The Algarve Summer Festivals 2023
The year 2023 promises an exciting programme of summer festivals in the Algarve. From great musical shows to cultural festivals, there will be at least one event for every taste. There is room for a festival with African rhythms, gastronomic festivals, elegant celebrations in the villages or moments that recall the traditional side of the Algarve. Enjoy the 2023 summer festivals in the Algarve and stay just a few minutes from Luz beach in Lagos.
Experience unique moments in the Algarve! Summer holidays are always special, especially at the beautiful Praia da Luz - Lagos. In Estrela da Luz, you'll find the perfect haven to relax in our swimming pools during the day. And at night, the fun continues with incredible events in the region. Curious about what's happening next? Get ready for an unforgettable experience full of fun. Come to Estrela da Luz and discover the most fun side of the Algarve!
1. Carvoeiro - Black & White Night
17 June | Carvoeiro | Free admission
Carvoeiro - Noite Black & White is an event that takes place every year in the Algarve village of Carvoeiro. This slightly different night is all about socialising and following the festive theme by dressing in black and white. The village streets come to life and change colour, the atmosphere becomes even livelier with live music, and the restaurants and bars also follow the theme with special menus. Mark 17 June in your calendar and get ready for a night of style and charm in the heart of the Algarve.
2. Afro Nation Festival
28 to 30 June | Praia da Rocha | Paid admission
Afro Nation celebrates African culture and music, bringing together artists and fans from all over the world on Praia da Rocha beach. Different genres of music will be heard throughout Portimão city, such as Afrobeats, Dancehall, Hip-Hop, R&B or Bashment. The invited artists for the third edition of Afro Nation in Portimão are Wizkid, Davido, Booba, Burna Boy and 50 Cent. Buy the tickets on the festival's official website.
3. MED Festival
29 June to 2 July | Loulé | Paid admission
The MED festival takes place every year in the streets of Loulé in the Algarve. Known as one of the liveliest and most exciting festivals in the region, MED combines music, art, performances and cinema in a unique and relaxed atmosphere. During the festival, the streets and squares of Loulé are transformed into stages for local artists and international musicians. On stage are different styles of music, such as world music, folk, jazz, pop and much more. In addition to the musical performances, the MED festival also offers a rich cultural programme with art exhibitions, dance performances, street theatre and workshops.
4. Mercado de Culturas à Luz das Velas
6 until 9 July | Lagoa | Free admission
The Mercado de Culturas à Luz das Velas (Candlelight Cultural Market) is an enchanting experience held in Lagoa in the Algarve. It is an annual event that takes place at night to offer visitors a magical atmosphere. During this event, the streets of Lagoa are lit up with candles, creating corridors of light in the squares and historic streets of the town. The event will include stalls with handicrafts, food and drinks, focusing on Brazilian gastronomy (which will be in the cloister of the Convento São José). As part of the 2023 theme "Cultures and Rituals of Ibero-America", there will also be live music, with bands from Cuba, Ecuador, Brazil, Mexico and many others.
5. Festival da Sardinha
from 1 to 6 August | Portimão | Free admission
The Festival da Sardinha celebrates the Queen of the Seas in Portimão (the sardine). The waterfront along the Arade River comes alive with stalls selling grilled sardines, snacks, drinks and handicrafts. Gastronomy is only one of the strong points of this festival, as the music programme also attracts many visitors. For the 2023 edition of the Sardine Festival, artists such as Carlão, Áurea or Cuca Roseta are expected. Get ready to enjoy delicious sardines and family moments at the Festival da Sardinha.
6. Fatacil
18 to 26 August | Lagoa | Paid admission
There's no way you have never heard of Fatacil, which takes place every August, but if you have, you should know that it's the Algarve's biggest craft, tourism, agriculture, trade and industry fair. On the days that Fatacil is held, visitors have the opportunity to visit various stands with handicrafts, gastronomy, national tourism and many others from different parts of the country. The most anticipated are undoubtedly the concerts in the late evening, where artists of different musical genres perform. They are not yet fully confirmed for this year, but you can expect the presence of Richie Campbell, Toy or Bárbara Tinoco.
7. Banho 29
28 to 29 August | Lagos | Free entry
Banho 29 is an event that marks the end of summer on the night of 28-29 August. It is a tradition where hundreds of brave people gather on the various beaches of Lagos City to take a dip in the sea at exactly midnight. Banho 29 is already a tradition rooted in local culture, with participants dressing up in old swimming costumes and socialising on the beach until 12 am. Besides bathing in the sea, other events such as concerts or the old-fashioned swimming costume competition also take place.
Enjoy the 2023 summer holidays in the Algarve and experience unique moments! In Estrela da Luz, you will find the ideal retreat to relax in our swimming pools during the day and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Praia da Luz. But the fun does not end there! In the evenings, incredible events take place throughout the region.