In May, we can taste the first cherries and enjoy spring to the full. With the weather improving and the temperatures too, it ‘s time to get out of the house and enjoy afternoons on the terraces. But you still don’t know what to do in Porto in May? Then take a look at our article.
From exhibitions, concerts and festivals to open-air programs, Invicta has a plan for everyone. Adults and children alike, no one is left out of this essential itinerary that promises to mark your May agenda.
Table Of Contents
- Visit Porto's historic cemeteries
- Enjoy free photographic exhibitions
- Attend a concert by candlelight
- Go to the International Festival of Iberian Expression
- Enjoy Serralves em Festa
- Celebrate the Lord of Matosinhos in style
- Practicing yoga, pilates and tai chi outdoors
- Watch a ballet show with lights
- Free nature tourism experiences near Porto
- Laugh your ass off at the "War of the Sexes"
Visit Porto’s historic cemeteries
During the XV Cultural Cycle of Porto’s Cemeteries, you can explore two of the city’s most emblematic monumental cemeteries through 10 guided tours between May and September: Prado do Repouso and Agramonte .
In this program, participants will get to know the most striking sculptures, monuments and historical personalities buried there, enhancing the local heritage and history. The visits are free, but prior registration is required.
📍Prado do Repouso Cemetery and Agramonte Cemetery, Porto.
🗓️ From May 3 to September 21, 2025.
Enjoy free photographic exhibitions
The Porto Photography Biennial brings together 16 free exhibitions, 51 artists and 48 activities in the city’s emblematic spaces, including places like the Portuguese Photography Center and São Bento Metro Station.
The event explores the theme “Tomorrow Today”, reflecting on the impact of present actions on the future. Highlights include the exhibitions “Luminófilos [Lightseekers]” and “Rizomas”, as well as the Futures Meet-up event. Free admission from May 15 to June 29, making this biennial an unmissable opportunity for art and culture lovers.
📍Various emblematic locations in Porto.
🗓️ May 15 to June 29, 2025.
Attend a concert by candlelight
Candlelight concerts are already a constant presence on Porto’s cultural agenda, continuing to surprise with incredible musical repertoires, but also by staging the shows in emblematic places.
During the month of May, you’ll have the opportunity to attend various concerts by candlelight , from “The Best of Vivaldi” at the Igreja da Santíssima Trindade to “Magical Sound Bands” at the Pestana Palácio do Freixo, among others.
📍Various emblematic locations in Porto.
🗓️ Various dates
Go to the International Festival of Iberian Expression
For theater lovers, going to FITEI – International Festival of Iberian Expression Theater might be a good idea.
The artistic event kicks off on May 14 and runs until Saturday, May 25.
This means you can see lots of plays. You can see the full program here.
Enjoy Serralves em Festa
Serralves em Festa is already a classic on Porto’s cultural agenda. This year, the event takes place from May 30 to June 2.
All in all, a 50-hour cultural marathon awaits you, with lots of concerts, artistic performances, contemporary circus and activities for children. Admission is free.
🗓️ May 30 to June 2.
Celebrate the Lord of Matosinhos in style
For three weeks, from May 23rd to June 15th, the Festas do Senhor de Matosinhos liven up the city with great concerts, fireworks, a traditional procession and lots of food.
With big names like Matias Damásio, Richie Campbell, Dino d’Santiago and José Pinhal Post-Mortem Experience, the program guarantees memorable moments for all ages. Don’t miss out on centuries-old celebrations such as the famous Procession of Bom Jesus de Matosinhos and the pyrotechnic show.
📍Matosinhos, Greater Porto.
🗓️ May 23rd to June 15th, 2025.
Practicing yoga, pilates and tai chi outdoors
Between May and September, various green spaces in Porto become authentic outdoor fitness centers, offering free yoga, pilates, tai chi and Rose Method sessions.
The municipal initiative “Days with Energy” takes place at the weekend in five emblematic parks, promoting well-being and a more active lifestyle. Participation is free, but requires prior online registration via the Sports Portal.
📍Crystal Palace Gardens, Covelo Park, Pasteleira Park, Oriental Park and Porto City Park.
🗓️ May to September.
Watch a ballet show with lights
Porto’s cultural agenda is increasingly offering different and memorable experiences, such as “We Call It Ballet”.
Based on the universe of “Sleeping Beauty”, talented dancers will bring this classic tale to life with costumes that glow in the dark.
In this context, it’s an original reinterpretation that promises to please ballet lovers and beyond.
📍Francisco de Assis Auditorium
🗓️ May 15th
Free nature tourism experiences near Porto
Just a few minutes from the city, you can explore four incredible free nature tourism experiences, ideal for those looking for outdoor adventures.
In this guide you’ll find modern walkways in Oliveira de Azeméis, the historic Lourido Wire Bridge over the Tâmega, the challenging Cuca Macuca staircase in Valongo and the original Cu Grande Swing in Gondomar.
📍Various locations
🗓️ Available all year round
Laugh your ass off at the “War of the Sexes”
Going to the theater is a good idea, but so is watching a comedy. That’s why we suggest “Guerra de Sexos”, a stand-up performance by Marco Pedrosa.
The narrative deals with the theme of love relationships, aiming to make the audience reflect (and laugh a lot) about the typical mistakes we make when we fall in love.
📍Casa do Desporto – IPDJ
🗓️30 May, 21h30