All About Music Festivals in Portugal
The music festival scene in Portugal is vibrant and diverse, offering a wide range of genres and experiences for music lovers. In this article we’ll tell you all about the main music festivals in the country – including dates, names and location – so that you can have the best summer and the best time ever!
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Portugal’s music festivals cater to a broad spectrum of musical tastes. You can find festivals dedicated to rock, pop, indie, EDM, jazz, hip-hop, and more. This diversity ensures there is something for everyone, regardless of their musical preferences. Moreover, they also take place in breathtaking locations, adding to the overall experience. From urban settings like Lisbon and Porto to scenic coastal areas like Ericeira or river beaches in the middle of nature like Paredes de Coura, these festivals offer not only great music, but also stunning surroundings.
Plus, some festivals in Portugal go beyond just music and incorporate unique themes, concepts, or experiences. These can range from sustainability-focused festivals like Boom Festival to events that combine music with art installations, workshops, and cultural activities! Let’s go over all of them by date.
Music Festivals in Portugal: By date
Primavera Sound Porto, June 7th – 10th
Just like the name says, Primavera Sound still takes place in Spring and is the first big music festival of the year in Portugal! It takes place in Parque da Cidade and this year’s edition will last four days, instead of the usual three. It borrows its alternative and community-driven approach from its original – Primavera Sound Barcelona. It’s also next to the beach, so it won’t be too hot during the day. At night, definitely remember to bring a jacket! This year’s headliners are Kendrick Lamar, Rosalía, Blur and New Order.
Sumol Summer Fest, June 30th – July 1st
Located in Ericeira beach and mostly dedicated to Portuguese artists, Sumol Summer Fest is perfect if you want to get to know the hip-hop music scene in Portugal. It’s rather small and cozy and it’s also pretty much obligatory to camp! Some of the names that will be present are Wiz Khalifa, Popcaan, Profjam and Matuê.
Rolling Loud, July 5th – 7th
A rather recent installation in Portugal’s music festival scene. You are probably familiar with the American festival – this is the Portuguese edition, and here its high-energy performances and vibrant atmosphere are amplified. It’s the perfect experience for hip hop lovers! It all happens on a beach – ‘Praia da Rocha’, in the Algarve -, though, so be aware if you’re not a fan of sand. The main artists this year are Travis Scott, Playboi Carti and Lil Uzi Vert.
NOS Alive, July 6th – 8th
This is the biggest and, arguably, most mainstream music festival in Portugal. NOS Alive has a knack for booking some of the biggest names in the industry, as well as showcasing up-and-coming talent, making it a dynamic and exciting event for attendees. This year’s headliners are Lil Nas X, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Idles and Lizzo. It also happens around Lisbon, in Passeio Marítimo de Algés. Even though it is next to the beach, there’s no place to hide from the sun, so it can get quite hot – be careful!
EDP Cool Jazz, July 8th – 29th
EDP Cool Jazz is not consecutive- it happens on selected days throughout the month of July. As the name suggests, it’s a celebration of jazz! It’s set in the beautiful gardens of the Parque dos Poetas in Oeiras, just outside Lisbon. The natural surroundings, combined with the cool summer evenings, create the perfect backdrop for the enchanting performances. This year’s main names are Lionel Richie, Ben Harper, Bruno Pernadas and Kings of Convenience.
Super Bock Super Rock, July 13th – 15th
Also of the Portuguese music festival staples. It has happened in Lisbon previously, but this year it is returning to its original home in Praia do Meco, Sesimbra. SBSR is known for its alternative and diverse approach, and this year is no different. The main names are Steve Lacy, Wu-Tang Clan, Kaytranada and PinkPantheress. It’s also typical to camp for this one, especially since getting there by car can be a little difficult.
MEO Marés Vivas, July 14th – 16th
Once a big name for music festivals, it has fallen down in recent years. But that also makes it cheaper, for example! MEO Marés Vivas happens in Praia da Madalena, in Vila Nova de Gaia, right next to Porto and it can be a great way to experience local life! This year’s headliners are J Balvin, Black Eyed Peas and Da Weasel – a popular Portuguese hip-hop duo.
MEO Sudoeste, August 9th – 12th
MEO Sudoeste takes place in Zambujeira do Mar, a coastal village in the Alentejo. With a beautiful beach and stunning natural scenery, the festival’s location offers a unique atmosphere in the south of the country. However, you should be aware that it is heavily targeted towards younger people and teens as a whole camping experience – the music is a little secondary to the festival. Some of the names this year include David Guetta, Metro Boomin and Steve Aoki.
Neopop Festival, August 10th – 12th
Neopop Festival is an internationally renowned electronic music festival that takes place in Viana do Castelo, in northern Portugal. It is known for its cutting-edge lineup and immersive atmosphere, attracting electronic music enthusiasts from all around the globe! It is also perfect if you want to explore the lesser known parts of Portugal. This year you can expect to see ARTBAT, Honey Dijon, Ben Klock and Nina Kravitz.
Vodafone Paredes de Coura, August 16th – 19th
Also great for exploring the lesser known parts of Portugal. It takes place in the village from which it borrows its name – Paredes de Coura. It’s alternative music-oriented, mostly towards a heavier vibe but with great diversity. Especially this year with some of the names being Jessie Ware, Lorde, Black Midi, Squid and Little Simz. It gets quite cold at night due to the river, so be aware!
EDP Vilar de Mouros, August 24th – 26th
Vilar de Mouros is often referred to as “the Woodstock of Portugal” – it’s one of the oldest music festivals in the country and it never let go of its commitment to rock and alternative music. The intimate and immersive setting and the energy of the crowd, combined with the natural surroundings, create an electrifying atmosphere that is very unique to the festival. Definitely a must for rock fans!
MEO Kalorama, August 31st – September 2nd
Also a newcomer to the music festival scene in Portugal, as this will only be its second edition. But don’t be fooled, it has already made a name for itself! It’s rather similar to NOS Alive when it comes to range of genres and mainstream-ability, but a little more niche. Especially this year, the lineup is great, with names like Arcade Fire, Aphex Twin, Florence + the Machine and Arca. Plus, Kalorama is located right in the heart of Lisbon – in Parque da Bela Vista -, so accommodation won’t be a problem.
Overall, the music festival scene in Portugal is thriving, with a wide range of festivals catering to different tastes and preferences. Whether you’re looking for mainstream acts, alternative sounds, electronic beats, or a fusion of genres, you’re bound to find a festival that suits your musical interests in Portugal!
