As Porto welcomes the cozy and colorful vibes of autumn in 2023, we’ve handpicked the city’s top events and attractions. From captivating art exhibitions to thrilling musical performances, we’ve got you covered with the best ways to enjoy Porto this fall. Let’s dive into 5 must-see events in Porto this autumn.
1. Jean-Marie Straub and Danièle Huillet Exhibition
From September 21, 2023, to March 31, 2024, the Casa do Cinema Manoel de Oliveira in Porto proudly presents the first-ever exhibition dedicated to the cinematic legacy of Jean-Marie Straub (1933-2022) and Danièle Huillet (1936-2006) in Portugal.
This exhibition offers a unique opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the artistry and vision of these two influential filmmakers. It celebrates their extensive body of work spanning over six decades, encompassing nearly fifty films, shot in diverse European countries such as Germany, France, Italy, and Switzerland.
2. EDP Porto Marathon
The 19th edition of the EDP Porto Marathon is set to take place on November 5, 2023, following the success of last year’s event, which drew an impressive crowd of 15,000 participants.
This marathon offers a range of options for runners, allowing you to choose from three distinct distances: the grueling 42-kilometer full marathon, the challenging 10-kilometer run, or the more accessible 6-kilometer mini marathon and walk.
Starting from SEALIFE Porto and culminating at Av. do Parque, the longest race has a maximum duration of 6 hours, providing athletes with ample time to conquer their chosen course.
Organized by Runporto.com, this event enjoys strong support from the Câmara Municipal do Porto, the Federação Portuguesa de Atletismo, and various other partners. If you’re not a runner, we recommend heading to the areas where traffic is closed and soaking in the atmosphere of this incredible race!
3. Ryoji Ikeda Exhibition at Serralves
Until the end of Autumn, Serralves Museum is hosting an extraordinary exhibition featuring a temporary pavilion project by acclaimed artist Ryoji Ikeda, collaborating closely with the talented Porto-based architect, Nuno Brandão Costa.
This initiative is an integral part of the museum’s ongoing commitment to inviting artists to conceive and install their creations within the park’s natural heritage.
Ikeda’s vision for this project promises to deliver an immersive cinematic experience that seamlessly intertwines architecture, installation art, and music, akin to the complexity and harmony of a symphony. For Ikeda, this undertaking represents the culmination of 18 years of dedicated work.
4. The Cinematic Orchestra at Casa da Musica
The Cinematic Orchestra, is making a triumphant return to Portugal for a concert that holds special significance for the city of Porto. They will be celebrating the album “Man with a Movie Camera,” a work deeply connected to Porto as it was conceived in response to a challenge from Porto 2001 – European Capital of Culture.
Jason Swinscoe, the creative force behind the project, provided a musical score for Dziga Vertov’s silent film and performed it in synchronization with the screening at the Coliseu do Porto, earning thunderous applause from the enthusiastic audience of over three thousand. Now, it’s time to relive that joyful memory at the iconic Casa da Música.
The concert is scheduled for October 29, 2023, at 21:00, promising an unforgettable evening in a venue renowned for its outstanding acoustics and innovative design.
5. Chocolat Festival Portugal
Chocolate lovers, pay attention! After successfully hosting 25 editions dedicated to promoting Latin American-origin chocolate, the Chocolat Festival is making its European debut at WOW Porto. Located at World of Wine Porto, this event aims to establish Portugal as a hub for high-quality chocolate in Europe. This festival caters not only to curious and passionate chocolate enthusiasts but also to industry professionals.
Over the course of four days, from October 20th to 23rd, attendees can indulge in tastings from numerous chocolate brands, explore a strong representation of major cocoa-producing countries, engage in culinary demonstrations, and enjoy a diverse agenda of activities suitable for all ages.
