Frequently Asked Questions

Concerts, films, Amplitalks, exhibitions, craftbeer bar and moments of sharing between artists and audience. We’ll do in two weekends what we’ve been doing all our lives: work for the sake of art with ambitious proposals.

Our Amplifest 2022 page will be updated on a regular basis with all the info you need to know (Portuguese and English) and this FAQ will also be updated on our way to Amplifest 2022, but here are some of the most pressing questions:

Tickets

What’s the meaning of FDS?

FDS is the initials for “fim de semana”, which means “weekend” in Portuguese. We also use it for “foda-se” – you can ask later what it means – and we found it appropriate for this next edition.

I have a ticket for the postponed Amplifest 2021 and I want to go to Amplifest 2022. What do I have to do?

Your ticket is valid for the first weekend only (FDS1), and you don’t have to do anything – just wait a little bit more and soon we’ll be together.

I have a ticket for Amplifest 2021 and I want to go to both weekends of Amplifest 2022. What should I do?

Our discounted tickets for FDS1 ticket holders are now sold out, but you can still buy FDS2 tickets at the regular price here.

Where can I buy tickets?

The first weekend is sold out, as well as all daily tickets. Tickets for the second weekend can still be bought here.

Is there any chance of going to Amplifest after it’s fully sold out?

You can go to Ticketswap or keep an eye on our Facebook and Instagram pages, as someone might want to sell their tickets if they’re unable to come.

Be wary of scams, though, as we cannot help you if you get ripped off. SeeTickets can help you check if a ticket is legit. The ticket format is the following (either in Portuguese or in English):

I bought a ticket from someone else / someone bought a ticket for me but it has their name on it. Will it still be valid?

Yes, the name on the ticket does not matter.

Can I exchange a FDS1 ticket for a FDS2 or vice-versa?

No exchanges are possible, sorry.

I bought a ticket but I won’t be able to go / I want a refund. What should I do?

According to the law, refunds are only possible if the festival or a headliner is cancelled. Please contact See Ticket’s customer service for any issues related to your tickets.

I have a ticket for both weekends of Amplifest 2022 but I can only attend the first one. Can I hand it over to someone else after the first weekend?

That won’t be possible, as all tickets will be exchanged for a wristband. The same goes for weekend passes – it’s not possible to go just for one or two days and then hand it over to someone else.

Is the ticket enough to be admitted into the rooms where the shows take place?

No, you have to exchange it for a wristband at the box office (Amplioffice). This applies for daily tickets as well. Check the plant further down this page to see the box office’s location.

Will I receive a physical copy of the ticket? Do I need to print it?

No, you’ll just receive it through your email. You don’t need to print the ticket, but we’d suggest you at least download it just in case there are connectivity problems or other unforeseen circumstances.

I lost my digital ticket, what should I do?

You can download it again or request a new email from SeeTickets through their form.

Can minors attend Amplifest 2022?

You have to be at least 16 years old to attend the event. If you’re under 18, you also have to be accompanied by an adult.

Can I go as a volunteer?

We currently run Amplifest without volunteers.

Are there VIP tickets?

At Amplifest, all tickets are VIP tickets: many bands tend to enjoy each other’s shows and mingle with the crowd, chatting and having drinks with their fans. It’s one of the reasons we label Amplifest as an experience instead of “just” a music festival.

Lineup & Schedule

How many bands/ artists are there per weekend/ day?

Expect 51 bands/ artists plus amplitalks, a mainfloor exhibition, films and lots of unforgettable moments. And remember: there are no clashes at Amplifest, there are no overlapping shows, so you can actually see all concerts. However, Sala 2 has a smaller capacity, so be there earlier if there’s something you really don’t want to miss.

Why did Swans / Petbrick / Test Dept cancel?

Swans were an early confirmation for Amplifest 2021 and, while we were able to postpone Amplifest to 2022, Swans chose to reschedule their tour to 2023. Petbrick overbooked themselves and are unable to tour Europe at this time. Test Dept saw some shows get canceled and were unable to make their tour work. As you might’ve seen, Prison Religion and Tashi Dorji are the last additions to our lineup in order to make up for these last-minute cancellations.

Why has the AMENRA show changed?

Tim, AMENRA’s bassist, has had to undergo surgery and won’t be able to recover in time for this show. However, AMENRA is family to us and they decided to still come to Portugal – they will now be playing an acoustic set for us. Don’t forget to hug them and wish Tim a speedy recovery.

Will you announce more bands?

The lineup is now closed, but keep an eye on our website, Facebook and Instagram for more info about the whole festival.

How can I stay updated?

We’ll keep updating this FAQ whenever we have relevant news. Keep an eye on our social media as well.

How early do the doors open / how late do the shows end?

As the timetables above indicate, we usually start the shows a little bit after lunchtime and the final bands on each day are usually playing by 1AM. For the night owls that still have some energy in the tank, we’ll have DJ Sets after that.

I’ve heard that there are secret shows. Is that true?

It is indeed. We feel that being connected all the time takes away the surprise element and we wanted to reclaim a bit of that feeling of excitement, of suspense and uncertainty. On each weekend, there will be a show marked with “?” and you’ll only find out which (unannounced) band will be playing when they set foot on stage.

What about October 12th? I’ve heard something was happening then.

Mouco is a fantastic hotel near the Campanhã train station and everything there is music-themed. As such, we couldn’t waste this opportunity and we highly suggest you visit it on October 12th, from 17h45 onwards. You just need to show your Amplifest ticket or wristband (both passes and daily tickets are fine) to be allowed in. It’s a limited-capacity event, so please arrive early.

Which films are you screening?

We like to try to include surprising documentaries or movies related to the bands that we love. To give you an idea, we’ve had a bit of everything, from a chill documentary about the Melvins tour that covered all the U.S. States to an in-depth look into heavy metal in Syria during times of war. The timetables above now include this year’s movies. They’ll all have English audio apart from the movie about Redemptus, which will be in Portuguese.

What does “Amplitalks” mean?

Our artists and guests tend to be the most down-to-Earth people you’ll find, and if you need any proof you just need to come to one of the talks during Amplifest. In previous editions, we’ve had members of Amenra, Altar of Plagues and U.S. Christmas discussing among them their musical ventures outside of their comfort zone; journalists from music magazines commenting on the difficulties that come with writing about such a subjective topic; and even Walter Hoeijmakers (the organizer of Roadburn Festival) unveiling some secrets behind the legendary festival. Of course, the audience also has the chance to ask any questions, so don’t forget to confirm if a rumor you’ve heard about that old forgotten recording is true – straight from the horse’s mouth!

Traveling to Portugal

What are the current travel / COVID restrictions in Portugal?

You can use the Visit Portugal website to stay updated, which is available in multiple languages. You can also use the links on that page to know about the rules that apply to you specifically, depending on your own country.

As for Portugal, you may need a mask to enter hospitals, but they are optional anywhere else. We will comply with any changes that may occur, but for now you don’t need to use a mask at the venue. Of course, you’re free to use one if you prefer.

How’s the weather like in Porto?

Now that FDS1 is behind us, here’s the forecast for FDS2:

It will be a bit cloudy, but the weather won’t stop you from exploring this beautiful city!

I don’t know Porto, where should I stay / which areas should I avoid?

Generally speaking, you’ll be safe in Porto. The downtown area around the São Bento train station, for instance, is very touristy and alive throughout the night. It’s also within walking distance to the Hard Club venue where Amplifest will be taking place. Take your general precautions regarding suspicious behavior, walking alone through dark alleys and so on. If you do need to call the Portuguese emergency number, it’s 112.

On a lighter note, check the bottom of the Amplifest page for some suggestions regarding places to visit.

PORTO – AMPLIFEST’S CITY

How do I get to Porto / Hard Club?

If coming by plane, Porto’s airport is called Aeroporto Francisco Sá Carneiro (or simply Aeroporto do Porto).

From there, you can take the subway (choose “Aeroporto” as your starting point) and the station “São Bento” is the closest to the venue.

You can also take an STCP bus – either 601 or 602 (exit at the last stop, Cordoaria), or the nocturnal 3M (exit at the last stop, Aliados). Make sure you select the day first, as the schedule may change during the weekends.

If you’re coming by train, the Porto – São Bento Station is within walking distance and it also has a subway station.

If you need it, you can also call a taxi, a Bolt or an Uber.

Can I go by car? Where can I park?

You might find a bit of traffic but even rush hour isn’t too problematic. The main issue right now would be the construction work going on in the vicinity. Still, if you’re feeling lucky, there’s an indoors parking lot right in front of Hard Club.

Are there places to stay within walking distance?

The Hard Club venue is located in an area that’s always full of life and tourists, so it’s likely that you’ll stay at a place close to it. Even if it’s a little further away, we highly suggest you enjoy the walk and Porto’s streets.

Is there camping?

Amplifest is right at the heart of Porto. It’s an urban festival through and through, so there aren’t any camping areas.

HARD CLUB – AMPLIFEST’S VENUE

Is there an ATM inside the venue?

There is no machine inside Hard Club, but you have two options nearby: Rua Mouzinho da Silveira and Praça do Infante.

Is there food at the venue? Can I bring food/ drinks inside?

You can bring your own food and water to the common areas, but not inside the actual rooms where the shows take place. On the upper floor you’ll find a restaurant that will serve you some sandwiches if you don’t want to miss a riff or a warm meal if you want a more relaxed dinner. There are some bars inside both rooms where you can get your drinks, while the bar just outside the venue serves somes snacks as well.

Please note that neither the restaurant or bars are our responsibility. If you want to go upstairs to enjoy an Amplitalk, remember that the restaurant’s staff may ask that you to finish your drink (or put it down) first.

Is there food suitable for me if I have allergies or restrictions?

Please check Hard Club’s menu or mention your restrictions when ordering.

How old do I have to be to drink alcohol? Can I bring my alcoholic drinks outside?

The drinking age in Portugal is 18. Carrying drinks outside is perfectly fine.

How about other drugs? And medicine?

Weed is not legal in Portugal, nor are hard drugs. You can bring any pills/medication as long as you have a prescription.

Can I smoke inside?

You cannot smoke inside the venue, only outside.

Is there Wi-Fi?

There’s wi-fi at Hard Club so please share your Instagram, Facebook and Twitter posts with us. Use the #amplifest hashtag. At the same time, we’d love for you to simply enjoy the shows and just capture the amazing environment that you’ll witness in the mainfloor.

I lost/found something. What should I do?

If you lose something during Amplifest, please warn the staff at the “Amplioffice”. If you find something, please deliver it there as well.

Will there be merch for sale?

There will be band’s merch, records and t-shirts stalls, etc but we can’t promise you that all bands will bring their merch (some may decide that it’s not worth it due to logistics and/or taxes).

Which payment methods are available for merch, food, etc.?

Good ol’ cash (Euros) always works. Additional payment options (card, Paypal, etc.) are the responsibility of the venue and of the merch vendors.

I have a disability. Is the venue accessible for me?

There are no stairs and our audience is respectful, so you should be able to enjoy the shows. However, please be mindful that there is no separate area for people with disabilities nor are there specially-equipped restrooms. Please contact us at amp @ amplificasom.com (no spaces) if you need help with this issue.

Can I leave and reenter the venue?

As long as you keep your wristband on, you can even leave and reenter the country 🙂

Are there lockers or a cloakroom available?

There are two cloackrooms (marked in the picture above) where you can drop your stuff for a small fee, but try not to bring any luggage or bags with you if possible.

Is first aid available at the venue?

Yes, please alert the staff or the “Amplioffice” by the entrance in case you need support.

Media

I want to cover Amplifest, how should I proceed?

Send us a request through press @ amplificasom.com (no spaces) with all the necessary info: weekend(s), publication name and language, your name and role (writer, photographer…), etc. This has to be done by September 30 and we’ll reply as soon as possible.

I’m a photographer/ videographer and I can provide my services, are you interested in hiring me?

We’re sorry, but we already have a team of our own who’ll do the coverage.

Can I take pictures/do video recordings during the shows?

We understand that everything’s posted on social media nowadays, but please keep it to the very minimum and be mindful of the artists and of the people around you. On the mainfloor, please be respectful and ask permission before doing close-ups/portraits.

Professional cameras are not allowed unless you have a photo pass.

What are the Exhibitions that you mention?

We want to celebrate our 15 years of activity through an exhibition on the main floor. Among other things, you’ll see 15 portraits of musicians that have had an impact on Amplificasom in one way or another.

Who’s responsible for Amplifest’s artwork?

The person behind the Amplifest artwork since 2015 is the incredibly talented Micaela Amaral.