Pumpkins will take centre stage at Vila Vita Biergarten in Porches later this month, when the venue hosts a free autumn market inspired by traditional European celebrations.
The Pumpkin Market will take place on Saturday, October 24, from 12.30pm to 8pm, promising a mix of seasonal food, live jazz and family-friendly activities.
Inspired by traditional Bavarian markets and the convivial atmosphere of the Biergarten, the event will feature wooden stalls, autumn decorations and a menu built around one of the season’s most recognisable ingredients.
Among the savoury highlights are pumpkin Schupfnudeln with Azorean cheese and seed crumble, a burger served in a pumpkin bun, a pork and pumpkin hot dog with coleslaw, and a vegetable, mushroom and pumpkin quiche.
Those with a sweet tooth will find plenty to choose from too, including pumpkin pie with pecans and whipped cream, pumpkin and walnut streusel, pumpkin cookies with caramel chips, and pumpkin, orange and ginger preserve.
Traditional Dutch poffertjes – small fluffy pancakes – will also be given a seasonal pumpkin twist.
Vila Vita Parc’s Gelato Mio will join the festivities with vegan pumpkin and walnut ice cream and orange and pumpkin sorbet, alongside more traditional flavours including vanilla, chocolate and strawberry.
Two specially created drinks will also be available: a Pumpkin Spice Latte and a Pumpkin Beer made with pumpkin cordial.
Jazz and pumpkin carving
Food will only be part of the attraction.
A live jazz quartet will perform from 3pm, while pumpkin-carving workshops will be held at 3pm and 6pm, giving both children and adults the chance to create their own autumn decorations.
The market opens at 12.30pm, giving visitors time to settle in for lunch before the afternoon programme begins.
Organisers say the aim is to create a relaxed, family-friendly celebration of autumn, with pumpkins of different shapes, colours and varieties available throughout the venue for cooking, decorating or taking home.
Admission to the Pumpkin Market is free
Programme
- 12.30pm – Market and food stalls open
- 3pm – Live music and activities begin; first pumpkin-carving session
- 6pm – Second pumpkin-carving session
- 8pm – Market closes
Michael Bruxo
Journalist for the Portugal Resident.