Exhibitions, Sports Tournaments, Pop concerts, Tennis Championships – These are just a few of the exciting events that happen throughout the year in the Algarve.

Annual Local Festivals usually fall around the same date, so it is exciting to know that an event is coming up, and you can plan your visit around this.

The Portuguese love to celebrate and have many festivals ranging from religious to the celebration of sardines and seafood or the pine trees or the harvests of figs and almonds.

There are some International Sports events like the Portuguese Open Golf Championship, which has been held at Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago in the past or The Grand Champions Tennis Tournament held every August in Vale do Lobo.

Below an overview of all the activities in the Algarve for 2008

Cinema

FICA 2008 - 36º ALGARVE INTERNATIONAL CINEMA FESTIVAL

10-05-2008 > 18-05-2008
Diversas localidades

An emblematic cinema genre, everything happens faster in short films.


Dance


05-03-2008 > 06-03-2008
Faro




10-04-2008 > 11-04-2008



FESTIVAL OF CONTEMPORARY DANCE

12-04-2008 > 29-04-2008
Portimão

This is the art of movement and bodily expression.


Great Musical Productions "Coppelia"

27-06-2008 > 27-06-2008
Portimão



Dance Academy of Imortal Desportivo Clube

28-06-2008 > 28-06-2008
Albufeira




11-07-2008 > 12-07-2008
Lagos




20-07-2008 > 20-07-2008
Faro




22-07-2008 > 26-07-2008
Faro




22-07-2008 > 26-07-2008
Faro



RHYTHM OF THE DANCE

24-07-2008 > 31-08-2008
Silves

Authentic traditional Irish music will be performed for us by the best artists as they narrate the voyage of the Irish Celts through history in a 90-minute display of music, dance and talent.



26-07-2008 > 26-07-2008
Santa Bárbara de Nexe - Faro



Exhibitions


03-11-2007 > 02-01-2008
Albufeira




30-11-2007 > 02-01-2008
Albufeira



Exhibition of Photography “Quando a Estrada Acaba” by Vasco Célio

01-12-2007 > 02-02-2008
Faro




15-12-2007 > 15-01-2008
Faro




01-03-2008 > 29-03-2008
São Brás de Alportel




16-03-2008 > 31-03-2008
Lagos




01-04-2008 > 12-04-2008
São Brás de Alportel




05-04-2008 > 06-04-2008
Portimão




14-04-2008 > 30-04-2008
São Brás de Alportel




18-04-2008 > 25-06-2008
Vale do Lobo




01-05-2008 > 01-05-2008
Chinicato - Lagos




01-05-2008 > 15-05-2008
Lagos




07-06-2008 > 30-06-2008
Aljezur



Exhibition of Paintings by Artur Bual

07-06-2008 > 27-07-2008
Aljezur




11-06-2008 > 20-06-2008
Lagos




16-06-2008 > 28-06-2008
São Brás de Alportel




27-06-2008 > 26-08-2008
Vale do Lobo



CONTEMPORARY ART

01-07-2008 > 15-09-2008
Diversas Localidades

Following the huge success of the first staging of the event, Allgarve 08 Contemporary Art will once again be placing special emphasis on fine art and architecture.



01-07-2008 > 30-07-2008
São Brás de Alportel



ANTHOLOGICAL EXHIBITION IN THE ALGARVE BY PEDRO CABRITA REIS

05-07-2008 > 21-09-2008
Tavira

The first major individual exhibition in the Algarve by Pedro Cabrita Reis will be at the Palácio da Galeria in Tavira, the city where he chose to live.


Exhibition "Paintings on a Colonial Theme" by Jessica Dunne plus featuring works from Pedro Corte Real

26-07-2008 >
Boliqueime



Fairs and Markets

ALGARVE NOIVOS - 4th FAIR OF WEDDING PREPARATIONS AND ARTICLES

11-01-2008 > 13-01-2008
Faro

The traditions that last, that matter and which leave their mark on us in an unforgettable way renew and re-create themselves over time.



31-01-2008 > 03-02-2008
Faro



25th SERRA DE MONCHIQUE FAIR OF SAUSAGES

01-03-2008 > 02-03-2008
Monchique

The 15th Serra de Monchique Fair of Sausage provides everyone with the opportunity to get a taste of tradition, with local products and gastronomy.



06-03-2008 > 09-03-2008
Faro




15-03-2008 > 15-03-2008
Olhão




15-03-2008 > 16-03-2008
Porto




15-03-2008 > 16-03-2008
Albufeira



EXPOMAR - 5 th FAIR OF THE SEA AND NAUTICAL ACTIVITIES

19-03-2008 > 23-03-2008
Olhão

Olhão will host Expomar, a trade fair which embraces most segments in the world of water and water sports.



22-03-2008 > 22-03-2008
Barão de S. João




23-03-2008 > 23-03-2008
Guia




03-04-2008 > 06-04-2008
Portimão



RURALIDADES SILVES 2008

11-04-2008 > 13-04-2008
Silves

For three days, this Silves Rural Activities Fair – 2008 will be familiarising people with the huge potential of the rural part of this region in the Algarve.


LAND OF MAY - 1st LAND FESTIVAL

02-05-2008 > 04-05-2008
Azinhal - Castro Marim

The full and varied programme includes the Fair / Display of Traditional Products from the Algarve, Biological Products, The Algarvean Goat Fair, Handicraft Fair and plenty of musical entertainment.


23rd ALCOUTIM FAIR OF HANDICRAFTS AND ETHNOGRAPHY

07-06-2008 > 08-06-2008
Alcoutim

The now traditional and well-known Alcoutim Fair of Handicrafts and Ethnography will once again be back on 7th and 8th June.


Fair of the Alentejo

26-06-2008 > 29-06-2008
Faro



13th ALGARVE FAIR OF HUNTING, FISHING AND THE RURAL WORLD

04-07-2008 > 06-07-2008
Faro

Following the success of previous events in promoting activities such as hunting, fishing, tourism and rural produce, as well as the cuisine of the Algarve region, the 13th Algarve Fair of Hunting, Fishing and the Rural World will again be taking place.


9th FAIR OF THE TRADICIONAL "PRESUNTO" OF MONCHIQUE

05-07-2008 > 06-07-2008
Monchique

On the 5th and 6th of July, the Municipality of Monchique is organising another “Feira do Presunto Tradicional” (Fair of Traditional Smoked Ham).



24-07-2008 > 27-07-2008
Olhão




24-07-2008 > 27-07-2008
Lagos




25-07-2008 > 10-08-2008
Faro



SÃO BRÁS DE ALPORTEL "FEIRA DA SERRA"

25-07-2008 > 27-07-2008
São Brás de Alportel

For three evenings, the traditional sounds, local know-how and flavours of the hills of the Serra do Caldeirão will be on show in São Brás de Alportel.



31-07-2008 > 10-08-2008
Faro



Festivities and Festivals

QUERENÇA SAUSAGE FESTIVAL

20-01-2008 > 20-01-2008
Querença

Offering the Saint one of the sausages in exchange for them giving protection to the animals.



16-03-2008 > 16-03-2008
Tavira




21-03-2008 > 21-03-2008
Tavira



FLOWER TORCHES FESTIVAL

23-03-2008 > 23-03-2008
São Brás de Alportel

In the early morning, the festival in São Brás de Alportel begins with the procession through the flower-covered streets of the city.


FEAST OF THE SOVEREIGN MOTHER

23-03-2008 > 06-04-2008
Loulé

Yet another year in which the “Sovereign Mother”, patron saint of the city of Loulé, will be attracting thousands of the faithful to the city.


5th FESTIVAL OF THE GASTRONOMY OF THE SERRA

29-03-2008 > 13-04-2008

Taking place in participating restaurants, this Festival of the Gastronomy of the Serra will not only provide a wealth of culinary experiences but the possibility of enjoying the magnificent views of the serra.



25-04-2008 > 25-04-2008
Conceição




25-04-2008 > 25-04-2008
Tavira




25-04-2008 > 27-04-2008
Tavira



"PLEASURES OF THE SEA" FESTIVAL

06-06-2008 > 08-06-2008
Aljezur

In June, there will be another “Pleasures of the Sea” Festival, continuing the work that has been done to get the very best out of the cuisine and the produce of the municipality of Aljezur.


POPULAR SAINTS

12-06-2008 > 29-06-2008
Diversas Localidades

Festivals, with the perfume of rosemary tossed into the bonfires, and nights full of music, wine and plenty of grilled sardines in honour of St. Anthony, St. John and St. Peter.



18-07-2008 > 20-07-2008
Alvor - Portimão



AL'BUHERA FESTIVAL

23-07-2008 > 27-07-2008
Albufeira

A festival devoted to arts from all over the world, with music, gastronomy and handicrafts.



24-07-2008 > 27-07-2008
Cacela Velha - V. R. Sto. António



Music


05-01-2008 > 05-01-2008
Faro




12-01-2008 > 12-01-2008
Lagoa




18-01-2008 > 18-01-2008
Lagoa



CONCERT WITH PEDRO ABRUNHOSA

26-01-2008 > 26-01-2008
Lagoa

Pedro Abrunhosa followed the classical route into music and it was as a classical musician that he started playing jazz.



26-01-2008 > 26-01-2008
Loulé



VIVIANE'S CONCERT "CONFIDÊNCIAS DA MINHA RUA"

09-02-2008 > 09-02-2008
Faro

Viviane, one of Portuguese music’s most charismatic voices, is devoting herself to a solo career after a long period as a member of the band “Entre Aspas”.



01-03-2008 > 31-03-2008
Tavira




01-03-2008 > 01-03-2008
Tavira




01-03-2008 > 01-03-2008
Lagoa




07-03-2008 > 07-03-2008
Tavira



CONCERT WITH DAVID BISBAL

08-03-2008 > 08-03-2008
Vila Real de Santo António

Part of the celebrations of International Women´s Day.



09-03-2008 > 09-03-2008
Faro




15-03-2008 > 15-03-2008
Tavira




22-03-2008 > 22-03-2008
Lagos




29-03-2008 > 29-03-2008
Lagos




29-03-2008 > 29-03-2008
Faro




29-03-2008 > 29-03-2008
Vale do Lobo




29-03-2008 > 29-03-2008
Vale do Lobo




05-04-2008 > 26-04-2008
Tavira




11-04-2008 > 11-04-2008
Tavira




13-04-2008 > 13-04-2008
São Brás de Alportel




19-04-2008 > 19-04-2008
Luz de Tavira




24-04-2008 > 24-04-2008
Conceição



JORGE PALMA CONCERT "VOO NOCTURNO "

24-04-2008 > 24-04-2008
Lagos

Following on from “Norte” in 2004, Jorge Palma has been back to the studio and is bringing us a new series of original songs.



25-04-2008 > 25-04-2008
Santo Estêvão



FIMA 2008 - ALGARVE INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL

25-04-2008 > 01-06-2008
Diversas Localidades

The 30th Algarve International Music Festival – FIMA 2008 – will include 19 concerts, with the participation of Portuguese and international artists, between 25th April and 1st June.



26-04-2008 > 26-04-2008
Tavira




01-05-2008 > 01-05-2008
Lagos




03-05-2008 > 03-05-2008
Vale do Lobo



23rd ALGARVE ACADEMIC WEEK

08-05-2008 > 17-05-2008
Faro



JAZZ FESTIVAL "MAIO LINDO MAIO" (MAY SWEET MAY)

08-05-2008 > 11-05-2008
Portimão

The “May Sweet May” Jazz Festival returns to Portimão from the 8th to the 11th of May.



10-05-2008 > 10-05-2008
Lagos




10-05-2008 > 31-05-2008
Lagos




11-05-2008 > 11-05-2008
Faro




13-05-2008 > 13-05-2008
Faro




16-05-2008 > 16-05-2008
Lagos




18-05-2008 > 18-05-2008
Lagos




28-05-2008 > 28-05-2008
Faro




30-05-2008 > 30-05-2008
Faro




30-05-2008 > 30-05-2008
Lagos



TERESA SALGUEIRO & LUSITÂNIA ENSEMBLE “LA SERENA”

10-06-2008 > 10-06-2008
Albufeira

The title of this concert, La Serena, is the name of a mermaid who sets off from the Iberian Peninsula and as she passes Portugal, Brazil, Italy, France, and Africa she hears songs with which she lures and enchants the sailors.



12-06-2008 > 12-06-2008
Faro




15-06-2008 > 15-06-2008
Vale do Lobo




20-06-2008 > 20-06-2008
Faro




20-06-2008 > 22-06-2008
Estombar - Lagoa



Concert by the Orquestra do Algarve

27-06-2008 > 27-06-2008
Paderne




28-06-2008 > 28-06-2008
Faro




01-07-2008 > 29-07-2008
Faro




02-07-2008 > 30-07-2008
Lagos



ALLGARVE JAZZ

04-07-2008 > 13-07-2008
Portimão, Loulé, Sagres, Albufeira e Lagoa

This is now the best jazz festival currently being held in Portugal and the first one to cut right across a region.


GREAT MUSIC SHOWS

05-07-2008 > 19-09-2008
Portimão




05-07-2008 > 05-07-2008
Lagos




05-07-2008 > 05-07-2008
Faro




11-07-2008 > 11-07-2008
Albufeira




12-07-2008 > 12-07-2008
Faro




12-07-2008 > 12-07-2008
Estoi - Faro




13-07-2008 > 13-07-2008
Vale do Lobo




16-07-2008 > 16-07-2008
Faro




17-07-2008 > 17-07-2008
Lagos



ALLGARVE EDITION

18-07-2008 > 29-07-2008
Albufeira e Loulé

Being held in unique settings resembling picture postcards of the Algarve, these Allgarve Edition concerts are special events of great quality.



19-07-2008 > 19-07-2008
Albufeira




20-07-2008 > 20-07-2008
Lagos




22-07-2008 > 22-07-2008
Lagos




23-07-2008 > 23-07-2008
Lagos




25-07-2008 > 27-07-2008
Loulé




27-07-2008 > 27-07-2008
Albufeira




28-07-2008 > 29-07-2008
Lagos



Other Tips


24-11-2007 > 06-01-2008
Faro



SOLRIR - 2nd HUMOR FESTIVAL

01-01-2008 > 04-01-2008
Portimão

Solrir, a hilarious festival of humour, will be bringing together some of the biggest names in comedy in Portugal. Start the year in the best frame of mind, from 1st to 4th January in Portimão.



13-01-2008 > 19-01-2008
Loulé




27-01-2008 > 27-01-2008
Pechão



CARNIVAL

02-02-2008 > 05-02-2008
Diversas Localidades

Carnival is celebrated in all parts of the Algarve, but none has such a deeplyrooted tradition as the Loulé Carnival.


HUMORFEST’08

07-03-2008 > 30-03-2008
Lagoa

In 2008, Lagoa will once again be the stage for the best of Portuguese humour during the month of March.



14-03-2008 > 16-03-2008
Manta Rota




06-04-2008 > 06-04-2008
Santa Catarina da Fonte do Bispo




13-04-2008 > 13-04-2008
Conceição




19-04-2008 > 19-04-2008
Silves




19-04-2008 > 25-04-2008
Cabanas de Tavira



5TH DISCOVERIES FESTIVAL “LAGOS ON VASCO DA GAMA´S ROUTE TO INDIA”

24-04-2008 > 04-05-2008
Lagos

Lagos offers us the chance to take a trip to the past and encounter a world of culture lost in time.


ALTE MOUNTAIN BIKE OUTING MARATHON 2008

25-04-2008 > 25-04-2008
Alte

Celebrating its 10th staging on 25th April this year, the Alte Mountain Bike Outing | Marathon will include more beautiful trails in parts of the Algarve barrocal and serra.


PORTIMÃO AIRFESTIVAL

25-04-2008 > 27-04-2008
Portimão

Portimão will be taking to the skies between 25th and 27th April with an air festival of a type never seen before in Portugal at which a huge, varied programme of performances from the world of aviation will be presented.



25-04-2008 > 27-04-2008
Silves




02-05-2008 > 31-05-2008
São Brás de Alportel



ALLGARVE 08

02-05-2008 > 02-11-2008
Diversas Localidades




09-05-2008 > 11-05-2008
Quarteira




16-05-2008 > 24-05-2008




17-05-2008 > 17-05-2008
Cacela Velha



FIESA - International Sand Sculpture Festival

22-05-2008 > 22-10-2008
Pêra - Silves




31-05-2008 > 31-05-2008
Lagos




01-06-2008 > 21-06-2008
São Brás de Alportel



WONDERS OF SAGRES

07-06-2008 > 10-06-2008
Sagres

Medieval Fair, Historial Entertainment and visits to “Boa Esperança” Caravel. Daily Closing Concerts: Xaile, Luís Represas, Orquestra de Sopros do Algarve e Dulce Pontes.



19-06-2008 > 19-06-2008
Olhão




21-06-2008 > 21-06-2008
Vila Nova de Cacela



MED FESTIVAL 2008

25-06-2008 > 29-06-2008
Loulé

The Festival Med is back on the streets of Loulé.


SUMMER IN TAVIRA 2008

01-07-2008 > 29-07-2008
Tavira




05-07-2008 > 05-07-2008
V. R. Sto. António




06-07-2008 > 06-07-2008
Lagos




12-07-2008 > 13-07-2008
São Brás de Alportel




17-07-2008 > 08-09-2008
Vale do Lobo



27th ALGARVE INTERNACIONAL MOTORBIKE MEETING

17-07-2008 > 20-07-2008
Faro

The most traditional of all bike meetings is back, bringing a great display of bikes and riders to Faro for yet another year.


Sports


05-01-2008 > 05-01-2008
Faro




19-01-2008 > 20-01-2008
Faro



Portugal "O" Meeting

02-02-2008 > 05-02-2008

The Portugal "O"-Meeting (POM) is a four-day International Orienteering Competition organized by Portuguese clubs every year, usually around the Carnival weekend.


31st ALMOND BLOSSOM INTERNATIONAL CROSS-COUNTRY RACE

02-02-2008 > 02-02-2008
Albufeira

A classic in world cross-country, will be back in this region in the south of the country.


34th CYCLING TOUR OF THE ALGARVE

20-02-2008 > 24-02-2008
Diversas Localidades

One of the most interesting and important races on the national and international calendars, the Cycling Tour of the Algarve attracts thousands of spectators every year.


ALGARVE WOMEN’S FOOTBALL CUP 2008

05-03-2008 > 12-03-2008
Diversas Localidades




08-03-2008 > 09-03-2008
Albufeira




14-03-2008 > 16-03-2008
Albufeira




15-03-2008 > 16-03-2008
Castro Marim




21-03-2008 > 22-03-2008
Odeceixe



BAJA TERRAS D’EL REI

04-04-2008 > 06-04-2008
Diversas Localidades

One of the most important and best known off-road competitions in the whole of Europe, the Baja Terras d’El Rei takes place in April.



06-04-2008 > 06-04-2008
Boliqueime




17-04-2008 > 19-04-2008
Tavira



3rd WORLD CUP IN RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS AND 22nd PORTIMÃO INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENT

17-04-2008 > 20-04-2008
Portimão

This sporting spectacle presents one of the most beautiful of Olympic events.



18-04-2008 > 26-04-2008
Lagos




25-04-2008 > 25-04-2008
Portimão




01-05-2008 > 01-05-2008
Luz - Lagos




01-05-2008 > 04-05-2008
Lagos




01-05-2008 > 01-05-2008
Cortelha (Loulé)




04-05-2008 > 11-05-2008
Diversas Localidades



VODAFONE RALLY OF PORTUGAL 2008

08-05-2008 > 10-05-2008
Diversas Localidades

This year’s Vodafone Rally de Portugal is included in the Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC), a vanguard competition.


WORLD MOTOCROSS G. P. PORTUGAL - ALGARVE

17-05-2008 > 18-05-2008
Cortelha - Loulé

For the fourth time, the Friends of Cortelha Association are preparing to host a competition from the World Motocross Circuit.



17-05-2008 > 18-05-2008
Lagos




20-05-2008 > 26-05-2008
Vale do Lobo




23-05-2008 > 25-05-2008
Lagos



LADIES OPEN OF PORTUGAL

13-06-2008 > 15-06-2008
Vila Nova de Cacela

The highest ranked players on the European tour will be playing at the Quinta da Ria Golf Course.


Road to Victory - Boxing and Thaiboxing Superfights

15-06-2008 > 15-06-2008
Albufeira




27-06-2008 > 28-06-2008
Monchique




04-07-2008 > 06-07-2008
Vilamoura




05-07-2008 > 05-07-2008
Vila Sol - Loulé




07-07-2008 > 13-07-2008
Praia do Amado - Aljezur



KITE MASTERS PORTIMÃO WORLD TOUR

08-07-2008 > 13-07-2008
Alvor

Unforgettable scenes in Portimão, which will be providing the stage for the best kite surfers at the moment.



11-07-2008 > 13-07-2008
Lagos




20-07-2008 > 20-07-2008
Lagos



ALGARVE CHALLENGE CUP 2008

22-07-2008 > 24-07-2008
Faro/ Loulé

Glasgow Celtic, Middlesbrough, Cardiff City and Vitória de Guimarães will be going head to head at the Algarve Stadium on 22nd and 24th July 2008 competing for the 1st Algarve Challenge Cup.


Theatre

THEATRE SHOW "DEAR CHE"

25-01-2008 > 26-01-2008
Faro

The year is 1955. The place, a Mexican canteen in Mexico City, owned by Pancho.



30-01-2008 > 31-01-2008
Faro



THEATRE "TURISMO INFINITO" (INFINITE TOURISM)

01-02-2008 > 01-02-2008
Faro

“Turismo Infinito” is a dramatic investigation into the world of Fernando Pessoa. A thriller about the identity (-ies) of the poet.


MARCH, THEATRE MONTH IN LAGOS

01-03-2008 > 27-03-2008
Lagos

This March, there will be productions of great artistic quality in Lagos.


THE BEST MONTY PYTHON SKETCHES

07-03-2008 > 08-03-2008
Faro e Lagos

The actors of the UAU, António Feio, Bruno Nogueira, Jorge Mourato, José Pedro Gomes and Miguel Guilherme, perform Monty Python.



27-03-2008 > 27-03-2008
Lagos




27-03-2008 > 28-03-2008
Faro




18-04-2008 > 19-04-2008
Tavira



PARANORMAL, BY MIGUEL FALABELLA AND WITH JOAQUIM MONCHIQUE

09-05-2008 > 09-05-2008
Faro

TALL, SINGLE, LOOKING FOR… and that was how it was born, by chance, during a flight, when I read a report by the International Red Cross on people who have disappeared across the world.


Theatre Production "Jus"

27-06-2008 > 28-06-2008
Faro




18-07-2008 > 19-07-2008
Lagos