Every August, Cascais Bay becomes one of Portugal’s most beautiful open-air concert venues. The stage stands beside the Atlantic Ocean, summer evenings fill the historic centre with music, and visitors gather for one of the most anticipated annual events in Cascais: Festas do Mar.
In 2026, Festas do Mar returns to Cascais from 20 to 30 August, with eight evenings of free concerts taking place from 20–23 August and 27–30 August.
The programme brings together well-known Portuguese and international artists, emerging musicians, food, local crafts and maritime traditions. If you are planning to visit Cascais in August, it is a wonderful opportunity to combine live music with beaches, coastal walks and a few relaxing summer days by the ocean.
What is Festas do Mar?
Festas do Mar—meaning “Festival of the Sea”—is a free summer festival held around Cascais Bay, Jardim Visconde da Luz and the Cidadela de Cascais.
Its setting is a large part of what makes it special. Instead of attending a concert in an enclosed arena, visitors can enjoy live music beside the beach, surrounded by the historic centre of Cascais.
The 2026 festival includes more than 30 performances across different stages, as well as gastronomy, crafts and entertainment. The programme begins during the late afternoon, while the main artists perform in the evening.
General admission to the concerts is free.
Festas do Mar 2026 dates
The concerts take place across two long summer weekends:
- Thursday, 20 August to Sunday, 23 August
- Thursday, 27 August to Sunday, 30 August
Activities begin from approximately 17:00, with performances taking place on three different stages. The main concerts at Palco Cascais are scheduled for 19:00, 20:00 and 22:00.
Visitors should check the official Festas do Mar programme before travelling, as schedules and practical information may be updated.
Festas do Mar 2026 concert programme
Thursday, 20 August
- 19:00 — Carolina Quintas
- 20:00 — Carlão
- 22:00 — Daniela Mercury
Brazilian artist Daniela Mercury opens the festival’s first night, returning to Festas do Mar 16 years after her previous appearance.
Friday, 21 August
- 19:00 — Elisa
- 20:00 — Marisa Liz
- 22:00 — Os Quatro e Meia
Saturday, 22 August
- 19:00 — Carlota Ulrich
- 20:00 — Miguel Gameiro & Pólo Norte
- 22:00 — Diogo Piçarra
Sunday, 23 August
- 19:00 — Afonso Cabral
- 20:00 — Fingertips
- 22:00 — Dillaz
Thursday, 27 August
- 18:30 — Fado à Janela
- 19:00 — Diana Vilarinho
- 20:00 — Luís Trigacheiro
- 22:00 — Em Casa d’Amália
Friday, 28 August
- 19:00 — Lara Afonso
- 20:00 — João Pedro Pais
- 22:00 — David Fonseca
Saturday, 29 August
- 19:00 — Maria León
- 20:00 — Stewart Sukuma
- 22:00 — Matias Damásio
Sunday, 30 August
- 19:00 — Murta
- 20:00 — DJ Kamala
- 22:00 — Sinfónica de Cascais
The final Sunday also includes the traditional Procession in Honour of Nossa Senhora dos Navegantes, celebrating the historic relationship between Cascais and the sea. The evening concludes with the Cascais Symphony Orchestra and a fireworks display over the bay.
More than a music festival
Festas do Mar is not only about the headline concerts.
Between Jardim Visconde da Luz and the Cidadela, visitors can discover food stalls, local products, handicrafts and entertainment throughout the evening. There is also a second stage at the Cidadela showcasing emerging musical talent.
Because the festival takes place in the centre of Cascais, it is easy to enjoy dinner, visit the market stalls or walk along the waterfront before the main concert begins.
Where to stay for Festas do Mar 2026
If you want to enjoy the concerts without depending on a late-night journey back to Lisbon, staying in Cascais is the most comfortable option.
Luna House is located in a peaceful residential area within walking distance of Cascais Bay, the historic centre, beaches and the train station. You can spend the day by the pool or at the beach, walk into town for the festival and return to a quieter setting at the end of the evening.
A stay at Luna House includes:
- Breakfast served every morning
- Access to our coworking space
- A garden, swimming pool and outdoor areas
- Comfortable shared and private spaces
- Wi-Fi for guests working during their trip
- An adults-only environment
- A relaxed international community
- A location approximately ten minutes on foot from central Cascais
We are not a party hotel. Luna House is designed for guests who want to experience Cascais while still having a peaceful place to sleep, work and relax.
Turn the festival into a Cascais summer escape
Coming to Cascais only for one concert means missing much of what makes this part of Portugal special.
Consider staying for a few extra days and combining Festas do Mar with:
- A morning at Praia da Rainha or Praia da Conceição
- A coastal walk to Boca do Inferno and Casa da Guia
- A visit to the Cidadela and Santa Marta Lighthouse
- A day trip to Sintra
- A bicycle ride towards Guincho
- A relaxed afternoon by the pool
- A remote-working day from Luna House’s coworking space
Late August is an especially pleasant time to enjoy Cascais. The town remains lively, but the final weeks of the month can feel more relaxed than the height of the summer season.
Book your Cascais stay directly with Luna House
If you are travelling with a company or a friend, before booking through our accommodation platform, contact Luna House directly and tell us:
- Your arrival and departure dates
- The number of guests
- Whether you prefer a private or shared bathroom (Shared Bathroom is next to only two private rooms, which makes it ideal scenario if you are traveling with friends but each of you prefers a separate room)
- If your dates are flexible
We will check the rooms available for your stay and send you our best available direct offer & will do our best to put you in rooms next to each other.
Direct contact also allows us to recommend the room and dates that offer the best value. Sometimes adjusting a stay by one day or choosing a different room category can result in a better option.
Planning to attend Festas do Mar 2026? Contact Luna House directly before booking online and let us prepare a personalised offer for your stay in Cascais or just use our promo code: Luna10
Frequently asked questions
When is Festas do Mar 2026?
Festas do Mar takes place from 20 to 30 August 2026. Concert evenings are scheduled for 20–23 August and 27–30 August.
Are the Festas do Mar concerts free?
Yes. General admission to the main Festas do Mar concerts is free.
Where does Festas do Mar take place?
The festival takes place in central Cascais, around Cascais Bay, Jardim Visconde da Luz and the Cidadela de Cascais.
What time do the concerts begin?
Activities begin during the late afternoon. The Palco Cascais concerts are generally scheduled for 19:00, 20:00 and 22:00.
Where can I stay near Festas do Mar?
Luna House offers bed-and-breakfast accommodation in a peaceful part of Cascais, within walking distance of the town centre, beaches, railway station and festival area.
Is breakfast included at Luna House?
Yes. Breakfast is included with accommodation at Luna House.
Can I work remotely during my visit?
Yes. Luna House guests can use our coworking space and Wi-Fi, making it possible to combine Festas do Mar with a short workation in Cascais.
How can I receive the best available offer?
Contact Luna House directly with your travel dates, number of guests and preferred room type. We will check current availability and prepare our best available direct offer for your stay. Or if you prefer to book on your own use our invitation code : Luna10 🙂
