Amazing plans to enjoy the month of October in and around Porto

The arrival of October officially means the start of shorter days. However, this is not synonymous with boredom. After all, Porto is full of incredible plans for you to enjoy the city and its surroundings, from exhibitions to immersive experiences, not to mention themed events, concerts and more.

In fact, whether you’re alone or in company, there are plenty of options, including suggestions for kids and adults, romantic activities, family evenings and more. Presented in random order, these are some of the tips, which we update frequently. So all you have to do is choose!

“Dalí Cybernetics: exhibition premiere”

The world’s largest digital exhibition dedicated to Salvador Dalí arrives in Porto on October 3rd. After its success in Lisbon, where it welcomed more than 50,000 visitors, “Dalí Cybernetics” promises to leave no one indifferent.

At the Immersivus Gallery you’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in the mind and more than 150 works by the surrealist master, including 360º projections, holograms, virtual reality, interactive installations and much more.

📍 Alfândega do Porto
🗓️ From October 3rd

IberAnime Porto 2024

For anyone who is a fan of pop culture, IberAnime is (almost) a must-see event. The Northern edition is back at Exponor on October 12 and 13, allowing all visitors to immerse themselves in the world of anime and manga.

The program includes the popular cosplay competitions, concerts, workshops, a gaming area and the artists’ village and pop culture fair, where you can find exclusive products and get in touch with some of the greatest talents.

📍 Avenida Dr. António Macedo, 4454-515 Leça da Palmeira, municipality of Matosinhos
🗓️ October 12th and 13th

Candlelight: The best of Bridgerton by candlelight

Bridgerton has enchanted hearts all over the world, and now you can experience the magic of the series at the Pestana Palácio do Freixo.

This Candlelight concert offers a mix of classical melodies and contemporary pop, performed by a talented string quartet.

Surrounded by thousands of candles, immerse yourself in an atmosphere that transcends the ordinary, transporting you to the world of 19th century British high society. An unmissable event for fans of the series!

📍 Pestana Palácio do Freixo
🗓️ October 3, with two sessions: at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

“Sounds in Heritage”: music in unusual places

The 7th edition of the “Sounds in Heritage” festival promises to liven up the Porto Metropolitan Area with 17 free concerts in historic locations.

From September 27 to November 16, artists such as Lena d’Água, Bandua and JP Simões will perform in castles, convents, monasteries and other unusual places.

The event covers the region’s 17 municipalities, offering a varied program that includes electronic folk, fado, pop and blues, providing a unique musical experience in stunning settings.

📍 Porto Metropolitan Area (various locations)
🗓️ September 27 to November 16, 2024

Neon Brush: painting in the dark

If you want to have a different (and very fun) experience, then take advantage of the return of “Neon Brush: painting in the dark workshop” to Porto. This original event, promoted by Fever, has several sessions scheduled for October, taking place at the multifaceted MXM Art Center.

In case you haven’t heard, it’s an event where you’re invited to unleash the inner artist in you, making brushstrokes in a dark, retro-futuristic and fluorescent environment. The ticket includes a drink and at the end you can take your work of art home.

📍 Rua do Ouro, 264
🗓️ October 11th, 12th and 13th

Rock à Moda do Porto

After the success of previous editions, Rock à Moda do Porto returns for its third edition at the Super Bock Arena, one of the most emblematic stages in Invicta.

Confirmed artists include Blind Zero, Sérgio Godinho and Zen, among others. Ticket prices vary between €20 and €30.

📍 Super Bock Arena, in the Crystal Palace Gardens
🗓️ October 25th and 26th

We Call It Ballet

Technical skill and profound artistic expressiveness make ballet an art form full of elegance, to say the least. In the show “We Call It Ballet”, this style of dance takes on a new dimension with a fascinating light show.

It’s a kind of symbiosis between art and technology that promises to surprise the audience, in a reinterpretation of “Sleeping Beauty”, a timeless tale of love. Ticket prices range from €19 to €43.

📍 Hilton Porto Gaia, in Vila Nova de Gaia
🗓️ October 25th

Porto Coffee Week

Coffee is one of many people’s favorite drinks, after all, it’s a kind of morning ‘fuel’ that helps you ‘cope’ with everyday life. As well as the different varieties, there are also different ways of ordering it, as you can (re)discover in this article.

However, it’s even better to ‘immerse’ yourself in an event dedicated solely and exclusively to coffee. Porto Coffee Week returns from October 1 to 6, for its third edition and bigger than ever, offering workshops and even a competition to choose the best roaster in Portugal.

The event will spread throughout the streets of the city, but for the last three days it will focus mainly on Alfândega do Porto and the Coffee Market. On the official website you’ll find different prices and experiences, with the €8 ticket being the most affordable, as it includes entry for one day.

📍 Various locations in Porto
🗓️ From October 1st to 6th

“Serralves in Light”: immersive outdoor experience

The “Serralves in Light” exhibition is back for its 3rd edition, offering a unique night-time immersive experience in the Serralves Park. With the theme “Dreams and Illusions”, the event features a 3 km route with 25 light installations, including 13 interactive ones.

Highlights include the installations commemorating the 35th anniversary of the Serralves Foundation and the 50th anniversary of April 25th. An unmissable opportunity to explore one of Porto’s best green spaces in a new light.

📍Serralves Park, Porto
🗓️ until November 3, 2024

Porto Drum Show

From October 25 to 27, the Alfândega Congress Center will once again host another edition of the Porto Drum Show, the only event of its kind in Portugal.

At this festival , drummers are the main protagonists, and this year’s line-up features renowned names such as: Bill Evans; Vincen García; Chris Coleman; Thomas Lang and many more.

📍 Alfândega do Porto
🗓️25 on October 27th

Halloween in Porto: spooky plans for 2024

Halloween is coming and Porto is getting ready to celebrate in style. So how about you start planning now for the spookiest night of the year?

Although there’s still some time to go,we’ve already prepared a guide – which we’ll update frequently – with some plans, both for those who like to go out and for those who prefer to stay at home. For example:

• Candlelight: Halloween Classics
• Surprise movie session at Batalha Centro de Cinema, among others.

📍 Various locations in Porto
🗓️ October 31, 2024 (and beyond)

Editor’s note: the agenda for October is updated frequently, so watch out for any new entries!