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.

If you happen to find yourself in Porto this week, we’re here to help you discover the most exciting events in the days ahead, ensuring your visit is a memorable one. Join us as we explore the top events and activities taking place in Porto between October 2 and 8.

Asaf Avidan at Casa da Musica

Five years after his last solo performance, Asaf Avidan returns to the stage with the Ichnology Solo Tour, a tour that includes a stop at Casa da Música on Monday.

Before The Reckoning, which became the best-selling independent album in Israel, the singer and songwriter from Jerusalem had already achieved significant milestones, including opening for musicians like Bob Dylan, Robert Plant, Ben Harper, and Lou Reed. Anagnorisis (2020), his latest album, topped the sales charts in 14 European countries.

Impressive Monet & Brilliant Klimt

The exhibition at Immersivus Gallery brings the famous paintings of Monet and Klimt to life. These renowned artworks have “broken free” from their frames, with specially created effects and animations that immerse visitors in an innovative artistic experience.

Covering a vast 2,000 square meters of 360-degree projection space, this exhibition allows you to step into the imagination of the artists. You’ll be surrounded by the impressionist movement of Claude Monet and the intimate, romantic art of Gustav Klimt, featuring his iconic painting “The Kiss.”

Please note that this exhibition is not recommended for individuals with epilepsy.

DTX 16 Years

Discotexas is an electronic music label, founded in 2007 by Moullinex and Xinobi. Celebrating its 16 years, the label is hosting an event both in Lisbon and Porto. Lucky you, the event in Porto is happening this week on Saturday at Museu do Carro Electrico from 3 pm to 11 pm.

The label has invited the talented Mano Le Tough as a special guest and the event will also feature a stellar lineup of Discotexas all-stars, including Klin Klop, GPU Panic, and Yizhaq.

Jean-Marie Straub and Danièle Huillet Exhibition

Another great event you can head to this week is an exhibition dedicated to the cinematic heritage of Jean-Marie Straub (1933-2022) and Danièle Huillet (1936-2006) at the Casa do Cinema Manoel de Oliveira.

This exhibition provides an exclusive opportunity for visitors to deeply engage with the creative brilliance and artistic vision of these two influential filmmakers. It commemorates their extensive cinematic journey spanning more than six decades, including nearly fifty films shot in various European countries, including Germany, France, Italy, and Switzerland.

If you’re in search of the most exciting events and activities in the city this week, you’re in the perfect spot. Lisbon offers something for all tastes, from festivals and parties to film events. Let’s explore the experiences awaiting you in Lisbon from October 2 to 8.

French Film Festival

Organized by the production company Jangada, with the collaboration of the French Embassy, the French Institute of Portugal, and the network of Alliances Françaises in Portugal, the French Cinema Festival has been taking place for 24 years.

The French Cinema Festival kicks off on October 5 in Lisbon, will visit 9 municipalities, and concludes on October 31.

Featured film premieres include “La Nuit du 12,” “L’Abbé Pierre – Une vie de combats,” “Jeanne du Barry,” and more.

Brunch Electronik #10

Although Brunch Electronik was originally a summer event, it has expanded to include Autumn events at Tapada da Ajuda. Brunch Electronik, a well-known electronic music festival, drew an impressive crowd of over 250,000 attendees in 2022.

These events take place outdoors from 2 pm to 10 pm and offer a wide variety of cuisine options from numerous food trucks.

The 10th edition of the year is scheduled for Thursday and features a lineup that includes KlangKuenstler, Trym, Daria Kolosova, and Ornella.

ModaLisboa

Portuguese designers unveil their latest collections and upcoming Spring/Summer trends as part of the Portuguese Fashion Week in ModaLisboa. In an atmosphere that’s always celebratory and filled with creativity, Portuguese designers and brands are committed to astonishing their audience with the boldness and innovation showcased in their collections.

Established in 1991, the ModaLisboa project was conceived as the pioneer professional organization dedicated to showcasing collections from Portuguese fashion designers. In addition to fashion shows, various events are scheduled, and stores open their doors at night for shopping opportunities.

EDP Lisbon Marathon

Even if you’re not a runner, it’s worth experiencing the vibrant atmosphere of the marathon in person. Now in its 7th iteration, the EDP Lisbon Marathon is scheduled for October 8th. This event has gained worldwide recognition as one of the most scenic races globally, receiving accolades from esteemed international publications such as Forbes Magazine.

Starting in Cascais and finishing at Praça do Comércio, the EDP Marathon route offers an uninterrupted, breathtaking view of the sea and river, creating a genuinely exceptional experience for those taking part.

Within the diverse landscapes of Portugal, a hidden treasure trove of beauty awaits – its waterfalls. From those tucked into lush forests to those that flow over rugged cliffs, Portugal’s waterfalls reveal its unique diversity. Let’s take a look at 5 incredible waterfalls in Portugal so that you can witness this diversity. 

1. Cascata da Ribeira Quente (Azores)

2. Frecha da Mizarela Waterfall (Arouca)

Frecha da Mizarela waterfall is located in the Freita Mountain Range, near the village of Albergaria da Serra, in the Arouca municipality, Aveiro District.

This waterfall sits right on the granite cliffs of the Freita Mountain Plateau, at an altitude of about 910 meters. It’s fed by the waters of the Caima River and drops from a height of around 75 meters, making it one of the tallest waterfalls in Portugal, and one of the tallest in Europe.

To reach Mizarela Falls, start by taking the exit to Saril from road N224, which is located to the southwest of Rossas. Follow this road that leads to Mizarela. Right before you reach Mizarela, you’ll spot a sign indicating “Frecha da Mizarela”. You can park your car a bit farther along the road from there.

3. Arado Waterfall (Gerês)

The Arado Waterfall is a waterfall located on the Arado River, about 3km from the village of Ermida, right in the heart of Gerês. Found at an altitude of around 900 meters, it forms a series of unique cascades among the rocks.

The entire path to the waterfall is worth observing, where you’ll be amazed by the natural beauty that Gerês has to offer. This waterfall is a must-stop spot.

Access to this waterfall is possible by car; however, the last kilometer is covered by a dirt road that leads to a bridge over the Arado River. From here, you need to climb stone steps that take you to a small viewpoint from the top from which you can admire the waterfall.

4. Cascata da Garganta Funda (Madeira)

Cascata da Garganta Funda is one of the highest waterfalls on the Island of Madeira located on the west side in the region of Calheta. It reaches 140 meters high and can be seen through a short walk to a viewpoint. 

To reach Garganta Funda Waterfall, start by heading north from Calheta towards Ponta de Pargo. When you get to Pedregal, turn left and then right, where you will park. From here, it’s a short walk along the canyon’s edge to the viewpoint where you can see the waterfall.

5. Cascata do Mourāo (Sintra)

Located in Montelavar in Sintra, the Mourão Waterfall is fed by the Mourão River, one of the tributaries of the Lisandro River, and the surrounding natural scenery is simply picturesque.

This Sintra waterfall is located very close to the small village of Anços, and to reach there, you just need to take a short trail of just over 400 meters (round trip is less than 1 km).

The walking path to the Mourão Waterfall is well-marked and treats the hiker to beautiful landscapes and lush vegetation. Because the distance is quite short, it’s great for families with children.

As Lisbon embraces the crisp and colorful embrace ofautumn in 2023, we’ve selected the city’s top events and activities, including everything from captivating art exhibitions to exhilarating concerts, ensuring you make the most of your fall experience in the Portuguese capital. Let’s take a look at 7 events in Lisbon this fall.

1. Urban(R)Evolution – Urban Art Exhibition

The Urban(R)Evolution exhibition provides a captivating journey through the evolution of urban art, tracing its roots from the early days of tags, graffiti, and subway pieces, progressing through its influential middle phase, and ultimately giving birth to the phenomenon of street art. 

Running until December 3rd at the Cordoaria Nacional, this exhibition delves into the origins of contemporary urban art and showcases original installations by 18 talented artists, both from within the country and abroad.

Curated by Pauline Foessel and Pedro Alonzo, Urban[R]Evolution spotlights artists with distinct styles and techniques. Their works come to life within immersive spaces designed exclusively for this exhibit, featuring renowned artists such as Vhils, Add Fuel, Shepard Fairey, and Wasted Rita

2. Fado at Casa da Amália Rodrigues

Until the end of October, fado concerts at Casa da Amália Rodrigues are taking place every week, celebrating this special Portuguese music genre. Arguably the most iconic fado singer to have ever lived, Amália Rodrigues passed away in 1999. However, her legacy remains at Casa da Amália, the house in Rua de S. Bento where she lived for 44 years. This concert is intimately located in the garden of her house and includes a guided visit to her house, which has been turned into a museum. 

3. Web Summit

Regarded as the world’s top tech conference, Web Summit 2023 is returning to Lisbon from November 13th to 16th, expecting to welcome over 71,000 attendees from all corners of the globe. Once again, the Altice Arena in Lisbon will be the hub, attracting influential speakers, major tech companies, and prominent media figures.

Web Summit, a company based in Dublin, Ireland, organizes events not only in Lisbon but also in Rio de Janeiro (Web Summit Rio), Doha (Web Summit Qatar), Toronto (Collision), and Hong Kong (RISE).

This year’s event will feature over 1,100 speakers, including CEOs of major tech companies, government officials, and innovative startup founders. Previous editions have seen appearances by notable individuals like Hollywood star and producer Amy Poehler in 2021 and tennis legend Serena Williams in 2020.

4. Santa Casa Alfama Festival

During the Santa Casa Alfama Festival on September 29 and 30, several venues in the Alfama district will undergo a transformation into concert spaces, welcoming both emerging and established Portuguese fado artists.

The festival’s various stages are strategically scattered throughout the neighborhood, creating an atmosphere where it seems like fado could spontaneously echo down any square.

This year, the festival pays tribute to one of the most iconic figures in Portuguese popular culture, Hermínia Silva. The lineup features esteemed artists like Camané, Sara Correia, and many others.

5. Doclisboa- International Film Festival

If you’re a documentary fan, do not miss Doclisboa from October 19 to 29. This international film festival is entirely focused on both English and Portuguese documentaries, showcasing the finest contemporary works from both the national and international scenes. The film festival also offers a program with master classes. Multiple films have already been announced including Alain Cavalier’s L’amitié and Sara Dolotadabi’s Da Terra à Lua.

6. Brunch Electronik

While Brunch Electronik was once a summer event, it now also hosts events in the Autumn in Tapada da Ajuda. Brunch Electronik is a popular electronic music festival, which in 2022, had over 250,000 people in attendance. The events run from 2 pm to 10 pm outdoors, featuring plenty of food trucks with all kinds of cuisine options. We recommend purchasing tickets beforehand as events often sell out.

7. EDP Lisbon Marathon

Now in its 7th edition, the EDP Lisbon Marathon is happening on October 8. This event has earned a global reputation as one of the world’s most scenic races, garnering praise from renowned international publications like Forbes Magazine.

Commencing in Cascais and culminating at Praça do Comércio, the EDP Marathon route offers an uninterrupted, picturesque view of the sea and river, creating a truly unique experience for participants.

The event also features two shorter races that are accessible to all participants. The Half Marathon embarks from the Vasco da Gama Bridge, covering a 21-kilometer course and concluding at Praça do Comércio, allowing participants to traverse one of Europe’s longest bridges on foot.

If you’re less brave, there’s also an 8-kilometer Mini Marathon which you could either run or walk.

If you’re in the city of Porto this week, let us guide you to some of the best events happening in the coming days so that you can have an unforgettable trip. Let’s take a look at the best events and activities in Porto from September 18 to 24.

Stand Up Comedy Glenn Wool

Prepare to laugh your socks off at the upcoming stand-up comedy show in Porto featuring politically savvy comedian, Glenn Wool on Saturday at Maria Pistolas. His comedic journey began in Vancouver back in 1995 when he was just 19 years old. At the age of 22, Wool ventured across the pond to London, where he swiftly made his mark on the city’s comedy circuit, winning over audiences with his distinct comedic style.

Wool’s comedic talent extends beyond traditional comedy clubs. He’s a regular fixture at renowned music festivals like Glastonbury, where he brings his wit and charm to diverse audiences. His shows have consistently received glowing reviews, cementing his status as a comedy icon.

Orchestra Performance at Casa da Musica

Presented by the Baroque Orchestra Casa da Música and conducted by Laurence Cummings, this musical event will take place at Casa da Musica on Sunday. Titled “Music and its Elements,” it promises to be a captivating experience. Tickets are just under 20 euros and the concert begins at 6 pm.

Vandoma Flea Market

Vandoma Flea Market is the place to be in Porto this Saturday morning if you love yourself a bargain. It all started near the Cathedral when students wanted to sell their stuff, and it’s been a local tradition since 1984. Head over to Fontaínhas by the riverside from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., and you’ll find a bit of everything, from vintage clothes and vinyl records to books and furniture. It’s a great way to soak up the city’s authentic vibe and meet some locals.

Night out at Plano B

Located right in the heart of Porto, Plano B is one of the most popular clubs in the city. Whether you want to dance all night or catch a live band, it’s the place to be. You can also chill in the lounge and enjoy great cocktails and comfy sofas.

Once you head downstairs, get ready to party and dance the night away. Plano B is a hot spot for a guaranteed good time. They play all kinds of music, from jazz to rock to electronic, so there’s something for everyone.

This week, head to Plano B on Friday. The line up includes Dyed Soundorom, Jorge Caiado, Kulture Brothers, and Miguel Bruschy.