Portugal Event Briefs - Summer and Fall 2010
Tuesday, 29 June 2010 18:07
Dinosaurs Invade the Naturtejo Geopark (March 27 – October 31, 2010)
Where: Geopark Naturtejo - Castelo Branco
Come to Castelo Branco and see the world’s largest exhibition of dinosaur skeletons and replicas. With more than 30 life-size dinosaurs on display, guests can see skeletons of all shapes and sizes, skulls, eggs and also embryos. A presentation will also be made of the excavation of a real dinosaur, originating from
FIESA 2010 (May 22 – October 22, 2010)
Where: Pêra
Admire the skills of sculptors from various countries and their genuine works of art in the sand. The International Sand Sculptors Festival is the largest of its kind in the world. Live music, along with theatre, dance, and circus arts will also be performed during the festival. (http://www.fiesa.org)
Where: Ponte de Lima
Dedicated to a different topic every year, 12 selected projects are on display duing this 5-month period. The gardens offer the opportunity to discover new approaches to green spaces and different creative trends. (http://www.festivaldejardins.cm-pontedelima.pt)
Optimus Alive! (July 8 – 10, 2010)
Where: Passeio Marítimo de Algés
Watch performance of some of the top current bands in front of the River Tagus. Leading names in national and international music are set to perform on the different stages during this festival of music and art. (http://www.optimusalive.com)
Le Mans Series 1000 km (July 16 – 18, 2010)
Where: Portimão
Watch the race at the Algarve International Autodrome as different types of cars, including Aston Martin, Ferrari, Corvette and Porsche, perform at excessive speeds during this three-day event. Concerts and other surprises will be part of the program. (http://www.autodromodoalgarve.com)
Festival Super Bock Super Rock (July 16 – 18, 2010)
Where: Herdade do Cabeço da Flauta
Enjoy the music of popular names and artists in the music categories of pop, rock, hip-hop, and funk. (http://www.superbock.pt)
Obidos Opera Festival (July 22 – August 29, 2010)
Where: Obidos
Listen to open-air opera by leading world composers on a variety of stages. Stages that will host the various concerts will include historic buildings such as the Castle or the Óbidos Lagoon. (http://www.obidos.pt)
European Jet Ski Championship (July 23 – 25, 2010)
Where: Mirandela
The European Grand Prix for jet skiers is being held on the River Tua this July. This popular event attracts thousands of visitors to the banks of the river as they watch with captivation in the heart of the city of
Obidos International Piano Week (July 28 – August 8, 2010)
Where: Óbidos
Visit the medieval town of
World Paragliding Circuit (July 31 – August 14, 2010)
Where: Linhares da Beira
Experience the sport of paragliding, an activity practiced by many school and clubs in the area, during this two-week event. The Handgliding Open will color the sky above the historic
Festival of the Oceans (July 31 – August 14, 2010)
Where:
Celebrate the oceans during this 15-day festival dedicated to the seven seas. An array of entertainment and cultural events will take place each day on the city’s riverfront zone. (http://www.festivaldosoceanos.com)
Sea Week (August 1 – 8, 2010)
Where: Horta –
This is the most important event on the
TMN Southwest Festival (August 4 – 8, 2010)
Where: Zambujeira do Mar
This festival is the largest summer festival in
Where: Ilha da Madeira
The European Rally Championship is hosted on the
Vale do Lobo Grand Champions (August 10 – 13, 2010)
Where: Vale do Lobo – Almancil
Watch some of the great international names in tennis during the Grand Champions event. Greg Rusedski will be there to defend his title in this 10th annual event. (http://www.grandchampions.org)
Super Bock Surf Fest (August 12 – 13, 2010)
Where:
Surfers alike will be delighted to attend this festival incorporating the beach, surfing, and music. Guests may also attend surf workshops and watch performances by some of the world’s leading surf music artists. (http://www.musicanocoracao.pt)
Boom Festival (August 18 – 26, 2010)
Where: Herdade do Torrão - Idanha-a-Nova
This biannual festival combines arts, music, multimedia, painting, bio construction, theatre, cinema, conferences, workshops and installations while celebrating freedom and nature. The festival takes place along the banks of the Idanha-a-Nova dam, and offers visitors nique views over the historic
Sintra Portugal Pro (August 24 – 29, 2010)
Where: Praia Grande
Enjoy the skills of bodyboarders from around the world as they compete in both men’s and women’s events. This is the only stage in the World Bodyboarding Championship to be held in
Medieval Days in Castro Marim (August 26 – 29, 2010)
Where: Castro Marim
Enjoy this recreation of the Medieval Ages at Castro Marim as the castle is transformed into a place for kings and queens, knights, jesters, and more. Shows will include a jousting tournament, street theatre performances, banquets accompanied by medieval music, and a fair full of handcrafted artifacts and merchandise. (http://www.cm-castromarim.pt)
Caramulo Motorfestival (September 3 – 5, 2010)
Where: Caramulo
Watch classic and sports cars and motorbikes on the roads of Caramulo in this festival of competition and leisure. This Festival incorporates other events such as the Luso-Caramulo Historic Rally, the Viseu-Caramulo Historic Ride and concentrations of classic vehicles offering processions of collector items. (http://www.caramulo-motorfestival.com)
Red Bull Air Race (September 4 – 5, 2010)
Where:
Watch the world’s most exciting air race and pilots maneuver around obstacles and perform tricks in the sky. Test pilots from around the globe compete over the River Douro as they amaze all audiences. (http://www.redbullairrace.com)
New Winds – Energy of Discoveries (September 5 – December 31, 2010)
Where: Sagres
This outdoor exhibition provides an inside look to different Portuguese discoveries, along with wind and sea energy. In order to gain a better understanding of the historical importance of this site – a point of passage for many 15th century navigators, cartographers and captains - visitors are invited to watch a film about Sagres and the Infante D. Henrique.
Columbus Festival (September 16 – 18, 2010)
Where: Vila Baleira - Porto Santo
Celebrate the life of sea navigator Christopher Columbus during this festival as visitors remember his time spent in the Madeira Archipelago, during the course of his voyages to the American continent. The festival will include music, exhibitions, street entertainment and a historical parade. (http://www.madeiraislands.travel)
Half Marathon of
Where:
Cross
Rip Curl Pro Search (October 7 – 18, 2010)
Where: Peniche
The world’s top professional surfing competition will take place during October with international surfers in attendance. The beaches selected for the event are popular for their perfect surfing conditions during this month. Beaches will include Lagido/Baleal and Supertubos. (http://www.ripcurl.com)
Where: Oceânico
The world’s best golfers will compete in this leading golf event on a course designed by Arnold Palmer. (http://www.allgarve.pt)
Quiksilver Pro
Where: Ericeira
Watch some of the world’s best surfers as they show off their talents during this competition. As part of the world surfing circuit, this event is in conjunction with the World Qualifying Series, the highest level for surfing. (http://www.aspeurope.com)
Baja Portalegre 500 (October 28 – 31, 2010)
Where: Roads of the Alentejo region
Cross-country racing fans are invited to experience this competition that is organized into three categories: automobile, motorbike and quad. For almost 20 years, the Alentejo region has been host to various cross-country racing competitions, and this year will be no different. (http://www.acp.pt/bajaportalegre/)
Grand Prix of
Where: Estoril
The Portuguese Motorcycling Grand Prix, an annual motorcycling circuit, will be held on the world-famous
National Horse Fair (November 5 - 7 and 10 – 14, 2010)
Where: Golegã
In a region where the equestrian tradition is deeply rooted, this National Horse Fair is a must see for all horse lovers. The various events throughout the fair will feature the magnificent Lusitanian thoroughbred horse. (http://www.horsefairlusitano.org)
Cinanima - International Animated Film Festival (November 8 – 14, 2010)
Where: Espinho
Cinanima is one of the best known and respected international animated film festivals, which screens new animated films produced around the world. (http://www.cinanima.pt)
New Year in
Where: Funchal
Celebrate Christmas and the New Year like the Madeirans do. This festival, which spans from the end of November and ends on the twelfth night of Christmas, will be full of cultural traditions, and folk and artistic events. (http://www.madeiraislands.travel)

