Porto is buzzing with events in September! Concerts, music festivals, theater, dance performances, and exhibitions. We could go on! In other words, there’s something for everyone! And many of them are actually free, so why not enjoy a pleasant night out after a busy day walking around the city?
We’ve selected 12 of the most interesting events in Porto, so keep reading to discover more about each!
1. Sonatas and Partitas for Solo Violin by J.S. Bach (BWV 1001 – 1002)
When: Thursdays at 6 p.m. and Sundays at 11:30 a.m.
Where: Church of São Nicolau, Rua do Infante D. Henrique 93, 4050-298 Porto, Portugal
How much: 20 EUR
If you enjoy listening to classical music and you happen to be in Porto in September, don’t hesitate to check out the Sonatas and Partitas for Solo Violin by J.S. Bach (BWV 1001 – 1002) events at the Church of São Nicolau, an incredible, must-visit landmark in Porto!
The concerts are held every Thursday and Sunday in September. You can buy the tickets online or on the spot. Each concert lasts for approximately 50 minutes. The church is in a nice neighborhood so you can enjoy a walk on Rua do Infante D. Henrique afterward.
2. TAINÁ e i o u concert
When: September 5, 9:30 p.m
Where: Casa da Musica, Av. da Boavista 604-610, 4149-071 Porto, Portugal
How much: Free
Are you a music enthusiast? If so, you cannot miss out on visiting Casa da Música in Porto. On September 5th, you can even check it out for free by attending the TAINÁ e i o u concert.
Tainá e i o u is a composer and singer, one of the most famous and creative Brazilian artists. This autumn, she will perform her debut album in Porto entitled Metacomunicanção. Her music is a blend between poetry, philosophy, and jazz.
3. Maia Blues Fest 2024
When: September 6 – September 8
Where: Forum da Maia, R. Eng. Duarte Pacheco 131, 4470-136 Maia, Portugal
How much: Free entry
Ready for another free festival? This time we’re talking blues. On September 6th, starting at 6 p.m., you can listen to Martins Aneiros Band from Spain. Later that day, you’ll enjoy the music of the Belgian band Black Cat Biscuits.
The next day welcomes Budda Power Blues from Portugal and Robbin Kapsalis from the United States. On the last day of the festival, you’ll listen to Maia Blues Fest Band mentored by Budda Guedes and Level Best Band with soothing songs you’ll never forget!
4. Gaia World Music ‘24
When: September 6 – September 8
Where: Jardim do Morro (Jardim do Morro, 4430-210 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal), Serra do Pilar,
How much: Free entry
Doesn’t it seem that Porto is all about free events in September? Here we have yet another music festival, so if you’re not really into blues, you can check out the Gaia World Music ‘24 festival. It will have traditional music from various countries, including Portugal, Scotland, Brazil, Haiti, and Spain.
5. The Beatles Tribute
When: September 6
Where: Mary Spot Vintage Bar, R. Ló Ferreira 125, 4450-000 Matosinhos, Portugal
How much: Pre-reservation
All you need is love…All you need is a Beatles tribute in Porto if you’re a fan, right? If that’s something you think you’ll enjoy, head to the Mary Spot Vintage Bar in Matosinhos. This bar is, in fact, quite a popular spot in Matosinhos, a city in the district of Porto close to the city of Porto.
It organizes tribute concerts regularly, so you should check out their schedule. Maybe you can even listen to some other great songs live while enjoying your favorite drink!
Don’t forget that you have to call beforehand to make a reservation.
6. The Tallest Man on Earth
When: September 9, 9 p.m.
Where: Casa da Música, Av. da Boavista 604-610, 4149-071 Porto, Portugal
How much: 20 – 30 EUR
The Tallest Man on Earth is, in the musical universe, Kristian Matsson, a singer and songwriter from Sweden. On September 9th, he’ll perform at Casa da Música in Porto.
If you’ve never heard of him and wonder if you’re going to enjoy his music, here’s a tip – if you like Bob Dylan’s music, you should definitely buy a ticket to Matsson’s concert! The Tallest Man on Earth will present his latest album released in 2023 – Henry St.
7. Dali Universe Exhibition
When: June 19 – October 31
Where: The Atkinson Museum, WOW Porto, Rua do Choupelo 132, 4400-088 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
How much: 15 EUR for adults, 7.50 EUR for children
If music’s not your thing, what about art? The Atkinson Museum features a unique exhibition called Dali Universe featuring numerous drawings, sketches, sculptures, and paintings. You’ll also see some incredible photos taken by Robert Descharnes, capturing Dali’s life and intimate moments with his family.
8. Festival de Musica Folk da Maia
When: September 13 – September 14
Where: Parque da Cidades Desportiva da Maia, Maia, Portugal
How much: Free entry
And we’re back to music – this time, we’re attending a folk music festival in Maia. On September 13th and 14th, you can listen to Trasga, Andarilhos, Emmy Curl, and Kumpania Algazarra, the latter boasting 20 years of activity.
If you’re traveling to Porto with kids, they can attend a dance workshop for children on September 14th at 10:30 a.m. However, you should register beforehand by sending an email to [email protected].
9. A Sagração da Dança
When: September 14, 8 p.m.
Where: Casa da Música, Av. da Boavista 604-610, 4149-071 Porto, Portugal
How much: 24 – 30 EUR
If you’re a dancer or simply enjoy watching dance performances, the A Sagração da Dança (The Rite of Spring) show at Casa da Música should reach your must-visit list – it’s a delight even for those who’ve never seen such a performance! You’ll enter the world of Stravinsky, Tchaikovsky, and the Ballets Russes through this incredible performance!
10. Trajal Harrell / Schauspielhaus Zürich Dance Ensemble
When: September 13 – September 14
Where: Teatro Municipal do Porto, R. do Bonjardim 143, 4000-440 Porto, Portugal
How much: 12 EUR
On September 13th and 14th, Teatro Municipal do Porto stages a dance piece to Keith Jarrett’s Köln Concert, a performance that seeks to unite people speaking different languages and having different world views, being linked by their vulnerabilities and strengths. It’s truly an immersive experience that takes your breath away!
11. Danças Barrocas
When: September 29, 6 p.m.
Where: Casa da Música, Av. da Boavista 604-610, 4149-071 Porto, Portugal
How much: 19 – 24 EUR
On September 29th, we’re returning to Casa da Música for a Baroque show. It features Baroque music accompanied by complex choreographies inspired by the dances that were once performed at the court of Louis XIV. Did you know that the king was also a talented dancer and performed on stage multiple times? Now, you can see those royal moves (literally!) in Porto performed with the music of Jean-Baptiste Lully.
12. HAMMAM
When: September 27 – September 28
Where: Teatro Municipal do Porto, R. do Bonjardim 143, 4000-440 Porto, Portugal
How much: 7 EUR
On September 27th and 28th, you can attend the HAMMAM performance, an immersive experience that blurs the line between the intimate and the public. This isn’t an ordinary event – it’s performed in a vaporous environment that aims to enable a “body-mind cleansing ritual.” You can even move around the stage during the performance to feel connected with the artist and be part of the show.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is Porto worth visiting in September?
Porto is definitely worth visiting in September. In fact, September is one of the best months of the year to visit Porto and the entire country, as the temperatures drop slightly but not enough for you to feel cold. In addition, the city isn’t as crowded as during the summer.
How hot is Porto in September?
Porto isn’t too hot in September. The mean daily maximum temperature is only 75.4°F (24.1°C), and it rarely goes beyond 86°F (30°C). In the evening, it’s actually quite chilly because of the ocean breeze, so it’s best to pack a jacket.
Is three days in Porto too much?
Three days in Porto are just enough to visit the must-see landmarks. If you want to explore the surroundings, attend some events, or simply have a more relaxed vacation, you can stay five days in Porto.
Is Porto rainy in September?
Porto isn’t rainy in September – there’s only 12% of rain on average days.. The weather is still pleasant – it actually feels like summer, except that it gets chilly in the evening, and the sun isn’t as strong as in August. However, there is still a higher chance of getting caught in a rain shower in September than in August or July. In any case, rain showers in September are brief and followed by sunshine, so there’s no need to worry!
