Thu, 5 Mar 2026

March 2026 Events Calendar – Madeira

Major Festivals and Cultural Events

🍏 Regional Custard Apple Exhibition

📍 Faial, Santana
📅 28 February – 1 March 2026

This agricultural festival celebrates one of Madeira’s most prized fruits: the custard apple (Anona). Farmers from across the island bring their best harvests to Faial where visitors can taste fresh fruit, traditional desserts and homemade liqueurs.

The festival also includes:

• agricultural exhibitions

• local gastronomy stalls

• folklore performances

• live music concerts

Set against the dramatic cliffs of Madeira’s north coast, this event offers a true glimpse into rural island traditions.

🎶 Madeira Music Festival

📍 Various venues across Madeira
📅 7 – 28 March 2026

The Madeira Music Festival is one of the island’s most prestigious cultural events. Classical music lovers can enjoy orchestral concerts, chamber music and recitals performed by international musicians.

Concert venues include:

• Madeira Congress Centre (Funchal)

• Baltazar Dias Theatre

• MUDAS Museum of Contemporary Art (Calheta)

• churches and cultural venues across the island

This festival brings a refined cultural atmosphere to Madeira every spring.

📚 Funchal Book Fair

📍 Avenida Arriaga – Funchal
📅 20 – 29 March 2026

The Funchal Book Fair transforms the city centre into a vibrant literary event filled with book stalls, author presentations and cultural performances.

Visitors can enjoy:

• book launches and author talks

• cultural debates and exhibitions

• reading areas and family activities

• concerts and artistic performances

Located in the historic heart of Funchal, this event attracts both locals and visitors.

Food & Gastronomy Festivals

🍬 Sugarcane Fair

📍 Canhas, Ponta do Sol
📅 28 – 29 March 2026

Sugarcane has played an important role in Madeira’s history since the 15th century. The Sugarcane Fair celebrates this heritage with demonstrations of traditional sugarcane harvesting and production.

Highlights include:

• fresh sugarcane juice

• Madeira rum tastings

• traditional poncha drinks

• regional sweets and desserts

The event is accompanied by folklore groups, live music and local food stalls.

🍫 Chocolate Market

📍 Mercado dos Lavradores – Funchal
📅 29 March – 4 April 2026

The Chocolate Market is a sweet celebration held at the iconic Farmers’ Market in Funchal. Local pastry chefs and chocolatiers present a variety of creative desserts and chocolate delicacies.

Visitors can taste:

• artisan chocolates

• gourmet pastries

• chocolate cakes and desserts

• traditional Madeiran sweets

A popular competition also awards the best chocolate cake in the city.

Sports Events in March

🛼 Biosfera Roller Skate

📍 Faial, Santana
📅 13 March 2026

This international roller skating event takes place in Madeira’s Biosphere Reserve area. Athletes compete in high-speed races while spectators enjoy spectacular ocean views.

🏃 Madeira Roller Marathon

📍 Funchal Waterfront
📅 15 March 2026

The Madeira Roller Marathon includes several race distances including a full marathon category. The event attracts professional and amateur skaters from across Europe.

🚵 Portuguese Enduro MTB Cup

📍 Calheta
📅 28 – 29 March 2026

Mountain biking enthusiasts gather in Calheta for the opening round of the Portuguese Enduro MTB Cup. Riders tackle challenging trails through Madeira’s rugged landscapes.

Other Events and Local Experiences

Throughout March, visitors will also find smaller cultural and community events across Madeira including:

• artisan craft markets

• gastronomic fairs

• church concerts and religious celebrations

• local music performances

These smaller events offer authentic opportunities to experience Madeiran culture beyond the main tourist attractions.

Things to Do in Madeira During March

March is also an excellent time to explore Madeira’s outdoor activities.

Popular experiences include:

• Levada walks and mountain hikes

• Whale and dolphin watching tours

• Jeep adventures across Madeira’s mountains

• Boat trips along the coast

👉 Discover tours and activities:
https://madeira.best

FAQ – March Events in Madeira

What are the biggest events in Madeira in March?

The main events include the Madeira Music Festival, Funchal Book Fair, Custard Apple Exhibition, Sugarcane Fair and Chocolate Market.

Where does the Custard Apple Festival take place?

It takes place in Faial, Santana, on Madeira’s north coast.

Is March a good time to visit Madeira?

Yes. March offers mild weather, fewer crowds and many authentic cultural events.

Are there sports events in March?

Yes. Events include roller marathons, mountain bike races and the Porto Santo Half Marathon.