Music & Theatre
Being a European capital, Lisbon has its fair share of classical concerts, with touring companies often visiting the city. The most important events are organised in the Belém Cultural Centre or the open-air auditorium and concert hall of the Gulbenkian Foundation (found next to the museum) where the Gulbenkian Orchestra and Gulbenkian Choir are permanent fixtures.
Lisbon is also well known for its classical music concerts held in some of the city's churches in summer. The local press gives details, but the best known are the churches of São Roque (Saturdays), Carmo and the Sé.
Lisbon 's largest theatre is the Belém Cultural Centre , a modern centre for the arts only built in the 1980s. As well as the main auditorium, there is a smaller theatre and a studio sized venue both of which host smaller performances.
Special Events
February
At the beginning of February, Lisbon plays host to a musical and cultural exchange, during the ten day Festival das Músicas e dos Portos, (The Music and Harbours Festival). Each year, Lisbon invites a city port to exchange their music and culture. In 2001, the city came to life with the sounds of Jazz and Blues from New Orleans . As well as paying homage to the music and culture of another city port, the festival is a celebration of "Fado", Lisbon 's traditional folk music. An enormous variety of events take place alongside the extensive music programme and you are well advised to book accommodation in advance, as thousands of people flock to the cityApril 
The Portugal Half Marathon has been run since 1990. The route follows the River Tagus and ends at the Mosterio dos Jerónimos in Belém. If you're feeling energetic, then the marathon provides a good opportunity to see a few of the city's sights
June
One of the best times to visit Lisbon , is during the Festos dos Santos Populares , when every street in the city is decorated in celebration of the patron saints of Lisbon . There is music and dancing all over the city and each district holds street parades. During this time, the people of Lisbon traditionally exchange pots of Basil and poem bearing carnations, as a sign of affection.
June/July
Lisbon Pride, the annual celebration for the gay and lesbian community, starts on the fourth Sunday of every June and encompasses a week of debates, films, exhibitions and theatre. The festival culminates in a huge open-air party, with DJs and drag queens to entertain the crowds of over 10000 people.
July - September
The BAIXAnima Street festival takes place every weekend from July to September in the Baixa quarter of the city. You can enjoy street entertainment, music, theatre, circus acts and dance and it is all free. Performances take place between 16h00-18h00.
August
The Ocean Festival, which starts on the 2nd Saturday of every August, pays homage to Lisbon and provides a real insight into the city. The festival programme includes exhibitions, film screenings, literary events and performances as well as a locally
December
New Year's Eve, or Noite Mágica , as it is known in Portugal , is a time for great revelry in Lisbon . Celebrations start at 10h00 on 31st December and last well into the following morning. The streets are ablaze with lights and there are parties in the hotels and on throughout the streets. The focal point of the celebrations is the Torre de Belém, where there will be Portuguese bands and a spectacular firework display.
Family Fun
Lisbon is not all about shopping, eating and partying. It serves as a gateway to the region but also has many family attractions in its own right;
• Lisbon Oceanarium – is a great day out. Originally built in 1898 to celebrate 400 years since Vasco da Gama's voyage, it contains upwards of 25,000 animals from all strata of ocean life. Open daily from 10.00am – 8.00pm in the summer and 10am – 7.00pm in the winter.
• Jardim Zoologico de Lisboa (Lisbon Zoo) – Set across 65-acres, Jardim Zoologico de Lisboa has all the visitor would expect from a major city zoo. It is more expensive than the oceanarium but its size ensures that the kids won't get bored in a hurry. It opens from 10.00am to 8.00pm in the summer and from 120.00am to 6.00pm in the winter.
• Calouste Gulbenkian Planetarium – Part of the Maritime Museum , the Planetarium is a fascinating experience for children and adults alike. Tours run at 4.00pm on weekdays and at 3.30pm at the weekend.
