August begins with the exciting finale of the Madeira Rally (Rali da Madeira) on 1 August, while Machico Gastronomic Week, which began on 31 July, continues until 9 August. If you are looking to sample authentic eastern Madeiran cuisine, then Machico is the place to be. Also continuing into August is São Vicente‘s Nossa Senhora da Saúde (Arraial dos Lameiros Festival), which runs until 3 August.
Madeiratravel guide
From 5 to 15 August, Monte will be holding its traditional Nossa Senhora do Monte Festival. This popular event begins with traditional Novenas/Masses (5th to 13th), with the main celebration following on the 14th and 15th, combining religious observance with live entertainment, fun, and food. This is a must-see event.
Santacurtas – Santa Cruz will be showcasing a myriad of short films at its Friday night Film Festival evenings 7, 14, 21 and 28 August.
Taking a slightly more relaxed feel, the Black Scabbardfish Gastronomic Festival (Festa Gastronómica do Peixe Espada Preto) from 6 to 9 August in Câmara de Lobos promises not only to be entertaining but shows the versatility of the islands most famous fish as well as giving visitors a glimpse behind the scenes of Madeira’s fishing industry.
‘Arts Camacha‘ will be held in Camacha from 7 to 13 August, with the parish celebrating its local traditions and customs, including folklore, embroidery and musical entertainment.
Festival A’NORTE brings four days of music, joy, and vibrant energy to Santana, Madeira Island from 13 to 16 August. A lively summer experience for everyone.
The Caniço Gastronomy Festival takes place in the town square from 14 to 20 August, comprising musical entertainment and plenty of food stalls, so there is something for everyone to enjoy.
On 19 and 26 August, Estalagem da Ponta do Sol will host another edition of “Concertos L,” a series of concerts that blend traditional and contemporary musical styles with Portuguese and international music.
The Ponta do Sol Traditional and Popular Culture Week, taking place from 20 to 22 August, feature cultural traditions, folk music, and entertainment, including the International Folklore Festival on 22 August. Dancing holds immense significance in Madeiran culture, blending influences from mainland traditions, Moorish slaves, Arab melodies, and European elements. The festival fills Ponta do Sol with vibrant music, singing, and dancing from local and international folklore groups, along with traditional food and drink.
Funchal celebrates its day in style on 21 August as the city centre revels in its history and has fun at the same time. The main performances will take place in Avenida do Mar and Avenida Arriaga, and as always there will be plenty of good entertainment peppered with a few official events.
If you are planning a trip to Porto Santo, 21 August is ideal because the island celebrates its own Wine Harvest Festival and although most of the grapes produced are for eating, Porto Santo has created some lovely table wines.
North of the island, the popular Festival of São Vicente, held from 22 to 30 August, features a weeklong event filled with activities and entertainment. Among the highlights is the thrilling Super Trial 4X4 São Vicente (22–23 August), where participants from both local and mainland Portugal showcase their skills in tackling challenging terrain.
This is a must-see if you would like to do something different. On 23 August, Funchal will be hosting the Madeiran Traditional Canoes Regatta. These fishing vessels sail along a 2.5 km course from Funchal Harbour to Barreirinha in the Old Town.
The Funchal Municipal Gardens Auditorium will host European Folklore Week from 23 to 27 August, commemorating six centuries of culture, dance, and music. Madeira’s unique folklore, combined with local and European groups, promises an exciting week of lively performances.
The highlight of the month is, of course, the Madeira Wine Festival, which takes place both in Câmara de Lobos and Funchal from 23 August to 13 September. This iconic celebration has Funchal adorned with all things grape and wine-related, giving visitors the chance to experience a little piece of Madeira’s wine history.
The Festival in Honour of Our Lady of Help (Nossa Senhora da Ajuda), held 28–30 August, brings people together with delicious local food, lively entertainment, and a joyful atmosphere that celebrates tradition and community spirit.
On 29–30 August, Machico lights up with the vibrant Festa do Santíssimo Sacramento (Blessed Sacrament) and the dramatic Festa dos Fachos (29). Witness fiery torch displays, live music, local food, and heartfelt traditions in a spectacular weekend of celebration and culture.
From 31 August to 13 September, the Madeira Wine Lounge at Praça do Povo in Funchal invites you to sample the wide variety of fortified wines, table wines, liqueurs, and still wines that the island produces. Visitors can also enjoy local gastronomy and live music, making it a charming and festive experience.
All that’s left to say is ‘let’s get the party started!’