October may signal the start of colder days, but this year, summer seems reluctant to leave, and the sun isn't ready to say goodbye just yet. Whether you prefer outdoor activities, live concerts, art exhibitions, or cinema, there are plenty of reasons not to stay home. Culture, fun, and good vibes take over Lisbon and Porto this weekend.
1. Cross the Tagus River and Visit the Frigate D. Fernando II and Glória
In Largo Alfredo Dinis, in Cacilhas, you can visit the Frigate D. Fernando II and Glória, a sailing frigate of the Portuguese Navy that sailed between 1843 and 1878. Now a museum ship, classified as an Auxiliary Unit of the Navy, it's the 4th oldest frigate in the world. Launched in 1843, it was the last Portuguese Navy ship to sail exclusively by sail and the last vessel of the 'Carreira da Índia'. Named in honor of Queen D. Maria II's husband, D. Fernando Saxe Coburgo-Gotha, and the Queen herself (who was actually named Maria da Glória), it offers a unique opportunity for history lovers of all ages to learn about Portugal's great achievements.
You can also visit the Portuguese Navy's Barracuda submarine, which entered service in 1968 and became a floating museum in 2010 after its last mission. Full of things to see and experience inside, this submarine promises to fascinate any visitor. Combined tickets (frigate + submarine) cost €7 for adults and €3.50 for children (4-12 years) and seniors. Submarine-only tickets are €4 for adults and €2 for children and seniors. Lisboa Card holders get a 20% discount on the frigate entry, and online ticket purchases via the Navy Culture website offer a 5% discount. You can board these unique specimens from Tuesday to Sunday, 10 AM to 6 PM, with last entry at 5 PM. For more info, visit the website.
2. Attend Soraia Ramos' Charity Concert at Hard Rock Café
Hard Rock Café Lisbon has a wonderful event for your ears this weekend. On Sunday, October 12, Soraia Ramos takes the stage at Hard Rock Café to showcase more than just her talent. In an intimate night where every note counts, the artist with over a million followers and nearly 500,000 monthly listeners on Spotify combines music with solidarity.
The event runs from 10 PM to midnight. Tickets cost €9 and can be purchased via the website. 100% of ticket sales will go to the Portuguese League Against Cancer.
3. Watch the Latest French Films at Cinema São Jorge
From October 2 to 12, the 26th edition of the French Film Festival returns to Lisbon (at Cinema São Jorge and Cinemateca). Cinema São Jorge, on Avenida da Liberdade, is again the prime location for this event celebrating one of the world's richest and most vibrant cinemas. Here, the public can watch the latest French productions firsthand and meet the actors and directors involved. With 20,000 to 25,000 spectators annually, it's one of Portugal's most relevant film festivals, serving as a meeting point for France, Portugal, and the Francophone world.
Highlights include the new documentary by Thierry Frémaux, General Delegate of the Cannes Festival and director of the Institut Lumière, titled 'Lumière: The Adventure Continues!'; the presence of Marina Foïs and other guests; the 'Alain Delon Retrospective' at Cinemateca; the screening of 'Amélie', the cult film by Jean-Pierre Jeunet; a section for short films, Curtas; and Petits Cinéphiles, a cinema and workshop program for children and families. Regular tickets cost €6, but prices may vary. Buy tickets at the Cinema São Jorge box office or online. Check screening times here.
4. Go to Oktoberfest 2025 in Porto
Vila Nova de Gaia is ready to open its doors to German culture, or more precisely, to its typical food and beer. This weekend, October 11 and 12, WOW Porto - World of Wine, in Vila Nova de Gaia, hosts the ideal party for lovers of Germanic culture and good company: Oktoberfest. This event celebrates the traditional Bavarian festival and promises to transport you to Germany without leaving Portugal. Oktoberfest gives you the chance to try typical German food, gather friends, and toast in German style with cold beers.
On Saturday, October 11, hours are from noon to 1 AM, and on Sunday, October 12, from noon to 10 PM. Entry to the festival is free on both days.
5. Be Amazed by Gonçalo Sena's Exhibition
If you're an art fan looking for the perfect plan, this activity is for you. This Saturday, Kubikgallery Porto presents Gonçalo Sena's first solo exhibition, titled 'Folhas Fantasma'. The artist starts from drawing and transforms it into sculptures, temporary structures, and site-specific interventions (works designed for a specific space that only make sense there). Gonçalo Sena's work explores the creation of dystopian environments where everyday objects, industrial materials, and organic elements coexist and transform into visual poetry.
The exhibition opens on October 11 from 4 PM to 7 PM. After that, you can visit until November 29 at Kubik Gallery Porto, Rua da Restauração n°6. Entry is free, and hours are Tuesday to Saturday from 2 PM to 7 PM, according to ArtGuide.
6. Travel to Japan Without Leaving Porto with Iberanime
On October 11 and 12, the largest Japanese pop culture event in Portugal returns to Porto, at Exponor, and promises to be the best edition ever. The programming for the new Iberanime edition keeps the best of the anime and manga universe and includes gaming tournaments, cosplay contests, exclusive workshops, and talks with international guests. It's also a must to attend concerts by Japanese and international j-pop and j-rock artists.
Visitors can explore thematic areas like the Artists' Village, Anime Sports Area, retrogaming, and arcade inspired by Akihabara. The little ones aren't left out and can enjoy face painting and inflatables. Ticket prices vary: daily ticket - €26.75; child daily ticket (6-12 years) - €19.26; family daily ticket (2 adults + 2 children) - €18.19 per person; 2-day pass - €48.15; child 2-day pass - €32.10; family 2-day pass - €32.10 per person. Buy them on the event's website.
Comments
Join Our Community
Sign up to share your thoughts, engage with others, and become part of our growing community.
No comments yet
Be the first to share your thoughts and start the conversation!