Lisbon hosts many festivals throughout the year to celebrate its culture and heritage. Lisbon festivals celebrate old and new and highlight the city's contributions to popular culture.

The new year kicks off in Lisbon with a large New Year's festival. The events are held at Comercio Square and the Vasco da Gama Bridge on the banks of the Tagus River. Popular music and fireworks are the primary attractions.

ModaLisboa, the city's fashion week, is held in March and October each year.

The month of April brings the Fish Festival, to highlight Lisbon's waterfront and industry. The festival is held in Nations Park and consists of demonstrations and, yes, tastings. The festival lasts for a full week. Tickets are available for the day, weekend or the entire week.

The Independent Film Festival is held in April and May each year. The screenings take place throughout the winter and early spring and are shown again during the April festival dates. Area bands are also highlighted during the festival's 2 weeks.

Rock in Rio Lisboa, a well known rock festival, is held at the end of May every 2 years. Chart-topping bands highlight the festival, which is held in Parque da Bela Vista. The concerts were originally held in Rio de Janeiro but were moved to Lisbon.

There is a variety of street festivals and parades throughout the summer, particularly during the evenings. These are held primarily in the historic district. One of the most popular is Santos Populares, which is a tribute to St. Anthony. The feast includes drinking and dancing in the streets.

The Festival des Oceanos is held in August and showcases the 7 seas by way of computers, technology, and Lisbon's contemporary music scene. It is held in the Tagus River area.

Jazz em Agosto is a jazz festival held in an amphitheater. It is sponsored by the Gulbenkian Foundation and features performances during the month of August.

ExperimentDesign runs from September to November every other year. It highlights modern architecture and design and features a variety of lectures and exhibits throughout the fall.

MOTELx, a festival dedicated to horror films, is held in September. There is also a Gay and Lesbian Film Festival in September. A festival dedicated entirely to documentaries, DOCLISBOA, is held in October.

ARTE LISBOA, a contemporary art show, is held in Nations Park during the month of November.