No matter where you are in the world, outdoor festivals are a quintessential part of summer. If you happen to be visiting Portugal in the coming months, here’s a selection of funky music festivals happening in and around Lisbon.

Meo Out Jazz in Lisbon (May–September)

Every weekend (Friday–Sunday) over the entire summer, Lisbon locals and visitors can enjoy live jazz performances at a host of beautiful locations including parks, squares and gardens. Around 400 musicians are taking part to celebrate jazz in all its forms.

Photo credit: ncs.pt

Edpcooljazz in Lisbon (July 3–26)

A prestigious music festival that combines innovative sounds with nature and heritage. Various blues, jazz, funk and soul concerts will take place at symbolic Lisbon locations every night for almost the entire month of July.

Photo credit: edpcooljazz.com

Optimus Alive in Lisbon (July 10–12)

The Optimus Alive music festival has won six festival awards in Portugal, including the best major festival award and one for the best line-up. This year’s line-up features some of the hottest bands and artists right now, including Arctic Monkeys, Imagine Dragons, Jamie XX and Nicolas Jaar to name just a few.

Photo credit: RTP

Super Bock Super Rock in Lisbon (July 17–19)

First held in 1995, SBSR will celebrate its 20th anniversary this year with a magnificent line-up of performers that’s bound to please every rock ‘n’ roll fan. Even if you’re not much of a rocker, the location, right next to Albufeira Lagoon, is reason enough to attend.

Photo credit: RTP

Meo Sudoeste in Zambujeira do Mar (August 6–10)

This 5-day dance music festival takes place at Herdade da Casa Branca, near Zambujeira do Mar which is about 2,5 hours from Lisbon. The line-up features international artists including Ellie Goulding, David Guetta, Hardwell, John Newman, Benny Benassi, Jamie Cullum and many more.

Photo credit: yaili

For more local recommendations read:
What locals like to do in Lisbon
Where locals like to eat in Lisbon
Where locals like to party in Lisbon

Special tip:
For a more authentic Lisbon experience, get the Like A Local mobile app

Opening photo credit: Martin Caru