The months of September and October are truly the best to visit Porto or, if you’re a local, enjoy some leisurely walks around the city or read a book while delighting in your after-lunch coffee!
However, if you want to diversify your schedule a bit, there are plenty of activities to choose from – luckily, Porto doesn’t start hibernating when summer ends; on the contrary, it’s still filled to the brim with all kinds of events!
Read on to learn more about eight of the most captivating October events in Porto!
1. Memory of the Summer of ’74 + Deep End
When: October 2, 3:15 p.m.bn
Where: Batalha Centro de Cinema, Praça da Batalha 47, 4000-101 Porto, Portugal
How much: 2.5 EUR – 5 EUR
Hey, movie lovers! Don’t miss out on a special screening of Memory of the Summer of ‘74 and Deep End at the Batalha Centro de Cinema in Porto.
The first one is a short film directed by György Kovásznai, a famous Hungarian animation artist, and it portrays a surrealist Budapest in the 1970s, ensuring a deeply sensory experience. Deep End is a 1970 film directed by Jerzy Skolimowski. It tells the story of Mike, a 15-year-old, who falls in love with Susan, a woman 10 years older than him, and develops an obsession for her. Eventually, he ends up sabotaging her relationship with her fiance, which leads to a tragic end.
Whether you’re a film enthusiast or just looking for something interesting to do on a Wednesday afternoon, these screenings are definitely worth checking out. Don’t forget to grab your tickets! And if you’ve enjoyed these, check Batalha Cinema Center’s agenda – there are plenty of events in October!
2. A Noite
When: October 4, 9 p.m.
Where: Ageas Porto Coliseum, R. de Passos Manuel 137, 4000-385 Porto, Portugal
How much: 22.50 EUR – 30 EUR
Get ready for an unforgettable night of theater at the Ageas Porto Coliseum – A Noite signed by Jose Saramago. The action takes place on the night of April 24th to 25th in 1974, so the performance is aimed to celebrate the 50th anniversary of April 25th, which is marked this year. Obviously, the performance is in Portuguese, so we recommend attending it only if you can speak the language.
3. Guided Tour of the Batalha Cinema Center
When: October 5, 11:30 a.m.
Where: Batalha Centro de Cinema, Praça da Batalha 47, 4000-101 Porto, Portugal
How Much: 3 EUR
Have you enjoyed the screenings on the 2nd of October at the Batalha Centro de Cinema (mentioned above)? Why not take this guided tour of the Batalha Cinema Center for an exciting behind-the-scenes experience?
This tour offers a unique look at one of the city’s most iconic cultural venues, so you could learn more about its history and architecture. You’ll explore the stunning interior and the spaces unknown to regular visitors, including the roof that overlooks Praça da Batalha, as well as the projection booths. We’re sure you’ll enjoy this tour regardless of how passionate you are about cinema – it’s a fantastic way to appreciate Porto’s cultural heritage!
4. Porto Worldwide Photowalk
When: October 5, 4:45 p.m.
Where: Esplanada do Café Porta do Olival, Campo dos Mártires da Pátria 126, 4050-367 Porto, Portugal
The Worldwide Photowalk is, just like its name suggests, a worldwide event – on the 5th of October, photographers from all over the world will grab their cameras and attend the Worldwide Photowalk group in their towns. Imagine being part of such an extensive photo community!
In Porto, this event starts at 4:45 p.m. at Esplanada do Cafe Porta de Olival, and it will be guided by José Manuel Santos, a photographer who’s been promoting this event in Porto for three years already. He has also organized numerous other photo tours through Porto, so you’re in good hands! You’ll be taken through the most iconic places in the city, as well as other lesser-known spots that are undoubtedly worth checking out!
5. Porto Coffee Week
When: October 1 – 6
Where: Various locations across Porto
Gilmore Girl fans, are you with us? (Everyone seems to be watching Gilmore Girl this autumn, so we’re probably on the same page here!) Lorelei’s missing the event that would get to the top of her bucket list – the Porto Coffee Week!
Between October 1 and 6, you can fill your time with coffee tastings, workshops, and special events at various cafes across the city. This is a fantastic opportunity to discover new flavors, learn more about various brewing techniques, and meet fellow coffee enthusiasts (maybe even Lorelei herself!). Grab your friends and join the fun at the country’s biggest coffee festival!
6. Queer Porto
When: October 8 – 12
Where: Various locations across Porto, including Batalha Cinema Center and Livraria Aberta
How much: 4 EUR
Get ready for Queer Porto, an exciting film festival in the heart of Porto celebrating LGBTQ+ cinema!
It was created in Lisbon in 1997, and it is now one of the world’s most renowned festivals of this kind. Luckily, it has reached Porto as well, so you can now attend it between October 8 and 12, delighting in a myriad of films that showcase new perspectives and highlight issues like racism, xenophobia, social exclusion, and mental health.
It’s an excellent opportunity to enjoy thought-provoking cinema. The festival also includes special events, talks with filmmakers, and parties, so it’s a great way to connect with like-minded film enthusiasts in a welcoming atmosphere!
7. De Passagem: Moçambique 1970–1973
When: September 19 – October 13
Where: Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis, R. de Dom Manuel II 44, 4050-342 Porto, Portugal
How much: Free
Make sure to check the fascinating exhibition “De Passagem: Moçambique 1970-1973” at Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis. You’ll have the unique opportunity to see the incredible photos taken by Mário Martins capturing life in Mozambique during the Colonial War between 1970 and 1973. Since the photographer was a soldier himself in Mozambique at the time, the photos he took offer visitors a rare glimpse into Portuguese and African history.
8. O Rouxinol (The Nightingale)
When: October 31 – November 1
Where: TNSJ — Teatro Nacional de São João, Praça da Batalha, 4000-102 Porto, Portugal
How much: 5 EUR – 20 EUR
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to see O Rouxinol or The Nightingale, which brings to life the famous fairy tale written by Hans Christian Andersen! Perfect for all ages, it combines storytelling with a magical atmosphere that will leave you spellbound. Enjoy an evening filled with creativity and inspiration in one of Porto’s most iconic cultural locations.
