The endlessmonth of Januaryis over… and, in the blink of an eye, we are in February. This is, par excellence,one of the most romantic times of the year. Why? Well, we haveValentine’s Day.
Although relatively short, February issynonymous with many activities that extend beyondromance. In fact, the leisure agenda inPortoand its surroundingsis in full swing andyou can enjoy a lot during the month. Shall we take a look at some plans?
Chocolate Festival
Those with a sweet tooth can start celebrating, because the traditional Matosinhos Chocolate Festival is back from February 7 to 22, with free admission and several exhibitors ready to delight visitors with chocolates, bars, brigadeiros, and much more.
The event, which takes place next to the Florbela Espanca Library, promises to sweeten the winter with irresistible aromas and a welcoming atmosphere. As in previous editions, there will also be workshops and show cooking sessions dedicated to the world of cocoa.
Sleeping Beauty may be a classic, but you’ve probably never seen the show like this before. “Ballet of Lights Porto” is not simply a reinterpretation of a great success, but synonymous with innovation.
On stage, several dancers bring the story to life with subtle movements, highlighted by their glow-in-the-dark costumes, creating a dazzling display of lights. A fusion of ballet and technology.
Neon Moves by THE BLACKOUTS is an immersive 60-minute show that combines contemporary dance, LED lights, and big hits from the 2000s in a narrative full of energy and nostalgia. The dancers wear luminous costumes that create a veritable game of visual illusions, always synchronized with songs by groups such as the Backstreet Boys and The Black Eyed Peas.
After shining on Britain’s Got Talent with two Golden Buzzers and a 2nd place finish in 2025, the collective brings one of the most impressive shows of the season to Porto. It’s the perfect opportunity to relive the soundtrack of a generation with breathtaking choreography, spectacular LED sets, and an atmosphere that makes you want to dance from start to finish.
The exhibition “O Silêncio é um Lugar” ( Silence is a Place) offers a retrospective on the life and career of Pedro Abrunhosa, bringing together photographs, personal objects, and notable recordings of the musician.
Curated by João César Nunes, who has collaborated with Mão Morta and The Legendary Tigerman, this exhibition promises an intimate immersion into the artist’s career. Far from the frenzy of the stage, this exhibition reveals a more personal side of Pedro Abrunhosa, bringing him even closer to the public.
The lights of the Jurassic adventure are about to go out at the Santo Inácio Zoo, in the municipality of Vila Nova de Gaia. This year, the immersive exhibition “Luzes Selvagens” ( Wild Lights ) brought more than 600 illuminated figures of animals and plants, highlighting the big news: dinosaurs.
Until February 28, you can still visit the largest and greenest zoo in northern Portugal to experience the wonder and magic of this experience, which promises to surprise kids and adults alike.
In the most romantic month of the year, how about attending one of the fantastic Candlelight Concerts? Promoted by Fever, these intimate candlelit shows will take place during February in iconic venues such as the Palácio da Bolsa, Pestana Palácio do Freixo, and Hilton Porto Gaia.
Perfect for an evening with or without company, the Candlelight Concerts transform timeless classics and radio hits into completely new melodies, with the subtlety and elegance of classical music.
Carnival at WOW
Between February 15 and 17, WOW – World of Wine, the cultural quarter of Vila Nova de Gaia, is preparing to celebrate Carnival with a program inspired by two of the world’s most famous traditions : the vibrant colors and rhythms of Brazil and the class of Venice (in Italy).
For those who prefer hot rhythms, Carnavrau will take over Lemon Plaza on February 15, starting at 5 p.m., with live music and DJs, transforming this space into a kind of sambadrome on the banks of the Douro. The following day, the 1828 restaurant is hosting a themed dinner with an immersive show.
Cupid will be shooting his arrows with greater intensity on February 14… and if you want to surprise your better half , you don’t need to leave Porto to do so. Here, there are several romantic plans, from concerts and candlelit dinners to more ‘calientes’ shows, not to mention gifts at the right moment.
“The Invasion of the Giants”
With over 10 million pieces spread over 2,000 square meters, the exhibition “The Invasion of the Giants” fills the Alfândega do Porto with colossal models, from dinosaurs to spaceships.
At this largest exhibition of LEGO models in Europe dedicated to the world of plastic brick construction, you can see a 5-meter-long Spinosaurus , a Star Wars-inspired Tie Fighter, and even a giant segment of the Great Wall of China.
The various themed areas include cinema, architecture, cartoons, interactive play areas, and a Fun Park where kids and adults can create their own works of art. There is also the 3D Trick Gallery, perfect for taking selfies in settings full of optical illusions and ensuring unforgettable photos.
If you’re looking to spice things up in your relationship, there’s a special event waiting for you (and your partner) at the MXM Art Center. On February 14, this Porto venue will be decked out to host Cabaret: New Xperience, promising a journey back in time to the charisma and sensuality of the Belle Époque.
The experience includes a themed show with music, dance, theater, and comedy. As for tickets, you can choose to attend only the performance, or arrive an hour early to enjoy a romantic dinner in a burlesque and cabaret atmosphere.
The BrickWorld exhibition brings together incredible themed constructions made with LEGO pieces, such as medieval castles, Christmas villages, and space battles, all created by adult fans of the brand, known as AFOLs.
The experience takes place at the Atkinson Museum, part of WOW – the cultural quarter of Vila Nova de Gaia, between November 14, 2025, and February 22, 2026, and is specially designed to entertain kids and adults alike with its highly interactive nature.
The constructions reflect hundreds of hours of dedication and an artistic eye that takes LEGO building to another dimension. Part of the proceeds go to the Legando Association, bringing the magic of LEGO to underprivileged children.
Carnival Parade
They say that tradition is not what it used to be. But when it comes to the Batucada Radical association’s Carnival Parade , it is not only alive and well, but also highly recommended. On Sunday, February 15, the carnival spirit will once again ‘invade’ the streets of Bonfim, promising plenty of festivities. The parade starts at 3 p.m.
“150 Years of Topázio”
If you appreciate the best in art and design, there is a free exhibition to visit at WOW – World of Wine, the cultural quarter of Vila Nova de Gaia: “150 Years of Topázio.”
The exhibition brings together exclusive creations by nationally and internationally renowned artists, such as Joana Vasconcelos, Iva Viana, Alain Gilles, Christian Haas, and Noé Duchafour-Lawrance, among many others.
The Jury Experience
At The Jury Experience Porto, you take on the role of a juror in a disappearance case filled with passion, revenge, and a million-dollar divorce, where every testimony, piece of evidence, and twist and turn can change the course of the decision.
For about an hour, you analyze testimonies, discuss moral dilemmas with the rest of the jury, and, in the end,the verdict is really decided by you.
The experience is suitable for participants aged 12 and over and takes place in the Francisco de Assis Auditorium, at the Luso-French College in Porto.
