O Sounds of Time is one of the most emblematic festivals dedicated exclusively to Portuguese music. It takes place in Arcos de Valdevez, at House of Arts, and is traditionally the first festival of the year in Portugal. In 2026, it celebrates almost a quarter of a century of history.
The 2026 Festival takes place over 8 Saturdays, between: February 7 and March 28, 2026 All concerts start at 22h00.
The full line-up includes 14 artists who will be performing on eight nights:
February 7th: -Tiago Bettencourt - Rui Fernandes Quartet
February 14th: - Retimbrar - Man in Catharsis
February 21st: - Milhanas - Daniela Galhoz
28 February: - Not the Girl - Amy Rigby
March 7th: - Carlão
March 14th: - PAUS - MONCHMONCH
March 21st: - Best Youth - Ardours
March 28th: - Delfins
The highlights of the issue, are of course the return of notable names such as Tiago Bettencourt, Carlão e Delphi. A strong focus on the diversity of contemporary Portuguese music, in an intimate and intergenerational atmosphere, characteristic of Casa das Artes.
O Sounds of Time 2026 will once again fill Arcos de Valdevez with music, culture and energy between February and March, with eight nights dedicated to the best of Portuguese music. At the Casa das Artes, audiences will experience intense, close-up and unforgettable concerts.
And because Sons de Vez is about more than music, the region offers unique experiences:
• Rails in the Peneda-Gerês National Park;
• Walks by the River Vez;
• Authentic Minho cuisine;
• A historical heritage that invites you to discover every corner of the town. A Festival to feel, explore and taste.
Proposal for a Complete Tourist Guide: Sons de Vez + Arcos de Valdevez
- The Festival: Held at Casa das Artes, eight nights of concerts between February 7 and March 28, 2026, in an intimate setting, with 100% Portuguese programming and top artists.
- Nature and Landscape - Peneda-Gerês National Park: Emblematic trails (Mezio, Soajo, Porta do Lindoso); Natural lagoons and impressive viewpoints; Preserved traditional villages. - River Vez and riverside areas: Ecovia do Vez (ideal for walking or cycling); River beaches and leisure areas; Canoeing and paddle-boarding in peaceful surroundings.
- Gastronomy: Arroz de sarrabulho, carne cachena, rojões, truta do Vez; Local products: honey, cheeses, sausages, vinho verde; Restaurants that value traditional Minho cuisine.
- Culture and Heritage: Historic center with churches, bridges and manor houses; Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Peneda; Villages of Soajo and Sistelo (the “little Portuguese Tibet”).
- Leisure and Activities: Mountain biking, trails, guided walks; Local markets and handicrafts; Complementary cultural program at Casa das Artes.
Proposal for 1 and 2 day programs
1-day program: Music + Nature
Morning: Tour of Ecovia do Vez (Arcos → Vilela section); Café in the historic center
Lunch: Typical restaurant with sarrabulho or trout
Afternoon: Visit to Soajo or Sistelo; Viewpoint and landscape photography
Evening: Concert of the Sounds of Time at Casa das Artes
Accommodation: www.CarvalhaHouse.pt Visit our website!... Check out our offers!...
- 2-day program: Total immersion:
- Day 1 - Culture and Flavors:
Tour of the historic center; Visit to the House of Arts; Gastronomic lunch regional; Afternoon in Sistelo (walkways and terraces); Dinner in the center; Festival concert www.CarvalhaHouse.pt Visit our website!...
- Day 2 - Nature and Adventure:
Morning at Peneda-Gerês National Park (Porta do Mezio); Short trail or interpretative visit; Lunch in Soajo; Relaxing afternoon by the River Vez; Return with a stop for local products; Pick up at www.CarvalhaHouse.pt Check out our offers!...
Come and be surprised!
