175 free shows on August 18

If you are in Lisbon in August or planning to come, I have great news. The city's beautiful streets, historical squares and shady gardens will take on a completely different atmosphere in the coming days. Between 18-23 August, Lisboa Mágica, the Lisbon International Street Magic Festival, returns to the city for the 14th time. Moreover, all 175 shows in total are completely free! Wind of Illusion in the Streets This festival, organized under the direction of Luís de Matos, turns public spaces into huge open-air stages. While walking on the road, you may suddenly find yourself in the middle of the show of an illusionist from a different end of the world. This year, 15 master artists from 10 different countries will be with us. There are many colorful names in the squad, from Argentina to South Korea, from Cuba to Japan. Portugal is represented by José Marques Antunes. Each one's style, storytelling and approach to magic is so different that you don't realize how time flies as you leave one show and move on to the next. Where Can You Encounter? This year, the festival is spread across 13 of Lisbon's most delightful landmarks. Here are some places you can come across while sipping your coffee or walking during the day: Squares: Largo do Chiado, Largo do Carmo, Praça Luís de Camões, Praça do Município, Praça de Campolide and Campo das Cebolas. Gardens and Parks: Jardim da Estrela, Jardim Campo de Ourique, Jardim Vasco da Gama, Jardim Fernando Pessa, Parque Bensaúde and Jardim Museu de Lisboa. Cultural Spots: Palácio Baldaya. It truly is a different experience to come across one of these shows while lounging on the lawns of Jardim da Estrela or walking in Largo do Chiado on a hot August afternoon. I recommend that you make a note of these dates when making your program; A little magic you encounter while walking on the street can color your whole day!