Every day we are one step closer to the long-awaited festival season, to make friends under the sun, to cry over the overlaps between your favourite artists, but above all, to enjoy the music in a big way. Countries such as Portugal are experiencing an exponential boom in festivals in recent years so here is our guide to help you through its various options, from underground to established events. Find the perfect spot to spend your summer!
NEOPOP- The Portuguese giant is back on track
It is a reference not only in Portugal, but also in the whole Iberian Peninsula. NEOPOP celebrates its 17th birthday in Viana do Castelo from August 8th to 10th, and has decided to leave no one unimpressed (once again).
Veterans and new talents, minimalist or acid, NEOPOP once again brings the absolute best to Portugal. From names as explosive as the Spanish Indira Paganotto, who will bring her psytechno energy to the neighboring country to the dynamism of Mochakk or the rawness of Nico Moreno. Another heavyweight in this year’s debut list is Sama Abdulhadi, the Palestinian activist expert in creating soundscapes. The groove and breaks of KETTAMA also stand out among the names.
Many other renowned figures of the techno scene such as Dax J, Amelie Lens, Octave One, Jeff Mills or Richie Hawtin are also in for NEOPOP 2024. Will you join the madness in August?
MOGA Festival – The compact and boutique gathering for real music lovers
This festival is a great example of the fact that less is more. That small formats have the same charm as large-scale events. MOGA returns to the Costa da Caparica, 20 minutes from Lisbon, to delight us once again with its Atlantic vibes and unique atmosphere that combines art, food and music, both local and international.
From 31 May to 2 June, MOGA will test a new format during 3 days with 3 stages and 2 after parties full of soul, house, disco and deep music from artists such as Andhim, Acid Pauli, Dixon or Satori.
An ideal environment and a concept born to make the most of it through complementary activities such as its OFF programme, with activities in Caparica and surroundings ranging from a boat party on the Tagus, wellness classes, yoga, meditation and much more. A different and intimate option that undoubtedly stands out in the Portuguese festival offer.
Sound Waves – The most requested hard-techno under one concept
On July 6th from 5pm until 1:30pm the following day, Esmoriz will rumble to the rhythm of the darkest and most powerful side of techno with the deluxe line-up that Sound Waves has prepared for its 19th anniversary!
The acts of this year, although of very high BPMs, is at the same time varied by the distinctive sound of each artist that makes up this edition. Sound Waves will feature artists such as Spanish masked hell master Vendex, the sensation 6EJOU, trendy magicians such as Sara Landry but also big solid names such as Deborah de Lucaor I Hate Models. Sound Waves 2024 promises to be the best edition ever!
Vinculum – The underground with most projection on the scene
For those who know how to identify quality among the underground, it was impossible not to mention Vinculum in our recommended list. This event, although short-lived, brings to Portugal some of the gems with the best electronic vision of the current scene.
From the 19th to 21st of July, the town of Mondim de Basto will host Vinculum and its emerging language of minimal, hypnotic techno, groove, ambient, breaks and experimental music. Some of the most prominent names are D. Dan, Talismann, Marrøn or Amulador.
Basilar – Pure underground in the middle of the nature
With just a few editions under its belt, Basilar has become the underground benchmark of the Iberian Peninsula with the perfect mix of top local and international selectors.
Its main focus is clear: music. That’s why Basilar is known for offering longer, more fluid sets for a small community of 1,000 people, enabling the creation of personal connections with those around you on the dance floor. Among the masters present this year, you will find DVS1, Ben Klock, Deniro, Fadi Mohem, and many more.
GOAT Community – Where the boundaries of time and space have no limits
Music events are also a way to escape from routine and connect with nature like never before. This is the philosophy behind GOAT Community, which will take place from 3rd to 8th July in the Magic Mountains of São Pedro do Sul. This central Portuguese region is known for its environmental charm, differentiating GOAT by its landscape-ecological context.
Throughout 5 nights and days, surrounded by lakes and forests, the GOAT community will welcome its attendants with open arms together with a talented underground line up with many live sets as the main draw. Dreamers and explorers, this one is for you!
Waking Life – Feel part of the community and connect with yourself in an experimental space
Waking Life is a midsummer festival taking place from 19th to 24th June in Crato that also identifies as a year-round playground for creation and experimentation. Its underground live and dj sets are only a tiny part of its program as Waking Life is built to create community and explore alternative ways of art, living, learning and loving.
Moreover, Waking Life is a not-for-profit association registered in Portugal, largely operating on a voluntary basis. So all in all, it’s a multidimensional project, with budding cultural, countercultural and agricultural initiatives.
We cannot conclude this article without highlighting the work of festivals such as Dancefloor, the psycholedia of Boom Festival or Meo Kalorama. Portugal is the new festival paradise, party people!