39th Machico Gastronomic Week
From 31 July to 9 August 2026, central Machico turns into a huge open-air stage of Madeiran flavours, with dozens of stalls run by local restaurants and associations. The music line-up includes Os Quatro e Meia, Nena, Jorge Ferreira, Blasted Mechanism and GNR, plus a cocktail festival to close the edition.
For almost four decades the Machico Gastronomic Week has been the biggest summer event on Madeira's east coast. The 39th edition runs from 31 July to 9 August 2026, taking over Largo da Praça and the seafront of the town with stalls run by restaurants, bars and local associations.
The culinary programme is built around the concept “10 Days, 10 Chefs”: over ten consecutive nights, guest chefs from Madeira and Porto Santo present exclusive menus inspired by regional produce. These more intimate dinners take place at the historic Forte de Nossa Senhora do Amparo, limited to around 30 guests per session, with booking required through Machico Town Hall.
Down at the square you will find the island's classic dishes at popular prices: espetada skewered on bay laurel sticks, grilled limpets with garlic and lemon, bolo do caco with garlic butter, fried cornmeal cubes, black scabbardfish with banana, sea snails, wheat soup and, to finish, honey cake and a glass of poncha. Each stall is operated by local restaurants, sports clubs and cultural associations, so much of the takings go straight back into the community.
Live music is the other big draw. In 2026 Os Quatro e Meia open the festival on 31 July, followed by Nena (1 August), Jorge Ferreira (4 August), Blasted Mechanism (6 August) and Portuguese rock legends GNR (8 August). Every evening also brings folk groups, wind bands and regional artists, with DJ sets closing the night across two stages. A cocktail festival and the closing party are held on 9 August.
Families have the Largo das Diversões, an area with games and inflatables for children. The municipality usually lays on free shuttle transport from the parishes of Caniçal, Água de Pena and Porto da Cruz, which makes getting there much easier if you are staying nearby.
Practical tips: entry to the site is free and you only pay for what you eat and drink. Friday and Saturday nights and the big concert dates are the busiest, so arrive before 8pm if you want a table. Parking in central Machico fills up early — use the car parks near the golden sand beach or take the bus. Stalls generally open around 7pm and the party carries on into the early hours.
