Porto in May is a city in full bloom—literally and culturally! The weather is just right for riverside strolls, the parks are lush, and the city’s cultural calendar is bursting with energy! Avant-garde theater, contemporary dance performances, open-air markets, and so much more!
So, if you’re visiting Porto in May or are a local looking for some events to add to your monthly to-attend list, read on! Here are 9 standout events you won’t want to miss in Porto this May.
1. Feira da Vandoma
When: Every Saturday in May 2025, 8:00 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where: Av. 25 de Abril, Porto
How much: Free entry
Feira da Vandoma is one of Porto’s oldest and most beloved flea markets, so if that’s your cup of tea, keep your Saturdays free. You’ll need plenty of time to go through all the used objects!
The market offers a treasure trove of second-hand goods, including clothes, books, vinyl records, antiques, and more. Originally started by students selling their old books, the market has grown into a bustling hub for collectors and bargain hunters.
2. Outra vez miau!
When: May 31, 2025, 6 p.m.
Where: Rivoli Theatre, R. do Bonjardim 143, 4000-440 Porto
How much: €2.50
Outra vez miau! is a delightful puppet theater performance, so if you’re visiting Porto with your kids, this event is certainly a must. The show follows two characters as they navigate the twists and turns of everyday life, sometimes under the watchful eye of a cat.
Through a blend of puppetry and storytelling, the performance explores themes of connection and the unexpected moments that bring people together, so we’re sure you, as an adult, will enjoy it just as much as your kid!
3. Liberdade! Liberdade! A Revolução no Teatro
When: Until May 25, 2025
Where: Clube Fenianos Portuenses, R. Clube dos Fenianos 29, 4000-172 Porto
How much: Free
This exhibition showcases the role of theater during Portugal’s Carnation Revolution. Hosted at Clube Fenianos Portuenses, it offers a compelling look at how the stage became a platform for political expression during a pivotal time in the nation’s history.
You’ll be able to immerse yourself in a curated selection of photographs, scripts, and multimedia installations. The collection explores the transformative power of performance art in shaping public discourse and societal change.
The exhibition commemorates the historical impact of theater during the revolution while also inviting reflection on the ongoing relationship between art and activism.
All in all, it’s a must-visit for history buffs, theater enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the intersection of culture and politics.
4. Festa dos Corpos Profanos
When: May 3, 2025, 9:00 p.m.
Where: Bar of Soap, R. do Bolhão 132, 4000-111 Porto
How much: €3 – €5
Celebrate Porto Inclusive’s 7th anniversary with a night of glam-queer-punk realness. At this costume party, you’ll pay tribute to pop culture icons and rediscover your inner fabulousness! Expect masks, glitter, and an atmosphere that defies conformity.
The event features a diverse soundtrack and performances by talents like Circe o Feiticeiro and Priankka Della Fancy, ensuring a night filled with music, dance, and dynamic entertainment.
So, whether you’re a member of the LGBTQ+ community or an ally, this event is the perfect welcoming space where you can express yourself freely and enjoy the vibrant nightlife of Porto.
5. Queima das Fitas do Porto
When: May 3-10, 2025
Where: Queimódromo do Porto, Estr. da Circunvalação, 4100-078 Porto
How much: Varies by event
Porto’s biggest student festival returns with a bang! Expect a week-long celebration featuring parades, concerts, and traditional academic rituals. Highlights include performances by Milky Chance and Vini Vici on May 3, Clean Bandit and Mizzy Miles on May 4, and Bispo on May 5.
The festival is a rite of passage for university students, marking the end of their academic journey with a series of events that blend tradition and modernity. Queima das Fitas offers a unique glimpse into Portuguese student culture, so if you’re a student traveling to Porto in May, make sure to check the festival’s agenda!
6. FITEI 2025 – Festival Internacional de Teatro de Expressão Ibérica
When: May 15-25, 2025
Where: Various venues across Porto, Matosinhos, Vila Nova de Gaia, Viana do Castelo, and Monção
How much: Varies by performance
The 48th edition of FITEI brings together 16 shows, including 10 Portuguese and 6 international productions. This festival is a must for theater enthusiasts—imagine that there will be six Portuguese premieres and four world premieres.
The event takes place in multiple cities across Portugal and offers a diverse program that showcases the richness of Iberian theater. You can expect a mix of traditional and contemporary performances, workshops, and discussions that focus on the current state and future of theater in the Iberian context. Without a doubt, FITEI is a highlight of Portugal’s cultural calendar, so don’t miss it!
7. DDD – Festival Dias da Dança
When: April 23-May 4, 2025
Where: Porto, Matosinhos, and Vila Nova de Gaia
How much: Varies by performance
Dance enthusiasts, are you with us? What better way to enjoy Porto than by having fun at a dance festival? And not just a random dance festival—it’s, in fact, the largest international contemporary dance festival in Portugal!
DDD offers a vibrant forum for choreographers, dancers, and enthusiasts, presenting a diverse range of performances that reflect the current artistic trends. The festival features a mix of local and international artists, providing you with a unique opportunity to witness the best choreographies and innovative dance expressions.
You’ll also be able to attend workshops and various community events where you can connect with like-minded people!
8. “ver longo” by Sofia Sequeira Pinto
When: Until May 13, 2025
Where: MIRA FORUM, R. de Miraflor 155 159, 4300-334 Porto
How much: Free
“ver longo” is a photographic exhibition by Sofia Sequeira Pinto. It showcases photos exploring themes of relationships and identity. The event is hosted at MIRA FORUM, where you can reflect on the intricate relationships between people and the spaces they inhabit.
Through a series of evocative images, Pinto explores the layers of history and personal narratives embedded within urban landscapes. The exhibition is part of the MIRA | SALA project, which aims to present contemporary artistic expressions that engage with social and cultural themes.
9. Portos. Portas. Pontes.
When: Until May 17, 2025
Where: Various locations
How much: Free
Portos. Portas. Pontes. is an exhibition that brings together young expats and local artists. It showcases artworks that reflect the artists’ experiences and perspectives, creating a cultural dialogue and collaboration.
The artworks explore themes of identity, belonging, and the intersections of different cultures, so it’s a must-see for both tourists and locals. Above all, they rely on the symbolism of ports, doors, and bridges, which is exactly what makes them unique.
You can also participate in various discussions to get deeper insights into the artworks and the artists’ creative processes.
