theatre, and the Casa do Comum do Bairro Alto cultural center. Big names from the world of film, directors, actors, and more, can often be found on the guest list, so you might spot them out and about. If you love good movies, a great atmosphere, and a beautiful location, don’t miss this festival.
Lisbon & Estoril Film Festival
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