What's happening in Porto: 20-26 March 2023
Writing workshop, Urban Market, Persian New Year celebration, and more.
Those of you with kiddos will find a handful of age-appropriate events listed in this week’s newsletter! And for the rest of us, there’s more than plenty to do 😉
Monday, 20 March
Writing workshop, at Look.Sharp Cafe, 9h30-11h30
The meeting's format will be 90 minutes of writing (9:30–11:00), followed by 30 minutes of chatting (11:00–11:30) about what you wrote and the process. You are welcome to stay longer if you want to continue writing afterward. Entrance is free.
Conservas factory tour, at Conservas Pinhais, various times
Experience how some of the best fish in the country is prepped and canned. This family-owned factory offers daily English tours 9h30-11h, 10h30-12h, 13h30-15h and 15h30-17h starting at 15€.
Leonardo da Vinci interactive exhibit, at Alfândega do Porto, 11h-18h
Leonardo da Vinci’s talents as a scientist, artist, and inventor are on display in this special exhibition. See several of his inventions, namely his machines, meticulously reconstructed based on the original sketches from various codices and built with the materials available in his time: wood, cloth, rope, and metal. Most of the models are interactive, so visitors can handle them if allowed. Audio guide included, but headphones are not. Tickets start at 10€.
Dr. Love Q&A session, at, Maus Hábitos, starts 20h
Dr. Love has a Ph.D in what he calls "astraloveology." For those having issues finding someone or those with bumps in the road of a current relationship, he's here to help (in Portuguese). Recommended to book in advance (+351) 937 202 918 or email.
Cécile McLorin Salvant concert, at Casa da Música, starts 21h30
Winner of three Grammy awards for best female jazz vocalist, this concert will showcase Salvant’s commanding voice. Tickets are 30€.
Tuesday, 21 March
Conservas factory tour, at Conservas Pinhais, various times
Experience how some of the best fish in the country is prepped and canned. This family-owned factory offers daily English tours 10h30-12h and 13h30-15h starting at 15€.
Wine and gastronomic experience, at Poças Wine Cellar, 15h30-17h
Poças' wines and ports will be paired with your choice of two meal options. This partnership with Portuguese chef Pedro Braga and Queijaria da Praça starts at 27€ per person.
Porto city’s 2023 programs festival, at Galeria Municipal do Porto, starts 17h
Filipa Ramos, the current artistic director of the Municipal Gallery of Porto and the Department of Contemporary Art of Ágora - Culture and Sports of Porto, will present their 2023 agenda. This program will be followed by a live set by the Porto collective Favela Discos. Admission is free.
All the Beauty and the Bloodshed screening, at Municipal Theater Rivoli, Multiple times
An award-winning documentary film that explores the career of Nan Goldin and the fall of the Sackler family (in English). Screening followed by conversation with João Sousa Cardoso. Tickets for the 19h and 21h30 screenings are 5€.
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.
Ru-snake concert, at Hotel Mouco, starts 20h
This Porto-based group performs traditional and progressive minimal music. Admission is free.
Porta Jazz concert, at Maus Hábitos, starts 21h
This performance will have João Pedro Dias on trumpet and João Fragoso on the double bass experimenting in an exciting jazz show. Admission is 10€ and includes one select menu item and a glass of wine or beer.
Wednesday, 22 March
Conservas factory tour, at Conservas Pinhais, various times
Experience how some of the best fish is the country in prepped and canned. This family-owned factory offers daily English tours 10h30-12h, 13h30-15h and 15h30-17h starting at 15€.
Art Therapy & Mindful Self-Compassion brunch event, at Look.Sharp, 11-12h30
Join Lindsay Parkinson, LMFT, ATR, for an exploration of self-compassion through the lens of art therapy. In this inclusive group, you’ll have a chance to spark your own creativity, reflect, write, and be in a supportive, uplifting group of peers. Donations accepted for art materials. Walk-ins allowed or email to hold your spot.
Leonardo da Vinci interactive exhibit, at Alfândega do Porto, 11h-18h
Leonardo da Vinci’s talents as a scientist, artist, and inventor are on display in this special exhibition. See several of his inventions, namely his machines, meticulously reconstructed based on the original sketches from various codices and built with the materials available in his time: wood, cloth, rope, and metal. Most of the models are interactive, so visitors can handle them if allowed. Audio guide included, but headphones are not. Tickets start at 10€.
Terracotta army exhibit, at Alfandega Congress Center, 11h-18h30
The Terracotta Warriors arrive in Porto for the first time and transport visitors to the China of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of the Qin Dynasty. The sculptures, which date from the late 3rd century BC, were discovered in 1974 in Xi'an, China, by local farmers starting excavations for a water well. Audio guide included but you need to bring your own headphones. Tickets start at 8€.
Registration is open for the Women's 5k Walk. Join thousands of women on the streets of Porto on 21 May and support the fight against breast cancer.
Thursday, 23 March
Expats Everywhere meetup, at, Scoundrels Distillery, starts 18h
Meet the folks behind Expats Everywhere and enjoy beer, wine, or Scoundrel's award-winning gin on the rocks or in a cocktail. Chicken and veggie burritos will be available for purchase for 7€. Admission is free.
Pizza workshop for all ages, at Maia Academia Auchan, 18h30-20h30
Tired of not making your own pizza? Learn along with your kids by taking this class by Chef José Serrano (in Portuguese). Tickets are 18€ for one adult and one child.
Coldplay vs Imagine Dragons tribute concert, at Ageas Porto Coliseu, multiple times
Listen to the Intempus String Quartet at either 19h30 or 21h30 as they perform Colplay and Imagine Dragons' biggest hits. The show will be taking place in Coliseu's Novo Ático. Tickets start at 15€.
Tripsyhell concert, at Maus Hábitos, starts 21h30
This alternative musician from Porto has been attracting attention since 2015, and recently kicked things up a notch with collaborations with Chico da Tina. Tickets are 8€.
Friday, 24 March
Urban market, at Praça das Cardosas, 10h-19h
This weekly market is a great opportunity to view and buy the work of dozens of local artisans and sellers. Free to attend.
Vegan Persian New Year celebration, at Scoundrels Distillery, starts 18h
A chance to meet new friends and learn more about Persian culture. This vegan dinner event includes an appetizer, an entrée, a chance to learn Persian traditional customs and ceremonies, music by The Tiny Musician, and a Persian New Year Pack to bring home with you. Tickets start at 33€ and should be booked in advance.
Arribas wine company tasting, at theLAB Porto, 18h-20h
In 2017, Frederico and Ricardo of Arribas Wine Company embarked on a journey to Mogadouro in Trás-os-Montes with a vision: to create regional wines using traditional methods. Attendance costs €5 and requires advance registration.
Cook it with Bimby workshop, at Bimby Vila Nova de Gaia, 19h-20h30
In this workshop you will learn how to prepare a menu for Easter Sunday using a Bimby. Six different recipes (in Portuguese) will be on offer as well as discounts on Bimby products. Tickets start at 48€ and discounts for groups.
La Burla dance play, at Municipal Theater Rivoli, 19h30-20h30
A choreographed fiction that follows two characters as they encounter saints, witches, seers, devils, monsters, and heroines in a dystopian future. Tickets start at 7€.
The Student and Mr. Henrique play, at Teatro Sá da Bandeira, starts 21h
Mr. Henrique is a grumpy septuagenarian who lives alone in his apartment in Lisbon. His son convinces him to rent a room to a student, to help with his father's isolation. The play shows how this relationship changes Mr. Henrique and the student (in Portuguese). Tickets start at 10€.
Balla concert, at Hotel Mouco, starts 21h
Since 2000, Armando Teixeira has been performing as Balla, one of the most creative and distinctive musicians in contemporary Portuguese pop music. Tickets are 10€.
Jamie Cullum concert, at Pavilhão Rosa Mota - Super Bock Arena, starts 21h
This contemporary jazz musician and pianist has performed at festivals and venues alongside artists as diverse as Herbie Hancock, Kendrick Lamar, St Vincent, and Lang Lang. Tickets start at 30€.
Showroom play, at Municipal Theater Rivoli, 21h30-23h
A show about replacing humans with machines; it is a museum piece, a life-size diorama, the artifact of a universe about to become extinct. Tickets start at 7€.
Burlesque Festival, at Cafe Lusitano, starts 23h
The 3rd edition of the Porto Burlesque Festival is here. Tonight's theme is the CyberLesque/SciFi. Burlesque, boylesque, and draglesque artists take 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.
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Saturday, 25 March
Feira da Vandoma weekly flea market, at Av. 25 de Abril, 9h-18h
Find antiques, clothes, furniture, toys, books, and who knows what else at this weekly flea market. Free to attend. Since the market is outside, it is dependent on good weather.
Urban market, at Praça das Cardosas, 10h-19h
This weekly market is a great opportunity to view and buy the work of dozens of local artisans and sellers. Free to attend.
National Day of Historic Centers, at Various locations, 10h30-18h30
Classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996, the Historic Center of Porto is throwing a party celebrating the area. An array of experiences will be available, such as guided tours, exhibitions, workshops, street entertainment, concerts and more – most with free access. The full guide can be viewed here.
Children’s story reading for Little Dragons, at FC Porto Museum, 11h-11h50
Go on an adventure through a mysterious world during a lively story reading, perfect for ages 3-10 and fun for adults. Tickets are 5€ for a child and parent ticket pair, additional adult is 2.50€.
Ceramics workshop, at Rua da Alegria, nº 322, 15h-18h
This workshop will explore techniques such as roll building and modeling, and will culminate with attendees building a vase, pot, or a jar. No experience needed. Materials and firing included in the 55,35€ cost. It is recommended you bring your own apron. Register here.
Contemporary Portuguese cooking class, at Pop Up Workshops, 15h-18h
Chef Hugo will be teaching how to make contemporary Portuguese food. Everything you need for the class is provided (in Portuguese). The cost is 40€ and registration is required.
Smoking klub session, at Eddie'S Klub, 16h-18h
The owner of this bar, Eddie DeSousa, curates a tasting of three special whiskeys paired with a Rafael González Cuban cigar. The cost is 25€. Space is limited, so reserve your spot.
Desejos Compulsivos program, at Galeria Municipal do Porto, starts 17h
The exhibition examines the ongoing lithium extraction plans in Northern Portugal and the struggles endured by local communities for their lives and rights. Curated by Marina Otero Verzier, this is an analysis of capitalist desires versus ecological ones. A performance by Jonathan Uliel Saldanha and Igor Borovsky will start at 19h. Admission to both events is free.
Jakub Józef Orliński concert, at Municipal Theater Rivoli, 19h30-21h15
Marking 80 years since Jorge Gil, founder of Em Órbita, this concert will see Jakub Józef Orliński, a Polish contratenor, will be assisted by the ensemble il Pomo d'Oro in covering his 2020 baroque album, Facce d'Amore. Tickets are 9€.
La Burla dance play, at Municipal Theater Rivoli, 19h30-20h30
A choreographed fiction that follows two characters as they encounter saints, witches, seers, devils, monsters and heroines in a dystopian future. Tickets start at 7€.
The Student and Mr. Henrique play, at Teatro Sá da Bandeira, starts 21h
Mr. Henrique is a grumpy septuagenarian who lives alone in his apartment in Lisbon. His son convinces him to rent a room to a student, to help with his father's isolation. The play shows how this relationship changes Mr. Henrique and the student (in Portuguese). Tickets start at 10€.
Showroom play, at Municipal Theater Rivoli, 21h30-23h
A show about replacing humans with machines; it is a museum piece, a life-size diorama, the artifact of a universe about to become extinct. Tickets start at 7€.
Bárbara Tinoco concert, at Pavilhão Rosa Mota - Super Bock Arena, starts, 21h30
This Lisbon-born singer and songwriter made a name for herself during her appearance on "The Voice Portugal." Tickets start at 12€.
Luís Franco-Bastos stand-up comedy, at Teatro Sá da Bandeira, starts 21h30
The name of the show is “Diogo,” which was the name by which Luís “Diogo” Roda Madureira Franco-Bastos’ parents called him in childhood, with the aim of distinguishing him from Luís, his father, or from Luís Miguel, his brother. Listen to this comedy routine (in Portuguese). Tickets start at 15€. Portuguese).
Prodígio concert, at Hard Club, starts 22h
One of Angola’s most respected rappers presents his new original album KING2DA. Tickets are 19€.
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Sunday, 26 March
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.
Urban market, at Praça das Cardosas, 10h-19h
This weekly market is a great opportunity to view and buy the work of dozens of local artisans and sellers. Free to attend.
Egg and Birds children's play, at Ageas Porto Coliseu, 10h30-11h30
Theater, music, word, and performance. This play is designed for young children (in Portuguese). Tickets are sold as pairs (child + adult) for 10€, and additional adult tickets can be purchased for 5€.
Inseparable Friends children's play, at Auditório Municipal de Gaia, 11h-12h
This experience is designed for children and combines art, music, and cinema (in Portuguese). Tickets are 4€.
Introduction to sushi cooking class, at Pop Up Workshops, 15h30-18h30
For those interested in learning how to make and roll your own sushi, Chef Hugo has you covered. Everything you need for the class is provided (in Portuguese). The cost is 40€ and registration is required.
The Student and Mr. Henrique play, at Teatro Sá da Bandeira, starts 16h
Mr. Henrique is a grumpy septuagenarian who lives alone in his apartment in Lisbon. His son convinces him to rent a room to a student, to help with his father's isolation. The play shows how this relationship changes Mr. Henrique and the student (in Portuguese). Tickets start at 10€.
Pirates Also Fall in Love play, at Teatro Sá da Bandeira, starts 16h
This children's play revolves around pirates – how they learned about living on the high seas and love interests (in Portuguese). Tickets must be purchased as a pair for 16€, or three tickets for 24€ total.
Bárbara Tinoco concert, at Pavilhão Rosa Mota - Super Bock Arena, starts 18h
This Lisbon-born singer and songwriter made a name for herself during her appearance on "The Voice Portugal." Tickets start at 12€.
Luca Argel concert, at Ageas Porto Coliseu, 18h-19h
The new show combines electrified Afro-Brazilian sounds, which combines rock, funk, and, of course, samba. Luca Argel and his band perform their latest album, "Samba de Guerrilha". Tickets start at 10€.
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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.