July brings with it a packed agenda for you to enjoy the summer in Porto and the surrounding area. From candlelit concerts to outdoor movie sessions and the best dives, there are options for all tastes.
If your vacation is only in August, then take advantage of afternoons on the terrace and rooftops to toast the warmer season. In Invicta, there’ s entertainment from start to finish.
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Historical re-enactment of “The Pirates”
From July 10 to 13, all roads lead to Leça da Palmeira, one of the most beautiful coastal locations on the outskirts of Porto. Why? Because “The Pirates” are back for another edition.
Organized by Matosinhos City Council and produced by Cryseia, this event is already a regular on the cultural agenda of Greater Porto.
With free admission, you’ll find fun for kids and adults alike, including taverns and a craft fair, shows, music, theater, games, interactive workshops, treasure hunts and more. An event not to be missed!
📍Next to the Fort of Nossa Senhora das Neves and its surroundings, in Leça da Palmeira
🗓️ From July 10th to 13th
Tickets: free entry
MEO MARÉS VIVAS
After the successful Primavera Sound Porto, there’s another big summer festival about to bring music to Greater Porto – MEO Marés Vivas.
Taking place in a breathtaking setting with a privileged view of Invicta, this festival stands out for its wide range of audiences.
Legends such as the Scorpions, the renowned Thirty Seconds to Mars and Latin star Ozuna, among many others, will be performing.
📍Former Madalena campsite in Vila Nova de Gaia, next to the River Douro
🗓️ From July 18th to 20th
Tickets: daily entrance (50€) and general pass (100€)
Candlelight Concerts
The Candlelight Concerts will continue to spread their glow to various emblematic venues in and around Porto, such as the Pestana Palácio do Freixo and the Hilton Porto Gaia.
If you want to take advantage of the summer heat to enjoy an open-air concert and more, here’s the agenda for July :
- Candlelight Open Air: Queen vs The Beattles
- Candlelight: Coldplay vs Imagine Dragons
- Candlelight Open Air: The Best of Hans Zimmer
- Candlelight: Rock Classics
📍Various venues in Porto
Open-air cinema
Without a doubt, one of the best things to do in July in Porto is to attend open-air movie sessions. Between July 10 and 20, the “Oasis” cycle, promoted by Batalha Centro de Cinema, is back in Praça da Batalha.
However, this isn’t the only alternative available to you. In fact, in Greater Porto there are other similar initiatives taking place in other municipalities, in parks, gardens and green spaces, with free access… Everything to liven up your summer even more!
📍Various locations in Greater Porto
Panda Festival
The Panda Festival, the biggest children’s event in Portugal, is back in Greater Porto. More specifically, on July 26 and 27, the Dr. José Vieira de Carvalho Municipal Stadium, in the municipality of Maia, will host a new edition of the event.
This year’s theme is inspired by the idea “We all have superpowers”. However, they’re not the ones we’re used to from Marvel superheroes or animated films. After all, who needs to know how to fly if you have empathy and self-confidence?
📍Dr. José Vieira de Carvalho Municipal Stadium, in the municipality of Maia
🗓️ From July 26 to 27
🎫 More information: check out the official Canal Panda website
Porto Blues Fest
Porto Blues Fest returns to the Acoustic Shell of the Crystal Palace Gardens on July 25 and 26, bringing with it international and national blues names.
This year’s highlight is the debut of the Youth by Bunker Stage, dedicated to young talent in partnership with the Porto Guitar Academy. The line-up includes performances by Del Toro Blues Band, Portuguese Blues Reunion, Dani Wilde and Chicago Blues Summer Tour.
📍Crystal Palace Gardens, Porto
🗓️ From July 25th to 26th
🎫 Tickets are on sale now, with daily tickets costing €25 and a general pass costing €35
New Rooftop The Social Hub Porto
The new rooftop of The Social Hub Porto, located on the 8th floor in the heart of Baixa, offers stunning views over the city, an exclusive pool for guests and a menu inspired by local and international flavors.
In this open-air space with a lively atmosphere, you can enjoy fresh snacks from the Portuguese coast, signature cocktails and artisanal desserts, making it a must for rooftop lovers.
Open every day from 5pm, it’s perfect for summer afternoons and evenings with good music and sharing with friends.
📍8th floor, Praça de Dom João I, 80, Porto.
Continente Food Festival
The Continente Food Festival in Porto’s City Park returns on July 12 and 13, with free admission and a line-up full of concerts for all ages.
The event features performances by artists such as Tony Carreira, Bárbara Bandeira, Mariza and MC Kevinho, spread over two main stages and one dedicated to the little ones. In addition to the music, the festival stands out for its gastronomic offer of dishes signed by Michelin chefs at just €6.
This year, there’s also the new Arraial Square, which recreates the atmosphere of the Santos Populares, and an enhanced children’s program, making the festival an ideal choice for families.
📍Porto City Park
🗓️ July 12th and 13th
🎫F ree entry
Serralves Jazz in the Park
July is a month full of musical initiatives, such as the return of Serralves Jazz in the Park. The 34th edition of the event takes place on July 5, 6, 12 and 13, on weekends.
From the incredible Serralves Park to the Auditorium, (re)discover the best of contemporary jazz and improvised music, in a line-up featuring Peter Evans, Eve Risser and Alexander Hawkins.
📍Serralves
🗓️ July 5, 6, 12 and 13
🎫 Tickets on sale for €12
Free pilates, yoga and tai chi classes
Summer is also synonymous with exercising outdoors. So if you’re looking for motivation and/or company, you can always try the “Days with Energy”.
This is a municipal initiative that runs until September in various green spaces in Porto. The program includes yoga classes, pilates, tai chi and the practice of the Rose Method. Participation is also free.
📍Various parks and green spaces in Porto
🗓️ Until September
🎫Free access, but subject to prior registration via the Sports Portal
The best swimming pools
For those who don’t like sand, the swimming pools around Porto are always a good option.
There are pools overlooking the sea and Atlantic waters, others surrounded by idyllic green spaces. So just choose your favorite spot and dive into summer!
Editor’s note: the article with suggestions of what to do in July in Porto will be updated whenever necessary, with the addition of new plans!