Get your hammers, leeks, and basil ready, as the program for the 2026 São João Festival in Porto has been revealed. With a total budget of 800,000 euros, Porto’s most anticipated celebration will feature three stages in the city center, broadcasts of World Cup matches, and, of course, the fireworks display that will light up the skies over the Douro.
As tradition dictates, some of the highlights are saved for the night of June 23–24, such as the Tony Carreira concert and the fireworks display. However, the program for the São João Festival in Porto has more surprises and entertainment in store, including activities throughout the city and the indispensable Rusgas and Arruadas de Ranchos.
The highlight of the night of São João
There is no São João Festival without the incredible fireworks. So, at midnight, all Porto residents and visitors will have their eyes fixed on the sky, waiting for the multimedia and fireworks show .
For 12 minutes, the Douro riverfront, between the Luís I Bridge and the Arrábida Bridge, will become even more dazzling. This show is the result of a joint effort between the municipalities of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia, with a total budget of 215,000 euros.
The main concerts of São João
If there’s one thing that won’t be missing at São João in Porto, it’s music and entertainment for all tastes. This year, the organizers are setting up several stages throughout the city, including one in Ribeirinha, where the highlight is the Karetus concert, from 10:30 p.m. to 11:59 p.m., before the fireworks. But be sure to check the schedule for each of the stages on the night of São João.
Avenida dos Aliados Stage
- A giant screen to watch the 2026 World Cup match between Portugal and Uzbekistan, starting at 6 p.m.
- Quinta dos Bill, at 10 p.m.
- Tony Carreira, after midnight
- Fernando Alvim in a DJ Set ( between 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.; and between 11:30 p.m. and 12:20 a.m.); and the duo Mete Cá Sets, until 4:00 a.m.
Largo Amor de Perdição Stage
- D.A.M.A., at 12:20 a.m.
- NOZ Pimba, between 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m., 11:00 p.m. and 12:20 a.m., and 2:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m.
Youth Stage – Casa da Música
- Cedofeita Takeover, at 9:30 p.m.
- Rapaz Ego, at 10:45 p.m.
- Never End the Festival, at midnight
- DJ Set by the Más Influências project, until 4 a.m.
Concert at the Crystal Palace
- Portuguese Symphonic Band, at the Acoustic Shell in the Crystal Palace Gardens, on June 24, at 6 p.m.
Other musical highlights
In addition to the concerts on the main stages, several musical events are planned in various neighborhoods of Porto, with particular emphasis on the following:
- June 19, starting at 10 p.m.: Ana Malhoa in Paranhos; Romana in Lordelo do Ouro; Diapasão in Ramalde; Victor Rodrigues in Fontainhas; Fusiform in Foz; Marcus in Miragaia; Mónica Sintra in Campanhã
- June 23, starting at 10 p.m.: Minhotos Marotos, in Lordelo do Ouro; Bandalusa, in Foz; Zé Amaro, in Campanhã; Jorge Guerreiro, in Fontainhas; Iniciadores, in Paranhos; Tiago Neto and Paulo Fragoso, in Ramalde; Ritmo e Alma Show, in Miragaia.
More traditions and entertainment
The official program for the Festas de São João do Porto also includes other notable activities, such as:
- Community Waterfall, June8–28 , at Bolhão Market
- Parade of folk dance groups through the city streets on June 23, starting at 3 p.m.
- Rusgas, on June 27, starting at 6:30 p.m.
- Carousels, food courts, and farturas: Fontainhasarea , May 29–June 29; Jardim do Calém, June 5–July 5; Avenida de D. Carlos I, in Foz, June 9–July 5.
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