What's happening in Porto: 27 Nov - 3 Dec 2023
Christmas markets, filmmakers networking meetup, winter fashion event, and more.
We hope all of our American readers had a nice Thanksgiving last week! After getting our fill of turkey, we went to Ohana Market and met Olímpia, an artist/exhibitor who also does ceramics and tile painting workshops (see Thursday for details). This week we’ll be at the tree lighting downtown, chocolate workshop, and Serralves Christmas bazaar. Which events are you looking forward to? Hit reply and tell us! ~Mike & Tara
Monday, 27 November
The Bodies exhibit, at Alfandega Congress Center, 10h-19h
This exhibition showcases human bodies that have been meticulously dissected and preserved through a polymer process. Tickets start at 10€.
Monday writing workshop, at Look.Sharp Cafe, 10h30-12h30
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.
Tile painting workshop, at Gazete Azulejos, 14h30-16h30
Covers the history of Portuguese tiles before teaching attendees how to design and paint their own. Following the painting session, the tiles fired and ready for collection the next day. Register in advance for 33€.
Tuesday, 28 November
The Bodies exhibit, at Alfandega Congress Center, 10h-19h
This exhibition showcases human bodies that have been meticulously dissected and preserved through a polymer process. Tickets start at 10€.
Chocolate snacks and bars workshop, at Pasgelpan, 12h-18h
In this two-day practical workshop, you will learn the best techniques when working with chocolate and how to create delicious chocolate bars or snacks (in Portuguese). Costs 190€ for the two days and requires registration.
Tile painting workshop, at Gazete Azulejos, 15h-17h
Covers the history of Portuguese tiles before teaching attendees how to design and paint their own. Following the painting session, the tiles fired and ready for collection the next day. Register in advance for 33€.
Straub-Huillet film retrospective, at Serralves House of Cinema, starts 17h
This retrospective of the oeuvre of French filmmaking duo, Jean-Marie Straub (1933-2022) and Danièle Huillet (1936-2006), is the first full retrospective since their death. For the full schedule here. Tickets cost 3€ or 70€ for all sessions.
Ultimate frisbee social meetup, at Parque da Cidade do Porto, 17h30-19h30
Mixed-gender mixed-cultural "ultimate frisbee" in Porto is alive and well, but since daylight savings their training day is now in the evening, followed by food and drinks. 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 details and run location. The group also meets on Saturdays.
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.
Wednesday, 29 November
The Bodies exhibit, at Alfandega Congress Center, 10h-19h
This exhibition showcases human bodies that have been meticulously dissected and preserved through a polymer process. Tickets start at 10€.
Ohana market, at Ageas Porto Coliseu, 11h-20h
This market for families that will feature fashion, ceramics, tapestry, well-being, and jewelry for purchase changes to a Christmas theme. Noa performs at 11h30. Free to attend.
Chocolate snacks and bars workshop, at Pasgelpan, 12h-18h
In this two-day practical workshop, you will learn the best techniques when working with chocolate and how to create delicious chocolate bars or snacks (in Portuguese). Costs 190€ for the two days and requires registration.
Tile painting workshop, at Gazete Azulejos, 15h-17h
Covers the history of Portuguese tiles before teaching attendees how to design and paint their own. Following the painting session, the tiles fired and ready for collection the next day. Register in advance for 33€.
Matosinhos walking tour, at Parque de Real, 15h30-18h
The theme of this tour is “A land of fishermen and sailors.” Find out what a “mamarracho” is, the connection between Matosinhos and Brasil, the legend of the Roman man who rode his horse into the sea, and many other cultural facts and tidbits. Spots costs what you feel is fair, and you must reserve by email or WhatsApp.
Straub-Huillet film retrospective, at Serralves House of Cinema, starts 17h
This retrospective of the oeuvre of French filmmaking duo, Jean-Marie Straub (1933-2022) and Danièle Huillet (1936-2006), is the first full retrospective since their death. For the full schedule here. Tickets cost 3€ or 70€ for all sessions.
BYOB whisky tasting, at Eddie's Klub, 19h-21h
Bring Your Own (whisky) Bottle night returns. There is no fee to take part, but they suggest sharing a bottle worth between 40-100€ and encourage everyone to buy something at the bar to help cover the costs of the space. Space is limited so reserve your spot.
Did you know: There is still time to sign up and train for Porto’s São Silvestre 5k and 10k night race happening on 30 December.
Thursday, 30 November
The Bodies exhibit, at Alfandega Congress Center, 10h-19h
This exhibition showcases human bodies that have been meticulously dissected and preserved through a polymer process. Tickets start at 10€.
Ohana market, at Ageas Porto Coliseu, 11h-22h
This market for families that will feature fashion, ceramics, tapestry, well-being, and jewelry for purchase changes to a Christmas theme. Free to attend.
Winter fashion event, at House of Owl, 14h-18h
This luxury resale and styling studio opens its doors for a winter fashion event. Come and check out their new season’s pieces, while taking part in their styling activity and enjoying cocktails and hors d'oeuvres. Free but registration is required by phone 933 062 821 or online.
Mindfulness and creativity workshop, at Rota do Chá, 17h30-19h
This supportive group meets to help unlock the creativity inside you as you share your own work and provide constructive feedback to others. Costs 10€ plus consumption and reservations are required.
Filmmakers networking meetup, at Batalha Centro de Cinema, 18h-20h
A chance to meet other creatives in the field of cinema and for all levels of experience. This free event is a welcoming environment for presenting projects and expanding your professional network. Registration required.
Ceramic workshop, at aOlimpia Atelier, 18h30-21h30
Ceramic artist Olimpia Santos leads this class for all skill levels. You can choose to paint tiles or mold ceramics. Single classes cost 35€ and include everything you need (or you can sign up for 4 classes for 120€). Register via 919 489 689 or email.
Introduction to the Porto Tech Scene, at Selina Navis Coworking, 19h-21h
A chance to meet and network with local IT companies and explore opportunities they offer, discover Porto coworking spaces, and learn about government programs that support tech startups. Free to attend but registration is required.
Marty & Olivia Willson-Piper concert, at Hard Rock Cafe, starts 22h
Marty Willson-Piper is best known as a member of Australia's The Church. Olivia Elektra Willson-Piper, developed as an instrumentalist playing concerts with orchestras around the world. Together, they have produced more than a dozen studio projects. Tickets start at 15€.
Ácida and Garden of Delights concert, at Eclub, starts 23h59
A double bill of gothic rock/dark wave bands. If heavy tunes are your thing, tickets start at 12€.
Nico Moreno concert, at Hard Club, starts 23h59
Neopop Presents hosts dance parties and will feature French techno-industrial artist Nico Moreno as the guest of honor. Rave On! BIIA, Under The Moon, and CANCORD complete the lineup. Tickets starts at 15€.
Friday, 1 December
The Bodies exhibit, at Alfandega Congress Center, 10h-19h
This exhibition showcases human bodies that have been meticulously dissected and preserved through a polymer process. Tickets start at 10€.
Christmas Bazaar, at Parque de Serralves, 10h-19h
An opportunity to explore a variety of organic gourmet products, Christmas decoration items, toys, personal accessories, and participate in workshops for the whole family. Additionally, there will be a variety of traditional festive street food options. Free to attend.
Ohana market, at Ageas Porto Coliseu, 11h-22h
This market for families that will feature fashion, ceramics, tapestry, well-being, and jewelry for purchase changes to a Christmas theme. Soldadinho de chumbo performs at 12h. Free to attend.
Short stories session, at Largo Amor de Perdição, starts 11h
Contopias are tales from around the around the world that use words way of finding people again in all that unites and separates them. They are Indian, African, European, Oriental and Arab stories, told in a single session (in Portuguese). Free to attend.
Saxophone and strings concert, at Conservatório de Música do Porto, starts 16h
The Saxophone Quartet is made up of a soprano, an alto, a tenor, and a baritone sax. They will be performing with a student strings orchestra. Free to attend.
Post Punk Strikes Back music festival, at Hard Club, starts 18h
The 5th edition of this music festival will have a total of 12 bands spread over two days. Today’s groups are: New Model Army, Oum Shatt, Je T’aime, So Dead, Ditz, and Meryl Streek. Single day tickets at 30€ or a general pass is available for 55€.
Porto Christmas tree lighting, at Avenida dos Aliados, starts 18h
This event marks the lighting of the city's Christmas Tree. To get everyone in the spirit, Diogo Piçarra will be performing. Free to attend.
Wallow Choir concert, at Jardim da Cordoaria, starts 19h
This is group of musicians and singers is dedicated to spreading a message of good energy love and hope through gospel music. Free to attend.
Pub crawl, at A Fábrica da Picaria, 21h-7h
Make new friends as you get to know Porto’s nightlife scene. Register via WhatsApp 913583372. The cost is 5€ for girls and 10€ for guys.
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Saturday, 2 December
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.
Pickleball session, at JUST Club, 9h-12h
Courts will be available for those who want to learn or those with experience in pickleball. The cost ranges from 4€ depending on the length and time you play. Registration is required.
Christmas Bazaar, at Parque de Serralves, 10h-19h
An opportunity to explore a variety of organic gourmet products, Christmas decoration items, toys, personal accessories, and participate in workshops for the whole family. Additionally, there will be a variety of traditional festive street food options. Free to attend.
The Bodies exhibit, at Alfandega Congress Center, 10h-19h
This exhibition showcases human bodies that have been meticulously dissected and preserved through a polymer process. Tickets start at 10€.
Ohana market, at Ageas Porto Coliseu, 11h-22h
This market for families that will feature fashion, ceramics, tapestry, well-being, and jewelry for purchase changes to a Christmas theme. Free to attend.
Museum guided tour, at Parque de Serralves, starts 15h
A chance to get a personalized tour of Serralves Museum (offered both in Portuguese and English). All are welcome and there is no need to book. Cost is 13€.
Ceramic cups class, at Ó! Cerâmica, 15h-18h
This class will teach you the basic techniques of ceramics for making cups. The class costs 40€ and reservations can be made by phone 938 390 575 or email.
Fashion meetup, at Labels of Tomorrow, 15h-18h
This inclusive event is for seasoned fashion enthusiasts or those simply passionate about the topic. A free event to engage with other creatives.
Craft chocolate workshop, at TAB - TakeABreak, 16h-18h
Trained chocolate expert Christen Dobson will introduce you to the world of craft chocolate, teach techniques for tasting chocolate, and present a range of award-winning chocolate by Thai bean-to-bar chocolate makers for tasting. RSVP before 1 December (as space is limited) by sending 15€ via MBWay to 932 017 113 with your name in the description.
DIY clothing customization workshop, at Casa da Horta, 17h-20h
Four out of every 10 garments that people buy are never worn, and this workshop will explain the disadvantages of fast fashion for people and the environment. Bring your garments to transform and you will be provided all the tools to customize and embellish your designs. Registration is required and the cost is 3€.
Post Punk Strikes Back music festival, at Hard Club, starts 18h
The 5th edition of this music festival will have a total of 12 bands spread over two days. Today’s groups are: The Chameleons, Scattered Ashes, Talk Show, Baudelaire, Grandmas House, and Structures. Single day tickets at 30€ or a general pass is available for 55€.
Clubbing in cinema film festival, at Batalha Centro de Cinema, starts 21h15
This festival takes a retrospective look at the evolution of dance music, using cinema to explore how night culture transformed personal moments into political movements. Tonight's films include Fiorucci Made Me Hardcore and Young Soul Rebels costs 5€ each.
Dimension concert, at Hard Club, starts 23h59
One of the biggest names in drum & bass world is Dimension. Supporting him are Ekko & Sidetrack. Tickets are 17€.
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Sunday, 3 December
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.
Christmas Bazaar, at Parque de Serralves, 10h-19h
An opportunity to explore a variety of organic gourmet products, Christmas decoration items, toys, personal accessories, and participate in workshops for the whole family. Additionally, there will be a variety of traditional festive street food options. Free to attend.
The Bodies exhibit, at Alfandega Congress Center, 10h-19h
This exhibition showcases human bodies that have been meticulously dissected and preserved through a polymer process. Tickets start at 10€.
Cumulus sound and poetry performance, at Ageas Porto Coliseu, 10h30-11h30
Theater, music, words, and performance. This children's program about the clouds is for the whole family (in Portuguese). Tickets start at 10€ for a child and adult combo.
Christmas recipes class, at Pop Up Workshops, 11h-14h
One of the biggest best sellers of baking, Joana Roque, joins our kitchen to share tricks that would make any kitchen shine on Christmas night. Everything you need for the class is provided (in Portuguese). The cost is 40€ and registration is required.
Ohana market, at Ageas Porto Coliseu, 11h-20h
This market for families that will feature fashion, ceramics, tapestry, well-being, and jewelry for purchase changes to a Christmas theme. A cooking workshop (in Portuguese) starts at 15h30. Free to attend.
Tile painting workshop, at Gazete Azulejos, 15h-17h
Covers the history of Portuguese tiles before teaching attendees how to design and paint their own. Following the painting session, the tiles fired and ready for collection the next day. Register in advance for 33€.
Group art meetup, at AL859 Art Space, 16h30-19h30
This meetup will consists of two main parts; diverse icebreakers and name games followed by creative group activities. RSVP for this 10€ event but also send a WhatsApp message +420736160952.
Straub-Huillet film retrospective, at Serralves House of Cinema, starts 17h
This retrospective of the oeuvre of French filmmaking duo, Jean-Marie Straub (1933-2022) and Danièle Huillet (1936-2006), is the first full retrospective since their death. For the full schedule here. Tickets cost 3€ or 70€ for all sessions.
Cumulus sound and poetry performance, at Ageas Porto Coliseu, 19h-21h
A singer and songwriter hailing from V.N. de Gaia, João Couto performs “Canções Sobre o Meu Carro e o Meu Quarto,” a journey through the singer-songwriter's most intimate songs. Tickets are 10€.
Clubbing in cinema film festival, at Batalha Centro de Cinema, starts 19h15
This festival takes a retrospective look at the evolution of dance music, using cinema to explore how night culture transformed personal moments into political movements. Tonight's films include House Was Born and The Last Days of Disco costs 5€ each.
Jamie Leeming concert, at Hard Club, 21h-23h59
Having established himself as one of the most sought-after young jazz guitarists in London, Jamie Leeming has steadily carved out his own musical niche, during his extensive work for the likes of Alfa Mist, Tom Misch and Jas Kayser. Tickets are 20€.
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