The European Blues Union (EBU) is thrilled to announce that the 15th European Blues Challenge (EBC2027) will take place from 8 to 10 April 2027 in the picturesque coastal city of Vila do Conde, Portugal. Under the High Patronage of the President of the Portuguese Republic, this landmark event brings together Europe’s finest blues talent, industry professionals, and passionate fans for three days of unforgettable live music and cultural exchange.
Whether you are an EBU member, a performing artist, or a blues enthusiast planning your journey, everything you need to know about venue access, transport, official accommodations, and local attractions is outlined below.
The Venue: Vila do Conde Municipal Theatre
The core of EBC2027 is the prestigious Vila do Conde Municipal Theatre (Teatro Municipal de Vila do Conde), located in the heart of the city.
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Main Auditorium: Features a 549-seat modern hall with world-class acoustics, excellent sightlines, and state-of-the-art technical facilities.
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Dedicated Festival Hub: Across three dedicated floors, the theatre will host the Blues Market, Blues Expo, interactive workshops, press activities, and networking lounges.
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Social & Meeting Spaces: An internal bar and dedicated foyers offer informal gathering points for delegates, artists, and fans to build lasting connections.
Discover Vila do Conde: Heritage, Coastline & Gastronomy
Located in Northern Portugal along 18 kilometres of Atlantic coastline, Vila do Conde combines over a millennium of rich history with vibrant maritime heritage and contemporary culture.
Highlights for visitors include:
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Historic Landmarks: Explore the iconic Monastery of Santa Clara, the historic aqueduct, and the 16th-century Portuguese ship replica (Nau quinhentista).
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Cultural Life: Home to renowned bobbin lace craftsmanship, museums, and a long-standing tradition in the international blues movement through the Villa Sessions festival.
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Gastronomy & Nature: Experience fresh Atlantic seafood, traditional Portuguese cuisine, riverside strolls along the River Ave, and sandy beaches.
How to Get to Vila do Conde
Vila do Conde offers effortless international connectivity, located just 20 km (approx. 20 minutes by car) from Porto International Airport (Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport – OPO).
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Taxi / Rideshare / Private Transfer: Approximately 20–30 minutes via the A28 motorway.
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Metro do Porto: Take Line E (Purple) from the airport, change at Verdes Station to Line B (Red) heading toward Póvoa de Varzim, and alight at Vila do Conde or Santa Clara station (approx. 45–55 minutes).
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Car & Motorways: Direct access via A28, A7, and A3 motorways.
- By Bus — journey times vary. Bus services connect Porto Airport with Vila do Conde, including the UNIR network’s Line 3535. Additional coach services may be available, depending on the date and operator. Travellers are advised to check departure times and stops in advance.
Official Partner Hotels
EBU members and attendees can take advantage of discounted rates (remember to renew your membership here: https://europeanbluesunion.com/join-renew/) at our official EBC2027 partner hotels:
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- B&B HOTEL Vila do Conde (3★)
- Reservation Email: viladoconde@hotelbb.com
- Distance to Venue:2 km (~14–16 min walk / 3–4 min drive)
- Santana Hotel & SPA (4★)
- Reservation Email: recepcao@santanahotel.pt
- Distance to Venue:1 km (~12–15 min walk / 3 min drive across Santa Clara Bridge)
- Villa C Boutique Hotel (4★)
- Reservation Email: reservations@villacboutiquehotel.com
- Distance to Venue:1 km (~12–15 min walk / 3 min drive)
- B&B HOTEL Vila do Conde (3★)
Plan Your Trip: Essential Visitor Info
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Dates: 8–10 April 2027
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Time Zone: WEST (UTC+1) in April
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Currency: Euro (€)
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Emergency: 112
See you in Portugal for EBC2027
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