The Allgarve Arts
More than 15 exceptional exhibitions give visitors and locals alike the opportunity to see works of contemporary art and architecture created by Portuguese and international artists. The exhibition program runs from June to mid-September and has been coordinated by the Contemporary Art Museum of the Fundação de Serralves e desenvolvido in collaboration with local authorities in the towns of Faro, Lagoa, Lagos, Loulé and Portimão, and with the support of the public and private sectors.

The Allgarve Music
Music events make the backbone of the Allgarve Festival. Portuguese super stars perform onstage in various cities along with some huge names of the international music scene, like Lou Reed, Caetano Veloso, Diana Krall, Simply Red, Julio Iglesias, Waterboys, Camané, or Mariza. More than 25 concerts on offer will make it difficult for visitors and music lovers to chose.

Another 50 concerts are also on offer in the context of five amazing festivals that make part of the official Allgarve program:

The Festival Med (June 25-29) is a well established name in the circuit of the major European World Music festivals. Now it is back to the historical center of Loulé, featuring more than 40 musical groups performing in five different stages. See who they are, when and where they perform here…

This is the second year of the Allgarve Jazz Festival (July 4-13) which has spread all over the region in five different towns. This year’s festival presents: Lucky Peterson (Praia de Alvor, July 4), Herbie Hancock (Loulé, July 5), Maria João & Mário Laginha (Sagres, July 6), Dee Dee Bridgewater (Albufeira, July 11), Manhattan Transfer (Praia de Alvor, July 12), Freddy Cole (Lagoa, July 13). See the program here.

Loulé host one of the best known musical events in the country – the Festival Internacional de Jazz de Loulé, now in its 14th year. Once again, the Cerca do Convento Espírito Santo in the beautiful southern town plays host to some great jazz performers. The festival takes place during the last long weekend of the month (July 25-27) and is organised by Casa da Cultura de Loulé with the support of the local council.

Already in its 7th year, the LagosJazz Festival (August 13-17) is an event that has more to offer than simple concerts for the fans. Throughout the festival there’ll be Jazz Workshops and Jam Sessions. The festival opens with Jazz on the Street parade. As for the concerts… Take a note: Orquestra de Jazz de Lagos Redux (Aug.13), Miguel Martins Trio “Kaleidoscópio” (Aug.14), Orsara-Lagos Jazz Septet Summit (Aug.15), Mulgrew Miller Trio (Aug.16) and a jazz students concert (Aug.17). See the complete program of events here.

Last but not least, the Silves Medieval Festival (August 9-17) takes the town of Silves back to the 12th, 13th and 14th centuries and visitors will be surprised to encounter typical scenes from everyday medieval life.