Congratulations, Lisbon — you survived spooky season. Barely. The fake blood has dried, your vampire cape smells like regret, and the only thing haunting you now is your credit card bill. But fear not: November isn’t here to rest. It’s here to confuse, inspire, and occasionally electrify you (literally — see below). From dragons and documentaries to ethical think tanks and baroque Porsches, the city’s got more going on than a telenovela plotline.
Let’s see what’s cooking other than street-side chestnuts.
Nov 1–2 | ZOO PARTY | Halloween at the Jardim Zoológico | 14h–18h | 17–21€
If your Halloween wasn’t wild enough, the Lisbon Zoo’s got more in store with two extra days of costumed chaos — and this time the animals are in on it. Expect kids, Komodo dragons, and guided tours that debunk every “deadly creature” myth you’ve ever screamed about. It’s all about showing the softer side of snakes and the PR-friendly version of bats. Details can be found here.
Nov 7–16 | FILM FESTIVAL | LEFFEST | Various | 3€
LEFFEST returns for its 19th edition — a 10-day art-house bacchanal for film lovers who like their cinema moody, multilingual, and preferably directed by someone with an unpronounceable last name. Expect screenings, panels, and cinematic heavyweights (past guests include Coppola, Lynch, and Huppert). Basically, it’s Lisbon’s nod to Cannes, minus the yacht parties. Check the full lineup here.
Nov 9, 16, 24 | WORKSHOP | Don’t Wake the Dragon | MAAT | 11h30 | 11€
There’s a dragon napping inside MAAT, and your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to sneak past it while building an electrical circuit. You’ll wire, screw, and test your way through the workshop without waking the beast. It’s STEM education meets stealth training. Suitable for kids over 6 and adults who still play Operation. Get zapped here- if there’s still space.
Nov 11 | EXHIBITION OPENING PARTY | Pedro Casqueiro: Detour | MAAT | 18h30–21h | FREE (w/ registration)
If you’ve ever wondered what happens when you give a painter free rein in a power plant, now’s your chance to find out. MAAT unveils Detour, Pedro Casqueiro’s latest visual labyrinth, complete with a pre-party artist talk at 17h. Bring your curiosity and your best “contemplative nod” face. RSVP to: visitar.maat@edp.pt
Nov 11 | MUSIC SKETCHING | Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation | 18h15 – 21h30 | €20
Ever wanted to sketch to a live soundtrack? Here’s your chance. Music Sketching lets you draw live during the Gulbenkian Orchestra and Choir’s rehearsal — where every note, pause, and chord becomes a muse for your pencil. It’s part concert, part art class, where practice makes perfect and inspiration is guaranteed. Bring your own sketchbook and tools! Buy tickets here.
Nov 21 | FILM | Led Zeppelin: The Birth of a Legend | Mouraria Creative Hub | 21h | FREE
Get the Led out — literally. As part of the “Culture Around the Corner” documentary series, Mouraria Creative Hub screens this ode to the loudest legends in rock. Expect vintage footage, questionable hair, and the faint smell of patchouli. Air guitars encouraged, lip syncing discouraged. Go on and belt it. Read more here.
to Nov 23 | THEATER | Brazilian Theater Showcase | Chapitô | 12€
Chapitô keeps things dramatic (as if the view from the terrace weren’t enough) with a showcase of Brazilian theater — five shows, 13 performances, and more talent than a Rio carnival rehearsal. Expect everything from family sagas to political satire, all powered by the kind of energy only Brazilians can sustain without a shot of espresso. Get the program here.
Nov 29–30 | SUSTAINABILITY EVENT | Ethical Assembly 2025 | from 29€
The Ethical Assembly returns to Lisbon to prove that saving the planet can actually be sexy. Expect panels, workshops, and conversations on topics including circular design, smart cities, ocean health and more — all served by scientists, activists, and start-up founders who probably compost their own business cards. It’s TED Talk meets climate emergency, minus the doom spiral. Join the movement.
to Nov 24 | FILM FESTIVAL | Diane Keaton Cycle | Cinema Nimas | Various times | €5–8
Annie Hall forever. Cinema Nimas is dedicating the month to the late, great Diane Keaton — actress, icon, and chaos in a power suit. Catch her best work with Woody Allen on the big screen, including Annie Hall, Manhattan, Manhattan Murder Mystery, and Interiors — all in glorious 4K where applicable (and all the neurotic charm you can handle). Get your tickets here.
to Nov 30 | ART EXHIBIT | Joana Vasconcelos: Drag Race | Museu de Artes Decorativas Portuguesas | 10€
Joana Vasconcelos is at it again — this time turning a Porsche 911 Targa Carrera into a baroque bombshell of gilded wood and red feathers. It’s part rococo, part RuPaul, and 100% Portuguese excess. Expect top-tier craftsmanship, heavy symbolism, and probably the most fabulous car you’ll ever see that isn’t parked outside Elefante Branco. IYKYK. Read more here.
to Dec 1 | MUSIC FESTIVAL | Misty Fest | Various Locations Misty Fest 2025 is back to soundtrack your November mood swings — from cozy jazz to globe-trotting folk to the kind of experimental stuff that makes you question your playlist choices (in a good way). Catch world-class acts and homegrown heroes across Lisbon’s best venues, all under the moody glow of fall. Check the lineup and venues here before the mist clears.
