What's happening in Porto: 17-23 October 2022
Tawny port workshop, Int'l Chocolate Festival, expat meetup, and more.
Looking for kid-friendly events this week? Check out Destrinco at a former military barracks, an FC Porto game, the Chocolate Festival, the Organ & Sacred Music Festival, and the Impossible performance.
Monday, 17 October
International Festival of Organ and Sacred Music, at various locations and various times
Porto hosts the 2nd edition of the Festival Internacional de Órgão e Música Sacra (FIOMS) through 6 Nov. With 30+ concerts, 4 master classes, and a conference, there’s something for everyone, including concerts for kids. Performances will be held in some of the most well-known churches in the area and at Casa da Música. Free admission.
4th Module jazz concert, at Casa da Música, 17h30-19h15
Jazz and improvisation go hand in hand. This performance by Luís Figueiredo, a nationally recognized pianist and composer, will demonstrate how truly great this musical genre is. Tickets start at 30€.
Mindful Mondays, at Studio Yoga sobre o Porto 3rd floor, 19h-20h
Start your week mindfully. These guided meditations in English will help you to gain a state of calm. Suitable for beginners and experienced practitioners alike. Fee: 15€ for drop-ins or 35€ monthly membership (free 1st-time trial class).
Daniel Carapeto stand-up comedy, at Maus Hábitos, starts 20h
A comedian with three solo stand-up specials under his belt. As the next guest of Cockburn's Comedy Table, he gives his unique and funny perspective on modern life, if you understand Portuguese. Book in advance by email or calling 937 202 918. Tickets available at the door for 10€.
Tuesday, 18 October
Pastéis de nata workshop, at Escola Pasgelpan, 12h-18h
Learn how to make puff pastry and filling for the tastiest Portuguese custard tarts, following traditional techniques and recipes. You’ll take home samples, recipes, and a discount voucher. Cost: 70€ pp. If you’d like English instruction, mention it when registering via email.
International Festival of Organ and Sacred Music, at various locations and various times
Porto hosts the 2nd edition of the Festival Internacional de Órgão e Música Sacra (FIOMS) through 6 Nov. With 30+ concerts, 4 master classes, and a conference, there’s something for everyone, including concerts for kids. Performances will be held in some of the most well-known churches in the area and at Casa da Música. Free admission.
Expat meetup, at Bar of Soap, starts 19h
An inclusive opportunity to meet expats who recently moved and those who have lived in Portugal for a while. Enjoy a pop-up by Balkan Bites, with tasty food available for purchase. Free entry.
"Second Abolition" reading, at Mosteiro de São Bento da Vitória, starts 19h
Readings at the Monastery is a new series that began last month during the bicentenary of Brazilian independence. This particular reading of "Second Abolition" features important writers Grace Passô, Jé Oliveira, and Marcos Barbosa. Entrance is free but has limited capacity.
Matosinhos string quartet concert, at Casa da Música, starts 19h30
The Matosinhos Ensemble will be featuring Joseph Haydn, an Austrian composer of the classical period who was known for his composition of chamber music. General admission tickets are 6€.
"Heróis do Mar" film screening, at Ageas Porto Coliseu, 19h30-21h30
As part of the celebration of the 200-year anniversary of Brazil's independence, Coliseu is hosting Brazilian film documentaries. This movie follows Portuguese fishermen searching for cod near Newfoundland and Greenland. Tickets are 4€.
Live music, at Mercado Bom Sucesso, starts 20h
Enjoy the sounds of DJ Emanuel while enjoying some tasty grub and drinks at this popular indoor market near Casa da Música.
Irish trad music session, at Casa da Horta, starts 20h
Open to those who want to listen or participate in Irish trad music. Free to attend.
Private Collection performance, at Maus Hábitos, starts 21h
An opportunity to watch three artists perform and present their works. The theme of the night is problems with memory. Artists presenting include Paulo Pinto, Bibi Doria, and By Ece Cancli. Admission is free.
"ENTER THE sQUIGG" concert, at Casa da Música, starts 21h
This exposition on rhythm and its relationship to harmony and melody will be performed by one of the most important trios of the Portuguese jazz scene (João Paulo Esteves Da Silva, Carlos Barreto, Alexandre Frazão. Tickets are 14€.
Wednesday, 19 October
Freestyle ceramics workshop, at Squid Ink Works, 11h-14h
Make a piece of your style and choosing in this 3-hour workshop. Everything is included: clay, materials, the two firings, and the glazing. Fee: 40€. DM them on Instagram or email to reserve your spot.
International Festival of Organ and Sacred Music, at various locations and various times
Porto hosts the 2nd edition of the Festival Internacional de Órgão e Música Sacra (FIOMS) through 6 Nov. With 30+ concerts, 4 master classes, and a conference, there’s something for everyone, including concerts for kids. Performances will be held in some of the most well-known churches in the area and at Casa da Música. Free admission.
Jazz Divas candlelight concert, at Ateneu Comercial do Porto, 2 start times
Listen to the Intempus String Quartet at either 19h30 or 21h30 as their theme of jazz divas interprets greats such as Nina Simone, Billie Holiday, and Ella Fitzgerald. Tickets start at 15€ when bought in advance online.
Did you know you can go on a conservas factory tour in Matosinhos?
Thursday, 20 October
International Festival of Organ and Sacred Music, at various locations and various times
Porto hosts the 2nd edition of the Festival Internacional de Órgão e Música Sacra (FIOMS) through 6 Nov. With 30+ concerts, 4 master classes, and a conference, there’s something for everyone, including concerts for kids. Performances will be held in some of the most well-known churches in the area and at Casa da Música. Free admission.
International Chocolate and Cocoa Festival, at WOW, starts 18h
Attention chocolate lovers! Don’t miss the opportunity to try the world's best chocolate brands and participate in gastronomy workshops, cooking demos, and more. Free entry, but some activities carry a fee and require you to book in advance.
"For the Winds to Rise" play, at São João National Theater, starts 19h
The artistic directors of Teatro Nacional São João and Théâtre National de Bordeaux en Aquitaine worked with a cast of young French and Portuguese actors to create a memorable collaboration that questions the foundations of democratic thought. Performed in Portuguese and French, subtitled in Portuguese. Tickets start at 12€.
"Gota d'Água {Preta}" play, at Ageas Porto Coliseu, 20h-23h40
This musical adapts the Greek tragedy of Medea and transports the location to the slums of Rio de Janeiro. With a focus on the struggle of social economics, this play is designed to educate and entertain. Tickets start at 12€.
Travo and Mayu繭 concert, at Maus Hábitos, starts 21h30
For those who enjoy the Portugal rock group GNR, the influence is strong in the collective MAYU繭. While opening band Travo allows you to trip out to their psychedelic rock sound. Tickets are 6€ and available online or at the door.
Japanese film screening, at Casa das Artes, starts 21h30
The Porto Film Society is hosting a series of Japanese film screenings. Today’s is crime thriller “First Love,” directed by Takashi Miike and released in 2019.
Friday, 21 October
International Festival of Organ and Sacred Music, at various locations and various times
Porto hosts the 2nd edition of the Festival Internacional de Órgão e Música Sacra (FIOMS) through 6 Nov. With 30+ concerts, 4 master classes, and a conference, there’s something for everyone, including concerts for kids. Performances will be held in some of the most well-known churches in the area and at Casa da Música. Free admission.
International Chocolate and Cocoa Festival, at WOW, starts 14h
Attention chocolate lovers! Don’t miss the opportunity to try the world's best chocolate brands and participate in gastronomy workshops, cooking demos, and more. Free entry, but some activities carry a fee and require you to book in advance.
End of harvest season party, at The Lab, starts 18h
Make new friends at this boutique wine shop while celebrating the end of grape harvest season with music and excellent Portuguese wine. 5€ donation gets you a wine glass for pours.
Porto-style rock festival, at Pavilhão Rosa Mota - Super Bock Arena, starts 19h
Portuguese classic rock bands Clã, GNR, Pluto, Três Tristes Tigres, and Zen take the stage at Rock à Moda do Porto. Tickets available online starting at 20€.
"Mangroves" film screening, at Ageas Porto Coliseu, 19h-20h30
As part of the celebration of the 200-year anniversary of Brazil's independence, Coliseu is hosting Brazilian film documentaries. This movie is a study of mangrove trees and their impact on the environment, from estuaries to wildlife. Tickets are 4€.
FC Porto vs Benfica football match, at Estádio do Dragão, starts 20h15
The rivalry of these two teams is strong. Watch them face off in this important Liga game. Tickets start at 15€.
Casa da Música Symphony Orchestra concert, at Casa da Música, starts 21h
A violin concerto considered so difficult to perform, it only premiered 81 years after the composer's death. Written by Robert Schumann and dedicated to the great violinist Joseph Joachim — a must-see concert. Tickets are 18€.
47 De Fevereiro concert, at Auditorio CCOP, starts 21h
Rock music for protest. 47 De Fevereiro is a group that stands in solitary with unions and strikes. Its latest album, "PROCESSO COLETIVO," will be released the day before this show. Tickets are 10€.
From Atomic concert, at Maus Hábitos, starts 21h
A rock trio hailing from Coimbra, they blend avant-garde pop of the 80s and the indie-noise of the 90s. Tickets are 5€ and available online or at the door.
"For the Winds to Rise" play, at São João National Theater, starts 21h
The artistic directors of Teatro Nacional São João and Théâtre National de Bordeaux en Aquitaine worked with a cast of young French and Portuguese actors to create a memorable collaboration that questions the foundations of democratic thought. Performed in Portuguese and French, subtitled in Portuguese. Tickets start at 12€.
Burlesque Festival, at Cafe Lusitano, starts 23h
The 2nd edition of the Porto Burlesque Festival is back. Café Lusitano and La Roche Produções bring burlesque, boylesque, and draglesque artists to the stage with glamorous and unique shows. Standing up spots: 5€. Sit-down seats: 10€. Ticket is free if you have a dinner reservation.
Beyoncé Fest DJ set, at Maus Hábitos, starts 23h59
Can you dance for six hours to Beyoncé? Want to find out? Here's your chance. Tickets are 5€ and only available at the entrance to the event.
BEAST IFF Winners #2, at Maus Hábitos, starts 23h59
The BEAST International Film Festival occurred a couple weeks ago, but here is your second chance to watch some of their top films. Free to attend.
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Saturday, 22 October
Outdoor pilates, yoga, and tai chi, at 3 different parks, various times
Guided exercise classes in 3 parks around Porto. At Pavilhão Fontes Pereira de Melo: pilates at 9h, yoga at 10h, and tai chi at 11h. At Pavilhão do Lagarteiro: yoga at 9h30. At Pavilhão do Viso: yoga at 9h30 and pilates at 11h. Participation is free, but registration is required. Send an email with the classes you want to attend by 17h30 on Friday, 21 October.
Cake batters and fillings course, at Escola Pasgelpan, 9h-18h
Hands-on workshop to learn about cake batters, fillings, toppings, cake assembly and finishing. Make 4 cakes during the class. Take home samples, recipes, and a discount voucher. Cost: 100€ pp. If you’d like English instruction, mention it when registering via email.
Ceramic bowls class, at Ó! Cerâmica, 10h-13h
Three hours to get your hands dirty and learn how to make ceramic bowls. Besides using your hands, you will learn different techniques, principles, and utensils to help you craft a few of your own pieces. All materials included. Fee: 35€. Register by email.
Explore a former military barracks, at Quartel do Monte Pedral, 11h-19h
Destrinco is a new initiative that temporarily activates inaccessible urban areas for the public. The first edition opens a former military barracks and includes art installations, workshops, mural painting, toy sales, guided tours, and live music. Free admission, but you need to register by email for a guided tour (at Sat 15h or Sun 11h30 or 15h).
International Festival of Organ and Sacred Music, at various locations and various times
Porto hosts the 2nd edition of the Festival Internacional de Órgão e Música Sacra (FIOMS) through 6 Nov. With 30+ concerts, 4 master classes, and a conference, there’s something for everyone, including concerts for kids. Performances will be held in some of the most well-known churches in the area and at Casa da Música. Free admission.
International Chocolate and Cocoa Festival, at WOW, starts 14h
Attention chocolate lovers! Don’t miss the opportunity to try the world's best chocolate brands and participate in gastronomy workshops, cooking demos, and more. Free entry, but some activities carry a fee and require you to book in advance.
Sons no Património music festival, at various locations, 3 performances
Today features Azar Azar at 15h, Valter Lobo at 18h30, and Filipe Veríssimo & Marco Brescia at 21h30. This free festival (“Sounds in Heritage“) crisscrosses the greater Porto area in October, showcasing different locations with musical projects, each focused on honoring the arts, crafts, architecture, and history.
Ceramic mugs class, at Ó! Cerâmica, 15h-18h
Three hours to get your hands dirty and learn how to make ceramic mugs. Besides using your hands, you will learn different techniques, principles, and utensils to help you craft a few of your own pieces. All materials included. Fee: 35€. Register by email.
Japanese film screening, at Casa das Artes, starts 18h
The Porto Film Society is hosting a series of Japanese film screenings. Today’s is “Porco Rosso,” a 1992 animated adventure-fantasy film written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki.
"For the Winds to Rise" play, at São João National Theater, starts 19h
The artistic directors of Teatro Nacional São João and Théâtre National de Bordeaux en Aquitaine worked with a cast of young French and Portuguese actors to create a memorable collaboration that questions the foundations of democratic thought. Performed in Portuguese and French, subtitled in Portuguese. Tickets start at 12€.
Tawnylicious port lesson, at Cockburn's Port Lodge, starts 19h
School of Port is Cockburn’s interactive and delicious master class on blending and tasting ports. This tawny session includes a port wine tasting, a goodie bag, and a certificate of participation. Tickets are 20€ per person.
"The Nutcracker" candlelight ballet, at Hilton Porto Gaia, 2 start times
Watch the Young Dance Company of Porto as they are accompanied by the Intempus String Quartet, at either 19h30 or 21h30. Together they collaborate on famous Tchaikovsky arrangements, such as Swan Lake and The Nutcracker. Tickets start at 15€ when bought in advance online.
Mayonezze concert, at Auditorio CCOP, starts 21h30
Led by the powerful singer Márcia Carvalho, this local Porto band is on the cusp of breaking out internationally. With two hit singles ("Verso Inverso" and "A Primeira Carta"), expect to see them filling stadiums in no time. Tickets are 10€.
"Unstable Stages" play, at Campo Alegre Theatre, 21h30-22h30
The Unstable Stages is an effort to encourage and offer opportunities to emerging artists. This performance, “Nobody Taught Me how to Look,” was created by Andreia Marinho and Andreia Alpuim. Tickets for 7€ in advance or at the door.
Hugo Sousa stand-up comedy show, at Ageas Porto Coliseu, 21h30-23h
Practically Stable is Hugo Sousa's 8th stand-up special. He’s been performing for nearly 20 years and sells out shows across the country. Watch him live and find out why (in Portuguese). Tickets start at 18€.
Nasty Surgeons concert, at Metalpoint, starts 22h
Come for three(!) Portuguese metal band openers: Terror Empire, Pestifer, and Ruttenskalle, and stay for Spanish headlines Nasty Surgeons. Ticket prices TBD and only available at the door.
AC/DC tribute band, at Wish You Were Here, starts 23h
Fans of AC/DC’s hard rock will want to book a table in advance for this tribute band’s performance. Show entry is free, but purchasing a beverage is advised.
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Sunday, 23 October
Performance of “Impossible” for kids, at Grupo Musical de Miragaia, starts 11h
Impossible tells the story of the universe, seen up close (and several light-years away), from the Big Bang to the appearance of man. Entry is free, but it’s mandatory to get a ticket (up to two per person) starting 1 hour before the show at the entrance.
Freestyle ceramics workshop, at Squid Ink Works, 11h-14h
Make a piece of your style and choosing in this 3-hour workshop. Everything is included: clay, materials, the two firings, and the glazing. Fee: 40€. DM them on Instagram or email to reserve your spot.
Explore a former military barracks, at Quartel do Monte Pedral, 11h-19h
Destrinco is a new initiative that temporarily activates inaccessible urban areas for the public. The first edition opens a former military barracks and includes art installations, workshops, mural painting, toy sales, guided tours, and live music. Free admission, but you need to register by email for a guided tour (at Sat 15h or Sun 11h30 or 15h).
International Festival of Organ and Sacred Music, at various locations and various times
Porto hosts the 2nd edition of the Festival Internacional de Órgão e Música Sacra (FIOMS) through 6 Nov. With 30+ concerts, 4 master classes, and a conference, there’s something for everyone, including concerts for kids. Performances will be held in some of the most well-known churches in the area and at Casa da Música. Free admission.
International Chocolate and Cocoa Festival, at WOW, starts 14h
Attention chocolate lovers! Don’t miss the opportunity to try the world's best chocolate brands and participate in gastronomy workshops, cooking demos, and more. Free entry, but some activities carry a fee and require you to book in advance.
"For the Winds to Rise" play, at São João National Theater, starts 16h
The artistic directors of Teatro Nacional São João and Théâtre National de Bordeaux en Aquitaine worked with a cast of young French and Portuguese actors to create a memorable collaboration that questions the foundations of democratic thought. Performed in Portuguese and French, subtitled in Portuguese. Tickets start at 12€.
Portuguese coast cooking class, at Pop Up Workshops, 16h-19h
Learn an approach to the gastronomy that flourishes on the Portuguese coast through a menu of starters, dishes, desserts, and snacks that are delicious and easy to repeat at home! Led by Chef David Jesus of Seiva, a plant-based restaurant in Leça da Palmeira. The class is 40€, given in Portuguese, and includes all ingredients. Registration is required.
"Unstable Stages" play, at Campo Alegre Theatre, 17h-18h
The Unstable Stages is an effort to encourage and offer opportunities to emerging artists. This performance, “Nobody Taught Me how to Look,” was created by Andreia Marinho and Andreia Alpuim. Tickets can be purchased for 7€ in advance or at the door.
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