For more than five centuries, Évora has held a great fair around the feast of São João. Today the Feira de São João is one of the largest popular festivals in the Alentejo, with concerts, crafts, local produce and the region's food, on warm summer evenings.
Dates for 2027 are still to be confirmed. The fair opens on 23 June and runs for about two weeks; in 2026 it ran from 23 June to 5 July. We will update this page when the municipality publishes the programme.
What to expect
The fair spreads around the Rossio de São Brás and the public garden, just outside the city walls. There are concerts by Portuguese artists, an exhibition of Alentejo crafts and businesses, and the tasquinhas, temporary taverns serving migas, black pork, cheese and regional wine. Entry to the fairground is free.
The city itself is the other reason to go: the Roman temple, the cathedral, the Chapel of Bones and the white streets of the historic centre, all a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
How to get there from Lisbon
Évora is about 135 km east of Lisbon, around 1h30 by car. Summer days in the Alentejo are hot, so the best plan is to see the monuments in the morning, rest over a long lunch, and enjoy the fair in the evening. A private driver makes that rhythm easy and brings you back to Lisbon when you are ready.
Our Évora and Alentejo day trip can include a wine estate and finish at the fair. A certified guide can join for +120€ (full day) per group.
Suggested route
- Évora's historic centre in the morning: the Roman temple, the cathedral roof and the Chapel of Bones.
- An Alentejo wine estate for lunch and a tasting.
- The fair in the evening, when the heat breaks.
Good to know
- Temperatures in late June can pass 35 °C. Hats, water and shade.
- Monuments close earlier than the fair; plan visits before 17:00.
- Monument tickets are not included in our tours.
Frequently asked questions
When is the São João Fair in Évora in 2027?
It traditionally opens on 23 June and runs for about two weeks. The 2027 programme has not been published yet; in 2026 it ran from 23 June to 5 July.
Is the fair free?
Entry to the fairground has been free in recent editions.
How far is Évora from Lisbon?
About 135 km, around 1h30 by car.
Plan your trip to São João Fair, Évora
Tell us your date and group. We reply by email within 24 hours with a route and a confirmed price. No payment is needed to enquire.
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Sources and official information: Municipality of Évora. Dates and programmes can change; always check the official sources before you travel.
