Event Details
Welcome to the Feira de São Mateus 2026 in Viseu
From 6 August to 6 September 2026, Viseu (Dão region, central Portugal) hosts the 634th edition of the Feira de São Mateus, also known as the "Guardiã das Feiras Populares" (Guardian of the Popular Fairs). It ranks among the oldest trade fairs on the Iberian Peninsula, with roots going back more than six hundred years. The venue is Campo de Viriato, close to the historic old town.
Highlights
- 634th edition of one of the oldest fairs on the Iberian Peninsula
- 31 days of continuous programming, with around fourteen ticketed concert nights
- Main stage concerts featuring Portuguese pop and fado stars
- Food area with Dão wines and the traditional Farturas pastries
- Ferris wheel, funfair rides and craft stalls
- Cultural program including cinema, a comic exhibition and folklore parades
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Program
The fairground opens daily around noon and stays open into the early morning hours. Entry is free on most days; on roughly fourteen evenings with major concerts a ticket is required, with the main stage usually starting at 10:00 PM. Alongside concerts by Portuguese artists, the program includes a folklore festival, gospel music nights, a comic exhibition and the traditional Cavalhadas parade. The food area showcases wines from the Região do Dão together with regional specialties from the Beira Alta.
Tickets
Concert tickets usually cost around 5 euros, rising to about 10 euros for a handful of bigger names. Children under ten enter free, and discounts apply for families and seniors. On the remaining days without a ticketed concert, access to the entire fairground is free. Tickets are sold online through the official website and at the on site box office.
Visitor Tips
- Campo de Viriato is only a short walk from the old town.
- The area around the fairground gets crowded during the event; walking in from the city centre saves time.
- For weekend concerts, arriving early is recommended.
- Combining the fair with a stroll through the old town makes for a good day trip.
- Travelers arriving by train from Lisbon need a connecting bus or taxi from Mangualde.
