Celebrate Summer: Events in the Algarve in 2024

There are many reasons to spend your holidays in the Algarve. Besides the tranquil beaches, mild climate, excellent cuisine, and the region's characteristic hospitality, there are events for all tastes! This is our invitation for a summer holiday in the Algarve. Come and discover the festivals, fairs, exhibitions, and other events that will define the summer of 2024 in the region.

Photo by Melanie Nobaru – Unsplash

1.     Festival da Sardinha

(30 July to 4 August 2024 – Portimão)

The Festival da Sardinha brings together lovers of this typical summer delicacy in the riverside area of Portimão. Besides restaurants serving the renowned sardines in bread, there will also be regional sweets, crafts, and concerts by Portuguese bands over six days. The lineup includes Aurea, Sara Correia, Anjos, Richie Campbell, Marisa Liz, and Delfins. The festival also features a historical reenactment of the sardine unloading on 30 July at 10:30 am in the riverside area.

2.     Street Entertainment

(various days in August until 12 September – Lagos)

There will be musical entertainment at Praça do Infante at 9:30 pm, featuring various artists. The programme includes 2 August - Fábio Muchacho, 9 August - Eurico & Cristina, 15 August - Carlos Agapito, 23 August - Humberto Silva, 30 August - Ricardo Glória, and 5 September - Cláudio Rosário. These events culminate in a concert with all the artists on 12 September.

3.     Lagos Book Fair

(3 to 15 August – Praça do Infante, Lagos)

The Lagos Book Fair features a variety of activities, including book presentations, traditional game gatherings, exhibitions, storytelling sessions, living statues, board games, chess tournaments, and a concert by the Algarve Jazz Orchestra Quintet. Check out the programme of activities here.

4.     Mar Me Quer Festival

(8 to 10 August – Portimão)

The Mar Me Quer Festival is one of the region's newer events, offering a trendy and youthful atmosphere with a strong focus on environmental causes. The festival site is decorated by visual artists using materials sourced from the ocean, highlighting the urgency of adopting sustainable practices. The Mar Me Quer Festival will feature two stages, with the headliners on the main stage being Teto, Slow J, and Mariza.

5.     Noites no Mirante

(9 and 10 August – Monchique)

The events continue, this time in the Algarve mountains of Monchique. The Noites no Mirante is a hit, and this year marks its third edition, offering a blend of music and gastronomy. The line-up includes:

• 9 August: Ricardo Sousa, Vitor Kley, and We Are the 90s.

• 10 August: DJs, Lucky Duckies, and M80.

6.     World SuperBikes

(9 to 11 August – Portimão)

The Algarve International Circuit will host the 7th round of the SuperBikes in a completely new format. The SuperBikes in Portimão will take place in the evening or at night. The event will also feature many activities in the paddock and outside the circuit.

7.     Fatacil

(16 to 25 August – Lagoa)

The Lagoa Fair of Crafts, Tourism, Agriculture, Commerce, and Industry – Fatacil – began in the 1980s and remains one of the most significant events in the Algarve. For 10 days, it offers restaurants, craft exhibitors, and music for all tastes. This year's line-up includes Os Quatro e Meia, Ivandro, D.A.M.A., João Pedro Pais, Carolina Deslandes, David Carreira, Julinho KSD, Amália Hoje, Calema, and Xutos & Pontapés.

8.     Fado Night

(17 August – Portelas, Lagos)

The 18th edition of Fado Night at Portela in Lagos takes place at 8:00 pm at the Recinto de Bailes – GPP. For those who cannot remain indifferent to this distinctly Portuguese music style, the evening will feature the voices of Fado: Mafalda Vasques, Helena Candeias, João Leote, and João Marques. Accompanying them will be Vítor do Carmo on the Portuguese guitar, José Santana on the Fado guitar, and António Correia on the double bass. Dine and enjoy an exceptional evening dedicated to Fado.

9.     Banho 29

(night of 28 to 29 August – Lagos)

Banho 29 in Lagos is a highly anticipated event, not just by locals, but also by visitors. On the night of 28 to 29 August, friend groups gather on the city's beaches for a midnight dip in the sea. It is said that this swim counts as 29 and is a traditional summer-ending ritual passed down through generations. In the city centre, there will be concerts and a competition for vintage swimwear. The programme is yet to be announced, but you can catch a performance by Ricardo Pires Quarteto at Cais da Solaria at 10:00 pm on 29 August. If you're staying at the Belmar Resort during this time, be sure to take part in this Algarve tradition.

10.       Feira da Dieta Mediterrânica

(5 to 8 September – Tavira)

The Feira da Dieta Mediterrânica has been taking place in Tavira since 2013. It contributes to environmental preservation, and sustainable agriculture, and promotes healthy and delicious food. At this fair, you can expect craft exhibitors, botanical displays, traditional products, music, and other activities such as dance and performing arts. The program for this Algarve event is still being finalised, but you can stay updated on the Feira da Dieta Mediterrânica's website.

Accept our invitation and have an even more enjoyable holiday on your next visit to the Belmar Spa & Beach Resort.