When: 21-25 May 2025
This annual Portuguese design fair is for lovers of high-end contemporary collectables, craft, and design. Go to rub shoulders with Lisbon’s design scene, from collectors and art consultants to interior designers and real estate developers.
Where: Gomes Freire Palace, Lisbon, 1 hr. S by car/40 min. by train
When: 22-26 May 2025
This is one of the most traditional Ribatejo festivals, where you’ll see some of the main streets covered in sand so traditional herdsmen) can ride horses and lead livestock. Expect equestrian activities, grilled sardines, and some bull-fighting traditions.
his is one of the most traditional Ribatejo festivals, where you’ll see some of the main streets covered in sand so campinos (traditional herdsmen) can ride horses and lead livestock. Expect equestrian activities, grilled sardines, and some bull fighting traditions.
Where: Azambuja, 8 minutes S of us
When: 22-25 May 2025
The May Fair, one of the most emblematic events in Moita, traditionally takes place on one of the last weekends of May, and animates Moita with four days of various events. This year's edition takes place between the 22nd and 25th of May.
With an extensive entertainment program, where events related to "festa brava" stand out, such as bullfights and cattle contests. You can count on many taverns, street entertainment, concerts, bullfights and bullfights, and much more. Don't miss the opportunity to get to know this interesting and traditional festival.
Where: Moita, 1 hr. S of us
When: 27 June until 24 August 2025
Since 1964, this open-air artisan festival has popped up in a beautiful garden next to the casino. It’s popular in the evenings, when you can shop dozens and dozens of artisan stalls.
Where: Estoril, 1 hour SW of us
When: 4-6 July 2025
About 20 minutes north of Lisbon, the biggest event in Vila Franca de Xira feels a world away from city life. Festa do Colete Encarnado (or Festival of the Red Waistcoat) is a three-day festival that takes its name from the traditional red waistcoats worn by campinos or cowboys/bull fighters. Day one features a parade celebrating the campino, then the bulls are let loose on the streets and silly young men try to avoid the carnage – there have been casualties in the past.
Where: Vila Franca de Xira, 35 minutes S of us
When: 30 July – 10 August 2025
Viagem Medieval (Medieval Journey) is Europe’s largest medieval recreation event, held annually in Santa Maria da Feira. More than 1,600 performers bring the Middle Ages to life over 12 days of festivities. Each year has a different theme and tells a new story of Portugal’s history. There is a small entry fee, plus you can book costumes.
Where: Santa Maria da Feira, 2 hr. 15 min. N of us
When: 12-15 September 2024 (2025 TBC)
Alma do Vinho is one of Portugal’s largest wine festivals, and the program combines tasting top quality wine with huge concerts, grape stomping, chefs, and exhibits. You pay entry and get a wine glass to taste unlimited amounts of wine, then party until the wee hours with live music.
Where: Alenquer, 30 minutes SW of us
When: 12-14 September 2025
This festival of arts brings performance to the streets of Tomar over one huge weekend. Artists from all over the world will showcase creativity, culture and fun.
Where: Tomar, 1 hour N of us
When: 20-21 September 2025
Chefs on Fire is the jewel in the crown of Portugal’s food festivals. Set in a beautiful park, beneath towering pine trees, some of Portugal’s most highly regarded and Michelin-starred chefs cook up a feast using only fire. Each day chefs and food changes, along with a line-up of great bands and musicians too. Unmissable.
Where: FIARTIL, Estoril, 1 hour SW of us
When: 17-26 October 2025
Since the 17th century, Tomar has celebrated Santa Iria, the city’s patron saint. Usually it lasts for 10 days, falling over 20 October. On that day Santa Iria is carried in procession and children throw petals into the river to evoke her martyrdom. The fair has concerts, events, markets and more.
Where: Tomar, 1 hour N of us
When: 25 October – 3 November 2024 (2025 TBC)
The smaller city of Santarém tries to represent all of Portugal’s rich regional cuisines in one big showcase. Held for more than 40 years, you’ll find a bit of everything at this food festival, with cuisine from the north to south to the islands of Azores and Madeira. Expect food stalls, cooking demonstrations, wine tastings and more, plus confrarias from across Portugal.
Where: Santarém, 30 min. N of us
When: Early November 2025
Each November the Feira de São Martinho (or the Feira Nacional do Cavalo slash National Horse Fair) brings bullfighting, horse parades and traditional fun to the town of Golegã. Located in the Ribatejo north of Lisbon, the town is known as the horse capital of Portugal and is famous for the renowned Lusitano breed. Each year around Saint Martin’s Day (11 November), people descend on the town for fun, food, and wine (and to buy horses).
Where: Golegã, 1 hour N of us