The Algarve is the most thrilling holiday destination in Portugal. It's to this region that families and friends flock in search of unforgettable moments. On the stunning beaches, in refreshing pools, at vibrant terraces, and during lively events, tourists create memories for a lifetime during the summer. If you haven't decided when to take your holiday, we suggest considering the already scheduled summer events in the Algarve. Here are our recommendations for 2024. Dive into the excitement and savour the best of the year's hottest season!
Photo by Joey Thompson – Unsplash
For thousands of years, the Arade River has bridged the gap between the coastal area and the interior of the Algarve. Dredging was necessary due to sedimentation, uncovering various objects from prehistory to the present, now exhibited at the Portimão Museum. Admission is free from Wednesday to Sunday, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Learn more about this exhibition in the Algarve here.
In this collective exhibition, the Areal family (António Areal, Sofia Areal, and Martin Brion) showcases the various artistic directions each member has embraced over the years, from surrealism to neo-dada, bad painting, transavantgarde, and the newer pursuits of photography and sculpture. It's an exhibition not to be missed at the Centro Cultural de Lagos (Exhibition Room No. 1). Admission is free, Tuesday to Saturday, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Following the success of its two previous editions, the theatre set among straw bales returns with even more magic. This ephemeral structure is also an interactive piece of Land Art, where visitors can wander and enjoy a lineup of national and international new circus, theatre, dance, music, and cinema. The space is open for free visits from 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM. Check out the program here.
Sunset Secrets is back to liven up the late afternoons. These events take place every Thursday in July in the unique setting of Silves Castle. This year's concerts feature Inês Loubet (July 4), Beto Kalulu (July 11), Orquestra Garvefole (July 18), and Duo Luís Capitão e Leonardo Pisco (July 25). Tickets are available on usual platforms, priced at €5 for the public and €2 for residents. Get all the details of this event here.
Lagos (Portugal) and Palos de la Frontera (Spain) have been sister cities since 1992, and this regatta celebrates the historical connection between the two cities. The event starts in Lagos Bay at 5:00 PM, followed by the Coastal Race starting at 11:00 AM on the 13th, and concludes with arrival at the Puerto Deportivo de Mazagón in Palos de la Frontera at 4:00 PM.
This event has been happening for 35 years in Lagos. This year, it features performances from well-known artists, as always. During the event, you can enjoy concerts by Expensive Soul (July 24), Fernando Daniel (July 25), Hybrid Theory (July 26), Plutonio (July 27), and Luís Trigacheiro (July 28). In addition to these artists, there will be more concerts, sweet displays, workshops, and much more. Entry is free, and the venue will be open from 6:00 PM to midnight. Learn more on the Arte Doce 2024 website.
This event is happening for the 9th time along the riverside of Portimão. Here, you can discover new businesses, some with a strong focus on sustainability and others involved in crafts, design products, and art. At the event, there will be live music as well as dedicated areas for street food. Get all the details about this event in the Algarve here.
One of the most anticipated events in the Algarve is the Sardine Festival, held along the riverside of Portimão. There are plenty of areas dedicated to Algarvian gastronomy, with sardines taking centre stage, of course. Crafts, traditional sweets, and other products also feature prominently at this event. As always, the concert lineup is extensive, and in 2024, the headliners include Aurea (July 30), Sara Correia (July 31), Anjos (August 1), Richie Campbell (August 2), Marisa Liz (August 3), and Delfins (August 4). Get more details about this Algarve event here.
In a spacious venue with numerous stands offering commerce, food, and Portuguese products, the iconic Fatacil unfolds over several days in August in Lagoa. This year, dance to the music of Quatro e Meia (August 16), Ivandro (August 17), D.A.M.A. (August 18), João Pedro Pais (August 19), Carolina Deslandes (August 20), David Carreira (August 21), Julinho KSD (August 22), Amália Hoje (August 23), Calema (August 24), and closing the lineup, Xutos & Pontapés (August 25). Find all event details on the official website.
Banho 29 in Lagos is a popular tradition where people take a midnight swim in the sea on the night of August 28 to 29. It's believed that a swim on this day is equivalent to 29 baths, and this end-of-summer ritual is passed down through generations. So far, the municipality has not announced the concerts accompanying this tradition. However, the midnight swim always takes place on the city's beaches, and there's a contest for vintage swimwear in the city centre. Stay tuned for the concerts during this Lagos city event.
Summer festivals are coming to the Algarve! Make the most of your holidays and enjoy the events happening in the various towns of the Western Algarve. Count on Casas do Barlavento to ensure secure holiday rentals.