Mark your calendars for these upcoming Algarve events

With summer in full swing, there are plenty of events to attend in the Algarve, both during and after the season. Here are our quick suggestions for the coming months

Silves Medieval Fair

For centuries, Silves was the capital of the Algarve, and there are still countless Arab references that serve as inspiration for this annual event.

Over the course of a week, the main streets of Silves will transport you back to the Islamic period, thanks to the decorations and gastronomic offerings, as well as the period clothing and accessories you can rent for the night.

From August 9 to 17, between 6pm and 1am, the Castle is transformed into a stage for performances and entertainment, courtesy of a wide range of artists inspired by the medieval period – from comedy, live music and fire juggling to belly dancing.

Fatacil

From August 16 to 25, the municipality of Lagoa is hosting one of the oldest craft, tourism, agriculture, trade and industry fairs in the country. The Municipal Fair & Exhibition Park welcomes a wide range of artists and offers visitors a taste of traditional Portuguese flavours.

From art to gastronomy to music, there’s plenty of reasons to attend FATACIL, which promotes the development and marketing of companies’ brands, products and services. Doors open at 6pm every day and the musical programme features major artists from the national scene performing different styles of music.

The Art Collective

A group of Algarve-based artists, the Artadentro Collective continues its work to boost local culture by promoting and publicising contemporary art and creating, expanding and developing audiences in the Algarve.

Vasco Vidigal, Sala de Espera, 2024

The group is currently hosting an exhibition at Galeria Meinke Flesseman, in Portimão, with works in different media, such as painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, and projection by artists Ana André, Christine Henry, Filipe Paixão, Meinke Flesseman, Miguel Cheta, Paulo Serra, Vasco Célio and Vasco Vidigal.

Meinke Flesseman, Caliço

“The concept of collaboration is a constant in the Artadentro project, both with the most varied institutions and through artistic projects that include the participation of different artists, mostly working between Faro and Loulé, in a serious commitment to the development of contemporary art in Algarve,” says the collective. The exhibition will be on display until September 14.

Thoughts From the Thicket

Faro’s GAMA RAMA gallery presents Thoughts From the Thicket by David Schmitt. In his work, the self-taught German artist, also known as “Tuyo” online, “tries to capture a timeless aspect, using organic forms, archaic symbols, and a childlike approach”.

This new exhibition showcases a series of works created during a two-week artistic residency at Studio Yucca, in Cabanas (Tavira), run by Barbara Ramos and artist Tom Leamon. Located in downtown Faro, GAMA RAMA gallery is a small “creative incubator”, organising and boosting cultural events and enabling artistic collaborations in different art media. Thoughts From the Thicket will be on display at the gallery until September 14, from Tuesday to Friday between 11am and 5pm and Saturdays from 11am to 2pm.

Art Expo Algarve

From September 27-29, the Portimão Arena will host the Art Expo Algarve – International Contemporary Art & Design Fair, where attendees can explore and purchase artworks from a diverse group of national and international painters, photographers, illustrators, and sculptors.

With free admission, the event welcomes artists, galleries, creative collectives, and art lovers. The fair opens on Friday for VIP pass holders from 5pm to 10pm. On Saturday, the doors are open from 10am to 9pm, and on Sunday until 7pm.

Oktoberfest

The Vila Vita Biergarten will once again host the traditional Oktoberfest from September 25 to October 6.

With large communal tables, inviting friends and family to socialise to the sound of live music from Bavaria and the entire team of the Biergarten dressed in traditional costumes, the famous Algarve-style Oktoberfest has become a local tradition.

The beer from event partners Erdinger (one of the most respected German breweries) is one of the stars of the festival. The event starts at 5pm (1pm on Sundays) and advance booking is recommended.

Birdwatching & Nature Activities Festival

From October 3-6, Vila do Bispo is hosting the Birdwatching & Nature Activities Festival. Since 2010, the event has gained great national and international prominence, as it’s one of the most important crossing points on the migratory routes of various bird species.

With the end of summer, the birds leave the European continent and fly to the hot African regions, which makes it possible to observe them in great numbers and variety at this time. Among the various species it’s common to spot griffon vultures, Egyptian vultures and black storks.

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