August marks the peak of summer: while many take advantage of the heat to go swimming at the various beaches in and around Lisbon, many others stay in the city—and it’s especially for them that we’ve created this guide, with plenty of plans and ideas to help them have the best time possible during this vacation season.
We’ll talk about riverside patios where you can enjoy a cold beer and some snacks, terraces for the best late afternoons with friends, and, of course, music and plenty of exhibitions.
So let’s dive into this list, full of enthusiasm, because summer is almost over
Outdoor cafes! In August, we want outdoor cafes!
We can’t start this guide to things to do in Lisbon in August without giving you a list of our favorite outdoor cafes in the city— perfect spots to relax while sipping a beer and enjoying some snacks with friends.
Say goodbye to August in style at MEO Kalorama
The MEO Kalorama music festival arrived just a short while ago, but it has already won a special place in the hearts of fans of indie, electronic, and even alternative rock.
And if you want to make the most of August right up to the last minute, it’s happening again at the end of summer (the 2025 edition took place at the beginning), serving as the season’s grand finale.
It stands out for offering a more urban and contemporary atmosphere, blending music with art and sustainability.
It’s the festival that draws an audience looking for something beyond the obvious, with lineups that blend a wide variety of musical genres, catering to almost every music lover’s taste.
If you’re looking for a cooler, less crowded atmosphere than other festivals—but with the same technical quality— MEO Kalorama is the right choice.
Catching the sunset at Cristo Rei with extended hours
Visit Cristo Rei until 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays for an unforgettable sunset.
The Cristo Rei Sanctuary in Almada will be open until 9 p.m. on select evenings, allowing you to watch the sunset over Lisbon and the Tagus River. During these special hours , the observation deck, elevator, chapel, café, and shops will remain open .
Boat Tour to the Bugio Lighthouse
An exclusive annual experience: visiting the lighthouse in the middle of the Tagus estuary.
Organized tours of the São Lourenço do Bugio Fort used to take place once a year, usually in August, but now you can visit it more often— whenever sea conditions allow you to disembark at this intriguing fort— for a rare experience of seeing where the Tagus River meets the ocean.
Grilled sardines: the taste of summer has arrived at these restaurants
Summer in Lisbon is marked by the irresistible aroma of grilled sardines, the stars of local festivals and outdoor dinners.
Several restaurants in the city stand out for serving succulent, perfectly grilled sardines, offering visitors an authentic and quintessentially Lisbon dining experience.
Candlelight — Disney: Live Love Songs
A magical and intimate experience with Disney songs illuminated by candlelight.
Would you like to attend a Candlelight concert that reinterprets Disney classics in arrangements for string quartet, surrounded by thousands of candles at the elegant EPIC SANA Marquês Hotel in Lisbon?
Head over to the Festas do Mar in Cascais
This is a festival on the Atlantic coast with free admission and a program for the whole family.
If you feel like getting out of Lisbon in August for a seaside getaway, mark your calendar: the Festas do Mar are returning to Cascais Bay with music, food stalls, and crafts.
This year, there will once again be a third stage dedicated to concerts for children and daily entertainment starting at 5 p.m.
Hotel Pools in Lisbon Open to the Public
Several hotels in Lisbon and the surrounding area offer access to their pools even to non-guests, making them the ideal option for enjoying the summer without leaving the city.
Our guide highlights the best spots to take a dip and relax in the city, as well as offering some essential tips for making the most of these refreshing experiences.
Magical Lisbon, the Street Magic Festival to enjoy summer in the city
If you’re looking for a lighthearted and unique activity to enjoy in August between outings and vacations, mark your calendar now: from August 18 to 23, Lisboa Mágica presents 175 free street magic shows at 13 locations across Lisbon, featuring 15 artists from 10 countries and under the artistic direction of Luís de Matos.
Giant ball pit at Oeiras Parque
This summer, Oeiras Parque is launching a new interactive space, making it the ideal spot for kids.
The shopping center features a huge ball pit, a slide, trampolines, and climbing structures, providing moments of joy and fun for the little ones during the holidays.
MAAT Happy Hour to stretch out your summer afternoons
On these summer afternoons, the MAAT stays open later— a great excuse to squeeze in one more August outing: explore the museum’s various exhibitions and wrap up your visit with a glass of wine from Quinta da Alorna.
Open-Air Cinema in Lisbon
With the arrival of summer, Lisbon transforms into a true open-air movie theater , with screenings for all tastes and ages.
There are screenings at iconic venues such as the cloisters of the Graça Church, the Grilo Palace, the Carmo Rooftop, the Doca da Marinha, and the Cinecapitólio Rooftop, with a lineup ranging from classics to recent hits.
Reggae Sun Fest in Oeiras (at Jardins do Marquês)
Two days of reggae, food, and activities for the whole family at the Jardins do Marquês.
If you want a break from rock and pop without leaving the Lisbon area, the Reggae Sun Fest debuts at Jardins do Marquês (Oeiras) on the weekend of August 8 and 9, bringing together international and national reggae artists.
Over the course of two days, the festival combines live music, food, craft markets, and family-friendly activities.
Sunset at the Castle: free music and entertainment overlooking Lisbon
São Jorge Castle is once again hosting the “Sunset at the Castle” event, featuring free concerts and DJ sets every Saturday in August starting at 7 p.m.
Admission is free, but subject to capacity. The program offers unforgettable late afternoons, combining a diverse musical lineup with one of the city’s most spectacular views, making it the ideal plan for anyone looking for outdoor entertainment during Lisbon’s summer.
Worten Mock Fest: Chris D’Elia, Michelle Wolf, and Sam Morril are the headliners
Now in its second edition, the Worten Mock Fest will bring together some of the best-known international comedians with the big names in Portuguese comedy, such as Os Primos, Assim Vamos ter de Falar de Outra Maneira, and Bumba na Fofinha, along with up-and-coming comedy talent.
Hot Wheels Stunt Show in Lisbon (for those looking for an adrenaline rush in the middle of summer)
See classic Hot Wheels cars in life-size form and watch impossible stunts at the MEO Arena.
If you’re in the mood for action-packed plans this August , the Hot Wheels Stunt Show brings life-size orange cars and tracks to the MEO Arena, featuring acrobatic maneuvers, jumps, and precision stunts.
The show is coming to Lisbon on August 29 and 30, with tickets starting at €43.
Jazz in August at the Gulbenkian
The premier contemporary jazz festival returns to the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation for another intense edition.
The program brings together leading names from the national and international music scene, filling the institution’s various spaces with a series of live concerts that push the boundaries of genre.
The lineup is spread across various venues and the open-air amphitheater, featuring everything from intimate performances to large ensembles.
You can pick up your tickets at the box office in the main building or at the Center for Modern Art.
Watching the sunset to the sound of electronic music at Cascais Atlantic Sunsets
Kaytranada is performing at the Santo António da Barra Fort, and capacity is limited! If you want to make the most of August by combining electronic music with the perfect setting at the end of the day, mark your calendar for Cascais Atlantic Sunsets.
The August 8th edition features Kaytranada and other top acts; and on the 15th, you’ll have Groove Armada.
Europe’sLargest LEGO® Model Exhibition
Spanning an area of about 2,000 square meters, the exhibition features more than 120 models, built with approximately 15 million pieces, and will be in Lisbon through January 10, 2027— more than enough time for a family visit during summer vacation.
Marilyn: Icon of the Century Exhibition (at Colombo)
Discover more than 100 original artifacts that reveal Marilyn Monroe’s true identity .
If you’re looking for a cultural outing to take a break from the August heat, stop by Colombo’s Central Plaza and check out the exhibition featuring over 100 original items from the Ted Stampfer Collection on Marilyn Monroe.
The exhibition features 12 thematic sections and an immersive multimedia installation called “FLASH.”
The best music, in the city’s most incredible spots
Over the next few months, there will be several Candlelight classical music concerts, as well as other shows at various venues throughout Lisbon.
All of these events will take place in fantastic spots around the city, offering intimate and exciting moments for everyone who attends.
- Julia Mestre
- Hermanos Gutiérrez