Out.Fest – Barreiro International Exploratory Music Festival 2025 – Portugal

Background & History

Out.Fest, launched in 2004 by OUT.RA – Associação Cultural is a cornerstone of Europe’s experimental music scene, held annually in Barreiro, Portugal, just across the Tagus River from Lisbon. Celebrating its 21st edition from October 2–5, 2025, the festival showcases avant-garde music, from free jazz and noise to abstract electronics and unclassifiable genres. Over 300 concerts across 70+ unique venues—churches, libraries, jazz clubs, and train workshops—have defined its history, drawing 2,000 attendees yearly. Supported by the Barreiro Municipality and Portuguese Arts Council, Out.Fest fosters community and innovation through performances, exhibitions, and talks, curated with Filho Único.

Festival Highlights

• Over 30 performances by international and Portuguese artists, including Beatrice Dillon, Lord Spikeheart, billy woods, and Wolf Eyes & DJ Nigga Fox.
• Free events: Afternoon shows (e.g., Zoh Amba at Igreja de Nª Srª do Rosário) and talks (e.g., DeForrest Brown Jr. at Escola de Jazz do Barreiro).
• Multidisciplinary offerings: Film screenings, art installations, and workshops exploring experimental culture.
• Unique venues: Performances in churches, old ballrooms, watermills, and industrial spaces, blending music with Barreiro’s heritage.
• Clubbing marathon: Saturday night concerts extend until sunrise, featuring electronic and experimental sets.
• Merchandise: Available at venues and OUT.RA’s webstore (outfest.pt), including records and festival-related items.

Program Details

The 2025 lineup, announced on outfest.pt, features:

• Confirmed Artists: Beatrice Dillon (UK, electronic/composition), Lord Spikeheart (Kenya, grindcore/noise), billy woods (US, hip-hop), Wolf Eyes & DJ Nigga Fox (US/Portugal, experimental collaboration), Divide and Dissolve, Rashad Becker, Cuntroaches, BBBBBBB, Miki Yui, Carme López, Martina Berther, and more.
• Saturday Schedule: Afternoon shows across 3–4 simultaneous venues (e.g., Igreja de Stª Cruz, Escola de Jazz), followed by a nighttime concert marathon at ADAO.
• Free Events: Zoh Amba’s show, LEIDA and FUJI|||||||||||TA performances, and a talk by DeForrest Brown Jr. & Margarida Mendes, subject to venue capacity.
• Workshops and Talks: Focus on experimental music’s cultural impact, held in community spaces.
• Videotheque: Past performances available on OUT.RA’s website, with new videos added regularly. Full program details, including venue schedules, will be updated on outfest.pt by September 2025.

Date & Duration

• Dates: October 2–5, 2025
• Duration: 4 days
• Programme announcement: Expected September 2025 on outfest.pt
• Ticket sales: Available now via outra.bol.pt; on-site sales at venues (AMAC, SIRB “Os Penicheiros,” ADAO, Barreiro Municipal Library)

Venues

• Multiple Venues in Barreiro: AMAC, SIRB “Os Penicheiros,” ADAO, Igreja de Nª Srª do Rosário, Igreja de Stª Cruz, Escola de Jazz do Barreiro, SCR Paivense, and others, showcasing Barreiro’s industrial and cultural spaces.
• Main hub: ADAO (Rua da Recosta, 2830-036 Barreiro, Portugal) for nighttime concerts and ticket booths.
• Contact: outfest@outra.pt, +351 212 149 078 (OUT.RA)

Main Location Address

• ADAO: Rua da Recosta, 2830-036 Barreiro, Portugal
• Other key venues:
  • SIRB “Os Penicheiros”: Rua do Clube Naval Barreirense, 2830-304 Barreiro, Portugal
  • Igreja de Nª Srª do Rosário: Largo do Rosário, 2830-097 Barreiro, Portugal
  • Escola de Jazz do Barreiro: Rua José Augusto, 2830-106 Barreiro, Portugal

Contact Information

• General: outfest@outra.pt, +351 212 149 078
• Website: outfest.pt
• Social media: Facebook (facebook.com/outfestbarreiro), Instagram (instagram.com/outfest_barreiro), Twitter (twitter.com/OUTFESTBarreiro), YouTube (youtube.com/outfestbarreiro)
• Ticket sales: outra.bol.pt or venue box offices

Ticket Information

• General Pass (Oct 2–5): $54.00
• Day 2 Ticket (Oct 2): $10.80
• Day 3 Ticket (Oct 3): $16.20
• Day 4 Ticket (Oct 4): $21.60
• Day 5 Ticket (Oct 5): $27.00
• Free events: Afternoon shows and talks (e.g., Igreja de Nª Srª do Rosário, Escola de Jazz), subject to venue capacity
• Purchase via: outra.bol.pt (online), or on-site at AMAC (Day 2), SIRB “Os Penicheiros” (Day 3), ADAO (Day 4, from 4:00 PM), Barreiro Municipal Library/SIRB “Os Penicheiros”/ADAO (Day 5, 3:00 PM–8:30 PM), SCR Paivense (Day 6)
• Notes: Passes/tickets require wristband exchange at ticket booths (open 1 hour before shows). Ages 6+, unaccompanied minors not allowed.

Cultural Experience

Out.Fest transforms Barreiro into a playground for experimental music, set against its industrial backdrop. Attendees explore unique venues like churches and old ballrooms, discovering artists like Beatrice Dillon’s fractal electronics or Lord Spikeheart’s genre-defying noise. Free afternoon events and workshops foster community engagement, while food stalls offer local specialties like pastéis de bacalhau. The festival’s non-touristy setting, a 20-minute ferry from Lisbon, encourages exploration of Barreiro’s cultural heritage.

Accessibility

• Some venues (e.g., ADAO) offer wheelchair access; others (e.g., churches) may have limitations. Check outfest.pt for venue-specific details.
• Free events enhance inclusivity.
• Contact outfest@outra.pt for accessibility inquiries or assistance.
• Sound/strobe warnings: Some shows use strobe lights or loud volumes; bring auditory protection.

Getting There

• Barreiro:
  • Ferry: 20-minute ride from Lisbon (Terreiro do Paço) to Barreiro, 5:05 AM–1:30 AM (check transtejo.pt)
  • Train: Sulfertagus from Lisbon (Roma-Areeiro) to Barreiro, 15-minute walk to venues
  • Bus: Free local bus service for ticket holders; check tcb.pt
  • Car: Parking limited; use A33 highway to Barreiro
• Airport: Lisbon Portela (20 km), taxi or ferry via Terreiro do Paço
• Shuttle: Festival shuttle bus from ADAO to Lisbon at 2:30 AM (Friday/Saturday)

Sustainability Initiatives

Out.Fest promotes sustainability with free public bus access for ticket holders, recycling stations, and energy-efficient venue setups. Workshops discuss ecological themes, aligning with the festival’s progressive ethos.

Accommodation Options

Near Barreiro:

• Mid-range: Residencial Principe (Rua Augusto Gil 29, 2830-047 Barreiro), from $60/night
• Budget: Living Lounge Hostel (Rua do Comércio 89, 1100-149 Lisbon, 20-minute ferry), from $40/night (discount for Out.Fest patrons, email info@livingloungehostel.com)
• Luxury: Pestana Cidadela Cascais (Cascais, 30 km), from $200/night
• Book via booking.com or visitlisboa.com.

Code of Conduct

Out.Fest enforces a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination, harassment, or violence based on race, gender, orientation, or age. Violations result in removal without refund. Report issues to the CARE TEAM (identifiable at venues) or via outfest@outra.pt. Attendees must respect venues, artists, and Barreiro’s community, ensuring a safe, inclusive environment.

Submission and Partnerships

Artists or partners can propose performances or collaborations by emailing outfest@outra.pt (program planning occurs December–February). Press accreditation requests should include a coverage proposal and outlet details, sent to outfest@outra.pt.