Halloween is my favorite holiday of the year. And yes, that is a super American thing of me to say. More often than Christmas or Thanksgiving, my U.S. family reunites during spooky season. I grew up celebrating Halloween all year long as my aunt crafted monsters and designed a haunted house that welcomed hundreds of visitors each year. But all that changed when I moved to Portugal.
Wait… is Halloween an American holiday?
Halloween really isn’t celebrated around the world in the same way people celebrate in the U.S. It’s a uniquely American holiday today that originally stems from western pagan, Christian, and Gaelic traditions that has been transformed overtime with consumerism and parties instead of religion. It’s honestly one of the few American holidays I refuse to give up on.
The horror houses, candy, costumes, several days of celebration… all of that is how someone from the U.S. celebrates Halloween. It really is one of the top events of the year. You don’t have to try to find a solid Halloween party or see people in costumes on the streets because it surrounds you for at least a month. Halloween really is celebrated as it’s depicted in the movies, and I LOVE IT!
What is Halloween like in Europe?
In Europe, each country and region of the country celebrates Halloween in different ways. In some areas, it’s non-existent. Some regions have parties at local bars and clubs. In the rare places where Halloween has grown, you can find some epic parties and people dressing up like crazy – often with some sort of rave element to them.
Rarely will you find children walking door to door asking for candy.
When we first moved to Portugal, Halloween parties were few and far between. There were only a couple true Halloween parties in Lisboa. We attended one that was marketed really well. Committed to some awesome costumes. And almost nobody dressed up at the event. This has kind of been the vibe of most Halloween parties we’ve been to across Portugal, but we haven’t let that stop us.
How Has Halloween Changed in Portugal?
In the years since we moved, Halloween has grown in popularity at an exponential rate. Lagos, Portugal used to have a handful of restaurants putting together Halloween events. Now, nearly all nightlife spots in Lagos have themed Halloween parties this year. Some with live music, some with classic games like apple bobbing, and others with more adult themes.
Last year, I extended my Halloween adventures by going to the U.S. for my aunt’s haunted house, entering Ziggy & Ditto into a doggy costume contest back in Portugal (they won!), and attending a Halloween party at a local bar. Three days of Halloween activities was a dream come true!
This year, I’m staying in Portugal and want to extend the festivities as long as possible once more.
And you can come too!
Join me for Halloween Fun
Thursday, October 29, 2026
I’m joining forces with my Portuguese teacher, Anita, to offer a fun themed Halloween Quiz Night on October 29th at 17h Portugal time. I WILL be in costume. And I will learn new Portuguese words themed around spooky season along with you! If you want to join, register here.
Friday, October 30, 2026
One of our favorite bands is playing on October 30th at Friday Happiness aka Pizza Party in Tojeiro. If you’re in Lagos and looking for the most epic party in town, I highly recommend making your way to this mountain rave & live music event. Naomi Falcon & the Dub Collective will be performing, and they’re always a good time.
Here’s a little look (with some tips) that shares what Friday Happiness is really like:
The main event: Halloween!
I’m committing our entire day to Halloween on the 31st.
I’ll be making spooky treats with my friends, dressing up as scary as I can, and filming content all day to capture the moments. I’m not spoiling what our costumes are, but Ziggy & Ditto are likely to play a critical role and let’s just say Mike’s costume is one that wouldn’t be welcomed at a children’s themed party.
Keep on reading for a list of Halloween parties nearby and scroll to the bottom for a look at my Halloween costume collection throughout the years 🙂
Beware… many of the flyers you’re about to see are AI generated, which might be the spookiest part this year’s spooky season.
To reduce the overwhelming haunt of shitty AI generated flyers, I’m working with bands, events, and restaurants on a freelance basis to design reusable flyer, poster, and social media templates that won’t blend in with every single post that exists right now. Reach out to me directly at taylor@weroamawayfromhome.com if you’re interested in this service.
Together, we can defeat the most villainous villain of all: soul-less, dead, and boring AI gen content.
And now that you’ve been warned… let’s get to the part you likely came here for:
Halloween parties in and around Lagos, Portugal
1. PIE Lagos
Last year, PIE hosted the doggy costume contest where Ziggy & Ditto were crowned champions. This year, they’re offering pumpkin beer, late nights, and all the Halloween fun for adults. Plus, you get 10% off your tab if you show up in costume!
2. Beer & Co – Lagos
We’ve spent the last two Halloweens with Fernando as the live music act. This year, he’s playing at Beer & Co and will keep the party going with high energy tunes. Beer & Co has a large indoor space, making it perfect if it’s a rainy Halloween night.
3. Lighthouse – Lagos
Free punch, costume contest, and live music on the Marina side of Lagos this year at the Lighthouse.
EatTico – Lagos
Live music starting at 19h and food throughout the night. Also, special props and shoutout for not using a ChatGPT flyer. Great work, EatTico!
4. Family Hub Café- Lagos
This one is for families with young kids. The café is hosting daily Halloween activities! Follow along on their page to see each activity announced daily.
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5. Tito’s – Luz
Tito’s is a venue, restaurant, and campground. This year, they’re doing kids events in the day and adult disco at night. Some of their events will have a small fee, but the nighttime disco is free!
6. Kelly’s – Luz
Kids eat free at Kelly’s in Luz this Halloween – what a treat!
7. Zest Bistro – Luz
Kids party in the evening and adult party at night with pizza the entire time, Zest is hosting a spooky party in the heart of Luz.
8. Ollies – Luz
Live music with Nesha with prizes for best dressed and special spooky cocktails. This cozy bar is the spot if you want a low key location with great music.
9. Baile Halloween – Odiáxere
Looking for a more local, late night party? Baile Halloween starts at 22h in the nearby town of Odiáxere.
10. Corso & Hugo’s Lounge – Burgau
If you’re in Burgau, start the evening at Corso with pumpkin carving, trick or treat, and vinyl set. Keep the spooky vibes going with a DJ set at Hugo’s Lounge next door. Burgau is accessible from Lagos by public transportation or Uber/Bolt.
11. Salema Eco Camp – Salema
We love Salema Eco Camp, and this will be the Halloween party you’ll want to attend for a nature-forward, foresty vibe. Bring out the magical creatures and enjoy some live music this Halloween. You can access Salema Eco Camp by Uber or Bolt from Lagos area.
Here’s a compilation of some of my favorite Halloween looks over the years. Can you guess each costume?!
Tune in for the October 29th Halloween Portuguese lesson to see what my fit is this year!
Check out our Best of Lagos series for more local tips and follow along on YouTube for the best content.
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