What's happening in Porto: 4-10 December 2023
Chocolate bar workshop, tech networking social, Ukrainian rock concert, and more.
There’s so much to do this week! We’re heading to the Kevin Hays concert, Standart launch party, and filling up on Christmas markets and twinkling lights. Which events are you looking forward to? Hit reply and tell us! ~Mike & Tara
Monday, 4 December
Christmas market, at Almad’Arte, 10h-18h
Members of this cultural center will be offering a selection of Christmas-themed tastes and gifts related to "Saberes e Sabores." Free to attend.
Arca de Natal, at Estação de São Bento, 10h-18h
The 18th edition of this initiative (PDF) promotes solidarity shopping with the sale of works, from handicrafts to gastronomic products, prepared by users of the city’s social institutions. Profits revert in full to each institution that is present.
Ohana Market, at Ageas Porto Coliseu, 10h-20h
This market for families features fashion, ceramics, tapestry, well-being, and jewelry — now with a Christmas theme. Free to attend.
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.
Urban Market, at Hard Club, 11h-19h
This market is a great opportunity to view and buy the work of dozens of local artisans and sellers. Free to attend.
Fado concert, at Casa da Guitarra, multiple times
This acoustic fado performance will be accompanied by a female leading singer. A reserve port wine will be served during the interlude. Tickets are 18€ for the 18h and 19h30 shows.
João Pimenta podcast featuring Luís Salgado, at Maus Hábitos, starts 21h
Podcast à Mesa is a live podcast recording, and this evening’s theme is the urgency of books and records in conversation. Free to attend.
Ute Lemper concert, at Casa da Música, starts 21h30
Ute Lemper is a German singer and actress and this show will be a retrospective of her 40-year career. Tickets are 30€.
The Big Idea concert, at Auditório CCOP, 21h30-23h
This six-piece rock group from La Rochelle, France, has released four albums and has scheduled a new one to come out early next year. Tickets are 10€.
Tuesday, 5 December
Arca de Natal, at Estação de São Bento, 10h-18h
The 18th edition of this initiative (PDF) promotes solidarity shopping with the sale of works, from handicrafts to gastronomic products, prepared by users of the city’s social institutions. Profits revert in full to each institution that is present.
Christmas market, at Almad’Arte, 10h-18h
Members of this cultural center will be offering a selection of Christmas themed tastes and gifts related to "Saberes e Sabores." Free to attend.
Ohana Market, at Ageas Porto Coliseu, 10h-20h
This market for families features fashion, ceramics, tapestry, well-being, and jewelry — now with a Christmas theme. Free to attend.
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.
Fado concert, at Casa da Guitarra, multiple times
This acoustic fado performance will be accompanied by a female leading singer. A reserve port wine will be served during the interlude. Tickets are 18€ for the 18h and 19h30 shows.
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.
ESMAE big band concert, at Casa da Música, starts 19h30
Escola Superior de Música e Artes do Espetáculo (ESMAE) big band is made up of students from the jazz course, and this annual concert gives them a chance to perform together. Tickets are 10€.
Porta jazz concert, at Maus Hábitos, starts 21h
This performance will have João Alves and Gonçalo Ribeiro collaborating for an exciting jazz show. Entrance is free, but you can book a spot in advance 937 202 918 or email.
Porto Conservatory jazz orchestra concert, at Casa da Música, starts 21h30
Paulo Carvalho directs the jazz orchestra as they perform excerpts of “Jesus Christ Superstar” by Andrew Lloyd Webber. Tickets are 8€.
Wednesday, 6 December
Christmas market, at Almad’Arte, 10h-18h
Members of this cultural center will be offering a selection of Christmas themed tastes and gifts related to "Saberes e Sabores." Free to attend.
Arca de Natal, at Estação de São Bento, 10h-18h
The 18th edition of this initiative (PDF) promotes solidarity shopping with the sale of works, from handicrafts to gastronomic products, prepared by users of the city’s social institutions. Profits revert in full to each institution that is present.
Ohana Market, at Ageas Porto Coliseu, 10h-20h
This market for families features fashion, ceramics, tapestry, well-being, and jewelry — now with a Christmas theme. Free to attend.
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.
Fado concert, at Casa da Guitarra, multiple times
This acoustic fado performance will be accompanied by a female leading singer. A reserve port wine will be served during the interlude. Tickets are 18€ for the 18h and 19h30 shows.
Dino D'Santiago concert, at Casa da Música, starts 21h30
It's been a decade since Dino D'Santiago released the album "Eva." This evening's show will have him revisit some of the songs from the album and screen a short film "Eva, onti y oji." Tickets are 20€.
Candlelight classical music concert, at Pestana Palácio do Freixo, 21h30-22h30
Listen to the Intempus String Quartet as they interpret classical composers, such as Bach, Dvořák, and Debussy. Tickets start at 16€.
Did you know: The full December schedule for Christmas events in Porto can be found here (PDF). There are also holiday markets at Praça da Batalha, Jardins do Palácio de Cristal, and Jardim da Cordoaria.
Thursday, 7 December
Arca de Natal, at Estação de São Bento, 10h-18h
The 18th edition of this initiative (PDF) promotes solidarity shopping with the sale of works, from handicrafts to gastronomic products, prepared by users of the city’s social institutions. Profits revert in full to each institution that is present.
Christmas market, at Almad’Arte, 10h-18h
Members of this cultural center will be offering a selection of Christmas themed tastes and gifts related to "Saberes e Sabores." Free to attend.
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.
AI & VR tech event, at Câmara Municipal de Matosinhos, 18h-20h30
Luis Sarmento, the CEO at Inductiva Research Labs and Maria Vilar, the CEO Immersiv Studios will discuss AI and Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, and Extended Reality. 5€ to attend and registration is required.
Nalgas Film Festival, at Cinema Passos Manuel, 18h-24h
This festival will showcase two feature films and 23 short films from different countries. Each day concludes with a recording of a live podcast. Day passes are available for 7,5€ for a two-day pass costs 13€.
Fado concert, at Casa da Guitarra, multiple times
This acoustic fado performance will be accompanied by a female leading singer. A reserve port wine will be served during the interlude. Tickets are 18€ for the 18h and 19h30 shows.
Kevin Hays concert, at Casa da Música, starts 21h30
This jazz pianist, composer, and singer combines a critically acclaimed career with multiple appearances on albums by big names in the genre, such as Brad Mehldau, Chris Potter, Bill Stewart, Joshua Redman, and many more. Tickets are 7,50€.
Alfa Pendular concert, at Casa da Música, starts 21h30
Created in the midst of the pandemic, the Alfa Pendular movement borrowed the name of the Porto-Lisbon train to translate the idea of travel that its passengers, Brazilian and Portuguese artists, have in mind: to take music all over the country. Free to attend.
Carolina Deslandes concert, at Super Bock Arena, starts 21h30
In December 2010, Carolina Deslandes finished as the third-place finalist on the fourth season of Ídolos Portugal. She sings pop music and tickets start at 18€.
Love'n'Joy and Manu Louis concert, at Ferro Bar, starts 22h
Love’n’Joy is a Kyiv-based rock group, who has been touring nonstop to collect donations for their fundraiser “Musicians Defend Ukraine” and raise awareness about the war. They will be supported by Manu Louis, a Belgian musician, singer-songwriter, and composer. Tickets are 7€ and can be purchased at the door.
Friday, 8 December
Christmas market, at Almad’Arte, 10h-18h
Members of this cultural center will be offering a selection of Christmas themed tastes and gifts related to "Saberes e Sabores." Free to attend.
Urban Market, at Praça das Cardosas, 11h-19h
This market is a great opportunity to view and buy the work of dozens of local artisans and sellers. Free to attend.
Ohana Market, at Praça da República, 11h-20h
This market for families features fashion, ceramics, tapestry, well-being, and jewelry. Free to attend.
Christmas lunch, at MXM ArtCenter, 12h-14h
Celebrate the magic of Christmas at this lunch designed for children and families, with seasonal food and other activities. Cost is 10€.
Christmas card workshop, at Batalha Centro de Cinema, starts 15h
This LGBTI+ group is open to everyone, and this workshop will give you a chance to show your creativity and pride colors. Afterward, the group will take a stroll through some of Porto’s Christmas markets. Free to attend.
Christmas educational session, at Casa da Música, starts 16h
The sounds and music typical of Christmas are the basis for this show, which celebrates the season by reconstituting its spirit. Tickets are 8€.
"Para O Ano Não Sei Se Vou Cá Estar" play, at Auditório CCOP, multiple times
This play follows Ricardo Couto and Fábio Pascoal as they host a comical dinner that swaps the materialism and futility of presents for the magic of friendship and good cheer (in Portuguese). Tickets (18h or 21h30 showing) are 12,50€.
Web development and data science workshop, at Le Wagon Porto, 18h-19h30
Meet aspiring web developers, data scientists, product managers, and entrepreneurs as they present their final projects. Free to attend but registration required.
Standart launch party, SO Coffee Roasters, 18h30-22h30
To celebrate the release of Standart’s latest issue, they are having a launch party with Ummi kombucha, OPO 74 beer, and local finger food. Dress code is casual disco, and the party is free to attend.
Nalgas Film Festival, at Cinema Passos Manuel, 18h-24h
This festival will showcase two feature films and twenty-three short films from different countries. Each day concludes with a recording of a live podcast. Day passes are available for 7,5€ for a two-day pass costs 13€.
Fado concert, at Casa da Guitarra, multiple times
This acoustic fado performance will be accompanied by a female leading singer. A reserve port wine will be served during the interlude. Tickets are 18€ for the 18h and 19h30 shows.
Porto networking event, at Angel's Share, 20h-23h59
This event is geared to Porto international professionals and its business community. There will be presentations and lectures before launching into a networking event. Reserve your seat for 10€ (includes one welcome drink).
Sammy-Gate film screening, at Maldatesta, 21h-23h
A screening of this fictional feature's LSD-drenched take on Sammy Davis Jr.’s involvement in the Watergate scandal. Free to all and director Noel Lawrence will be attending for a post-film Q&A session.
Porto Symphony Orchestra concert, at Casa da Música, starts 21h
The theme for tonight’s orchestra is “On the banks of the Rhine,” and will feature pieces by Haydn and Schumann. Tickets are 22€.
Nerve concert, at Maus Hábitos, starts 21h
Nerve rose to the Portuguese rap scene in 2005 and has made several solo and collaboration albums. Tickets are 12€.
Batidão baile funk dance party, at Maus Hábitos, 23h59-6h
Pyrats and Kebraku support Baile Funk for a night of dancing to brega-funk and hair-raising beats. Tickets are 7€ and available for purchase at the door.
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Saturday, 9 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.
Organic produce fair, at Parque da Cidade do Porto, 8h30-13h30
From Minho to the lands of Basto, over a dozen farmers whose products are certified organic will sell their fruit, vegetables jams, and bread. Free to attend.
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 is 4€ per person for 1.5 hours. Registration is required.
Christmas market, at Almad’Arte, 10h-18h
Members of this cultural center will be offering a selection of Christmas themed tastes and gifts related to "Saberes e Sabores." Free to attend.
Physics in sound workshop, at Casa da Música, multiple times
Stimulating creativity, critical thinking, musical creation, and the exploration of sound objects from our daily lives are the aims of this workshop in which various experiments related to sound are carried out. Tickets for 10h30 or 14h30 are 6€.
Christmas artisan market, at Peculiar Gallery, 11h-19h
This gallery hosts their first market featuring handcrafted Christmas gifts. Free to attend.
Urban Market, at Praça das Cardosas, 11h-19h
This market is a great opportunity to view and buy the work of dozens of local artisans and sellers. Free to attend.
Christmas figures workshop, at Atelier Analice Campos, 12h-13h30
This workshop is aimed at children over seven years old. This class will teach them how to create Christmas figures using construction paper and other materials. Classes cost 18€ and require registration.
Book fair, at Maus Hábitos, 14h-18h
This bimonthly book and publication fair is dedicated to the sale of new and used books, magazines, fanzines, comics and all kinds of publications. Free to attend.
Chocolate bar workshop, at GLAD - Chocolate Lab & Store, 15h-16h15
This interactive workshop will teach you how bean-to-bar chocolate is crafted, lead you on a guided tasting of GLAD's bars, and offer a chance to make your own bars. Tickets are 25€.
Traditional Portuguese vegan cuisine, at Pop Up Workshops, 15h-18h
It's possible to recreate the wonders of Portuguese cuisine without using animal protein, and Chef Inês Proença is here to prove it! With 8 years of experience, Inês has already left her mark in restaurants such as Fava Tonka and Casa de Chá da Boa Nova (in Portuguese). The 40€ cost includes everything you need.
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.
Ceramics workshop, at Squid Ink Works, 16h30-19h30
This workshop will cover different clay making methods including texture, addition, and subtraction. Come with ideas or work with the instructors to bring a design to life. The 50€ cost includes everything you need including firing your sculpture.
Whisky with history tasting, at Eddie's Klub, 17h-19h
Learn about your liquor. Owner Eddie DeSousa will explain the history and background of three Oloroso Sherry Whiskies and one Oloroso Sherry Wine for 25€. Space is limited so reserve your spot.
Fado concert, at Casa da Guitarra, multiple times
This acoustic fado performance will be accompanied by a female leading singer. A reserve port wine will be served during the interlude. Tickets are 18€ for the 18h and 19h30 shows.
Máo Morta and NU:N concert, at Bourbon Room Porto, starts 21h
Headlining is Mão Morta, a Portuguese avant-garde rock band that started in 1985. NU:N, a Portuguese gothic rock band, starts the show. Tickets are 20€ in advance or 25€ at the door and includes one beer.
"Anda Tudo A Mama" comedy show, at Auditório CCOP, starts 21h
A comedy about sacred cows and making fun of them in the age of cancel culture (in Portuguese). Tickets are 14€.
The Pink Floyd’s The Wall musical, at Super Bock Arena, starts 21h30
This year, Pink Floyd's album The Wall celebrates its 40th anniversary. This show is an adaptation of the record into a psychedelic and emotional universe featuring ten dancers, seven musicians and five singers. Tickets start at 30€.
Down the river concert, at Odéon Live Music, starts 22h
A throwback to alternative rock bands from the ‘90s and 2000s. The group recently released its first single, “Waiting for the Sun.” Tickets are 7€ and can be purchased at the door.
Christmas dance party, at Maus Hábitos, 23h59-6h
Mike El Nite and João Não closes the year on a high note with a concert by Alfredo Soares. Tickets are €7 and available for purchase at the door.
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Sunday, 10 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 artisan market, at Peculiar Gallery, 11h-17h
This gallery hosts their first market featuring handcrafted Christmas gifts. Free to attend.
Urban Market, at Praça das Cardosas, 11h-19h
This market is a great opportunity to view and buy the work of dozens of local artisans and sellers. Free to attend.
Khao brunch club, at Venn Canteen, 12h-15h
A chance to meet new friends and enjoy a three course, plant-based Gujarati meal created with seasonal Portuguese ingredients. Spots are 35€ and registration is required.
Portuguese symphonic concert, at Casa da Música, starts 12h
“Bohemian Revelry” is a pyrotechnic suite of traditional dances from the region and “An English Christmas” celebrates the season using carols that audiences know so well. Tickets are 12€.
Carlos Azevedo 4teto and Neighbour Lizard concert, at Casa da Música, starts 16h
Jazz pianist Carlos Azevedo will be joined by Neighbor Lizard (four exceptional musicians, composers, and improvisers who challenge the boundaries of instrumental music). The result is a unique, improvisational show. Tickets are 15€.
The Pink Floyd’s The Wall musical, at Super Bock Arena, starts 16h
This year, Pink Floyd's album The Wall celebrates its 40th anniversary. This show is an adaptation of the record into a psychedelic and emotional universe featuring 10 dancers, seven musicians, and five singers. Tickets start at 30€.
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.
Christmas stories workshop, at Casa da Música, starts 18h
Children's Choir will take the audience on a journey through the different ways of celebrating Christmas: the sacred, the pagan, the erudite, and the popular. Tickets are 8€.
Pedro Moutinho concert, at Ageas Porto Coliseu, 19h-20h
Pedro Moutinho has been making music for more than 20 years and is considered one of greatest contemporary fado singers. Tickets are 15€.
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