Silves Medieval Fair 2026
Step back in time for Medieval fun
Local PickEvent
The annual Medieval Fair in the historical town of Silves is one of the biggest and the best summer festivals in the Algarve, and it's back in 2026 from 7th to 15th August.
This colourful and vibrant festival centres around Silves Castle and takes over most of the town. It attracts visitors from all over the world who come to dress in Medieval costumes, eat and drink Medieval fare, cheer on jousting knights, dance to Medieval music and enjoy the atmosphere. A great event for all the family - not to be missed!
The town of Silves is the old Moorish capital of the Algarve. The red stone castle sits above the town, with narrow cobbled streets leading down towards the Arade River. It's the perfect setting for a Medieval Fair. Within the old city walls, neon signs and electric lighting is turned off, pigs are cooked on the spit over open fires and served on pottery tiles, beer is served in earthenware mugs, minstrels wander the streets and knights joust for victory.
Highlights include:
The mystical atmosphere of the Medieval Fair begins daily at 6:00 PM with the Medieval Procession, where participants dressed in elaborate costumes will parade through the streets of the Medina and the Outskirts.
War Games with jousting knights on horseback happen every day at 8:00 PM and 10:30 PM in Al-Mut’amid Square.
Medieval Banquet at the Vizir's Table - new for 2026! An opportunity to enjpy a feast at he high table of the city's ruling elite.
Opening Times:
Tickets:
Tickets are available at the gate and online.
Banquet tickets must be purchased in advance
The Silves Medieval Fair is very popular so expect it to be busy. It gets particularly busy from 9pm onwards. Parking is on the outer streets of the town or in unsurfaced parking areas (expect dust!). Silves is a hilly town and the cobbled streets can be tricky underfoot – trainers or low sandals are the best footwear.
This colourful and vibrant festival centres around Silves Castle and takes over most of the town. It attracts visitors from all over the world who come to dress in Medieval costumes, eat and drink Medieval fare, cheer on jousting knights, dance to Medieval music and enjoy the atmosphere. A great event for all the family - not to be missed!
The town of Silves is the old Moorish capital of the Algarve. The red stone castle sits above the town, with narrow cobbled streets leading down towards the Arade River. It's the perfect setting for a Medieval Fair. Within the old city walls, neon signs and electric lighting is turned off, pigs are cooked on the spit over open fires and served on pottery tiles, beer is served in earthenware mugs, minstrels wander the streets and knights joust for victory.
Highlights include:
The mystical atmosphere of the Medieval Fair begins daily at 6:00 PM with the Medieval Procession, where participants dressed in elaborate costumes will parade through the streets of the Medina and the Outskirts.
War Games with jousting knights on horseback happen every day at 8:00 PM and 10:30 PM in Al-Mut’amid Square.
Medieval Banquet at the Vizir's Table - new for 2026! An opportunity to enjpy a feast at he high table of the city's ruling elite.
Opening Times:
- From 7th to 15th August 2026, from 6pm to 1am
Tickets:
- Entry ticket: €2 per person or €4 per person including a Medieval Festival mug
- Entry plus War Games: €6 per person
- Free Access throughout the Festival: €4 (pre-sale) or (€5 at the gate)
- Banquet: €45 per adult | €30 per child - seats are limited, advance booking is essential
Tickets are available at the gate and online.
Banquet tickets must be purchased in advance
- Click LEARN MORE to visit the Festival site for full details and to pre-buy tickets.
The Silves Medieval Fair is very popular so expect it to be busy. It gets particularly busy from 9pm onwards. Parking is on the outer streets of the town or in unsurfaced parking areas (expect dust!). Silves is a hilly town and the cobbled streets can be tricky underfoot – trainers or low sandals are the best footwear.
Available Dates
August 20269 dates
Frequently Asked Questions
The Silves Medieval Fair is an annual summer festival held in the historical town of Silves, Algarve, featuring Medieval-themed activities around Silves Castle.
The Silves Medieval Fair 2026 runs from August 7th to August 15th.
The festival takes place throughout the old town of Silves in the Algarve, centered on Silves Castle and the surrounding narrow cobbled streets.
The festival is open to all visitors, welcoming families and Medieval enthusiasts from around the world.
Wearing Medieval costumes is encouraged but not mandatory for attendees at the Silves Medieval Fair. Costumes for adults and children are available for hire at the festival.
Activities include jousting shows, Medieval music, traditional food and drink, dancing, and markets around Silves Castle.
Yes, the festival offers family-friendly entertainment and activities suitable for children.
Silves is accessible by car and public transport from other parts of the Algarve region. Parking is available on the towns outer roads, municipal car park and at unsurfaced parking areas open especially for the festival
Entry details and ticketing vary; check the official festival website for current information.
Yes, the fair offers a variety of Medieval-style food and drink typical of the Algarve region.
