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Óbidos's major events change parking, accommodation demand and how the narrow village streets work. This calendar lists the 2026 dates and marks which events are finished and which are still ahead.
As of 21 October 2026, the chocolate festival, medieval market, SIPO piano festival, opera festival and FÓLIO have finished. The only major event left this year is Óbidos Vila Natal, which opens on 27 November.
2026 Calendar at a Glance
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| Event | 2026 dates | Status on October 21 |
|---|---|---|
| International Chocolate Festival | March 6–22, Fridays–Sundays | Finished |
| Óbidos Medieval Market | July 16–26 | Finished |
| SIPO piano festival | June 26–August 4 (Óbidos, Caldas da Rainha and Lisbon) | Finished |
| Óbidos opera festival | September 5–20 | Finished |
| FÓLIO literary festival | October 8–18 | Finished |
| Óbidos Vila Natal | November 27, 2026–January 3, 2027 | Upcoming |
Chocolate Festival: March 6–22
The 2026 festival ran Fridays through Sundays from 10:00 to 21:00, with last entry at 20:00. Adult entry (age 12 and over) was €10 and children aged 3–11 paid €8. The festival is held each March; 2027 dates have not been announced.
Medieval Market: July 16–26
The 2026 market ran 16–26 July, with evening opening Monday to Thursday (from 17:00), later closings on Friday and Saturday, and daytime opening from 11:00 on weekends. A day ticket cost €12 for adults and €8 for children aged 4–11. It is held every mid-July; 2027 dates have not been announced.
Opera Festival and SIPO
The Óbidos opera festival ran 5–20 September 2026 under the theme “Luz e Trevas”, with Rossini’s La Cenerentola among the staged works. The SIPO international piano festival ran 26 June to 4 August 2026, with concerts in Óbidos, Caldas da Rainha and Lisbon.
FÓLIO: October 8–18
The 11th FÓLIO international literary festival ran 8–18 October 2026 with the theme “Para além da pele”. It is held every October, so the next edition should fall in mid-October 2027.
Vila Natal: November 27 to January 3
Óbidos Vila Natal runs from 27 November 2026 to 3 January 2027. The 2025 edition charged about €10 for adults; 2026 prices have not been published. See the Vila Natal guide for planning details.
How Events Change an Óbidos Visit
Book accommodation earlier, arrive before peak entry periods and expect temporary traffic controls. A festival ticket does not necessarily cover every workshop or attraction. If the event is not your priority, choose a non-event weekday for easier streets and use the standard itinerary planner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Óbidos festivals are still ahead in 2026?
Only Óbidos Vila Natal, which runs from 27 November 2026 to 3 January 2027. The chocolate festival, medieval market, opera festival and FÓLIO have all finished.
When is the Óbidos Chocolate Festival?
It is held each March. In 2026 it ran 6–22 March, Friday to Sunday only.
Do festivals require tickets?
The Chocolate Festival and Medieval Market charge for entry (€10 and €12 for adults in 2026), while the rest of the village stays open to the public.
Does parking change during festivals?
Yes. Expect temporary traffic controls and busier car parks outside the walls on festival weekends.