What's happening in Porto: 3-9 April 2023
Chocolate festival, more Easter markets, Jazz Thursdays, and more.
Events are starting to move back outside with the arrival of nice weather! We’ve got markets galore and live music outdoors. But if you’re itching to get out of town, take the train to the Douro Valley as spring begins. Shoulder season means you’ll encounter fewer people, but there’s still plenty open.
Monday, 3 April
Easter market, at Mercado do Bolhão, 10h-18h
The Balhão market gets a little bigger in advance of Easter. The gallery on the third floor will host the Easter Fair, consisting of 22 temporary stalls. Free to attend.
Praça da Batalha Easter market, at Praça da Batalha, 10h-20h
Mercado da Alegria is a weekly opportunity to view and buy the work of dozens of local artisans and sellers. From 1-16 April, enjoy a special Easter artisans market. Free to attend, but dependent on good weather since it’s outdoors.
Festa do Chocolate, on Rua Alfredo Cunha, 12h-23h
This chocolate festival in Matosinhos features more than 25 exhibitors with diverse delicacies, from bonbons to brigadeiros and traditional chocolate eggs and almonds for Easter. The event also has entertainment with workshops and showcookings.
Craft Peer featuring Catarina Valadas podcast, at Maus Hábitos, starts 21h
A podcast where the host (Tiago Lacerda) and his guests chat about comedy, culture, and craft beer (in Portuguese). This evening's guest is Catarina Valadas, a singer and flautist from Espinho. Free to attend.
Tuesday, 4 April
Easter market, at Mercado do Bolhão, 10h-18h
The Balhão market gets a little bigger in advance of Easter. The gallery on the third floor will host the Easter Fair, consisting of 22 temporary stalls. Free to attend.
Praça da Batalha Easter market, at Praça da Batalha, 10h-20h
Mercado da Alegria is a weekly opportunity to view and buy the work of dozens of local artisans and sellers. From 1-16 April, enjoy a special Easter artisans market. Free to attend, but dependent on good weather since it’s outdoors.
Festa do Chocolate, on Rua Alfredo Cunha, 12h-23h
This chocolate festival in Matosinhos features more than 25 exhibitors with diverse delicacies, from bonbons to brigadeiros and traditional chocolate eggs and almonds for Easter. The event also has entertainment with workshops and showcookings.
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.
Porta Jazz concert, at Maus Hábitos, starts 21h
This performance will have Mané Fernandes and Mário Costa collaborating for an exciting jazz show. Admission is 10€ and includes one select menu item and a glass of wine or beer. Recommended you book in advance 937 202 918 or email.
Wednesday, 5 April
Free day of coworking, 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 in this community for the day. Register here for free.
Easter market, at Mercado do Bolhão, 10h-18h
The Balhão market gets a little bigger in advance of Easter. The gallery on the third floor will host the Easter Fair, consisting of 22 temporary stalls. Free to attend.
Praça da Batalha Easter market, at Praça da Batalha, 10h-20h
Mercado da Alegria is a weekly opportunity to view and buy the work of dozens of local artisans and sellers. From 1-16 April, enjoy a special Easter artisans market. Free to attend, but dependent on good weather since it’s outdoors.
Festa do Chocolate, on Rua Alfredo Cunha, 12h-23h
This chocolate festival in Matosinhos features more than 25 exhibitors with diverse delicacies, from bonbons to brigadeiros and traditional chocolate eggs and almonds for Easter. The event also has entertainment with workshops and showcookings.
Standup comedy in English, at Look.Sharp, starts 18h45
Get your laugh on in the middle of the week with 4 standup acts. Choose the dinner package for a main dish, drink, and priority seating (22.50€) — get there between 18h45-19h15 — or just enjoy the show for 5€. GA doors open at 20h45. Shows starts at 21h15. Pre-book online.
Baroque Orchestra Easter concert, at Casa da Música, starts 21h
Joseph Haydn’s The Seven Last Words of Christ on the Cross will be performed, and it is one of the many commissions that he received when he achieved the status of the greatest living composer of his time. Tickets 18€.
Did you know you can visit Sé do Porto and go up the tower? This week’s hours: Mon-Wed: 9h-18h30 (tower until 18h); Thurs 12h30h-17h (tower until 16h30); Fri 9h-14h30 (tower until 14h); Sat 9h-18h30 (tower until 18h); Sun no visitors.
Thursday, 6 April
Easter market, at Mercado do Bolhão, 10h-18h
The Balhão market gets a little bigger in advance of Easter. The gallery on the third floor will host the Easter Fair, consisting of 22 temporary stalls. Free to attend.
Praça da Batalha Easter market, at Praça da Batalha, 10h-20h
Mercado da Alegria is a weekly opportunity to view and buy the work of dozens of local artisans and sellers. From 1-16 April, enjoy a special Easter artisans market. Free to attend, but dependent on good weather since it’s outdoors.
Urban market, at Hard Club, 11h-19h
This weekly market is a great opportunity to view and buy the work of talented local artisans and sellers. Free to attend.
Cook and Taste Portugal cooking class, at Pop Up Workshops, 12h-15h
Learn, prepare, and enjoy a typical Portuguese meal accompanied by local wines. Everything you need for the class is provided (in English). The cost is 45€ and advanced registration is required.
Festa do Chocolate, on Rua Alfredo Cunha, 12h-23h
This chocolate festival in Matosinhos features more than 25 exhibitors with diverse delicacies, from bonbons to brigadeiros and traditional chocolate eggs and almonds for Easter. The event also has entertainment with workshops and showcookings.
Flower arranging workshop, at Mercado do Bolhão, 17h-19h
Mercado do Bolhão will host a free workshop on floral arrangements for the Easter table, with a demonstration of technical styles and harmonies. The initiative will take place in the Gallery on Level 3.
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.
Chocolate Easter opening event, at WOW, starts 18h30
This 5-day festival opens with a concert in WOW’s Central Square, held by the Sociedade Musical 1º de Agosto – Banda de Música de Coimbrões. Also in the Central Square, there is a giant Easter egg, 3.5m high, perfect for photos. The chocolate market and chocolate eggs exhibition are free.
Blind Glasses #4 wine tasting, at Maus Hábitos, starts 18h30
This new monthly event (in its fourth iteration) puts your senses to the test with a selection of Minimum Intervention Wines curated by Ricardo Moreira. Minimal intervention describes a wine made with very little intervention of oenological techniques or additives. The event costs 20€ and capacity is capped at 10 attendees. Reserve your spot via email.
Cultura em Expansão: MSHR, at Assoc. de Moradores da Bouça, 19h30-20h30
Enjoy this unique and improvised performance by visual artists and musicians Birch Cooper and Brenna Murphy. MSHR is a collaborative project centered on the construction and exploration of sculptural electronic systems, cybernetic compositions that take shape in installations and ceremonial performances.
Sound Waves music festival, at Hard Club, starts 23h59
The electronic music festival will be starting at midnight and rocking well into the next day. Catch the latest DJ and EDM groups, including Alignment, ØTTA, Miss Sheila, and more. Tickets are 20€.
Friday, 7 April
Easter market, at Mercado do Bolhão, 10h-18h
The Balhão market gets a little bigger in advance of Easter. The gallery on the third floor will host the Easter Fair, consisting of 22 temporary stalls. Free to attend.
Praça da Batalha Easter market, at Praça da Batalha, 10h-20h
Mercado da Alegria is a weekly opportunity to view and buy the work of dozens of local artisans and sellers. From 1-16 April, enjoy a special Easter artisans market. Free to attend, but dependent on good weather since it’s outdoors.
Urban market, at Hard Club, 11h-19h
This weekly market is a great opportunity to view and buy the work of talented local artisans and sellers. Free to attend.
Festa do Chocolate, on Rua Alfredo Cunha, 12h-24h
This chocolate festival in Matosinhos features more than 25 exhibitors with diverse delicacies, from bonbons to brigadeiros and traditional chocolate eggs and almonds for Easter. The event also has entertainment with workshops and showcookings.
Tia Cátia at Chocolate Easter, at WOW, starts 14h30
Fans of 24 Kitchen’s Tia Cátia won’t want to miss her live showcooking (starts 14h30); you must purchase a ticket to any WOW museums for entry. The Easter Bunny will be walking around WOW, and there’s a 3.5-meter-tall Easter egg for family photos. The chocolate market and chocolate eggs exhibition are free, and there’ll be musical entertainment in the afternoon.
Tangerina musical, at Hotel Mouco, 17h-18h
Inspired by the book “A Invenção do Dia Claro” by Almada Negreiros, this staged concert is in the "tone of a little boy who is talking to his mother." A blend of prose and poetry accompanied by a mix of musical styles. Admission prices vary; an adult + child combination ticket is 16€ and extra adult tickets are 9€ each.
Deus, estás aí? musical theater, at Auditório Francisco de Assis, starts 21h
This musical theater performance portrays God's position in the face of human suffering. Have we been left to chance? Where is God anyway? Free entry.
Jazz jam session, at Porta-Jazz, starts 21h30
This jam session is open to all musicians who want to participate. Linked to tradition as a starting point for the different paths of improvised music and contemporary jazz, this weekly meeting is an old ritual — always new, always different. 5€ at the door for non-members.
Rolling Stones tribute band, at Wish You Were Here, starts 23h
Fans of the Rolling Stones will want to book a table in advance for this tribute band’s performance (by SMS at 913 902 004). There may be a minimum consumption requirement - ask when you book.
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Saturday, 8 April
Running club, meet-up location varies, starts at 9h
Runners and walkers of all fitness levels meet weekly to exercise and socialize. Free to join. Email Warren for more details and run location.
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.
Easter market, at Mercado do Bolhão, 10h-18h
The Balhão market gets a little bigger in advance of Easter. The gallery on the third floor will host the Easter Fair, consisting of 22 temporary stalls. Free to attend.
Praça da Batalha Easter market, at Praça da Batalha, 10h-20h
Mercado da Alegria is a weekly opportunity to view and buy the work of dozens of local artisans and sellers. From 1-16 April, enjoy a special Easter artisans market. Free to attend, but dependent on good weather since it’s outdoors.
Urban market, at Hard Club, 11h-19h
This weekly market is a great opportunity to view and buy the work of talented local artisans and sellers. Free to attend.
Festa do Chocolate, on Rua Alfredo Cunha, 11h-24h
This chocolate festival in Matosinhos features more than 25 exhibitors with diverse delicacies, from bonbons to brigadeiros and traditional chocolate eggs and almonds for Easter. The event also has entertainment with workshops and showcookings.
Rustic vase clay workshop, at Mafa Mood, 13h-15h
During the workshop, you'll get to work with rustic black clay and learn techniques to create your own vase. It's a beginner-friendly workshop, so no prior experience is necessary. Phone 936 901 133 or email to save your spot. 35€/person.
Guided tour of Roseiral do Parque, at Serralves, starts 15h
This guided visit of the Serralves Rose Garden aims to make known the historical, cultural, and environmental heritage of this iconic space. Tickets are 11€ for adults residing in Portugal; 13€ for other adults; and free for children up to age 12.
Marco Costa at Chocolate Easter, at WOW, starts 15h30
Marco Costa, one of Portugal’s most famous pastry chefs, will host a showcooking starting at 15h30; you must purchase a ticket to any WOW museums for entry. The Easter Bunny will be walking around WOW, and there’s a 3.5-meter-tall Easter egg for family photos. The chocolate market and chocolate eggs exhibition are free, and there’ll be musical entertainment in the afternoon.
Greg Burk Trio, at Porta-Jazz, 19h-21h30
Pianist/composer/educator Greg Burk has the rare ability to combine his original composition with memorable melodies and a creative impetus towards improvisation that give him a unique character. 5€ at the door for non-members.
Belly Dance & Tribal Fusion Performance + Dinner, at Look.Sharp, starts 19h30
Start your night with an intimate and relaxed performance by Liliana Brandão, including reserved table seating and a two-course sit-down dinner (29.50€). Or take the non-dinner option standing ticket + 1 drink (7€). Limited seating; book ASAP.
Scorpions tribute band, at Wish You Were Here, starts 23h
Fans of the German rock band Scorpions will want to book a table in advance for this tribute band’s performance (by SMS at 913 902 004). There may be a minimum consumption requirement - ask when you book.
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Sunday, 9 April
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.
Easter market, at Mercado do Bolhão, 10h-18h
The Balhão market gets a little bigger in advance of Easter. The gallery on the third floor will host the Easter Fair, consisting of 22 temporary stalls. Free to attend.
Praça da Batalha Easter market, at Praça da Batalha, 10h-20h
Mercado da Alegria is a weekly opportunity to view and buy the work of dozens of local artisans and sellers. From 1-16 April, enjoy a special Easter artisans market. Free to attend, but dependent on good weather since it’s outdoors.
Chocolate Easter, at WOW, 11h-19h
Bring the kids to meet the Easter Bunny and take photos with a 3.5-meter-tall Easter egg. The chocolate market and chocolate eggs exhibition are free. WOW’s ticketed museums will have egg hunts, games, and wine pairing. Tickets also grant you free entrance to showcookings and children’s painting and handicraft workshops.
Festa do Chocolate, on Rua Alfredo Cunha, 11h-23h
This chocolate festival in Matosinhos features more than 25 exhibitors with diverse delicacies, from bonbons to brigadeiros and traditional chocolate eggs and almonds for Easter. The event also has entertainment with workshops and showcookings.
Cinema Surpresa, at OKNA, starts 18h
Be surprised (and hopefully delighted!) during this series of weekly screenings, where you won’t know what you’re going to watch until you walk in the door. Screenings include a thought-provoking range of films, presented in original language with English subtitles. Doors at 18h for snacks and drinks. Screening starts at 19h. Entry: 3€ (free for OKNA members). Mandatory RSVP.
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