Lisbon, the vibrant capital of Portugal, offers a rich tapestry of cultural events and celebrations throughout the year, each reflecting the city’s unique heritage and spirit. From traditional concerts and lively festivals to international film showcases and gastronomic delights, there’s something for everyone in this enchanting city. This guide highlights the key events taking place in each month and season in 2025, providing an overview of what to expect and experience as you immerse yourself in Lisbon’s diverse offerings.
JANUARY & FEBRUARY
January New Year’s ConcertT; he Centro Cultural de Belém (CCB) and the Lisbon Metropolitan Orchestra kick off the year with a traditional New Year’s concert on January 1st. Ticket prices range from €5 to €18.
February Carnival: Carnival celebrations unfold throughout Lisbon, particularly in Torres Vedras and Sesimbra, featuring samba music and vibrant Brazilian costumes. Many nightclubs in the city also host costume ball parties. Carnival in 2025 falls on 4th of March.
Read full details of Carnival 2025 HERE.
MARCH
March Lisbon Half Marathon: The Meia Maratona de Lisboa offers a fantastic opportunity to walk across the iconic 25 de Abril Bridge spanning the River Tejo, culminating in front of the UNESCO World Heritage site, Jerónimos Monastery.
February Carnival: Carnival celebrations unfold throughout Lisbon. Date: 4Th of March 2025
ModaLisboa - Lisboa Fashion Week 2025: Dates are yet to be confirmed.
APRIL
Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025: Read full info here.
Indie Lisboa: hort films, and experimental works from both Portuguese and international filmmakers. The festival also features talks, debates, and special activities with industry professionals.
Peixe em Lisboa: The annual Peixe em Lisboa festival celebrates seafood, allowing attendees to sample a wide array of fish and seafood dishes crafted by top chefs from Portugal and beyond. The event takes place at Eduardo VII Park (Pavilhão Carlos Lopes).
Italian Film Festival April 2025: (date to be confirmed)
Dias da Música: Music Days is a three-day, continuous music festival held at the Centro Cultural de Belém (CCB) in spring. The program includes concerts spanning jazz, opera, and classical music, along with workshops and activities for all ages.
MAY
May Rock in Rio Lisboa: ent park and various food stalls, with street performers providing entertainment. See details here.
Arco Lisboa - International Contemporary Art Fair May 2025: (date to be confirmed)
FIMFA - International Festival of Puppetry and Animated Forms: May 2025 (date to be confirmed)
JUNE
June Santos Populares: June is a festive month in Lisbon, filled with street parties, theatre performances, and open-air concerts. The vibrant festivities are concentrated in historic neighborhoods like Alfama, Castelo, Bica, and Bairro Alto, with daily arraiais. The highlight is the Feast of St. Anthony on June 12, featuring a sardine festival and a parade down Avenida da Liberdade. Read full details and tips about June Festiviries HERE.
JULY
July NOS Alive: The NOS Alive festival, held for three days at the Algés riverside near Belém, is renowned as one of the top 12 European festivals, according to NME magazine.
Festival ao Largo: In late July, the area in front of Teatro Nacional de São Carlos hosts free outdoor concerts featuring classical music, opera, ballet, and dance performances.
BaixAnima: From July to September, the Baixa neighborhood comes alive with free live music and theatre performances during the weekends.
Delta Tejo: The Delta Tejo festival, held in the Alto da Ajuda district, features three days of ethnic music from various cultures, including traditional Portuguese fado, Cape Verdean coladera, and Brazilian rhythms.
Super Bock Super Rock: This major rock festival takes place at Lisbon’s eastern waterfront near Parque das Nações, spanning three days and showcasing internationally acclaimed bands, along with plenty of sunshine and beer.
AUGUST
August Jazz em Agosto: Since 1984, the Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian has hosted "Jazz in August," the city's premier annual jazz festival, featuring performances by world-class musicians in an open-air amphitheater.
O Sol da Caparica From 14 Aug, 2025 to 17 Aug, 2025: The Parque Urbano da Costa Caparica once again plays host to the biggest Lusophone music festival.
Festival dos Oceanos: This two-week festival in early August celebrates the oceans, with events across Lisbon’s riverfront area (Parque das Nações and Belém) and historic neighborhoods. It includes exhibitions, theatre, street performances, music concerts, and conferences.
SEPTEMBER
Santa Casa Alfama Festival: This festival celebrates fado music in the historic Alfama neighborhood, featuring performances by both emerging and established fado artists on multiple stages.
MOTELx: The International Horror Film Festival MOTELx takes place at Cinema São de Jorge on Avenida da Liberdade, making it a must-attend event for horror film enthusiasts.
Happy Holi – Colour Festival: Happy Holi is a vibrant festival of music and color, featuring DJ performances and dance music. A highlight is the release of colored powders into the crowd, creating a lively atmosphere.
Iberian Mask Festival: This is a pre-carnival or some call it a summer carnival normally held in late September in the main streets of Lisbon with many groups from both Portugal and Spain dressing in costumes and masquerades.
OCTOBER
Lisbon Marathon: Beginning in Cascais, the Lisbon Marathon offers a stunning 42-kilometer (26-mile) route along the waterfront, culminating in Lisbon. It also features two shorter races: the Luso Half Marathon, crossing the Vasco da Gama Bridge, and the Vodafone 10K, which crosses the 25 de Abril Bridge.
Doc Lisboa: The DocLisboa festival is dedicated to documentaries, running for 11 days and showcasing acclaimed contemporary works from international filmmakers.
DECEMBER
Christmas: During the holiday season, Avenida da Liberdade and the main squares and streets of the Baixa and Chiado neighborhoods are adorned with festive Christmas lights in a dazzling array of designs. Don’t miss the seasonal treats, such as roasted chestnuts and Bolo Rei (King Cake), a traditional Portuguese Christmas delicacy.
Conclusion
Whether you are a local or a visitor, Lisbon's calendar is filled with events that celebrate music, art, food, and culture, inviting you to partake in its lively atmosphere. Each month brings its own unique flavor, making it easy to discover new experiences and connect with the community. So mark your calendars and embrace the festivities that showcase the best of Lisbon, creating unforgettable memories in this remarkable city.
*Explore the variety of Yellow bus tickets. Sight-Seeing Buses.