You might not be aware of it, but Summer Fests are a huuuuuge thing in Portugal! Every year, festival-goers get more hysterical than a 13-year old at a Justin Bieber concert if the whole festival alignment doesn’t get out by January, which is why promoters release their schedules several months in advance. Still, party animals come from all across the globe just for these occasions, so they must be up to something good! Being the country’s 2nd biggest city, Porto is obviously a major draw for summer fest organizers, so if you’re coming here in July make sure not to miss these amazing events!
HERE ARE 3 SUMMER FESTS YOU CAN’T MISS THIS JULY IN PORTO
MEO MARÉS VIVAS
Photo courtesy of: Meo Marés Vivas
Taking place in Vila Nova de Gaia between the 20th and the 22nd of July, the Marés Vivas Fest is one of the most popular and star-studded festivals in Porto. Throughout its almost 20-year history, its stage has been graced with the presence of world-famous artists, such as Thirty Seconds to Mars, The Cranberries (RIP Dolores), Elton John, Keane, Lenny Kravitz and John Legend – just to name a few! With such a legacy to protect, 2018 won’t be an exception when it comes to international household names, so expect to find the likes of David Guetta, Rita Ora, Joss Stone and LP for this year’s alignment.
Tickets for the event start at 35€ and can be bought online at Ticketline or in person at one of the city’s Fnac stores (the easiest to access can be found in Norteshopping or at Rua de Santa Catarina – the city’s main shopping street).
Rua da Praia, Vila Nova de Gaia
RPMM FESTIVAL
Photo courtesy of: RPMM Festival
If you fancy hardcore electronic music, then why not be a pioneer and take part in the very first RPMM Festival? This brand new fest will make its debut in the Portuguese festival scene on the 28th and 29th of July, in the beautiful Alfândega Porto Congress Centre. Among the event’s list of headliners, you can find a healthy mix of up-and-comers, like Alfonsvs or Miguel Puente, mingling with established artists like Guy Gerber, Damian Lazarus or Francesca Lombardo.
Get ready for 2 nights of raving on heavy beats, and surreal sounds – a party even iconic Stefon from Saturday Night Live would recommend!
Standard Tickets for the entire weekend cost 55€ and can be bought directly at the RPMM website.
PORTO INTERNATIONAL FOLK FESTIVAL
Photo courtesy of: Porto Lazer
Although people may travel for all kinds of different reasons, something we can all agree is how awesome it is to get to know distinct cultures and foreign traditions. But what if you could learn the customs of a dozen countries in a single trip? Well, that’s just what the Porto International Folk Festival might be holding in store for you! This fest, which is heading to its 38th edition, displays folk music and dance from all areas of the globe, with participants coming from a wide range of countries and continents, such as Brazil, India, Cyprus and the Czech Republic.
These exhibitions are usually held at metro stations, public squares or green areas, so if you’re visiting Porto between the 23rd and the 30th of July, keep an eye out for those “funny-looking people” and have fun!
Guess you’ll have plenty to see on your next visit to Porto. Which Summer Fest will you definitely be attending? Let us know on the comments section!
