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Festival dos Canais
For five days, Aveiro will once again be transformed into a huge open-air stage with the return of the Festival dos Canais.
The festival is celebrating its 11th edition with a multidisciplinary programme that promises to delight audiences of all ages and fill the city with art, music, creativity and community involvement.
The streets, squares, gardens and canals will once again provide the backdrop for dozens of national and international artistic performances, in a celebration of contemporary culture and the collective experience of public space.
15 - 19.07.2026
Website
Chefs on fire
For the fourth year running, the Festival dos Canais is hosting a Chefs On Fire pop-up, a gastronomic event that invites renowned chefs to cook over a low heat, celebrating the origins of cuisine. Twelve chefs will be presenting their creations between 17 and 19 July, at lunch and dinner, with the programme featuring concerts by a number of well-known musicians.
17.07
Website
Agitágueda
Every year, Águeda (30 km away from Aveiro) puts itself on the world map through AgitÁgueda – Art Festival, the event that brings colour to the whole city and to what CNN has described as “one of the most beautiful streets in the world”. The whole city becomes a giant open-air stage; the streets are brimming with colour, entertainment, art installations and performances, involving the entire local community and promoting values, culture, good environmental practices and craftsmanship. Urban art, artistic and sporting activities, concerts, street entertainment and a riot of colour make this a unique and authentic event, winner of the 2023 National Tourism Award, specifically in the Authentic Tourism category.
04 - 26-07.2026
Website
Avanca Film Fest
AVANCA – International Film, Television, Video and Multimedia Festival has a unique programme running from 27 to 30 July. It will be a chance to watch inspiring films, in the presence of their filmmakers, as the festival of Avanca (19 km away from Aveiro) marks three decades of one of the most iconic festivals in Center of Portugal.
27 - 30.07
Website
Vagos Metal Fest
Vagos Metal Fest is Portugal’s leading heavy metal and extreme music festival, held annually at Quinta do Ega in Vagos (35 km away from Aveiro). Known as the “Capital of Metal”, it combines a relaxed holiday atmosphere with major international acts from the genre.
05 - 09.08
Website
Codfish Festival in Ílhavo
The Ílhavo Cod Festival is the biggest gastronomic and cultural celebration of the ‘faithful friend’ in Portugal. Held annually in August at Jardim Oudinot in Gafanha da Nazaré, Ílhavo (6 km away from Aveiro), this iconic festival brings together local associations, concerts, craft stalls and water sports, paying tribute to the municipality’s deep-rooted connection to cod fishing.
12 - 16.08.2026
Website
PRISMA / Art Light Tech
PRISMA / Art Light Tech is a festival in Aveiro that brings together art, science and technology, with light as its central theme. It combines projections, sound installations and site-specific works created by international artists, transforming streets and historic buildings into an interactive artistic trail.
8 - 11.10.2026
Website
Christmas in Aveiro
Christmas in Aveiro transforms "the portuguese Venice" into a magical setting, where the traditions of the Ria meet the festive spirit. The main highlights include the parade of Father Christmases in illuminated moliceiros, the Grand Christmas Tree at Cais da Fonte Nova, and the traditional markets featuring local crafts and cuisine.
December 2026
Christmas in Águeda
The memorable light umbrellas are back for Christmas time in Águeda (30 km away from Aveiro)! The main umbrella street was considered one of the most beautiful Christmas streets in the world by CNN Travel! Visitors can also see the smallest and the biggest Santa in the world!
December 2026
⏭️ Next year 2027
Festivities of São Gonçalinho
Every year in the first week of January, during the Festivities of São Gonçalinho in Aveiro, "sweet cavacas" will fall from the sky. Literally! And people will try to catch them, fulfilling their vows to this saint! A captivating religious celebration, but don’t lose your head in the process!
January 2027
Easter in Ovar
In Ovar (26 km away from Aveiro) the rich religious heritage and artistic excellence have provided the backdrop to the liturgical calendar, which has been observed with great devotion for centuries.
In the town’s historic centre, Lenten traditions and devotions have contributed to a unique cultural legacy, particularly through the annual Lenten processions, which are the highlight of these religious celebrations.
10.02 - 28.03.2027 (Easter Sunday)
The Great Moliceiros' Regatta
The Great Moliceiros' Regatta will return to Aveiro in June. Now that the moliceiro boats have been inscribed on UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage, June will be the month to celebrate the ingenuity behind the construction of these highly colourful moliceiros.
Whilst there were 3,000 Moliceiro boats registered in the 1970s, it is estimated that today there are just 50 vessels and four master boatbuilders.
This is also why the Great Regatta, which will link Torreira to Aveiro will be an absolutely unique event!
June 2027
