Algarve Events for Summer 2024
The summer months in the Algarve promise sun, sea, sand, and many events to keep visitors busy. From fairs and markets to festivals and concerts on the beach, those who descend upon the region in high season will face one main problem: which event to opt for on any given day.
However, though live music and markets can be enjoyed most days – and especially weekends – some larger festivals and events are worth a spotlight, so keep reading for a breakdown of some of the Algarve’s major summer events to make any stay at LUX MARE unforgettable for all the right reasons.
Algarve Festivals in June
Though June may be over, the memories of some of the Algarve’s best events still linger in the air, and while you may have missed out this year, it’s worth keeping these in mind for 2025! While some are a stone’s throw from LUX MARE, we’ll be honest – the Algarve’s simply not a very big place, which means all the excitement and entertainment you could desire are always at your fingertips (made all the easier by our concierge service, who will be more than happy to arrange transport to wherever you may desire).
Black & White Night, Carvoeiro
Having taken place on the 15th of June 2024, the 10th edition of Carvoeiro’s free Black and White night saw the town of Carvoeiro take a dive into monochrome as partygoers flocked into the streets dressed in black and white. Every year, the festival attracts 30,000 visitors with the promise of live music across various stages, themed menus in restaurants and bars, and a night full of style and excitement stretching into the early hours (3 am to be exact).
MED Festival, Loulé
Slightly further afield, Loulé, known for its Moorish market, fills its old town with culture every year for its renowned MED festival. From world music to art, performance, film, and food, the festival provides a rich cultural experience for the whole family, taking you on a journey of discovery of the best of the Mediterranean and beyond. This year, the festival was held between the 27th and 30th of June, from 5 pm onwards, with Sunday classed as “family day”, with free entry and more child-friendly experiences. Tickets for the other days cost €10 and can be bought at the door, making it easy to experience a night like no other.
Algarve Parties in July
Candlelight Culture Market, Lagoa
Half an hour from LUX MARE lies Lagoa, a sleepy town most of the year but which comes alive in summer. If you fancy seeing it in its best light, how about a visit to the free Candlelight Culture Market in early July? An enchanting experience, it sees the streets of Lagoa lit by candles, creating corridors of light leading visitors between craft, food, and drink stalls, all to the tune of live music. Every year features a different theme for the festival, so we’re excited to see what next year will bring!
Arte Doce, Lagos
The 35th Arte Doce Fair and Competition will be livening up the area around Lagos’ sports centre from the 24th to the 28th of July. This year’s theme, “Freedom,” celebrates the 50th anniversary of Portugal’s Carnation Revolution, inspiring the creation of uniquely impactful sweet treats. With the Ribatejo region as a special guest this year, the fair will showcase the rich traditions, crafts, and cuisine of the region alongside the best of the Algarve. Alongside cooking demonstrations, entertainment, and, of course, a tour of the sweet treats on offer, is an impressive musical lineup featuring performances by Expensive Soul, Fernando Daniel, Hybrid Theory – The Linkin Park Tribute, Plutonio, and Luís Trigacheiro. Will you catch the fair this year, or will you be pencilling it in for 2025?
Algarve Events in August
Though summer may be in full swing, there’s still so much to look forward to, so here are the festivals we’re excited to attend next month.
Sardine Festival, Portimão
We’re sure to head to the riverside area in Portimão as soon as August hits to 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. Kicking off on the 30th of July, this festival runs from 6 pm to midnight, and this year will see Aurea, Sara Correia, Anjos, Richie Campbell, Marisa Liz, and Delfins gracing its stages.
Fatacil, Lagoa
Next is another festival in Lagoa – Fatacil, which is the biggest crafts, tourism, agriculture, commerce, and industry fair in the Algarve. For as little as €5 per person, step into the festival grounds to explore rows of stands selling crafts and food of all shapes and kinds before rounding your night off in front of the main stage, which, this year, is set to host huge names in Portuguese music, including David Carreira, Calema, Amália Hoje, and Xutos e Pontapés. Fatacil kicks off at 6 pm on the 18th of August and will run for a whole week until the 26th, giving you a chance to pop there more than once if the mood strikes!
Banho 29, Lagos
Bringing the summer to a close in Lagos itself, guests at LUX MARE won’t want to miss this celebration of the end of summer that sees hundreds of people gathering on Lagos’ beaches, ready to dive into the sea at midnight. Dating back to ancient times, this ritual is said to purify swimmers and ward off demons, though nowadays it’s more of an excuse for a big party, with the festival now starting on the 27th of August with stages set up around the city on the days before the big, historic dip on the 29th. However, aside from the midnight swim, another part of the ancient ritual has lived on: a swimsuit contest with cash prizes ranging between 500 and 1500 euros. It’s certainly worth checking out entries!
It’s safe to say that any summer stay in the Algarve will have you buzzing for the next event, and though summer has already been going for a while, there’s still plenty of time to get stuck into the action on your stay at LUX MARE… whether this year or next!
