Each year, especially in summer, Portugal’s music festival calendar is packed with big-name artists, major festival line-ups and smaller boutique events. Expect to find music festivals in Portugal’s big cities of Lisbon and Porto, plus down south on the beaches of the Algarve and in secret countryside locations in 2024. I’m a huge fan of events and festivals in Portugal and have always been super impressed with how well organised each major festival event has been.
From mega music festivals to camping by a creek to classic tunes in an unreal setting, here are the best music festivals rocking Portugal in 2024.
Note: I’ll add to this list as I hear about more music festivals and big events. Each summer there are often free pop-up music events in gardens too, so stay tuned. This information was accurate at the moment of publishing, but things change so check with individual organisers 🙂
Culture vulture? Check out these traditional events.. Food is life? It sure is in Portugal.Medieval minstrel? Step this way.
What’s it like to attend a music festival in Portugal?
I’ve found the vibe is super relaxed and fun. Comparing music festivals in Portugal to Australia, I find Portuguese ones are smaller and more boutique in feel, which means less overlaps and stage clashes (yay!) and a more chill vibe.
Portuguese crowds are amazing. They are super respectful, everyone gives you space, and there’s always room to squeeze closer to the front. Best of all, if you’re tall like I am, you’re almost guaranteed a great view. Festivals here make you purchase a reusable cup, so the mosh pits usually have very little rubbish on the ground.
As mentioned, I’m usually very impressed by the level of organisation of Portuguese music festivals. The bathrooms are plentiful and there’s usually paper and soap available. There’s usually a mix of pop-up containers with washrooms and those port-a-potties we all hate. Some big music festivals I’ve attended have had hand-washing stations spread across the grounds too, which was helpful when grabbing food.
I once witnessed a girl trip over a concrete gutter, skin her knee and within 60 seconds there were medics there with a wheelchair and first aid. Seriously, the organisation of Portuguese music festivals is usually top-notch.
Food wise, it can be fairly basic with hamburgers, kebabs and fried chicken, but I’ve seen it improve drastically over the past few years. Now there are great vegan options, healthy food stalls, and I’ve even seen dumplings and ceviche at music festivals.
Related blog: A complete guide to the best festivals in Portugal
The best Portuguese music festivals in 2024
July
Festival Jardins do Marquês
When: 3-10 July 2024
Where: Oeiras, west of Lisbon
This sophisticated music festival brings a line-up of concerts to the beautiful historic gardens and palace of Marquês in Oeiras, west of Lisbon. Combining food and gastronomy, expect a relaxed series of concerts with food. In 2024 Patti Smith Quartet and Djavan have been announced.
Related blog: 11 best viewpoints in Lisbon
Sumol Summer Fest
When: 5-6 July 2024
Where: Praia de São João, da Caparica, south of Lisbon
Combining bands and the beach, the 14th edition of this start-of-summer music festival brought a fun line-up to the coastline south of Lisbon. Better yet, with a festival pass you can enjoy camping and relax into the warm vibes and cool tunes.
NOS Alive
When: 11-13 July 2024
Where: Passeio Marítimo de Algés, Lisbon
NOS Alive always brings a brilliant and varied line-up to Lisbon, and artists have been announced for 2024 – Dua Lipa, The Smashing Pumpkins, Nothing But Thieves, Pearl Jam, Sum 41, Michel Kiwanuka, T-Rex, and many more. I find NOS Alive is always super well organised and great to attend (Ladies, I’m talking next to no bathroom queues at a really, really big summer music festival. Awesome).
More information
Good to know: You can easily stay in Lisbon and take a short train, tram or taxi to the festival grounds on the riverbank west of the city. To be closer to the action, stay in Alges – but know that the music doesn’t really start until 5pm.
RFM SOMNII
When: 5-7 July 2024
Where: Praia do Relógio, Figueira da Foz
Join this massive sunset party on the shores of what, quite frankly, might be the biggest beach I’ve ever seen. Taking place at Praia do Relógio in Figueira da Foz, expect brilliant DJs, sunshine, sand and electronic music.
Related Blog: 9 best things to do in Figueira da Foz
BR Fest
When: 13-14 July 2024
Where: Praia do Relógio, na Figueira da Foz
This is Portugal’s biggest beach festival dedicated to Brazilian music and culture. Back for a second year in 2024, this festivals will bring the best vibes to this side of the Atlantic. Expect to dance with your feet in the sand, celebrating people, music, cultural diversity and inclusion of everyone, regardless of age, gender or origin. “A festival with open arms to the world, where the vibe is pure joy and harmony.”
Summer Opening
When: 12-13, 19-20 July 2024
Where: Parque de Santa Catarina, Funchal, Madeira Island
This urban music festival brings a sound feast to the heart of Madeira. Taking over Parque de Santa Catarina, expect two days of hip-hop, reggae, funk and soul.
MEO Marés Vivas Festival
When: 19-21 July 2024
Where: Vila Nova de Gaia, Porto
This urban music festival brought a strong line-up of international acts in 2023, including Black Eyed Peas and Xavier Rudd, and popular Portuguese artists, like Slow J and Os Quatro e Meia, to the shores of Vila Nova de Gaia. Artists for 2024 include Take That and D’ZRT, with more to come.
EDP Cool Jazz
When: 1-31 July 2024
Where: Cascais, west of Lisbon
Summer nights in gorgeous gardens with the sweet, sweet sound of jazz – that’s Cool Jazz. This festival brings big name artists, contemporary singers and instrumentalists to open-air venues in Cascais. You can already buy 2024 tickets for concerts with Diana Krall, Fat Freddy’s Drop, and Jamie Cullum.
Good to know: Cascais is close to Lisbon. You could choose to stay in the coastal town of Cascais, or stay in downtown Lisbon and take the train.
Super Bock Super Rock
When: 18-20 July 2024
Where: Meco Beach, south of Lisbon
In 2024, Italian rock band Måneskin are headlining along with Royal Blood, with more to be announced. In 2023 we saw 1975, Franz Ferdinand, Steve Lacy and more descend on Meco, south of Lisbon and close to the beach. Choose to camp or take direct transport to Lisbon and enjoy this major Portuguese music festival. Super Bock Super Rock always delivers a brilliant international line-up and is one of the best music festivals in Portugal.
Good to know: This major festival near Lisbon is a little hard to reach. Make a plan to camp at the festival, take the coach or organise accommodation close by Aldeia do Meco.
Related Blog: Best food festivals and events in Portugal
Marvão International Music Festival
When: 19-28 July 2024
Where: Marvão, Alentejo region east of Lisbon
If you like boutique festivals follow this one to Marvão, where classical music invades the hilltop fortified village deep in the Alentejo. A thoughtful program brings musicians from across the world and links classical music to other artforms, like dance, in a dream-like setting.
Solnaro
When: 27 July 2024
Where: Multiusos de Gondomar, Gondomar – 10km east of Porto
This Portuguese music festival brings hip-hop, rap, trap and other urban music styles to Porto. Confirmed on the line-up for 2024 so far are Angerfist and Derek.
August
Meo Monte Verde
When: 9-11 August 2024
Where: Praia do Monte Verde, Ribeira Grande, São Miguel Island, Açores
This music festival is bringing its 10th edition to the idyllic Azorean island of São Miguel in 2024. With the line-up still to come, I’ll let you know 2023 featured Steve Aoki, Delfins, Hybrid Theory, Lukas Graham, Rui Veloso, T-Rex and more.
MEO Sudoeste Festival
When: 7-10 August 2024
Where: Zambujeira do Mar, Alentejo Coast
This chilled summer festival takes place in the small fishing village of Zambujeira do Mar along the Alentejo Coast. Go for five days of bands and festival fun, with free camping included in the price. Camping opens a few days early so you can have a cheap holiday by the beach too.
Neopop
When: 8-10 August 2024
Where: Viana do Castelo, north of Porto
One of the largest and best electronic music festivals in Portugal pops up in Viana do Castelo each year. Get tickets to see international talent and up-and-coming artists.
BONS SONS
When: 8-10 August 2024
Where: Cem Soldos, Tomar
This special music festival is a place to discover young and old, emerging and established Portuguese music. It takes place in Aldeia de Cem Soldos, a small village near Tomar building a contemporary and cultural movement in the countryside. It’s a unique experience with 8 stages integrated into its streets, squares, squares, church and more.
Related Blog: How to spend 48 hours in Porto
Vodafone Paredes de Coura Festival
When: 14-17 August 2024
Where: Taboão river beach, near Parades de Coura, north of Porto
This alternative rock festival is a party in a spectacular location. Taking place on the banks of a river beach with a natural amphitheatre, expect a few days of relaxed camping and music while being immersed in nature. The 2023 line-up included Lorde, Little Simz, Wilco and more. In 2024, Cat Power, Sleater-Kinney, FONTAINES D.C. and more are confirmed.
OperaFest Lisboa
When: 22 August – 11 September 2024
Where: Jardim do Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga, Lisbon
This out-of-the-box festival brings Opera into a new setting. The theme for 2023 was “between heaven and hell” and featured the two most performed operas of all time “Carmen” by Bizet and Mozart’s “The Magic Flute”. Plus there was a contemporary opera contest and a divine and evil operatic rave.
Related Blog: 18 best medieval and historic events in Portugal
Vilar de Mouros 2024
When: 21-24 August 2024
Where: Vilar de Mouros, Caminha – one-hour north of Porto
Queens of the Stone Age have been announced to play the oldest festival in Iberia. Two days sold out last year, so don’t delay if you’re keen to attend this Portuguese music festival in 2024.
MEO Kalorama
When: 29-31 August 2024
Where: Parque da Bela Vista, Lisbon
In 2024, LCD Soundsystem, Massive Attack, Sam Smith, Jungle, Peggy Gou, and many more are on the line-up for this major three-day festival in Lisbon, taking place at a massive park within the city limits.
Good to know: This festival happens in the heart of Lisbon, so you can book accommodation in the city.
Azores Burning Summer
When: 30-31 August 2024
Where: Parque dos Moinhos, São Miguel, Açores
The 10th edition of this Portuguese summer music festival combine nature, music and community in the Azores. Mayra Andrade and Moullinex will headline this summer festival on the lush Azorean Island, São Miguel.
September
MIL Lisboa
When: 25-27 September 2024
Where: Lisbon
This festival brings a line-up of the best up-and-coming talent from across Europe to Portugal. Rather than have a single festival ground, it plays out across Pink Street and Cais do Sodre, taking over music venues and nightclubs.
October
Festival Iminente
When: 14 & 15 October 2023 (2024 dates TBC)
Where: Terreiro de Paço, Lisbon
This very cool and cutting-edge festival has brought an interesting mix of music and art to Lisbon for the past few years. The 2023 edition was, surprisingly, free, and offers a really cool lineup with loads of top Portuguese artists to discover. It was held downtown by the water at Terreiro de Paço, but the location of this festival is known to change.
November 2024
Amplifest 2024
When: 9-10 November 2024
Where: Hard Club, Porto
One of Europe’s top underground music, art and culture festivals, this might be the final call for this independent event – so don’t miss it. It’s put on by a Portuguese music promotor, Amplificasom, who will be pouring their heart and soul into the 10th edition of this festival.
Super Bock em Stock
When: 24 & 25 November 2023 (2024 TBC)
Where: Lisbon
This is one of my favourite alternative music festivals in Lisbon. Over two nights around 50 artists perform at a dozen venues scattered across Avenida da Liberdade. You get a wristband and then bounce between theatres, cinemas, music rooms and pop-up venues to catch sets from up-and-coming local and international artists. Brilliant couple of nights out.
Music events and festivals in 2025:
March 2025
Tremor Festival
When: 19-23 March 2024 (2025 dates TBC)
Where: São Miguel Island, Azores
This alternative music and arts festival returns to the Azores’ largest island with a series of creative residencies. Its aim is to rethink Azorean heritage through the scope of music and art. Expect concerts, surprise moments, performative walks, talks, and more.
May
North Music Festival
When: 24-26 May 2024 (2025 dates TBC)
Where: Parque de Serralves, Porto
In 2023 Robbie Williams anchored this music festival that promises a chilled vibe, great stages, a food court and entertainment throughout the day. In 2024 the first headliner announced is Keane, and it will be held at the beautiful Parque de Serralves.
June
Coala Festival
When: 1-2 June 2024
Where: Hipódromo Manuel Possolo, Cascais – 30-minute train from Lisbon
This new-to-Portugal festival first made a splash in São Paulo, Brazil, back in 2014. The idea was to provide a stage for emerging artists, and it’s since become a huge festival. The Portuguese edition in Cascais, close to Lisbon, has a focus on musicians who sing in Portuguese. The first confirmed artists are Gilberto Gil, Baiana System, Mayra Andrade and Carminho – more to be announced soon.
NOS Primavera Sound
When: 6-8 June 2024
Where: Parque da Cidade, Porto
This major music festival takes over Porto each June, bringing a killer line-up of national and international artists to multiple stages within the Parque da Cidade (City Park). The year 2023 brought Kendrick Lamar, Pet Shop Boys, Rosalia, FKA Twigs and more to Portugal.
Good to know: As one of Porto’s biggest summer festivals, you want to plan ahead. If you need accommodation, book early. This music festival is held near the coast, so it would be better to stay in Matosinhos or Foz do Douro than the city centre (if you can).
Casa Do Lisbaï: Volume 2
When: 15 June 2024
Where: Private House in Monsanto Park, Lisbon
This Juen the second edition of Casa Do Lisbaï arrives with a 12-hour pool party at “the mayor’s house”. Brought to us by a Lisbon-based music label, you can expect summer vibes and groovy house music (from disco to afro house to tech and more) by the pool, with multiple stages pumping tunes from 2pm until 2am. There will also be bars, a market, and food trucks.
Rock in Rio 2024
When: 15-16 & 22-23 June 2024
Where: Passeio do Tejo, Lisbon
Originally from Brazil, Rock in Rio is the largest music festival in the world – and for the past 20 years it’s held an edition in Lisbon every two years. It returns in 2024 with two weekends and a stellar lineup, with Ed Sheeran, Doja Cat, Camila Cabello, Scorpions, and Evanescence on the bill.
LISB-ON #JardimSonoro
When: 28, 29 & 30 June 2024
Where: Jardim Keil do Amaral, Monsanto, Lisboa
LISB-ON falls somewhere between chill-out and techno, with a touch of disco, house, jazz, soul, funk, and electronic pop too. Bringing DJs and concerts to Lisbon’s largest park, the urban festival “brings the party into the daylight” with a focus on diversity and quality sounds from national and international artists.
Have I missed any epic 2024 music festivals in Portugal? Leave me a comment below…
One Response
That’s very helpful, thanks!