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Lisboa transforms into a cultural hotspot every summer, and 2025 promises an exhilarating lineup of events from July to September. Whether you’re drawn to music festivals, traditional celebrations, or unique local experiences, Portugal’s capital has something to captivate every traveler. This guide, crafted from the latest English and Portuguese insights, highlights the must-see events at the MEO Arena and beyond, with tips on tickets, stays, and getting around. Dive into Lisboa’s summer vibe and plan your perfect trip!
Top Events in Lisboa: July, August, September 2025
Meo Kalorama Festival
Date: 19-21 JUNE
Venue: Parque da Bela Vista, Lisboa
Details: This eco-conscious music festival at Parque da Bela Vista features a mix of international and Portuguese artists across genres like pop, rock, and electronic. Past editions included names like Arctic Monkeys, promising a vibrant start to September. It’s a green escape within the city, perfect for music lovers.
July 2025
Iron Maiden - Run For Your Lives Tour
Date: Sunday, July 6th, 2025
Venue: MEO Arena, Lisboa
Details: Heavy metal legends Iron Maiden celebrate 50 years since their formation with the Run For Your Lives Tour. Expect a thunderous setlist featuring classics like “The Number of the Beast” and “Fear of the Dark,” paired with epic stage effects. This MEO Arena show is a pilgrimage for metal fans, promising a night of raw energy in Lisboa’s largest indoor venue.
Rauw Alejandro - Cosa Nuestra World Tour
Date: Wednesday, July 9th, 2025
Venue: MEO Arena, Lisboa
Details: Puerto Rican reggaeton sensation Rauw Alejandro brings his Cosa Nuestra World Tour to the MEO Arena, igniting the summer with hits like “Todo de Ti.” Known for his electrifying dance moves and Latin beats, this concert will turn the arena into a sizzling dance floor. It’s a perfect July night to experience Lisboa’s love for global rhythms.
NOS Alive Festival
Date: July 9th-12th, 2025 (projected based on past years)
Venue: Passeio Marítimo de Algés, Lisboa
Details: One of Portugal’s biggest music festivals, NOS Alive, returns to the waterfront near Lisboa. Expect a stellar lineup of rock, indie, and electronic acts—past headliners like Coldplay and The Killers hint at the caliber to come. With multiple stages and a vibrant atmosphere, it’s a summer highlight just a short trip from the city center.
Festival ao Largo
Date: Early to Late July 2025 (typically spans mid-July, exact dates TBD)
Venue: Largo de São Carlos, Lisboa
Details: This free outdoor festival in front of Teatro Nacional de São Carlos offers classical music, opera, ballet, and dance. Featuring the Portuguese Symphony Orchestra and National Ballet Company, it’s a cultural gem set against Lisboa’s historic backdrop. Bring a blanket and enjoy a sophisticated evening under the stars.
Lionel Richie - Say Hello To The Hits
Date: Tuesday, July 29th, 2025
Venue: MEO Arena, Lisboa
Details: Soul and pop icon Lionel Richie closes out July at the MEO Arena with his Say Hello To The Hits tour. Expect timeless classics like “All Night Long” and “Hello” to fill the venue with nostalgia and warmth. It’s an ideal summer night for fans of smooth vocals and feel-good vibes in Lisboa’s premier concert space.
Where to Stay for the Festivities
Top Hotels Near Rua Augusta, Praça do Comércio, and Belém
Lisbon’s hotel scene is a vibrant mix of luxury, charm, and budget-friendly gems, perfect for any traveler hitting the city in 2025.
Memmo Alfama: Tucked in Alfama’s historic alleys, this boutique hotel is steps from São Jorge Castle and the Sé Cathedral. It’s easily walkable from downtown trams, with a mid-range price of around $200–$250 per night for sleek, modern double rooms or suites with river views. The rooftop terrace adds a chic touch to this intimate stay.
Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Lisboa: On the elegant Avenida da Liberdade, this 5-star icon is close to Chiado and Bairro Alto, with metro stops nearby. Prices hover at $250–$350 per night for luxurious doubles, twins, or suites with city views and marble bathrooms. The rooftop bar seals the deal for a glamorous stay.
Hotel Gat Rossio: Smack in Baixa’s heart, this budget-friendly spot is a short walk from Rossio Square and the Santa Justa Lift, with metro lines at your doorstep. Rooms start at $50–$80 per night for simple singles or doubles, offering clean, no-frills comfort. It’s ideal for travelers prioritizing location over luxury.
August 2025
Jazz em Agosto
Date: August 1-31, 2025
Venue: Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian, Lisboa
Details: Since 1984, Jazz em Agosto has been Lisboa’s premier jazz festival, held in the Gulbenkian’s open-air amphitheater. World-class musicians deliver soulful performances, blending traditional jazz with experimental sounds. It’s a laid-back yet sophisticated way to enjoy August evenings in the city.
Assumption Day Celebrations
Date: August 15th, 2025
Venue: Various churches and streets, Lisboa
Details: A national holiday, Assumption Day (Assunção de Nossa Senhora) brings religious processions and masses to Lisboa’s streets, especially in historic neighborhoods like Alfama. Expect a mix of solemn ceremonies and community gatherings, offering a glimpse into Portugal’s Catholic heritage amidst summer festivities.
September 2025
Summer Carnival
Date: Late September 2025 (typically last weekend, exact dates TBD)
Venue: Main streets of Lisboa
Details: Lisboa’s Summer Carnival brings a burst of color with costumed parades and masquerades, often featuring groups from Portugal and Spain. The streets pulse with music and dance, offering a festive farewell to summer. It’s a lively, family-friendly event that showcases local flair.
October 2025
DocLisboa
Date: 16-26 October
Venue: Various venues across Lisboa
Details: This acclaimed documentary film festival spans 11 days, showcasing contemporary works from global filmmakers. Screenings at venues like Cinema São Jorge offer thought-provoking stories and discussions, making it a cultural highlight for cinephiles visiting Lisboa in September.
Getting Tickets
Secure your spot early for MEO Arena concerts via Trip.com. Festival tickets, like NOS Alive, often sell through Eventbrite or official sites—check pre-sale options for deals. Free events like Festival ao Largo require no tickets, just arrive early to claim a spot.
*Explore the variety of Yellow bus tickets. Sight-Seeing Buses.