What's happening in Porto: 19-25 June 2023
São João, beginner pickleball, writing workshops, friend-making events, and more.
🪴 🔨 São João festivities are this Friday and Saturday! Check out the schedule (PDF) so we don’t have to retype it all. 🤪
Monday, 19 June
Fish cannery factory tour, at Conservas Pinhais, various times
Experience how some of the best fish in the country is prepped and canned. English tours of this family-owned factory start at 15€. Times of the tours are 9h30-11h, 10h30-12h, 13h-14h30, and 15h-16h30.
Micro | Macro installation, at Parque de Serralves, 10h-19h
One of Japan's foremost electronic composers and visual artists, Ryoji Ikeda, designed a temporary pavilion to provide an intense cinematic experience. The experience is included in the price of a general admission ticket for 20€ (but discounts are available to those with BPI accounts and Cartão Porto holders).
Writing workshop, at Look.Sharp Cafe, 10h30-12h30
The weekly meeting's format will be 90 minutes of writing, followed by 30 minutes of feedback. While it is free to attend, they ask no outside food or drinks, and that you order at least one item from the bar.
Craft peer podcast, at Maus Hábitos, starts 20h
A podcast where the host (Tiago Lacerda) and his guest (Ricardo Amorim) chat about comedy, culture, and craft beer (in Portuguese). Free to attend, but it is recommended you book in advance 937 202 91 or email.
Tuesday, 20 June
Coworking space open house, at Le Wagon, 9h-18h
Check out the Matosinhos campus of Le Wagon (a tech boot camp), meet others from the local tech and startup scenes, and enjoy a free coworking space for the day in this community. Register here for free.
Fish cannery factory tour, at Conservas Pinhais, various times
Experience how some of the best fish in the country is prepped and canned. English tours of this family-owned factory start at 15€. Times of the tours are 9h30-11h, 13h-14h30, and 15h-16h30.
National sand handball tournament, at Estádio de Praia, TBD
All the games for this four-day handball tournament are free to attend.
Micro | Macro installation, at Parque de Serralves, 10h-19h
One of Japan's foremost electronic composers and visual artists, Ryoji Ikeda, designed a temporary pavilion to provide an intense cinematic experience. The experience is included in the price of a general admission ticket for 20€ (but discounts are available to those with BPI accounts and Cartão Porto holders).
Van Gogh immersive exhibit, at Alfandega Congress Center, 14h-18h30
This immersive gallery experience will be projecting animated versions of Vincent Van Gogh paintings. Set to beautiful music, this gallery is designed to transport you inside his works. Timed viewings are available every half hour for 14€.
Ultimate frisbee, at Parque da Cidade do Porto, 18h45-20h45
This is a non-contact throwing, running, and jumping team sport. This mixed-gender, mixed-cultural ultimate frisbee pickup game is open to everyone. Free to attend.
Running club, meet-up location varies, starts at 19h
Runners and walkers of all fitness levels meet weekly to exercise and socialize. Free to join. Email Warren for more details and run location.
Language exchange, at Pinguim Café, 19h30-22h30
This language exchange is an opportunity to practice your multilingual skills and make new friends. While it is free to attend, they ask no outside food or drinks, and that you order at least one item from the bar.
Bongzilla concert, at Hard Club, starts 21h
Bongzilla is an American metal band whose lyrics focus on cannabis (surprise!). Portuguese hardcore band Scatterbrainiac starts the night. Tickets are 15€.
Irish Trad music session, at Casa da Horta, starts 21h
Open to those who want to listen or participate in Irish trad music. Free, but it is recommended you book a table in advance by phone 222 024 123 or email.
Eggy concert, at Maus Hábitos, 21h30-23h
Eggy's music is a vivid maze of intricate, intersecting worlds…in other words, they are a jam band. Tickets are 7€.
Wednesday, 21 June
Micro | Macro installation, at Parque de Serralves, 10h-19h
One of Japan's foremost electronic composers and visual artists, Ryoji Ikeda, designed a temporary pavilion to provide an intense cinematic experience. The experience is included in the price of a general admission ticket for 20€ (but discounts are available to those with BPI accounts and Cartão Porto holders).
National sand handball tournament, at Estádio de Praia, TBD
All the games for this four-day handball tournament are free to attend.
Fish cannery factory tour, at Conservas Pinhais, various times
Experience how some of the best fish in the country is prepped and canned. English tours of this family-owned factory start at 15€. Times of the tours are 10h30-12h, 13h-14h30, and 15h-16h30.
Van Gogh immersive exhibit, at Alfandega Congress Center, 14h-18h30
This immersive gallery experience will be projecting animated versions of Vincent Van Gogh paintings. Set to beautiful music, this gallery is designed to transport you inside his works. Timed viewings are available every half hour for 14€.
Write night workshop, at Capela incomum, 19h30-21h30
The meeting's format will be 90 minutes of writing, followed by 30 minutes of feedback. While it is free to attend, they ask no outside food or drinks, and that you order at least one item from the bar.
Did you know: Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis offers free admission for Portugal residents every Sunday and on holiday from 10h-14h.
Thursday, 22 June
Fish cannery factory tour, at Conservas Pinhais, various times
Experience how some of the best fish in the country is prepped and canned. English tours of this family-owned factory start at 15€. Times of the tours are 9h30-11h, 10h30-12h, 13h-14h30, and 15h-16h30.
Micro | Macro installation, at Parque de Serralves, 10h-19h
One of Japan's foremost electronic composers and visual artists, Ryoji Ikeda, designed a temporary pavilion to provide an intense cinematic experience. The experience is included in the price of a general admission ticket for 20€ (but discounts are available to those with BPI accounts and Cartão Porto holders).
National sand handball tournament, at Estádio de Praia, TBD
All the games for this four-day handball tournament are free to attend.
Van Gogh immersive exhibit, at Alfandega Congress Center, 14h-18h30
This immersive gallery experience will be projecting animated versions of Vincent Van Gogh paintings. Set to beautiful music, this gallery is designed to transport you inside his works. Timed viewings are available every half hour for 14€.
Jazz Thursdays, at Mirajazz, 18h-20h
Celebrate the arrival of warm weather with live jazz on the terrace, along with drinks, snacks, and a fantastic view.
Bachata class, at Jardins do Palácio de Cristal, 19h30-20h30
This class is for those who already know the basics of bachata, a genre of music/dance that originates in the Dominican Republic. Enjoy this free class, but registration is required.
Dinner and arts discussion, at R. Orfeão do Porto 229, 19h30-22h
An opportunity to meet new friends, have a fun meal, and discuss fun topics, usually in the arts/society so that conversation can be diverse as possible. Cost is 45€.
El Señor concert, at Maus Hábitos, 21h30-23h
This band plays a dash of classic garage, post-punk, and fuzz rock. Tickets are 5€.
Friday, 23 June
Beginner pickleball session, at JUST Club, 9h-12h
A chance for those who have never played before to learn and those who have a couple games under their belt to compete with others on their skills. Free to attend but registration is required.
Micro | Macro installation, at Parque de Serralves, 10h-19h
One of Japan's foremost electronic composers and visual artists, Ryoji Ikeda, designed a temporary pavilion to provide an intense cinematic experience. The experience is included in the price of a general admission ticket for 20€ (but discounts are available to those with BPI accounts and Cartão Porto holders).
National beach volleyball championship, at Estádio de Praia, TBD
All the games for this three-day volleyball tournament are free to attend.
National sand handball tournament, at Estádio de Praia, TBD
All the games for this four-day handball tournament are free to attend.
Fish cannery factory tour, at Conservas Pinhais, various times
Experience how some of the best fish in the country is prepped and canned. English tours of this family-owned factory start at 15€. Times of the tours are 10h30-12h, 13h-14h30, and 15h-16h30.
Van Gogh immersive exhibit, at Alfandega Congress Center, 14h-18h30
This immersive gallery experience will be projecting animated versions of Vincent Van Gogh paintings. Set to beautiful music, this gallery is designed to transport you inside his works. Timed viewings are available every half hour for 14€.
São João party, at Hard Club, starts 21h
Start your São João festival right with a healthy layer of food (caldo verde, sardinhas, febras, batatas, pimento, salada and pão) for 20€ per person. Reserve a table via email.
Wipeout open-air concert, at Hard Club, starts 23h59
This will be the last performance of Icicle in Portugal, as well as the long-awaited return of Zardonic. As an alternative to São João, tickets to this are 12€.
São João trance concert, at Hard Club, starts 2h
Take a break from the São João festival at 2h (ok, technically this is a Saturday event). DJs Alienn, Arkadia, Sonic Waves, and Ganeisha take over the club and provide an opportunity to dance the night away. Tickets are 15€ and available at the door.
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Saturday, 24 June
Fish cannery factory tour, at Conservas Pinhais, various times
Experience how some of the best fish in the country is prepped and canned. English tours of this family-owned factory start at 15€. Times of the tours are 9h30-11h, 10h30-12h, 13h-14h30, and 15h-16h30.
Micro | Macro installation, at Parque de Serralves, 10h-19h
One of Japan's foremost electronic composers and visual artists, Ryoji Ikeda, designed a temporary pavilion to provide an intense cinematic experience. The experience is included in the price of a general admission ticket for 20€ (but discounts are available to those with BPI accounts and Cartão Porto holders).
National beach volleyball championship, Estádio de Praia, TBD
All the games for this three-day volleyball tournament are free to attend.
Lodge Pops food and music festival, at Churchill's 1982 Garden Bar, 13h-19h
This pop-up party will have amazing food from chef João Ribeiro and music by DJ Grapevinyl. Entry is free, but food is priced per dish. Book your spot in advance by 913 106 066.
Van Gogh immersive exhibit, at Alfandega Congress Center, 14h-18h30
This immersive gallery experience will be projecting animated versions of Vincent Van Gogh paintings. Set to beautiful music, this gallery is designed to transport you inside his works. Timed viewings are available every half hour for 14€.
Friend-making session, at Jardins do Palácio de Cristal, 17h-22h
A chance for locals, expats, or those just passing through the city to have a fun and engaging afternoon together. There will be ice-breaking games and activities to meet new people. Snacks and welcome drinks are included. 10€ to attend.
Karaoke party, at Casa da Horta, starts 20h
A mix of singing and social issues. This event allows for a little karaoke and then a chance to chat with others. Free to attend but book a table by phone 222 024 123.
Aristocrats concert, at Hard Club, starts 21h30
This rock supergroup formed over a decade ago and have been thrashing since. They play a blend of neo-progressive rock and jazz fusion. Tickets are 25€.
Gin party Soundsystem, at Maus Hábitos, starts 23h59
A dance party organized by Gin Party Soundsystem (GPSS) whose mission it is to mash and mix up records so that everyone dances. Tickets are 5€ and will be available at the door.
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Sunday, 25 June
Weekly artisan market, at Jardim do Passeio Alegre, 9h-18h
Mercado da Alegria is a weekly opportunity to view and buy the work of dozens of local artisans and sellers. Free to attend. Since the market is outside, it is dependent on good weather.
Ceramics workshop, at Ceramista shop, 10h-13h
This beginner’s ceramics workshop will teach you how to bring your unique creations to life. Materials and firing included in the 49,20€ cost.
Micro | Macro installation, at Parque de Serralves, 10h-19h
One of Japan's foremost electronic composers and visual artists, Ryoji Ikeda, designed a temporary pavilion to provide an intense cinematic experience. The experience is included in the price of a general admission ticket for 20€ (but discounts are available to those with BPI accounts and Cartão Porto holders).
National beach volleyball championship, Estádio de Praia, TBD
All the games for this three-day volleyball tournament are free to attend.
Fish cannery factory tour, at Conservas Pinhais, various times
Experience how some of the best fish in the country is prepped and canned. English tours of this family-owned factory start at 15€. Times of the tours are 10h30-12h, 13h-14h30, and 15h-16h30.
Brunch Picnic in the Park, at Parque das Virtudes, 12h-15h
Recover from São João with a relaxed picnic. While it is free to attend, you are requested to bring food to share, cutlery/plates, and something to sit on.
Van Gogh immersive exhibit, at Alfandega Congress Center, 14h-18h30
This immersive gallery experience will be projecting animated versions of Vincent Van Gogh paintings. Set to beautiful music, this gallery is designed to transport you inside his works. Timed viewings are available every half hour for 14€.
Italian desserts workshops, at Pop Up Workshops, 16h30-19h30
With 8 years of experience, Chef Inês Proença has already left her mark in restaurants such as Fava Tonka, Casa de Chá da Boa Nova, and Ocean. For this workshop, she will teach you how to make Italian desserts (in Portuguese). Everything you need for the class is provided. The cost is 40€ and registration is required.
Grupo Revelação concert, at Hard Club, starts 21h
One of the top samba and pagode groups in Brazil today, this group’s hits include "Deixa Acontecer", "Sina", and "Saudade do Amor." Tickets are 30€.
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We always check dates and times, but you never know when things change. Be sure to check event details before you attend via the links we provide in this newsletter.