Ponte de Lima International Garden Festival 2026 - Dream Gardens

The Ponte de Lima International Garden Festival celebrates its 21st edition in 2026, with the inspiring theme "Dream Gardens". The event runs from May 29 to October 31, 2026, at the Arnado Thematic Park, and is considered one of the most important landscape design events in Europe, attracting over 100,000 visitors per year.

This year, 11 projects were selected from 46 applications submitted by 19 countries. The ephemeral gardens represent landscape designers and creative teams from Austria, Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Spain, Portugal, United Kingdom, Romania, Switzerland, and Turkey. Each team freely interprets the central theme, proposing installations that combine botany, design, art, and storytelling, creating unique sensory experiences for visitors.

In parallel, the 11th edition of the School Gardens Festival also takes place, involving pre-school and primary school children from Ponte de Lima's four school clusters in the creation of 11 gardens of their own — an educational and community moment that enriches the festival.

The International Garden Festival is more than just an exhibition. Throughout the five months, guided tours, educational workshops, international landscape design conferences, outdoor yoga sessions, and family activities are organized. June is one of the best months to visit, with the gardens in full bloom and pleasant temperatures.

Arnado Park is located on the north bank of the Lima River, just a few minutes' walk from the historic center of Ponte de Lima. Visitors can combine their festival visit with a stroll through the oldest town in Portugal, cross the Roman Bridge, and enjoy the riverside restaurants. The event is a must for garden lovers, landscape architects, photographers, and families looking for an outdoor cultural experience.