Coimbra's CEM PORTAS weekend offers 11 free cultural events
Convento São Francisco opens its programme from 4 to 6 September with dance, puppetry, music, sound art and family performances. Entry is free, but tickets must be collected in advance.
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Archived 31 August 2026Residents and visitors can plan a low-cost cultural weekend in Coimbra, provided they secure the required tickets rather than assuming that free means walk-in entry.
- CEM PORTAS runs from 4 to 6 September at Convento São Francisco.
- All 11 activities are free, with advance ticket collection from 28 August.
- The programme includes collective dance, puppet theatre, a Bambi cine-concert, sound-art performances and a Nancy Vieira concert.
A weekend designed to open the venue to the city
Friday begins with collective Portuguese dancing and a solo cello recital. Saturday adds traditional Dom Roberto puppetry, a live musical performance accompanying the animated film Bambi, and an outdoor clown and mask-theatre show.
Sunday continues the puppet programme and closes with Cape Verdean singer Nancy Vieira. Sound installations, a guided visit and performances linked to the Dar a Ouvir programme run through the weekend.
Free entry still needs a ticket
Tickets can be collected from the Convento São Francisco box office from Friday 28 August. Check the age guidance, venue and start time for the individual activity, especially when planning for children.
The programme uses several spaces inside and around the convent. Arrive with enough time to find the correct entrance and confirm any last-minute change with the venue.
What you can do now.
- 01
Choose the events that fit your group and note their times.
- 02
Collect the required free tickets from 28 August.
- 03
Confirm the room or outdoor space before the performance.
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