Lisbon spent the week under a heat and dust double warning while the city's cultural calendar geared up for a packed autumn, from CCB's new season to horror-film screenings downtown. Meanwhile a hospital staffing crisis and a nationwide train strike gave a reminder that daily infrastructure is still under strain.
The Week's Biggest Stories
Extreme heat and fire risk warning for September 3-5
IPMA forecast temperatures up to 43C on September 3, with several districts placed under maximum wildfire risk. Residents in or near affected districts should watch official alerts and avoid activities that could spark fires.
Saharan dust brings poor air quality warning
Health authorities (DGS) flagged degraded air quality this week caused by dust blowing in from North Africa. People with respiratory conditions, children, and older residents were advised to limit time outdoors.
Amadora-Sintra hospital emergency waits hit 13 hours
Staff shortages have pushed emergency room waiting times at Amadora-Sintra Hospital to nearly 13 hours, and the Health Minister confirmed the service is under serious pressure. It is a reminder that emergency care access in the wider Lisbon area is currently strained.
Train bar staff strike disrupts onboard service nationwide
A strike by train bar workers, with 95 percent participation, has left most trains across Portugal running without onboard food and drink service. The action is over pay and working conditions and affects both intercity and regional routes.
Avenida da Liberdade repaving closes lanes at night
Repaving work on Avenida da Liberdade started August 31 and runs nightly from 21:00 to 05:00 for about two weeks. Traffic is being diverted during those hours, so drivers and taxi or rideshare users should plan alternate routes at night.
CCB opens its new season with a three-day festival
Centro Cultural de Belem kicks off its 2026/2027 season September 11-13 with nine performances spanning music, theatre, and interactive installations. Some events are free, others ticketed, giving residents an early look at the year's cultural programme.
MOTELX horror film festival marks its 20th edition
The MOTELX festival runs September 3-13 with screenings, workshops, and guest appearances, opening with the DeVito-produced film 'Drag'. It is one of the city's longest-running genre film events and draws both local and international horror fans.
Free family festival returns to Praca do Comercio Sept 12
Festa na Praca comes back on September 12 with free concerts, food stalls, and activities for all ages, including sets from Kiko Is Hot, NAPA, and Mariza. It is a low-cost, central option for a weekend out with kids or friends.
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What's On in Lisbon This Week
Recreio, Miraflores
15:30 · Cinemateca Portuguesa
21:00 · Auditório dos Oceanos, Casino Lisboa
Quinta da Atalaia, Lisboa
19:00 · Cinemateca Portuguesa
These are 5 picks from the 40+ events we are tracking in Lisbon this week, and new ones are added every day. Pro members get the full calendar in our app; the free daily email flags the highlights.
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