22 Top Music Festivals in Portugal to Add to Your Bucketlist
With Portugal becoming a more and more popular travel destination, it’s good to know there are some fantastic music festivals in Portugal you can add to your itinerary. We’ve put together a list of the top Portuguese music festivals covering a spectrum of genres, including electronic, rock, jazz, pop, and even metal.
Most of these Portuguese festivals take place over the summer months of June to September when the weather is hot and the vibes are high. But you can still find a few festivals to attend outside of these months also.
So get your best outfits together and get ready to attend some music festivals in Portugal, as we’ve got you covered with some incredible options with world-famous (and also local) artists and a great time.
Vodafone Paredes de Coura
Where: Praia Fluvial do Taboão – Festival Paredes De Coura, Formariz
When: Mid-August
The Vodafone Parades de Coura is a four-day festival along the Taboão River. It’s been called one of the top 5 best music festivals in Europe by Rolling Stone, perhaps making it one of the best Portuguese music festivals. The festival features international and local musicians across various genres, including R&B, electronic, indie, and rap. Past line-ups featured artists like Skepta, Arcade Fire, and Mitski.
On-site camping is available for full festival pass holders, and there’s also caravan space for those with their own space on wheels. In addition, for those luxurious campers, glamping and pre-set-up tents are available for additional fees. Check my music festival camping checklist for camping tips!
Rock in Rio Portugal
Where: Lisbon
When: Over two weekends in June
Rock in Rio Lisbon features music that takes us back, bringing us globally famous timeless artists such as Bruce Springsteen, Muse, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Ellie Golding. But, of course, don’t just expect musicians that millennial/Gen X/Boomeer generations loved during their teen years, as more current musicians also make appearances, such as Cardi B and Post Malone.
With the festival happening over two weekends, you can go for one weekend or both — it’s technically a four-day festival, but spread over the two weekends.
Neopop Festival
Where: Viana do Castelo
When: Mid-August
Happening in the beautiful seaside town of Viana do Castelo, Neopop Festival is one of the best Portugal music festivals for electronic and techno music lovers. The three/four-day festival has welcomed guests from around the world for over 15 years, so you know they’ve got it down when it comes to stimulating your senses. Past lineups have included DJs such as Nina Kraviz, Amelie Lenz, and Honey Dijon.
BOOM Festival
Where: Idanha-a-Nova
When: Late July
Boom Festival is one of the top-tier transformational festivals in the whole world and definitely one of the most all-encompassing and best music festivals in Portugal. Boom Festival has lots of music and massive stages, but it’s so much more than just a festival. It also has massive wellness programs, an incredible amount of art, and workshops, panels, talks, and seminars all day every day in two main lifestyle tents.
Dance until sunrise to psytrance or techno to some of the best speakers, or relax during the days on the beach while swimming in the lake. Boom Festival offers SO much, which is also one of the reasons it’s a whole 7-8 days long! You really move to Boomland for a week and forget the outside world. Check out my Boom Festival Review + Guide here!
Primavera Sound (Spain & Portugal)
Where: Parque del Forum, Barcelona, Spain / Madrid, Spain / Porto, Portugal
When: Late May/Early June (Barcelona) / Early June (Madrid) / Early/Mid June (Portugal)
Primavera Sound is one of the music festivals in Europe with the world’s most popular and hype artists. Expect lots of hip-hop, RnB, rap, pop, and reggaeton at this European music festival, and expect to dance until you can’t anymore. Past line-ups have included J Balvin, Kali Uchis, Tyler the Creator, and Princess Nokia.
With multiple locations, even outside of Europe such as Argentina and Brazil, it’s an excellent opportunity to see many of your favorite artists in one place!
NOS Alive Festival Portugal
Where: Passeio Marítimo de Algés, Lisbon, Portugal
When: Mid-July
The NOS Alive festival is one of the best European music festivals to see the top global musicians from various genres, which happens to take place in Portugal! The festival offers tickets from one-day tickets to complete weekend passes. Past lineups have featured Stomzy, Weezer, MGMT, Tom Misch, and more globally famous names.
As for accommodation, you must find it yourself in the city, or you can camp at a nearby site that has partnered up with the festival — the campsite also includes a shuttle to and from the event! Check out more music festival tips before you go.
MEO Kalorama Festival Portugal
Where: Lisbon, Portugal
When: Late August/Early September
MEO Kalorama is a festival perfect for saying goodbye to summertime. So bring your best outfits, your singing voice, and your dance moves as this festival celebrates a variety of genres, from drum n bass to indie!
Past line-ups have included artists like Disclosure, Bonobo, The Artic Monkeys, and Bomba Estéreo, so you know you’re coming for a variety of genres that will keep you dancing!
Sumol Summer Fest
Where: Costa de Caparica
When: Early July
The Sumol Summer Festival features hip-hop, rap, and electronic sounds, catering to young attendees and promoting the alternative lifestyle through skating, surfing, and art. Artists that have performed at this Portugal music festival include Sean Paul, Joey BadA$$, and Post Malone.
Of all the best music festivals in Portugal we’ve covered so far, ticket prices for Sumol Summer Fest are some of the cheapest, starting around 50€ for two days pass with camping if you buy early.
Summer Opening
Where: Funchal
When: Over two weekends in Mid/Late-July
If you’re seeking a festival that celebrates and features music in Portuguese (coming from Brazil & Portugal), don’t skip out on Summer Opening. It’s sure to be a great time and an authentic immersion into the Portuguese music festival scene. While the music is limited to Portuguese, the genres aren’t and feature sounds from hip-hop to indie rock.
Rolling Loud Portugal
Where: Praia da Rocha Beach, Portimão
When: Early July
Rolling Loud is the place to see hip-hop, R&B, and rap icons in one place. Happening along the beautiful coastline of Potimão, you’ll soak up the sun by the sand while hearing some of your favorite stars live. Past line-ups have included Cardi B, Amine, YG, and Wale. The festival is cashless, so be sure to top up your account with all the funds you’ll need to enjoy the most out of this two-day festival in Portugal.
Festival Jardins do Marquês
Where: Oeiras
When: Late June/Early July
The Festival Jardins do Marquês is a multi-day festival (usually around five days) with concerts every night featuring international and local artists. It’s the perfect festival to spend an evening sitting in the gardens, sipping on a drink, and enjoying food and music with friends. The music genres also stand out in contrast to the many music festivals in Portugal featured in this list, as they bring in genres such as soul, jazz, and soft rock.
RFM Somnii
Where: Figueira da Foz
When: Early July
The three-day RFM Somnii Festival in Portugal brings a unique mix of hip-hop, drum n bass, and house to one place for your entertainment. With onsite camping, an oceanside stage, and pool parties, RFM Somnii is one of the festivals with all-out summer vibes, perfect for chillin’ on the beach and dancing the days away. Artists that have come to RFM Somnii in the past include Ozuna, Miss K8, and DJ Snake.
Afro Nation Portugal
Where: Portimão
When: Late June/Early July
If you’re a fan of Afrobeats, Afro Nation Portugal is the festival for you. The three-day festival brings you to the beautiful beaches of Portugal to enjoy the most prominent names across genres such as amapiano, hip-hop, R&B, and dancehall. Past line-ups have featured Burna Boy, Megan Thee Stallion, and Wizkid. As this is a cashless festival, purchase your credits ahead of time to keep the party going!
Cool Jazz
Where: Cascais
When: Mid – Late July
The Cool Jazz Festival is the perfect festival for jazz, soul, and funk lovers that runs almost a whole month. Spend your summer evenings in the gardens, sipping refreshing drinks and listening to world-renowned jazz artists. By day, take the time to explore the city as this is the best music festival in Portugal to delve into your love of both jazz and local culture.
Musicians such as Van Morrison, Diana Krall, and Tom Jones have taken the stage before, so you know you can expect some incredible names year after year.
Vagos Metal Fest
Where: Quinta do Ega
When: Late July/Early August
The Vagos Metal Fest is the best music festival in Portugal for metal lovers – from thrash to industrial metal to punk rock and death metal; this festival is one of a kind, bringing in local and international talents for you to mosh and party to. Past headliners have included Cradle of Filth, Candlemass, and Six Feet Under. Ticket holders for the whole event have free camping included, and there are even glamping options for an extra comfortable experience.
Marvão International Music Festival
Where: Marvão
When: Late July
Held in the mountain village of Marvão, The Marvão International Music Festival is a classical music festival held over ten days, meaning you can’t attend all or some of it — although with a remote destination, you might want to plan accordingly.
The festival celebrates sounds we don’t hear in mainstream music, including orchestral, piano, and chorus music. The village the festival happens in is also a unique experience with history back to medieval days, so be sure to enjoy the scenic backdrop and stay at least a few days!
OperaFest
Where: Gardens of the National Museum of Ancient Art
When: Late August/Early September
We can imagine back in time, Opera festivals were abundant — and while today it seems the music scene has been taken over by pop, hip-hop, and electronic music, Opera isn’t dead. So even if you aren’t an Opera fan, this is your invite as the 2022 festival introduced many people to Opera for the first time!
The OperaFest program offers a large variety of performances, so you can select from shows that run multiple times, making it easy to accommodate this festival to your schedule whether you live in Portugal or are just traveling through.
North Music Festival
Where: Porto
When: Late May
North Music Festival is a fantastic experience for international and local musicians across indie, Latin, and folk genres. Although only a two-day festival, it’s packed with music that will keep you and your friends entertained. Past line-ups have featured Bastille, Franz Ferdinand, and Robbie Williams.
MEO Sudoeste
Where: Zambujeira do Mar
When: Early/Mid August
MEO Sudoeste is a five-day music festival in Portugal that’s been running for over 20 years! Free admission is included with a full festival pass, meaning the party never has to end from the dance floor to the campsite — although we’re sure you’ll need some good sleep over this long festival. Don’t want to set up your tent? Glamping options are available! Be prepared to jam to various genres, as past line-ups have included artists like Steve Aoki, Masego, and Anitta.
EDP Vilar De Mouros
Where: Vilar de Mouros
When: Late August
Fans of rock, we haven’t forgotten you on this one! The EDP Vilar de Mouros Festival is the best music festivals in Portugal for lovers of rock across all genres, including hard rock, folk, and nu-metal. Previously artists who have performed at EDP Vilar de Mouros include Incubus, Bob Dylan, The Cure, and Metallica. There’s free onsite camping for 3-day pass ticket holders and other options such as paying for nightly camping, glamping, or offsite accommodations.
MEO Marés Vivas
Where: Vila Nova de Gaia
When: Mid/Late July
Meo Marés Vivas is a music festival in Portugal that celebrates international and local sounds across genres such as hip-hop, pop, and indie. Past line-ups have featured Maluma, Jessie J, and Bárbara Tinoco. The three-day festival is also one of the more budget-friendly tickets available for the entire festival. Still, as there is no onsite camping, one must find thier own accommodations.
Sónar Lisboa
Where: Lisbon
When: Late March/Early April
A newcomer to the Portugal music festivals scene, Sónar Festival (with 30 years running throughout Europe), brings incredible global acts and DJs from the electronic music scene. The three days festival brings more than just music but also features talks and workshops on technology and creativity. Past artists that have performed at Sónar Lisbon include Arca, Honey Dijon, and Jayda G.