2026 Algarve Events You Won’t Want to Miss
Monthly Calendar of Events in the Algarve for 2026
If you’re sitting down with a cup of coffee (or a glass of vinho) to plan the highlights of the year, now’s the perfect moment to see what 2026 has in store in the Algarve. From cultural gems and local traditions to wellness retreats and summer parties that stretch long into the night, Lagos (and its surrounding areas) is shaping up to be one of the most exciting places to be. Whether you’re drawn by art that speaks without words, wellness that goes deeper than a spa day, or summer nights that turn strangers into friends, Lagos has something waiting for you in 2026. And the best part? You don’t need to plan every detail. Sometimes, the most memorable moments are the ones you simply stumble upon…
Here is a chronological, month-by-month overview of the most notable 2026 Algarve events, to help you plan the best dates for your trip. Check it out!
A Cultural Core: Lagos All Year Round
If you’re looking to add a bit of culture to your stay at LUX MARE, look no further than the city of Lagos itself, which is steeped in history, weird traditions, adrenaline-fuelled activities, and delicious delicacies.
A hotspot for people from around the world, the Algarve is a bit of a cultural melting pot, particularly in summer when swarms of tourists line the beaches and markets, meaning that most summer events are run in English or in both languages. In winter (and especially if you’re looking for events that are more culture-based), expect Portuguese to be the main language, but if speaking Portuguese isn’t on your list of many talents, rest assured, you’re more than likely to find a friendly translator to clue you in to what’s going on. And anyway, if we’re honest, art, music, movement and good food tend to transcend language, so you’ll be able to dive right in, no translation required.
Lagos punches well above its weight when it comes to culture. A few places you’ll want on your radar include:
- The LAC (Laboratório de Actividades Criativas) – the beating creative heart of Lagos. Expect contemporary art exhibitions, artist talks, experimental performances and hands-on workshops.
- Lagos Library and Theatre – from book launches and talks to small theatre productions, the library and local theatres offer a quieter but deeply enriching cultural calendarperfect for slower evenings.
- Lagos Cultural Centre – where you can expect history mixed with performance and reflections on Portuguese culture.
With that said, let’s dive into what 2026 has in store!
What to Expect in the Algarve, Month by Month
January 2026: Cultural Programming & Almond Blossom
Cultural Programming & Theatre Season
📍 Across the Algarve
January is a strong month for theatre, exhibitions and small-scale performances at municipal cultural centres and galleries. Late January is great for heading into the Algarve hills to take in its famous almond blossom (and sample regional sweet treats), and as the winter sun shines on, golfing events draw both amateurs and pros to the greens to take their best shot. Fancy sampling some local wines post-harvest? Here are some options you won’t want to miss.
February 2026: Carnival & Volta ao Algarve Cycling
Valentine’s Day
If a weekend away to show your other half how much they mean to you is on the cards, here’s a list of adventurous, out-of-the-box activities they may consider the cherry on the cake! …And here’s a list of more traditional, romantic ideas you might also enjoy.
Carnaval
🗓 16-18th February 2026
📍 Loulé
The Algarve’s most famous Carnival, known for its satirical floats, live music and vibrant atmosphere.
📍 Lagos
While Loulé hosts the Algarve’s biggest Carnival, Lagos still celebrates with community parades, music and themed events – more local, more relaxed, and family-friendly.
Volta ao Algarve
📍 Across the Algarve
🗓 18-20th February 2026
One of Europe’s most important early-season professional cycling races, attracting world-class teams.
March 2026: Algarve Walking Season & Spring Nature
Algarve Walking Season
Spring brings ideal weather for outdoor activities: coastal walks, cycling events and community sports initiatives which celebrate movement at every age.
📍 Various towns (Monchique, Alcoutim, São Brás de Alportel)
🗓 March–May
Guided walking festivals celebrating nature, heritage and rural Algarve landscapes.
April 2026: Easter Traditions & Marine Life Spotting
Spring and summer are, undoubtedly, the best time of year to spot all marine life in southern Portugal – think dolphins! – especially in the Western Algarve. April means the region’s waterparks are also opening up again, and it’s a great time to explore some family-friendly fun.
Easter in the Algarve
📍 Faro, Lagos, Tavira
Easter in the Algarve blends rich Catholic traditions with the balmy spring sunshine, offering everything from Palm Sunday blessings and Holy Week processions across the region to local gastronomic delights like “folar” sweet bread and almond treats that symbolise renewal and rebirth. In Lagos specifically, you can join the Blessing of the Palms and processions between Santa Maria and São Sebastião churches, witness the Stations of the Cross through the historic streets and enjoy seasonal markets and cultural celebrations amid the charm of the old town. Want to find out more? Click here.
May 2026: Smooth Jazz & Soul Music Festivals
As days get longer, Lagos comes alive with live music, pop-up cultural festivals and open-air events. Expect a mix of local talent and international influences, and why not simply amble around the city, taking in its calming energy and sampling delicious seafood?
Algarve Smooth Jazz Festival
📍 Albufeira
🗓 12-17th May 2026
The 9th edition of the elegant jazz festival held at Pine Cliffs, featuring international artists and sunset concerts.
Soul in the Algarve
📍 Alvor
🗓 20-27th May 2026
A week-long soul music holiday combining live performances, dancing and relaxed coastal living.
June 2026: Popular Saints & Black and White Night
Algarve 7s Sports Festival
📍 Vilamoura
🗓 5-7th June 2026
A high-energy multi-sport festival including rugby, padel, beach sports, golf and social events.
Santos Populares (St Anthony & St John Festivities)
📍 Across the Algarve
🗓 June
Street parties, grilled sardines, music and dancing celebrate Portugal’s beloved saints.
Carvoeiro Black and White Night
📍 Carvoeiro
🗓 20th June 2026
A massive annual summer solstice street party where everyone dresses in black and white.
MED Festival
📍 Loulé
🗓 June
A vibrant annual world music festival in Loulé, showcasing global cultures through diverse music, food, arts, and crafts.
Goose Barnacle Festival
📍 Vila do Bispo
🗓 Late June
This festival celebrates a unique seafood delicacy, featuring food stalls, music, and local crafts, drawing thousands to taste the prized “perceves” harvested from nearby rocky shores.
July 2026: Afro Nation & Lagos Food Fest
Summer is pure Lagos energy. Beachside gatherings, late-night DJ sets, sunset parties and informal street celebrations fill the calendar. It’s vibrant, social and wonderfully unpredictable, and a great time to get your adrenaline pumping with water activities aplenty.
Afro Nation Portugal
📍 Praia da Rocha
🗓 3-5th July 2026
One of Europe’s biggest beach festivals, celebrating Afrobeat, hip hop, R&B and global culture.
Lagos Food Fest
📍Lagos
🗓 Mid-July 2026
A family-friendly street food festival paired with live music, drinks, and a lively community atmosphere.
📍Lagos
🗓 Late July 2026
The 37th edition of an open-air fair celebrating local creativity, culinary heritage, and the joy of sharing sweet treats of all shapes and kinds.
August 2026: FATACIL, Banho 29 & Sardine Festival
FATACIL – Feira de Artesanato, Turismo e Indústria
📍 Lagoa
🗓 Mid-August 2026
The Algarve’s largest fair, combining crafts, food, concerts and regional culture.
FIESA – International Sand Sculpture Festival
📍 Pêra
🗓 Summer 2026
Spectacular large-scale sand sculptures created by international artists.
Banho 29
📍 Lagos
🗓 29th August 2026
A historic tradition marking the symbolic end of summer with a communal sea dip.
Sardine Festival
📍 Portimão
🗓 Late August 2026
Sample the “queen of the seas” – grilled sardines – and enjoy the live music across 4 different stages and the lively vibe of a night well spent.
September 2026: Wine Harvest & Gastronomy Events
After the summer buzz, things slow down just enough to savour them. Harvest-inspired food events, art exhibitions and cultural festivals take centre stage.
Wine Harvest & Gastronomy Events
📍 Silves, Lagoa, Tavira
Harvest-season food festivals, wine tastings and cultural celebrations begin across the region – check out the vineyards closest to LUX MARE.
October 2026: Birdwatching & Nature in Sagres
Sagres Birdwatching & Nature Activities Festival
📍 Sagres
📅 2–5th October 2026
Held during peak autumn migration, this renowned nature festival offers guided birdwatching walks, boat trips, talks and outdoor activities, attracting wildlife enthusiasts from across Europe to one of the Algarve’s most dramatic landscapes.
Halloween in the Algarve
📍 Loulé, Vilamoura, Quinta do Lago
📅 31st October 2026
Halloween is growing in the Algarve, so don’t miss out on this list of spooky treats while you’re here.
November 2026: Feira de São Martinho in Portimão
Feira de São Martinho
📍 Portimão
🗓 Mid-November 2026
A traditional fair celebrating St Martin with chestnuts, local produce, and funfair rides.
December 2026: Christmas Markets & New Year’s Eve
Christmas Markets
📍 Across the Algarve
🗓 1st December onwards
If you’re dreaming of a warm(er) Christmas for once, head to Southern Portugal, where you’ll find all the cheer and none of the frostbite at Christmas fairs, markets, and even entire villages across the region, ensuring a full dose of Christmas cheer. Find out more here. And don’t miss out on the most delicious Christmas treats!
New Year’s Eve Celebrations
📍 Albufeira, Portimão, Lagos, Faro
🗓 31 December 2026
Fireworks, live concerts and street parties welcoming 2027 across the Algarve coastline.
Wellness and Retreats in Lagos for 2026
2026 feels like a year of fresh starts. More people than ever are looking to heal old wounds, reconnect with themselves and meet like-minded souls… so why not do it in the sunshine?
Lagos and the wider Algarve are becoming increasingly known for their wellness scene (which has been building for a few years now. In fact, staying a little longer to benefit from gentle weekly sessions like yoga, alternative therapies, diverse treatments, and full-blown retreats focusing on mindfulness, movement and rest, this is the place to slow down and reset – and LUX MARE makes the perfect place to experience it from (find out why).
So, whether you’re staying for a weekend or a month, now you’ve got all the info you need to make your 2026 Algarve adventure one to remember!
