May is probably the best month to visit Lisbon (feel free to disagree—but we doubt you will). The rainy season is over, and the weather is still pleasant enough to walk around the city in the afternoon. Evenings are cooled by the ocean breeze, perfect for unwinding with a drink after a day exploring the city’s landmarks.
Another reason to love Lisbon in May? The concerts, of course! You’ll soon see for yourself what we’re talking about. But we’re not all about concerts this month—we’ve also included a list of exhibitions you can add to your must-visit list.
As such, here are the 8 best events happening in Lisbon in May 2025:
1. Pixies: The Night The Zombies Came Tour
When: May 10, 2025
Where: Sagres Campo Pequeno, Centro de Lazer do, Campo Pequeno, 1000-082 Lisboa
How much: €29-€48
Here Comes Your Man, All I Think About Now, Greens and Blues… On May 10, 2025, the legendary alternative rock band Pixies will perform at Sagres Campo Pequeno in Lisbon. And you can listen to all their hits live for a solid dose of nostalgia.
The performance is part of their European tour The Night The Zombies Came. The concert will showcase their 10th studio album, which blends dark, cinematic themes with elements of folk, punk, and science fiction, all delivered in the Pixies’ unmistakable style! You can expect a setlist featuring both new and classic hits, with support from special guests The Pale White.
So, lovers of rock, alternative music, and anyone interested in listening to a band that has shaped the sound of modern rock—see you on May 10 at Sagres Campo Pequeno!
2. Tate McRae: Miss Possessive Tour
When: May 7, 7:30 p.m.
Where: MEO Arena, Rossio dos Olivais, 1990-231 Lisboa
How much: €49-€339
Tate McRae, the star of the reality TV series So You Think You Can Dance and one of the most famous pop singers in the world, is coming to Lisbon on May 7.
Chances are—you probably know her songs even if you don’t recognize her name—that’s how popular Tate McRae is!
So, if you want to have some fun and dance to some of the world’s best pop hits, head to MEO Arena on May 7. You won’t regret it!
3. Ivete Sangalo Concert
When: May 25, 2025, 8 p.m.
Where: MEO Arena, Rossio dos Olivais, 1990-231 Lisboa
How much: €35-€80
Celebrating three decades in music, Brazilian superstar Ivete Sangalo will light up Lisbon’s MEO Arena on May 25, 2025, with her A Festa tour.
She is a Brazilian singer and actress and is widely known as the Queen of Brazil! Her concerts are praised for their infectious rhythms, vibrant stage production, and irresistible energy, so if you want to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience in Lisbon, this could be it.
Without a doubt, with over 300 songs and 18 million albums sold, Ivete is a powerhouse of Latin pop and axé music!
4. The Lumineers Concert
When: May 2, 2025, 7:45 p.m.
Where: MEO Arena, Rossio dos Olivais, 1990-231 Lisboa
How much: €52-€66
And I don’t blame you, dear
For running like you did all these years
I would do the same, you best believe
And the highway signs say we’re close
But I don’t read those things anymore
I never trusted my own eyes
If you’ve ever wanted to sing these lyrics at the top of your lungs alongside those who invented them, you should definitely book your tickets to The Lumineers’ concert in Lisbon.
The American folk-pop band will bring their heartfelt melodies to the MEO Arena on May 2. You’ll have the unique opportunity to listen to their best hits like Ophelia, Cleopatra, Ho Hey, and others. Even if you’re not their biggest fan, we’re sure you’ll be swept up in the experience!
5. Candlelight Concert: The Best of Zeca Afonso
When: May 3, 2025, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Altis Grand Hotel, R. Castilho 11, 1269-072 Lisboa
How much: €26-€36
It really seems Lisbon is all about music in May, doesn’t it? And this concert is the best one for those who want to lose themselves in Portuguese music with Zeca Afonso’s songs!
Zeca Afonso is one of the most influential Portuguese folk singers and songwriters. In fact, the Armed Forces Movement used his song Grândola, Vila Morena (which you’ll be able to listen to during this concert) as a radio-broadcast signal during their military coup in the morning of April 25, 1974, which marked a turning point in Portugal’s transition to democracy.
But Zeca Afonso’s music is more than just historically significant. His tunes go straight to your heart.
6. Candlelight Concert: The Best of ABBA
When: May 3, 2025, 9:30 p.m.
Where: Altis Grand Hotel, R. Castilho 11, 1269-072 Lisboa
How much: €36-€38
From Zeca Afonso’s concert, you can head straight to ABBA’s tribute concert. You’ll be able to listen to incredible covers of the band’s greatest hits—Mamma Mia, Dancing Queen, SOS, Waterloo, and so many more. Get ready for an instant hit of nostalgia while traveling back in time to the years when these songs brightened up your days!
The tickets are selling fast, so hurry up and get yours.
7. We Call It Ballet: Sleeping Beauty
When: May 9, 9:30 p.m.; May 17, 9:30 p.m.
Where: Cineteatro Capitolio, Parque Mayer, 1250-164 Lisboa
How much: €35
Are you looking for something to do together as a family in Lisbon? Then, this event might just be for you!
This innovative dance and light show reimagines the classic Sleeping Beauty ballet with modern choreography and stunning visual effects. Even if you’re not a ballet or dance lover, we’re certain that you’ll enjoy it. The performers promise a visually captivating and emotionally engaging night.
8. Exhibitions Throughout the Month
Want to check out some exhibitions? Lisbon’s got plenty in May! Here are some you can try:
- Towards Infinity, Vista Alegre, 200 Years of Creativity: until May 31, 2025, at Palacio Nacional da Ajuda; an exhibition of more than 400 porcelain pieces that showcase Vista Alegre’s rich history and culture
- 31 Women, an Exhibition by Peggy Guggenheim, until June 29, 2025, at MAC/CCB; an exhibition that highlights the work of female creators who were mostly linked to Surrealism and abstract art
- Rui Moreira, Transe, until June 2, 2025, at MAAT; a large museum exhibition with more than 100 drawings and paintings signed by Rui Moreira
- British Art – Convergence, until July 21, 2025, at Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian; an exhibition showcasing more than 100 works signed by 74 artists that demonstrate Britain’s artistic connection with France, America, and Portugal
- Susan Hiller, Dedicated to the Unknown, until June 22, 2025, at Culturgest; an exhibition presenting Susan Hiller’s multimedia practice extending over five decades
- Portugal Pop, Fashion in Portuguese, 1970-2020, until October 12, 2025, at MUDE; an exhibition presenting Portugal’s fashion culture
- Bio Viagem, Muitas Maravilhas, BAC, until June 22, 2025, at Atelier-Museu Júlio Pomar; an exhibition showcasing documentation and works signed by artists and art critics from the second half of the 20th century
- Adriana Molder, Aldebarana Fallen to the Ground, until June 22, 2025, at Museu Nacional de Arte Contemporânea do Chiado; an exhibition presenting paintings with irregular contours inspired by the Italian folktales compiled by Italo Calvino and the Karen Blixen’s insights in Seven Gothic Tales
- Paula Rego and Adriana Varej̣o, Between Your Teeth, until September 22, 2025, at Funda̤̣o Calouste Gulbenkian РCentro de Arte Moderna; an exhibition reinterpreting the power dynamics between two generations and focusing on the history of women in different parts of the world
- EDP Foundation New Artists Award, 15th Edition, until September 8, 2025, at MAAT; an exhibition presenting the works signed by artists selected from among 600 candidates by an international jury
