Madeira Island events in october 2024

It’s October, and although the month may signify the changing of the seasons with the clocks going back at the end of the month, Madeira’s events calendar is as busy as ever. To kick off the month, the Nature Festival, which runs from the 1st to the 6th, aims to promote the island’s rich natural heritage and encourage people to get out and explore Madeira.

The Madeira Ocean Challenge 2024, held from October 1-6, will host the 8th ICF Canoe Ocean Racing World Championships. This prestigious global event, organised by the Madeira Regional Canoeing Association, showcases competitive canoeing against the stunning backdrop of Madeira’s landscapes, promoting nature tourism and outdoor adventure.

Wanderlust 108 returns to Madeira at Quinta Magnólia on the 5th! Join us for a day of mindful movement, meditation, and music amidst Madeira’s stunning natural beauty.

The island will be challenging trail runners over the weekend of the 5th and 6th as ULTRA MADEIRA has competitors racing across the island from Ponta do Pargo to Machico.

Concertos L at Estalagem Ponta do Sol wraps up in October with events on the 5th, 12th, and 19th. Experience diverse music genres, from rock to jazz, in Madeira’s scenic venue.

On the 8th and 9th, the town of Machico will hold its annual Senhor dos Milagres Festival to celebrate the return of the statue of the Lord of Miracles after it was presumed lost in the enormous mudslide of 9th October 1803.

The Apple Festival in Camacha Parish, held from October 10th to 13th, celebrates the apple harvest with a vibrant street parade, cultural performances, and fresh apple cider, highlighting local traditions and produce.

The Madeira SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard) Challenge will take place on the 12th and 13th of October in Funchal Bay. A SUP Village will be set up to welcome those who wish to attend the competitions.

From 13th to 18th, the Federação de Campismo e Montanhismo de Portugal (FCMP) will host the Madeira Canyoning Meeting, an international event that has a significant impact on Madeira’s Outdoor Tourism industry.

From the 18th to the 20th of October, join us in Caniçal for the annual Sea and Fisherman Fair, a lively celebration featuring a gastronomy event with traditional cuisine, refreshing beverages, diverse entertainment, and captivating maritime experiences.

Moving on, the Organ Festival, held between the 18th and 27th, comprises of twelve concerts performed in some of Madeira’s most beautiful churches located throughout the island and Porto Santo, including the Sé Cathedral, Convent of Santa Clara and the Church of São Pedro. These sacred places create ideal settings and acoustics to hear these beautiful instruments, many dating back to the 18th and 19th century and of which are of Portuguese, Italian and English origin. Performances also include national and international artists accompanied by choirs, classical musicians and solo artists.

The Madeira Classic Car Club is promoting the “100 Mile” – Historic Rally, which will take place on the 19th, 2024. This 160-kilometer (100-mile) circuit features a wide range of automobiles, the earliest of which date back to 1952 and the most recent of which date back to 1988.

The Eco-Trail Funchal Madeira Island on the 19th has runners racing it out over four courses: 80km, 45km, 30 km, and 15 km, covering both urban and natural terrains.

The Mountain Bike Madeira Meeting, held from the 21st to the 27th, promotes mountain biking along the picturesque North Coast of Porto Moniz. Participants will enjoy thrilling rides, water sports, workshops, and the Madeira Enduro Series on the final day.

Finally, the month ends on a high note, as the island gets ready for the Chestnut Festival on the 31st of October and 1st of November at Curral das Freiras. Rumour has it that medieval chestnut bread could last a year! However, in Madeira, the celebrations are slightly less chewy as they celebrate all things chestnut including soups, cakes, liquors and the humble chestnut itself, all in Madeira’s entertaining and vibrant way.

Of course, October cannot come to a close without celebrating Halloween on the 31st. Although not a traditional celebration, Madeira enjoys all things spooky as local bars and restaurants take part in this very special night.