What to do in Porto - November 2024
In November, the temperatures in Porto start to drop, the scent of roasted chestnuts invades the streets, and the trees take on new shades of brown, red and gold. In the month of São Martinho, chestnuts are a highlight, scattered all over the city and ready to be savoured warm.
But November goes beyond São Martinho, bringing a rich cultural agenda that anticipates the Christmas atmosphere with exhibitions, immersive experiences, concerts and other themed events. The city offers a range of activities that combine the cooler weather with the welcoming spirit of autumn. Here are our suggestions for making the most of Porto in November:
1. Enjoy the musical scope of Misty Fest
The 15th edition of Misty Fest takes place from 1 November to 1 December, maintaining the diversity and musical and geographical scope that define it as one of the benchmark events on the national autumn festival scene. Lisbon and Porto remain the base cities, but this year Misty Fest will once again spread its programme across venues from the north to the south of the country.
Date: 1st November to 1st December 2024
Venue: Casa da Música
2. Have fun at the 3rd edition of Porto Cabaret Fest 2024
Porto will once again be the scene of an explosion of talent and art with the third edition of Porto Cabaret Fest, which will take place over five unforgettable weeks at Café Lusitano. With double sessions every weekend in November, the festival offers a vibrant and eclectic programme, bringing together national and international artists. The event invites audiences to travel from the Golden Age of Jazz to the most daring avant-garde expressions of cabaret, circus and burlesque.
Dates: 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29 and 30 November
Venue: Café Lusitano, Porto
3- Meet the world’s best photojournalists at World Press Photo 2024
Don’t miss the ‘World Press Photo 2024’ exhibition, on show at Fórum da Maia from 9 November to 1 December. The exhibition features the winning photographs from the 67th edition of the renowned annual competition, which celebrates the best of world photojournalism.
Date: 9 November to 1 December
Venue: Fórum da Maia, Rua Eng. Duarte Pacheco, 131
4. Celebrate St Martin’s Day with a Community Magusto
In Portugal, Saint Martin’s Day (11 November) is celebrated with roasted chestnuts and jeropiga (a traditional fortified wine drink). In Porto, there are local events and fairs where you can try these typical flavours and enjoy the festive atmosphere. But you can start celebrating even earlier with a community magusto full of tradition and typical flavours! Roasted chestnuts and sarrabulho porridge will be on offer, while the entertainment will be provided by live traditional music. All this with a breathtaking view of the River Douro from the bar terrace.
Date: Saturday 9th November 2024
Venue: Guindalense FC, Escada dos Guindais, 43
5. Honouring the music that is the soul of Portugal: FADO GALA
The Fado Gala returns to the Coliseu Porto Ageas to celebrate the music that is the soul of Portugal. This annual event honours the great names of fado who, throughout their careers, have elevated Portuguese culture with their voices, guitars and poetry. As well as celebrating the veterans of fado, the gala also highlights the talent of the new generation, uniting tradition and modernity.
Date: Sunday 17 November 2024
Venue: Coliseu Porto Ageas, Porto
6. Let yourself be enchanted by the masterpiece ‘Swan Lake’
Full of romance and beauty, Swan Lake is considered the most spectacular masterpiece in the classical dance repertoire. A truly romantic poetic theme, where good triumphs over evil.
Date: Friday 22 November 2024
Venue: Coliseu do Porto
7. Attend the Porto/Post/Doc Festival
This documentary festival showcases international and national films with a focus on innovative documentaries and impactful stories. The festival takes place at venues such as the Teatro Municipal do Porto – Rivoli, and is a great opportunity for film lovers.
Dates: 22 to 30 November
Venue: various
8. Shout ‘WOW It’s Christmas!’
Only a few days left to enjoy the most special programme of the year! Get ready for the city’s most enchanting Christmas tree, a Parisian carousel, children’s entertainment and much more.
Date: 23 November to 6 January
Venue: WOW
9. Immerse yourself in the magic of “The Nutcracker“
A Christmas tale, The Nutcracker presents an enchanting narrative that awakens our imagination, taking us to the realm of fantasy. A Christmas dream with animated dolls, evil creatures and an unlikely hero – the Nutcracker Prince.
Date: Saturday 23 November 2024
Venue: Coliseu do Porto
10. Shopping at the Porto 2024 Christmas Market in Praça da Batalha
The Porto 2024 Christmas Market in Praça da Batalha promises to be an unmissable event, full of tradition, charm and authentic flavours. Whether you want to do some Christmas shopping, savour typical delicacies or simply enjoy the festive atmosphere, this market offers something special for everyone. Mark 29 November in your diary and come and celebrate the spirit of Christmas in the heart of Porto.
Date: 29 November to 23 December 2024
Location: Praça da Batalha
Come and experience the best of November in Porto with the comfort and authenticity of Almada 234 as the starting point for every experience.
