Before summer ends and the days get “shorter,” there are still plenty of things happening in the city that you should check out or visit.
September remains an excellent month to enjoy a well-deserved vacation. The sandy shores and crystal-clear waters, river beaches, or even the fun that an ocean pool or water park can offer are all great options this month as another summer season comes to a close.
But if you’re just getting back from vacation, welcome back to the city… we really missed you. That’s why we’ve put together a list of things to do in Lisbon this September. Shall we get started?
Smithsonian — Journey Through the Cosmos (immersive experience)
If you’re in the mood to swap a late afternoon at the beach for something different this September , take a walk among supernovae and “peek” into the world’s most powerful telescopes at an immersive Smithsonian experience in Lisbon.
This virtual reality journey takes place in the underground atrium of Terreiro do Paço Station and was created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, with contributions from NASA/ESA.
In an experience lasting about 45 minutes, you’ll be able to walk among supernovae, explore exoplanets, and witness solar flares at an installation at Fever Hub Lisboa.
Explore Cidade do Zero at Eduardo VII Park
Cidade do Zero will take over Eduardo VII Park with free admission and a sustainable program.
The new edition will feature 15,000 m² of activities, markets, discussions, a permaculture micro-farm, and family-friendly programming—all with free admission.
There will also be mobility partnerships (GIRA and Lime) and hands-on workshops, such as cooking demonstrations and repair workshops.
Opening Historic Doors: European Heritage Days in Lisbon
Lisbon is opening its historic doors from September 18 to 27, with many free tours.
If you’re in the mood for a different kind of cultural experience, mark your calendar now for the European Heritage Days, featuring free tours of palaces, churches, museums, and the Botanical Garden’s herbarium.
Take one of these wine courses
The Enóphilo School offers courses in Lisbon designed for anyone who wants to learn more about wine, without any fuss.
No prior knowledge is required; these multi-level courses teach you the essential principles of wine, from the influence of climate and soil on terroir to the practical secrets of winemaking.
The practical component runs throughout the session. In addition to learning the essential rules of service—from the correct temperature to choosing the right glasses— you’ll participate in a guided, comparative tasting of six distinct styles of wine.
The experience concludes with the presentation of a certificate of participation.
We tried the Katsu Sando at Sando Sando
Be sure to try the famous katsu sando with shokupan bread— a Japanese pop-up experience in Lisbon.
If you’re in the mood to switch things up from the summer classics and try something different this September, stop by Sando Sando, a pop-up store serving Japanese sandwiches made with homemade shokupan, temporarily set up in the kitchen of the Son of a Burger restaurant.
The menu includes four savory options (Burger Sando, Kinoko, Tonkatsu , and Torikatsu) and desserts like the Ichigo Sando, with prices ranging from €8 to €14.50.
Watch the CARRIS Classic Parade
For a quintessentially Lisbon experience before summer ends, mark September 19 on your calendar—that’s when the classic trams from the CARRIS Museum will be back on the streets of Lisbon, running at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. between Santo Amaro Station and Praça da Figueira, celebrating 125 years of electric traction.
Tickets are already sold out, but the parade can be watched for free on the street.
Try dragon boating at the Lisbon Dragon Boat Festival
To participate, there’s a fee per person; to watch, it’s free.
Come try dragon boating or watch the races during European Sports Week.
If you enjoy outdoor sports and want to make the most of the last days of summer in Lisbon, take note: the first edition of the Lisbon Dragon Boat Festival will take place from September 25 to 27 at the Oceanário Dock in Parque das Nações , bringing together more than 700 participants and offering races, training sessions, and activities for the public.
Graça Has More Fado
Includes a visit and a drink.
The Convento da Graça is expanding its musical program and will now host traditional fado sessions every weekday.
The performances take place without any amplification, making use only of the monument’s natural acoustics to create an intimate atmosphere, with a capacity limited to 50 people per session and under the artistic direction of FATUM.
In addition to the concert, the ticket includes a drinkto enjoy as the afternoon winds down and grants access to a tour of the convent’s various spaces—an experience that will allow you to explore the terrace, the observation deck, the sacristy, the upper choir, and the upper cloisters of the building.
TOPO Martim Moniz’s 11th Anniversary
TOPO Martim Moniz is celebrating its 11th anniversary with six days of events focused on music, cocktails, and themed parties.
The highlight of the week takes place on Thursday with TOPO 90’s, a night that challenges the crowd to dress in ’90s-style outfits to dance to the DJ sets by Caxaria and Brasco, accompanied by a menu designed especially for the event.
The rest of the lineup kicks off with a samba circle and Happy Hour on Tuesday, followed by a bartender competition on Wednesday, where you’ll take on the role of judge for the new cocktail creations.
The weekend features an Afro House party on Friday, a sunset afternoon that transitions into Hip Hop on Saturday, and the debut of the venue’s new brunch on Sunday, wrapping up the celebrations with music into the night.
Madeira Festival at Jardim do Arco do Cego
To enjoy September in Lisbon with an “island flavor,” the Madeira Festival offers 11 days of cuisine, culture, and crafts, with free admission through September 20.
The Madeira Festival takes place at the Jardim do Arco do Cego and showcases almost everything connected to the “Pearl of the Atlantic.”
Health Fest, a day of wellness with free admission
The seventh edition of Health Fest will transform the MAAT Garden into a space dedicated to healthy living, with a focus on combating a sedentary lifestyle and obesity.
This initiative by Men’s Health and Women’s Health magazines brings together outdoor workouts, cooking demonstrations, and wellness talks all in one place.
In addition to participating in the activities, you can try your luck in a contest to be the next magazine cover model. At the end, you’ll also take home a Health Bag filled with gifts from the event’s partners.
Discover the new Japanese scene: a guide to izakayas in Lisbon
The new Japanese scene in Lisbon is all about the izakayas— those typical Japanese pubs that are the perfect spot for a late-afternoon drink— a great way to enjoy September in the city before summer ends.
It’s in these taverns that the precision of Tokyo cuisine meets a lively, informal, and relaxed atmosphere after a day at the office.
The main course takes a back seat to sharing, so the idea isto fill the counter with appetizers and comfort food, from the famous yakitori skewers and gyozas to soft-shell crab tempura or ramen, always accompanied by sake, shochu, or a nice cold beer.
This is already the 11th edition of Poster Mostra, which returns to Marvila for another journey through various cultural sites— that is, across the walls of buildings in this typical Lisbon neighborhood.
Travel back in time at the Marvila Medieval Fair
The Marvila Medieval Fair transforms Vale do Fundão Urban Park into a true medieval setting, with free admission.
It takes place from September 25 to 27, featuring horseback tournaments, parades, circus acts, sword fights, children’s games, and falconry.
The best music, at 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 in Lisbon.
All of them will take place in fantastic spots around the city, providing intimate and exciting moments for everyone involved.
Chefs on Fire returns to Cascais with some new features
The Chefs on Fire event is returning to Marechal Carmona Park for a weekend of meals prepared over an open fire.
The event combines dishes cooked over an open flame by various guest chefs with a lineup of music and concerts over the course of two days.
You can opt for a ticket with food and drink already included or choose a basic admission and purchase dishes individually on-site. There are also ticket packages designed for groups of five or for families with two children, who can enjoy the Kids’ Zone, equipped with activities and children’s menus.
Street Festivals in Lisbon
The Street Festivals are back in town, offering everyone outdoor shows—from concerts and dance performances to all kinds of arts, from magic to cinema.
Lisbon will transform some of its gardens and squares into authentic stages for musical performances, shows, and dance, among many other activities for the whole family.
Series of pop-up concerts in Almada
The Aletria van , a traveling library that functions as a cultural center on wheels, is kicking off a series of pop-up concerts in Almada.
The project brings together national and international artists on routes that wind directly through the city’s streets, gardens, and markets. The idea is to take the public by surprise with musical performances at unusual times, blending different cultures and sounds.
It’s an opportunity to slow down and enjoy the street in a different way, in an open space that usually also features readings, theater, and art workshops for all ages.
Jazz in the Square: free concerts in Penha de França
If you want to enjoy September in Lisbon with some great outdoor music, mark this one down: the Jazz na Praça Festival returns to Praça Paiva Couceiro, in Penha de França, with three free concerts.
This edition ends on September 19 with Carolina Estrela.
10th Anniversary of the Governor’s Palace with a Sunset Pool Party
The Governor’s Palace is celebrating its tenth anniversary with two weekend events that combine relaxation and outdoor music.
The program kicked off at the Wellness Hub Belém with “Sound Journey,” an immersive session guided by the sounds of more than 30 instruments from various parts of the world. The next day, “Reset Day” offered an urban retreat focused on recovery and physical and mental well-being, including yoga classes, access to the wellness circuit, healthy meals, and breathing and mindfulnessworkshops.
This week, on September 19, the party moves to the hotel pool with a free Sunset Pool Party. The soundtrack for the late afternoon will be provided by a liveset from DJ KWAN, accompanied by an exclusive menu of signature cocktails created by a guest bartender.
Focacceria BM Sunset Sessions
The Focacceria BM terrace bids farewell to summer with a new session of Italian music and flavors in the late afternoon.
DJ Vaadhoo (Pakitos) takes the decks to extend your evenings after work in a relaxed atmosphere.
To go with your drink, the venue is launching its new Special Truffle Mortadella focaccia, which complements the usual menu of artisanal focaccias, Italian charcuterie boards, fresh salads, and cocktails.
DHB Festival Portugal returns to the Coast
The DHB Festival returns for its fourth edition and is setting up in a new venue right by the beach in Costa da Caparica.
With an intimate atmosphere and the Atlantic coast just a few steps away, the event dedicates two full days to House, Afro, Organic, and Minimal sounds.
On Friday, the lineup features Beltran, Carlita, and Josh Baker, joined by Oxhalá, Mehdi, Rafael, and Rome. On Saturday, the dance floor keeps the energy going with Luciano, Bedouin, and Ahmed Spins, who share the stage with Rooléh, Saraga, and Portugal’s Just Kelly.