Olhão South Jazz 2026
Line-up, tickets and festival guide

Olhão South Jazz is the Algarve’s newest summer music festival. For its first edition, on 24 and 25 July 2026, the event will bring together jazz, soul and other musical styles in the stunning setting of Parque Ribeirinho Poente, overlooking the Ria Formosa. Enjoy two open-air evenings at sunset, featuring acclaimed artists including Áurea, Júlio Resende, the Orquestra de Jazz do Algarve, Vânia Fernandes and Sara Badalo.

More than just a jazz festival, Olhão South Jazz 2026 promises a complete summer experience, with two stages, a lounge area, food stalls, a bar and the Ria Market, showcasing local creators and projects. It is also a great opportunity for first-time visitors to discover Olhão, one of the Algarve’s most authentic destinations.

Olhão South Jazz: a new festival overlooking the Ria Formosa

On 24 and 25 July 2026, Olhão will host the first edition of Olhão South Jazz, a brand-new open-air music festival held in one of the city’s most striking locations: Parque Ribeirinho Poente. Overlooking the Ria Formosa, the concerts will unfold in the warm evening light and at sunset, creating an atmosphere that is elegant, welcoming and relaxed.

Olhão South Jazz 2026 has been designed as a music experience for a wide audience. The programme is not aimed only at jazz fans and experts. It also features soul, Caribbean influences, leading Portuguese voices and more contemporary sounds, with artists and bands likely to appeal both to dedicated music lovers and to visitors simply looking for a memorable summer evening in the Algarve.

Over the two days, the festival will take place across two separate music areas: the Palco Principal, hosting the main acts and most eagerly awaited performers, and the Palco Cantaloupe, continuing Olhão’s long-standing connection with jazz through the well-known venue located near the city’s markets. This set-up will allow the atmosphere to shift throughout each evening while introducing audiences to a variety of musical styles.

Beyond the concerts, the event has been created as a welcoming place to meet, relax and enjoy the evening. Visitors will find a lounge area, food stalls, a bar, a photo spot, entertainment and the Ria Market, showcasing crafts, independent brands and local projects. The aim is to offer a complete experience where music, the landscape, Algarve creativity and outdoor living come together naturally.

With this first edition, Olhão is adding a new event to the Algarve’s summer cultural calendar. The festival aims to showcase both the artists and the local area, as well as this new waterfront park facing the Ria Formosa, while further establishing the city as a destination for original, accessible music events that make the most of their natural surroundings.

Olhão South Jazz 2026 dates, times and location

When is the festival taking place?

The first edition of Olhão South Jazz will take place on Friday 24 and Saturday 25 July 2026. Over two evenings, visitors can enjoy a programme combining jazz, soul and other musical influences, in a relaxed summer atmosphere overlooking the Ria Formosa.

The festival is scheduled to run from 6.00 pm to midnight. Arriving early is recommended, so there is plenty of time to explore the different areas, enjoy the evening light and catch the first live performances. The exact stage times for each artist will be added as soon as they are officially announced.

Where is Parque Ribeirinho Poente?

Olhão South Jazz 2026 will be held at Parque Ribeirinho Poente, a new waterfront park on the western side of Olhão, close to the marina. Overlooking the Ria Formosa, the park provides a particularly scenic setting for open-air concerts, with uninterrupted views across the natural landscape and the sunset.

The park includes large areas for walking, relaxing and outdoor activities. During the festival, the site will host both stages, the food areas, lounge zone, bar, Ria Market and the various activities planned across the two days.

Parque Ribeirinho Poente is located just beyond Olhão town centre and its waterfront area. Visitors can reach it on foot, by bicycle, by car or from Olhão railway station. More detailed information about access and parking is provided further down this page.

📍 Find Parque Ribeirinho Poente on Google Maps

Full Olhão South Jazz 2026 line-up

For its first edition, Olhão South Jazz 2026 will offer two evenings with complementary musical styles, spread across the Palco Principal and the Palco Cantaloupe. Jazz, soul, Portuguese voices and Caribbean rhythms will provide the soundtrack to sunset over the Ria Formosa.

Please note: the exact performance times for each artist will be added as soon as they are officially announced.

Artists to discover at Olhão South Jazz 2026

For its first edition, Olhão South Jazz brings together artists from a wide range of musical backgrounds, spanning jazz, soul, song, orchestral music and influences from around the world. Acclaimed vocalists, musicians with close ties to the Algarve and more intimate ensembles will perform across the festival’s two stages.

Áurea, one of Portugal’s leading soul voices

Áurea is one of the leading voices on the Portuguese music scene. Known for her powerful and instantly recognisable voice, her music blends soul, pop and jazz influences. Her performance on the Palco Principal will bring a popular, elegant and accessible dimension to the opening evening, including for those discovering jazz for the first time.

Júlio Resende, where jazz piano meets emotion

Born in Olhão, pianist Júlio Resende holds a special place in the line-up for this first edition. His work is known for bringing jazz into conversation with Portuguese song, fado and more contemporary repertoires. On 25 July, he will share the stage with Vânia Fernandes for the performance “My Favorite Songs”.

Vânia Fernandes, an expressive and powerful vocalist

With her expressive voice and commanding stage presence, Vânia Fernandes joins Júlio Resende and his 4Teto for a concert centred on interpretation and emotion. Their joint project promises to revisit a selection of songs chosen for their melodic and emotional strength.

Orquestra de Jazz do Algarve: the power of a big band

A major force on the regional jazz scene, the Orquestra de Jazz do Algarve has promoted and performed jazz across southern Portugal for many years. In Olhão, the orchestra will be joined by Raul Reyes and Osvaldo Pegudo to present “Caribe Libre”, a project combining orchestral arrangements with rhythms and musical colours inspired by the Caribbean.

Sara Badalo, from the festival launch to the Palco Principal

Sara Badalo gave audiences their first taste of the Olhão South Jazz atmosphere during its official launch, held at sunset in Parque Ribeirinho Poente. She will return to the same setting on 25 July with her Jazz Quintet, for one of the key performances of the festival’s second evening.

Cátia Ribeiro Trio and Susana Travassos Trio on the Palco Cantaloupe

The Palco Cantaloupe will host two trio performances, each appearing on a different evening. The Cátia Ribeiro Trio will perform on Friday 24 July, while the Susana Travassos Trio will take the stage on Saturday 25 July. These smaller ensembles will offer a closer, more intimate atmosphere that complements the experience of the Palco Principal.

With powerful voices, piano, a full jazz orchestra and intimate ensembles, this first line-up reflects a clear ambition: to introduce audiences to the many faces of jazz and the music surrounding it, without making the festival feel reserved for dedicated jazz experts.

Olhão South Jazz 2026 tickets and prices

Tickets for the first edition of Olhão South Jazz 2026 are available at deliberately affordable prices. Visitors can attend a single evening or choose a pass valid on 24 and 25 July 2026 to enjoy the full festival.

The two-day pass offers the best value for anyone wishing to enjoy the full line-up. For adults, it provides access to both evenings for only €5 more than a single-day ticket.

Important: each ticket allows one entry only to the festival site. Once visitors leave the venue, they will not be able to enter again using the same ticket.

Tickets are available through the official Olhão South Jazz ticket platform. It is recommended to check the sales conditions and information displayed when booking, particularly regarding children under the age of 12.

Parque Ribeirinho Poente, Olhão’s new cultural setting

Olhão South Jazz 2026 will take place in a recently opened location that is already set to become one of the city’s most iconic spaces: Parque Ribeirinho Poente. Located at the western end of Olhão’s waterfront, this new park opens onto a vast natural landscape, with walking paths, relaxation areas and uninterrupted views across the Ria Formosa.

A new park between the city and the Ria Formosa

Opened in December 2025, Parque Ribeirinho Poente was created through the regeneration of a previously neglected area, transforming it into a welcoming and accessible public space. This new section of the waterfront now extends Olhão’s promenade and helps create a natural connection between the city, the marina, the salt marshes and the protected landscapes of the Ria Formosa.

The park has been designed for a wide range of everyday activities. It includes areas for walking, running and cycling, a children’s playground, plenty of benches and specially designed spots for birdwatching and enjoying the scenery. A dedicated performance area also makes it possible to host open-air cultural events, including the first edition of Olhão South Jazz.

For Olhão, this new space is much more than simply another promenade. It provides a new meeting place for residents, families and visitors, while highlighting the strong connection between the city, the Ria Formosa and its natural environment.

An ideal setting at sunset

The choice of Parque Ribeirinho Poente gives the festival an instantly recognisable identity. As the light begins to fade over the Ria Formosa, the landscape changes and becomes an integral part of the show. Reflections on the water, the open horizon and the colours of the sky create a particularly atmospheric setting for live music.

Unlike a concert held inside a closed venue, Olhão South Jazz will allow visitors to experience the music in direct connection with the local landscape. Audiences can arrive in the late afternoon, explore the different festival areas, enjoy the sunset and then continue the evening with concerts across both stages.

This connection between music, light and landscape is a reminder that the Ria Formosa is not simply a backdrop to Olhão. It plays a central role in the city’s identity and in the experience offered to visitors. The festival should therefore take on a different atmosphere as the evening unfolds, from the warmth of the late afternoon to concerts beneath the night sky.

Good to know: Parque Ribeirinho Poente is also worth visiting outside the festival. Its promenade, seating areas and views across the Ria Formosa make it a new place to include during a visit to Olhão.

Two stages and much more than live music

Olhão South Jazz 2026 will offer much more than a series of concerts. The festival has been designed as a complete experience, with two stages offering complementary atmospheres and several areas dedicated to relaxing, eating, drinking and discovering local projects.

Palco Principal

The Palco Principal will welcome the most eagerly awaited artists and bands of this first edition. Performers on the main stage will include Áurea, the Orquestra de Jazz do Algarve, Vânia Fernandes & Júlio Resende 4Teto and the Sara Badalo Jazz Quintet.

Created for the festival’s major performances, this stage will host the concerts expected to attract the widest audiences, while retaining the event’s elegant and welcoming identity. The natural setting of the Ria Formosa and the warm evening light should bring a special atmosphere to every performance.

Palco Cantaloupe

The Palco Cantaloupe will offer a closer and more intimate atmosphere. It will host the Cátia Ribeiro Trio on Friday 24 July and the Susana Travassos Trio on Saturday 25 July.

The name of this second stage is a direct reference to Cantaloupe, located near Olhão’s markets and known for many years for its regular jazz concerts. This partnership creates a natural connection between the festival and the city’s musical history, while offering visitors a different experience from the Palco Principal.

Lounge area, food and Ria Market

Between concerts, visitors can enjoy a lounge area designed for relaxing, meeting friends and making the most of the festival’s friendly atmosphere. A food zone, food trucks and a bar will also provide a range of options for eating and enjoying a drink on site.

The festival will also feature the Ria Market, an area dedicated to crafts, independent brands and local projects. This initiative will showcase Algarve creativity and give greater visibility to creators and entrepreneurs from across the region.

A photo spot and several entertainment areas will complete the festival site. The aim is to allow everyone to enjoy the event at their own pace, alternating between concerts, relaxing breaks, new discoveries and shared moments overlooking the Ria Formosa.

In short: with two stages, relaxing areas, food and drink options and a market showcasing local creators, Olhão South Jazz aims to offer much more than a simple open-air concert: a complete summer evening in one of Olhão’s most beautiful settings.

How to get to Olhão South Jazz

Parque Ribeirinho Poente is located on the western side of Olhão’s waterfront, beyond the marina and riverside area. Depending on where you are travelling from, the festival can be reached on foot, by car, train, bicycle or taxi.

Walking to the festival

From Olhão town centre, the markets or the marina, you can reach Parque Ribeirinho Poente by following the waterfront westwards. Walking is a good way to avoid the traffic and parking difficulties that often come with major summer events.

The walk is particularly pleasant in the early evening, when temperatures begin to fall and the light reflects across the Ria Formosa. Comfortable shoes are recommended, and it is worth checking the route before setting off.

Travelling by car and parking in Olhão

Visitors travelling to the festival by car should plan to arrive early, particularly on Friday and Saturday evening. As Parque Ribeirinho Poente is close to the marina and waterfront, nearby parking spaces may fill up quickly.

The best option is to park in one of the car parks or parking areas around Olhão town centre and complete the journey on foot. To explore the different options before arriving, read the complete guide to parking in Olhão.

Practical tip: parking close to the festival site cannot be guaranteed. Arriving early will reduce the time spent looking for a space and allow you to enjoy the start of the evening.

Travelling by train

Olhão railway station is served by the Algarve regional train line. Travelling by train is a convenient option for visitors coming from Faro, Tavira, Fuseta or other towns served by the same route.

From the station, you can continue to Parque Ribeirinho Poente on foot or by taxi. Before travelling, remember to check both the outward and return train times, particularly for the journey home, as the festival ends at midnight.

Getting to the festival from Faro and Faro Airport

From Faro, Olhão can be reached by regional train, car, taxi or a ride-hailing service such as Uber or Bolt. The train arrives directly in the town centre, while taxis and ride-hailing services may be able to drop visitors closer to Parque Ribeirinho Poente, depending on any traffic restrictions introduced around the festival site.

From Faro Airport, the most direct options are a taxi, Uber, Bolt or a hire car. Visitors using public transport will first need to travel to Faro city centre or railway station before continuing to Olhão.

Cycling to the festival

Cycling can be an excellent option for reaching the festival from Olhão or nearby areas. Parque Ribeirinho Poente lies beyond the waterfront promenade and can be reached using routes suited to walking and cycling.

Bringing a strong bicycle lock is recommended. It is also worth checking before the event whether dedicated cycle parking will be available. For the journey home after dark, front and rear lights are essential.

In short: walking, travelling by train or cycling are the best options for avoiding traffic whenever possible. When travelling by car, arrive early, park around Olhão town centre and walk to the festival site.

Tips for making the most of Olhão South Jazz

To fully enjoy Olhão South Jazz 2026, it is worth planning a few details before heading to Parque Ribeirinho Poente. The festival takes place outdoors, at the height of summer, in a large open space overlooking the Ria Formosa. Arriving in good time and taking a few simple precautions will help you enjoy the concerts in the best possible conditions.

Arrive early

The festival is scheduled to run from 6.00 pm to midnight. Arriving at the start of the evening gives you time to explore the site, locate both stages, the lounge area, food and drink options and the Ria Market. It is also the best time to enjoy the warm evening light and the sunset over the Ria Formosa.

Wear suitable clothing

Late afternoons in the Algarve are usually hot in July, but the proximity of the Ria Formosa can bring a light breeze once night falls. Lightweight clothing, comfortable shoes and a light jacket may therefore be useful for staying comfortable until the final concerts.

Plan your journey and parking in advance

The festival evenings are likely to attract plenty of visitors. Walking, travelling by train, cycling or using a taxi or ride-hailing service is therefore recommended whenever possible. Visitors arriving by car should plan to come early, park within a reasonable distance of the venue and complete the journey on foot.

Check the latest information before setting off

Exact performance times, access instructions and rules regarding permitted items may be announced or updated closer to the event. Before heading to the festival, remember to check the official ticket platform and the Olhão South Jazz social media pages.

Keep your ticket easy to access

Keep your ticket on your phone or print it before leaving. Each ticket allows one entry only to the festival site, so make sure you have everything you need before passing through the entrance.

Enjoy the festival at your own pace

Olhão South Jazz has been designed as an experience that goes beyond the concerts themselves. Take time to explore the different areas, discover the creators at the Ria Market, relax in the lounge area and enjoy the scenery between performances.

Respect the site and the Ria Formosa

Parque Ribeirinho Poente is located in a particularly sensitive natural environment. Using the bins provided, avoiding leaving any rubbish behind and respecting protected areas will help preserve this exceptional setting and support the organisation of future open-air events.

Amo-te Olhão’s tip: arrive in the late afternoon, take time to explore the park and find your spot before sunset. This is when the light, music and Ria Formosa landscape should come together to create one of the festival’s most memorable moments.

What to do in Olhão before or after the concerts

Olhão South Jazz 2026 can easily become the highlight of a full day in Olhão. Before heading to Parque Ribeirinho Poente, take the opportunity to explore the historic centre, the famous markets, the Ria Formosa or the islands just off the coast. After the concerts, the town-centre streets and outdoor terraces provide the perfect setting to continue the evening.

Explore Olhão’s historic centre

With its cubic houses, rooftop terraces and maze of narrow streets, Olhão’s historic centre has an identity unlike any other town in the Algarve. Take time to wander through the Barreta and Levante neighbourhoods, admire the traditional façades and discover the small squares hidden among the streets.

This walk is an excellent introduction to the town before heading to the festival. To plan your visit, explore the guide to Olhão, one of the Algarve’s most authentic destinations.

Visit Olhão’s markets

Housed in two iconic red-brick buildings beside the waterfront, Olhão’s markets are among the town’s must-see attractions. The fish market showcases the impressive variety of local seafood, while the second building is home to fruit, vegetables and regional specialities.

On Saturday mornings, the area around the markets is particularly lively, with local producers and traders setting up stalls outside. For visitors attending both days of the festival, this atmosphere offers an excellent way to begin Saturday 25 July.

Explore the Ria Formosa and its islands

Before an evening of jazz, why not spend a few hours exploring the Ria Formosa? Ferries and boats depart from Olhão harbour for the islands of Armona, Culatra and Farol, known for their beaches, traditional villages and unspoilt landscapes.

A boat trip, a walk around one of the islands or a few hours on the beach can fit perfectly into the day before the festival. Just make sure you plan your return early enough to reach Parque Ribeirinho Poente before the concerts begin.

Enjoy an activity departing from Olhão

Olhão offers plenty of ways to discover a different side of the Algarve: Ria Formosa excursions, birdwatching, boat trips, guided tours, tastings and outdoor nature experiences. These activities are an excellent way to complement the festival weekend with a deeper exploration of the town and its surroundings.

Have dinner or enjoy a drink in the town centre

The restaurants and outdoor terraces around the markets, marina and historic centre are ideal for lunch before the festival or for continuing the evening after the final concerts. Olhão is particularly well known for its fresh fish, seafood, petiscos and relaxed local restaurants.

On festival evenings, booking ahead is recommended whenever possible, particularly for the most popular restaurants. Visitors who prefer to eat at the festival can also make use of the food zone on site.

Stay in Olhão during the festival

Staying for one or more nights in Olhão allows you to enjoy both evenings without having to drive home after the concerts. It is also a chance to explore the town at a slower pace, visit the markets in the morning and spend a day discovering the islands of the Ria Formosa.

Suggested itinerary: begin the day at the markets and in the historic centre, have lunch near the waterfront, spend a few hours exploring the Ria Formosa, then head to Parque Ribeirinho Poente in the late afternoon to enjoy the sunset and the concerts.

From Notas Salgadas to Olhão South Jazz

Olhão South Jazz is not emerging from a musical vacuum. In August 2025, the Notas Salgadas concert series had already shown how naturally music could connect with Olhão’s landscapes. For one sunset performance, the Salinas do Grelha were transformed into an open-air stage welcoming pianist Júlio Resende and Portuguese guitarist Bruno Chaveiro.

With the project “Fado & Further”, the audience experienced a particularly intimate moment, blending fado, jazz, improvisation and the warm light of the late afternoon. In the stillness of the salt pans, the music seemed to merge with the landscape, creating one of those timeless moments Olhão does so well.

Olhão South Jazz 2026 naturally takes things to a much larger scale, with two festival days, two stages, several artists and a venue capable of welcoming a far bigger audience. Yet the same idea remains: to make the Ria Formosa much more than a simple backdrop and create events where music, light and landscape become part of one complete experience.

Júlio Resende’s presence in this first edition also creates a symbolic connection between the two events. After the intimate atmosphere of the salt pans in 2025, the Olhão-born pianist will return to perform for local audiences at Parque Ribeirinho Poente, this time alongside Vânia Fernandes for the show “My Favorite Songs”.

A shared identity is beginning to emerge: in Olhão, the landscape is never just a backdrop. It plays a central role in the emotion of the concert and in the way the music is experienced.

FAQ – Olhão South Jazz 2026

Dates, times, tickets, access, food and drink or ideas for exploring Olhão: here are the answers to the most common questions to help you plan your visit to the first edition of Olhão South Jazz.

Information may change: detailed performance times, access instructions, permitted items and certain practical arrangements may be confirmed closer to the event. This page will be updated whenever new official information is published.

A new music event to experience in Olhão

For its first edition, Olhão South Jazz brings together all the ingredients for a truly special summer event: a varied line-up, acclaimed artists, two stages, a new waterfront park overlooking the Ria Formosa and the warm evening light that gives Olhão its unique atmosphere.

On 24 and 25 July 2026, Parque Ribeirinho Poente will become a meeting point for music, landscape and outdoor living. Whether you are a dedicated jazz fan, a soul lover, curious to discover new artists or simply looking for a memorable summer evening in the Algarve, the festival promises an accessible, elegant and welcoming experience.

Olhão South Jazz is also an excellent opportunity to discover the town from a different perspective: wander through the historic centre, explore the markets, discover the Ria Formosa, visit the islands or extend your stay to fully enjoy the local atmosphere. The festival will therefore be more than simply an event to add to your diary: it is a genuine invitation to experience Olhão to the rhythm of live music.

Save the dates: 24 and 25 July 2026 at Parque Ribeirinho Poente for the first edition of Olhão South Jazz, overlooking the Ria Formosa.

Visit the festival’s official website

Olhão South Jazz 2026 artists on video

Júlio Resende

The Olhão pianist bringing jazz and fado together

Júlio Resende is a Portuguese pianist and composer born in Faro, but with deep ties to Olhão, where he grew up. Trained in jazz and improvisation, he has developed a distinctive body of work at the crossroads of jazz, fado, classical music and more contemporary sounds. His playing is characterised by a highly expressive approach to the piano, using it not only as an accompanying instrument, but also to make melodies sing like a true voice.

He gained widespread recognition with the album “Amália por Júlio Resende”, released in 2013, in which he reinterprets the repertoire of Amália Rodrigues on piano. He continued this exploration with “Fado & Further”, followed by several projects blending Portuguese tradition with the freedom of jazz. At Olhão South Jazz 2026, he will share the stage with Vânia Fernandes and his 4Teto for the show “My Favorite Songs”, in the town closest to his heart.

Orquestra de Jazz do Algarve

The big band keeping jazz alive in southern Portugal

Founded in 2004 as part of the Lagos Jazz festival, the Orquestra de Jazz do Algarve is a large ensemble inspired by the great jazz big bands of the past. Created by trumpeter, musical director and producer Hugo Alves, it brings together nearly twenty musicians and focuses its work on three main areas: live performances, music education and event production.

Over the years, the orchestra has performed with many Portuguese and international artists, including Jane Monheit, Silje Nergaard, Rick Margitza, Vânia Fernandes and Ola Onabulé. At Olhão South Jazz 2026, it will be joined by Raul Reyes and Osvaldo Pegudo to present “Caribe Libre”, a show where the power of orchestral arrangements meets the rhythms, colours and energy of Caribbean music.

Susana Travassos

An Algarve voice connecting Portugal, Brazil and Latin America

Susana Travassos is a singer and songwriter born in Faro and raised in Vila Real de Santo António. She began learning the accordion at a very young age, before going on to study piano, classical singing and jazz at the Hot Clube de Portugal in Lisbon. Her artistic career has developed between Portugal and Latin America, particularly Brazil, where she lived for several years and created a repertoire strongly shaped by exchanges between Portuguese-speaking cultures.

After “Oi Elis”, dedicated to the music of Elis Regina, she recorded “Tejo-Tietê” with Brazilian composer Chico Saraiva, followed by “Pássaro Palavra”, a project combining original compositions with previously unreleased songs by Luísa Sobral, Melody Gardot and Mili Vizcaíno. Her music brings together fado, Portuguese song, Latin American music, tango and jazz in a highly personal style. At Olhão South Jazz 2026, she will perform as part of a trio on the Palco Cantaloupe during the festival’s second evening.