Event Dates
From: Wednesday, June 23, 2027
To: Wednesday, June 23, 2027
São João Festival 2027
Festival of St John
The São João Festival is Porto's largest event and the biggest celebration in the city, taking place each year on June 23rd.
São João Festival – Festival of St John 2027
The São João Festival is Porto's largest event and the biggest celebration in the city, taking place each year on June 23rd.
- Are you visiting Porto? Stay right in the heart of the city. The PortoBay Teatro, is a beautiful 4-star hotel close to all the attractions, with spacious rooms and a “Superb” rating.
The Festival
- Next Edition: Wednesday 23rd June, 2027.
- The festival celebrates the honour of St. John and is filled with events, entertainment, bonfire, fireworks, parties, drinking and more.
- The event combines religious tradition with a party atmosphere; the São João Festival is an authentic Porto experience. Originally, the event began as a pagan tradition of worshipping the sun before it was adopted by the Roman Catholic Church in the 19th century and became a celebration of Saint John the Baptist.
Key Events
- São João Festival is one of the most fabulous European street parties ending with an impressive firework display. The event is the culmination of almost five weeks of different activities leading up to Midsummer. The city is brimming with traditional music, dances, jumping over bonfires (symbolising courage) and eating grilled sardines.
- First-time visitors may be confused by some of the traditions, including hitting people with garlic flowers or inflatable hammers, a practice first started by university students during the ‘Queima das Fitas' celebrations, but it is all part of the experience.
- The streets, churches and buildings are decorated with balloons and strings of multi-coloured paper as the city is transformed into one of Portugals biggest and craziest party zones. The party ends at dawn when visitors make their way to the river to witness the beautiful Porto sunrise.
The Fireworks
- June 23rd – Start your evening early with a traditional dinner in one of Porto's many fine restaurants. Reserve your table in advance. Apart from the barbecued sardines, on St. John's night, it is also traditional to eat “Caldo Verde” (a shredded green cabbage soup), lamb and roasted pepper salad, then the meal is rounded off with creamy custard or St John's cake, and of course, all washed down with a glass of good port!
- After, make your way to the riverside and catch the fireworks display from the Luís Bridge. Arrive early as thousands of visitors head to the banks of the river Douro to witness the display. The fireworks display begins at Midnight.
- As dawn breaks and the party ends, many will make their way to the river banks to catch the breathtaking Porto sunrise from Ribeira to Foz do Douro.
Rabelo Boat Regatta
- June 24th – Picturesque boats (traditionally used to transport barrels of port wine) sail along the river from Foz to Ponte D. Luís in a race for first place. The boats hoist sails featuring the names of various Port Wine brands. Prizes are awarded at the end of the race in front of Casa Sandeman, followed by music and entertainment.
Gay Parties in Porto during the Festival of St John, Porto
- The event attracts thousands to Porto and the city's gay bars are full in the lead up and on the night of the festival. Many of venues and clubs host special theme nights and parties. Three of the biggest take place at Conceição 35, Café Lusitano and ZOOM (Nightclub)
- Stay close to all the gay bars and clubs at Masio Nos B&B, rated “Exceptional” with a unique vibe, welcoming owner and stylish architecture.
Gay Porto
Porto is relatively compact, so you are never too far from the busiest bars and top things to see and do if you stay in the city centre. Alternatively, three tram lines run on different routes (separate from the public transport system) and are dedicated to tourists. The best tram to catch is Linha 22, which gets you close to most of the attractions in the old town.
- Bar Conceiçâo 35 – Young, hip and trendy bar with a busy happy hour.
- Pride Cafe – Coffee by Day, dancing by night, popular venue.
- Invictus Cafe Bar – Fun drag bar in the city centre.
- Café Lusitano – Sleek cafe bar with great cocktails and extensive wine list. Beautiful decor.
- Fabrik – One of Porto's most famous gay bars and host of several parties.
- Labirintho – Busy gay bar with an artsy vibe running for over 30 years.
- Zoom – The place to party late, located in a former warehouse with drag shows, strippers and guest DJs.
- Sauna Thermas 205 – popular sauna in the centre of Porto with Turkish baths, sauna, steam room and darkroom.
- Sauna Camões – Oldest sauna in Porto complete with cinema room, Turkish baths and bar.
Recommended Hotels in Porto
Here are the Hotels we recommend that keep you close to all the action
Infante Sagres, Eurostars Aliados, Mercure Porto, Eurostars Porto Centro.
Save on Hotels
Where to stay close to all the gay bars.
Our top selections with the best rates.
Where we stay!
Infante Sagres is our editors choice
for a gay hotel close to the gay bars
Official Website
For further information and advice on
São João Festival Website
Gay Map of Porto
Praça D. Filipa de Lencastre 62, 4000-407 Porto, Portugal
This historic 5-star hotel, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, is located in central Porto, a 4-minute walk from Aliados Metro Station. Renovated in early 2018, the hotel has antique chandeliers in its public areas and also features the newly-opened Vogue Café. The soundproofed rooms and suites of the Hotel Infante De Sagres feature custom-made furnishings. The classical décor comes together with satellite flat-screen TVs and air conditioning.
Av. dos Aliados 195, 4000-067 Porto, Portugal
Eurostars Aliados has a restaurant, fitness centre, a bar and shared lounge in Porto. This 5-star hotel offers a concierge service and a tour desk. The accommodation offers a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, room service and free WiFi throughout the property. At the hotel the rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a seating area, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a safety deposit box and a private bathroom with a shower
R. de Sampaio Bruno, 4000 Porto, Portugal
Eurostars Porto Centro is located in Porto, 300 m from Paris Galleries Street. Guests can enjoy the on-site bar. Each room at this hotel is air conditioned and comes with a flat-screen TV. For your comfort, you will find free toiletries and a hairdryer. Eurostars Porto Centro features free WiFi throughout the property.
You will find a 24-hour front desk at the property.
R. do Bonjardim 95, 4000-124 Porto, Portugal
Mercure Porto Centro Aliados has a restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre and bar in Porto. 300 m from City Market Bolhao and 300 m from Oporto Coliseum, the property provides a shared lounge and a garden. The accommodation features a 24-hour front desk, a shuttle service, room service and free WiFi. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms with a desk, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a shower.
Address: Rua da Conceição 8, 4000 Porto, Portugal
- Invictus Café Bar is a cozy LGBTQ+ venue known for lively drag shows, cheap strong drinks, and a welcoming vibe.
- It draws a mixed crowd of locals and visitors.
- The bar uses a €5 prepaid card system, has friendly staff, and often hosts late-night performances.
- A small but popular stop in Porto’s gay nightlife.
- Open:Daily 10.30pm-4am (closed Monday & Tuesday)
Address: R. do Bolhão 132, 4000-226 Porto, Portugal
- Bar of Soap is a cozy, LGBTQ+ inclusive bar known for its drag nights, RuPaul screenings, and community-focused events.
- Located near Rua do Bolhão, it serves creative cocktails in a relaxed, vintage-style setting.
- The crowd is friendly and diverse, making it a go-to spot for queer locals and visitors alike.
- Open: Daily 6pm-1am Weekends till 2am
Address: R. do Bonjardim 1123, 4000-114 Porto, Portugal
- Posh Club Porto is a stylish LGBTQIA+ nightclub in Vila Nova de Gaia, offering high-energy themed parties, drag shows, and DJ-led dance nights.
- Inspired by Posh Lisbon, it attracts a mixed, vibrant crowd looking for a glamorous night out.
- With slick visuals and late-night hours, it’s become a standout in Porto’s queer nightlife scene.
- Open: Wednesday to Saturday 11pm-6am
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Address: R. de Passos Manuel 40, 4000-381 Porto, Portugal
- Zoom Club is the city’s top gay nightclub, known for drag shows, themed parties, and dancing until 6 AM.
- Located near Aliados metro, it draws a lively crowd of gay men and allies every weekend.
- The atmosphere is high-energy with DJs, go-go dancers, and a packed dance floor.
- Entry includes drink credit.
- Open: Friday & Saturday 00.30am-6am
Address: Rua da Alegria 1018, 4200 Porto, Portugal
- The Hole Cruising Bar is a men-only gay cruising venue known for its clean facilities, private cabins, and welcoming staff.
- Located in Bonfim, it attracts gay and bisexual men looking for a discreet, adult-focused experience.
- Drinks are affordable, and the atmosphere is open & nonjudgmental.
- Not a social bar—this spot is purely for cruising.
- Open: Daily 10pm -4am weekends till 9am
Address: R. da Galeria de Paris 109, 4000 Porto, Portugal
- Fabrik Bar is a high-energy LGBTQ+-friendly venue in the heart of the city’s nightlife district.
- Known for its industrial style, vibrant dance floor, and upbeat music, it draws a fun mix of locals and international visitors.
- The bar offers strong cocktails, welcoming staff, and a great atmosphere for socializing or dancing late into the night.
- A staple of Porto’s gay scene.
- Open: Daily 6pm-3am weekends till 4am
- Closed Monday & Sunday
Address: R. de José Falcão 137, 4050-315 Porto, Portugal
- Café Lusitano is Porto’s elegant LGBTQ+-inclusive lounge—perfect for savoring cocktails, watching sophisticated drag or themed performances, and starting a night out in style.
- Its polished energy, upscale setting, and artistic programming make it a standout destination in Porto’s gay nightlife scene.
- Open: Wednesday to Saturday 10pm-4am
Recommended Hotels in Porto By Booking
Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in Porto that keep you close to all the shops,restaurants & bars
Infante Sagres
5 Star, Luxury
- 5-star, member of Small Luxury Hotels, renovated 2018.
- Close to the gay district.
- Soundproofed, satellite TVs.
- Historic elegance with modern luxury, central location perfect for exploring Porto.
Eurostars Aliados
5 Star, Readers Choice
- 5-star, restaurant, fitness centre, concierge service.
- Close to the gay district.
- Air conditioning, flat-screen TV.
- Stylish and luxurious, offering comprehensive amenities for a comfortable and upscale stay.
Mercure Porto
4 Star, Great Value
- 4-star, outdoor pool, fitness centre.
- Close to the gay district.
- Air-conditioned, flat-screen TV, shower.
- Ideal for leisure and business, with modern facilities in a convenient central location.
Eurostars Centro
4 Star, Location
- 4-star, close to Paris Galleries Street.
- Close to the gay district.
- Air conditioned, flat-screen TV.
- Contemporary comfort in a prime location, perfect for city exploration and cultural immersion.
Video, 24 hours of the Festival of St John
Highlights of the fun festival
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