The best things to do in Cascais in July

July remains the big month for Ageas Cool Jazz in Cascais. As always, the Hipódromo Manuel Possolo and Parque Marechal Carmona are transformed into a laid-back festival haven for several summer nights. This year’s line-up brings a mix of soul, jazz, R&B and indie to the coast, with headliners including Benjamin Clementine (4 July), Seal (12 July), Ezra Collective and Jordan Rakei (15 July), Gilsons and Jota.pê (17 July), Slow J (23 July), Tindersticks (26 July) and Masego (31 July). Expect opening acts, DJs, and more throughout the month – the full programme is available in our complete Time Out Cascais guide.

More than 150 racing cars — from sleek modern machines to roaring classics — are gearing up for the Estoril Summer Party by NAPA, taking over the Autódromo do Estoril on the weekend of 12 and 13 July, courtesy of Race Ready. The headline race this year is the Briston Classic Cup, featuring vehicles homologated or built between 1950 and 1999. Expect to see legendary models like the Porsche 911 RSR, Ford Mustang, and various generations of the BMW 3 Series battling it out on the track. The weekend will also include a single-seaters race, a classic car showdown, and a Formula Vee exhibition, plus plenty of trackside action. Access to the paddock, where you can meet drivers and join in on the fun, costs €15 for the full weekend or €10 for a single day.

Summer nights in Cascais wouldn’t be complete without a stroll through the Feira do Artesanato. In 2025, this iconic craft fair celebrates its 60th edition, running all the way until 24 August at the usual spot – the FIARTIL in Estoril, which, fittingly, lends the event its name. Expect two full months of traditional crafts, regional food, live music, cultural performances and plenty of entertainment. Hundreds of artisans and vendors from across Portugal will once again set up shop to showcase their handmade goods. And if you get peckish, there’ll be three full-service restaurants – but the real stars are the wood-fired chouriço bread, steaming caldo verde, and, of course, the classic farturas.

Cascais Fitness Sunset is back to turn golden hour into a high-energy workout session. On Saturday 12 July, from 7pm to midnight, the Marina will host a series of outdoor community classes – from pilates and power jump to bodycombat and zumba – all with a stunning sea view. It’s free and no sign-up needed – just show up in your workout gear, bring a bottle of water, and get ready to sweat as the sun sets. Summer fitness, Cascais-style.

On hot July days, daytime hikes might not sound all that tempting – but night-time walks? That’s a different story. Hike Land has just the plan: a full moon hike on 10 July, taking in the coastal trails of Guincho, Abano and the Cresmina Dune, all under the moonlight and cool Atlantic breeze. It’s a 6km route, and spots cost €10 (bookings must be made online). A summer stroll with a silver glow.

During the months it's open at the Parque Urbano da Quinta de Rana, the João Pedro Cardoso da Conceição Butterfly Garden regularly runs activities – often geared towards kids. One of the most imaginative? A Pokémon-themed workshop that calls on fans of the iconic creatures to discover their real-life insect inspirations. From metamorphosis to camouflage, this is a fun and hands-on way to learn about nature’s most fascinating transformations. Open to children aged 6 and up, with online registration required.

Just weeks away from celebrating her 60th birthday – on 28 July – Daniela Mercury is making a stop at Casino Estoril on Thursday 3 July for a concert that promises to be a joyful celebration of Brazilian culture, MPB and samba rhythms. Expect a high-energy performance packed with classics like “Nobre Vagabundo”, “O Canto da Cidade” and “A Primeira Vista”. Tickets are still available, starting at €30.

Following exhibitions dedicated to photographers Nicholas Nixon, Ruth Orkin and Rodney Smith, the Fundação D. Luís I now turns its focus to painting, bringing to Cascais a retrospective of 50 years of artistic career by Spanish painter Eduardo Arroyo (Madrid, 1937–2018), widely regarded as one of the leading figures of 20th-century art in Spain. The works on display explore social and political themes, present from the very beginning of his artistic journey – an era marked by his exile in Paris. Throughout the exhibition, Arroyo’s signature irony shines through every canvas.

Every month, Cascais FoodLab hosts live showcooking sessions at the Mercado da Vila, always on Wednesdays to coincide with the traditional Mercado Saloio. In July, there are two dates to mark in the diary: on the 2nd, the star ingredient is clams, and on the 9th, it’s sea lettuce taking the spotlight. Local chefs will prepare inventive recipes using each featured ingredient, showcasing their versatility before offering tasters to curious onlookers. Please note: after 12 July, Cascais FoodLab will pause its regular programming, as the space it occupies inside the market is set to undergo renovation work.