From rocking indie anthems to ethereal jazz vibes, scintillating surf sounds to boundary-pushing opera, Lisboa’s summer music festivals offer music and performances that will suit every taste.

Lisboa is unleashing a pulsating soundtrack of summer music with an eclectic festival scene that includes everything from globally renowned superstars to classical divas. Let’s take a look at what’s on offer:

NOS Alive’23, 6-8 July

An electrifying spectacle of international superstars, NOS Alive is renowned for its epic line-ups. This year’s edition at the Passeio Marítimo de Algés doesn’t disappoint, with the likes of Red Hot Chilli Peppers, The Black Keys, The Arctic Monkeys and Lizzo set to ignite the stage. Tickets are selling fast, with the first two days sold out and only day tickets available for day three, when Sam Smith and Queens of the Stone Age headline.

Super Bock Super Rock’23, 13-15 July

This is a multi-genre celebration of the biggest and freshest international acts and some of the best from Portugal’s unique musical scene.

The line-up at Super Bock Super Rock boasts rock icons The 1975, Steve Lacy, Father John Misty, Wu-Tang Clan, Sampa The Great, and the legendary Nile Rogers. The festival takes place near the beach at Meco in Sesimbra, on the Lisboa coast, with direct transport from the city.

Sumol Summer Fest’23, 30 June – 1 July
Sumol Summer Fest is a beachside fiesta on the Costa da Caparica, to the south of Lisboa, that promises an unforgettable start to summer as visitors dance the night away to the tunes of Portugal’s best DJs. More than just a festival; it’s a celebration of youth and freedom.

COOLJAZZ, 8-29 July
Nestled amidst the heritage sites of Cascais on Lisboa’s coast, COOLJAZZ offers a unique blend of music, nature, and comfort. With performances by Lionel Richie, Norah Jones, Ben Parker, and Van Morrison, this festival promises to be a soothing balm to the soul as visitors bask in the harmonious interplay of jazz, soul, and blues under the starlit Cascais sky.

Jazz em Agosto’23, 27 July – 6 August
Jazz em Agosto embarks on a musical voyage through the myriad identities of contemporary jazz at the Open Air Amphitheatre of the Gulbenkian Foundation in the heart of Lisboa. This year’s edition of the festival delves deep into the richness of African rhythms, featuring a host of exciting collaborations and solo performances on a hypnotic musical journey.

Operafest Lisboa’23, 18 August – 9 September
Operafest Lisboa promises opera like never before. Held at the idyllic Garden of Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga overlooking the River Tagus, this year’s festival explores the theme “Between Heaven and Hell”, with beloved classics like Bizet’s “Carmen” and Mozart’s “The Magic Flute” to innovative performances including Francisco Lima da Silva’s “Rigor mortis”.

Offering an enthralling blend of traditional and contemporary sounds, Operafest kicks off with an operatic rave, a unique fusion of pop and opera that promises to be a highlight of the summer.

Meo Kalorama, 31 August – 2 September
Meo Kalorama in Lisboa rounds off Europe’s summer festival season. It takes place in Parque da Bela Vista, one of the city’s largest urban parks, spans three nights from 31 August to 2 September and boasts more than 50 acts. With headliners including The Prodigy, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Florence & The Machine, Aphex Twin, Arcade Fire and The Foals, it is an exhilarating finish to the festival season.

Meo Kalorama isn’t just about the music – it’s also a celebration of sustainability, innovation, and inclusion. The festival strives to use greener energies, promote local commerce, and implement reuse and recycle strategies, making it an eco-friendly option for environmentally conscious music lovers.

For more information, ideas and inspiration on visiting Lisboa, please visit www.visitlisboa.com.

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