Algarve Events -

what to enjoy during your stay

algarve events on and off algarve beachesNow you've no excuse for not planning what to do when you're not lolling around on those gorgeous beaches, whenever your Algarve vacation takes place.

Choose from: 

festivals | fairs | sports | entertainments
music | shows | art exhibitions | markets

As you may know if you have read my Algarve Culture page, there's stuff going on in Algarve, no matter what time of year you may visit. It took me ages to discover that there was another Algarve, beyond where the beaches ended - but now you don't have the same excuse. Here's what you could be enjoying during the rest of this month...

Algarve Events - Festivals

There are a few regulars that you shouldn't miss  if you're around when they're on:

Medieval Festival: In Castro Marim (on the Guadiana river, right at the Spanish border) is well worth a visit. Usually late August.

Olhao Seafood Festival: annual bash (early to mid-August) celebrating the culture (and eating) of all things 'marisco' (as the Portuguese call it).

Moorish Nights: It's become a popular annual event, in the lovely coastal village of Cacela Velha, between Tavira and Manta Rota, every July. Don't miss it! Camel rides, music, lots of exotic goods on sale.

Fisherman's Festival: Albufeira's big bash to celebrate what kept the place going during leaner times. Great fun to be had, right down on Fisherman's Beach every August.

Algarve Events - Fairs

If you keep your eyes open, wherever in Algarve you might be staying, there'll be a fair of some sort near your accommodation or, at any rate, within a short drive's distance.

Fatacil - There's fun to be had at the annual fair, held in August every year. Everything you might like to look at that has to do with Tourism, Handicrafts, Trade and Industry. There's always lots of entertainment on offer for the young ones, too.

Fiesa - More an 'exhibition' than a fair, but I have to tell you about it somewhere. Check out what people are saying about this year's offering. Reputedly the world's largest display of sand sculptures (over 35 thousand tonnes of the stuff).

Algarve Events - Sports and Stuff

Moto Clube de Faro 

The annual meet sees bikers from all over Europe (and, I believe, beyond) descend on Faro -and surrounding areas that offer accommodation. Usually around late July, it's a treat to see so many motorbikes of different types and vintages. There plenty of music and partying, too, usually on the site between Faro airport and Ilha de Faro. Look out for the unmissable posters.

Autodrome

Portimao hosts various motoring events throughout the year, so keep your eyes peeled.

 

Algarve Events - Entertainments

Carnaval!

If it's late February in Algarve, there'll be fun and frolics almost wherever you may be.

algarve events - carnival time in February

As usual, the biggest bash will be the one in Loule, which was the original and has been on the go for over 100 years!  But, I must admit to a sneaking preference for the smaller carnivals, like those in Tavira and Moncarapacho. I  try to attend as many as possible, so I'll be on the lookout for some I haven't seen in a while.

Check out what's going on in your area, wherever you're staying in Algarve. Here's hoping for great weather - and lots of colour and fun.

Algarve Events - Music

Jazz Club at the Museum, Sao Bras de Alportel. Starting at 5pm on Sunday, this monthly gathering is a real treat. The venue is great, and liked by audience and artistes alike. There's usually a jam session after the concert, so don't forget to take your instrument of choice!

Tickets are still (I think) 10 euros, or 8 euros if you're a 'Friend of the Museum'. 

Contact for latest details.

Art ’n’ Jazz at Monte de Vale D’Eguas - Every Sunday –  Almancil. From 5pm to 8pm. Free admission. I'm pleased to see that these afternoons have resumed. A lovely, relaxing way to finish off the weekend before having a leisurely meal.

Chill-out Sunday Afternoons - Live music on the garden terrace at Johnny Hooper’s (Albufeira) Saxophone Bistro. Every Sunday. If you like cool sax music, check this out. Johnny can play a bit! Tel: 963 176 635.

Friday night Jam Session weekly at the Lounge Bar, Boliqueime. Join in if you wish! (tel. 281 369 004 for details).

Algarve Events - Shows

Casino Shows

There are three Algarve casinos, all owned by the same group. I've never been to any of them to gamble (I'm much too staid and boring for that), but they do offer some cracking, good-value evening entertainment.

Vilamoura Casino- (tel. 289 310 000 for details).


Hotel Algarve Casino, Praia da Rocha - tel. 282 402 000 for details. 

Monte Gordo Casino - tel. 281 530 800 for details.

The tariff offered at Monte Gordo allows you to see the show with either a complimentary drink for about 10 euros, a fixed menu meal for some 22 euros or à al carte for around 27 euros. The shows are usually followed by live dance music.  (Note that prices are a little higher at the Vilamoura and Portimão venues, so do check first).

 

Algarve Events - Art Exhibitions

Sao Lourenco Cultural Centre, Almancil. 

Unfortunately, the centre is no longer open to the public, but you can see what you missed by clicking here. It's tragic, I think, as it was always one of my favourite places to visit. There was always something new and interesting to see, and I liked to revisit some of the permanent exhibits, too. 

Exhibition of assorted Algarve artists at Off the Wall Galeria, Alte. Open daily except Sunday from 10am to 5pm. Tel. 917 160 921

Corte Real Gallery, Boliqueime (the former railway station) 
This gallery hosts various temporary and permanent exhibitions. 
Open Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm. Tel: 912 737 762 / 918 980 199.

David Haines is a popular Algarve-based artist who seems to have plenty of exhibitions going on at any one time. Currently, you can catch his (rather striking) work at:

Patricia’s Restaurant and Gallery, Montes de Cima, north of Penina, and the Magna Carta Bookshop, Quinta da Praia, Alvor

Lua Azul Gallery, São Brás de Alportel;

George Timber showroom, on the EN125 road between Ferreiras and Patã de Cima (near Albufeira).

And, I'm pleased to inform you that David now has his own Algarve art gallery and shop.

Meanwhile, one of husband Nev's favourite Algarve artists, Clive Cook, has an exhibition that's open every day at the Private Gallery, Figueira, Vila do Bispo. There are watercolours and oil paintings to admire (and covet). Tel: 282 695 446

Algarve Events - Markets

There are regular markets held all over the Algarve, so if you want to sample the flavour of local wheeling and dealing during your stay, why not go along and join in the colourful (and, when you pass one of the snack/drinks areas, often odour-ful) fun?

The Algarve markets tend to be held on the same days every month, public holidays permitting, so here's where I've put my comprehensive listing so you can find  one that's near you, wherever you're staying...

Algarve Markets - find out more!

 

Watch this page for next month's events! 

 

algarve chimney... or, to make it easy to stay in touch, you can always subscribe to my free monthly newsletter, Algarve Beach Life News... Just click on the link below ("For Lovers of Algarve Beach Life") or on the button at top left ("Subscribe to ABLN") -- I'll keep you updated, every month, about what's on, around and about in Algarve.

Alternatively, if you'd prefer, just take advantage of my RSS feed (below the navigation buttons on the very same page. That way, you get instantaneous news from Algarve Beach Life.

Let Everyone Know:

If you have an event or other entertainment about which you'd like to advise Algarve Beach Life's readers, then let me know in good time and I'll try to include it here.


For Lovers of Algarve Beach Life
 

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