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Seasonal highlights worth planning around

Upcoming events

A curated list of upcoming Valletta and Malta events (festivals, film nights, and seasonal highlights), with practical tips and official links.

Photo by Michail Tsapas on Unsplash.

Last updated:

February 1–March 31, 2026

LUX Audience Award screenings (Malta)

A film-season highlight: watch nominated European films in local cinemas and vote—an easy, low-effort culture night in Valletta.

February 13–2026 (day: 17)

Malta Carnival 2026 (Valletta)

A five-day burst of floats, costumes, music, and street energy—Valletta is the heart of the celebrations.

March 11–May 29, 2026

Malta Biennale 2026

A multi-island contemporary art biennale with exhibitions and installations—great if you want a culture-first trip beyond classic sights.

March 19–2026 (day: 21)

Mużika Mużika 2026

A Maltese music festival-style show with live performances—great for a fun, local-feeling night out in March.

Typically late April (dates TBA)

Malta International Fireworks Festival (seasonal)

A spring spectacle of fireworks and waterfront viewing—worth planning around if you like ‘free wow’ moments in the Grand Harbour setting.

Typically June (dates TBA)

Earth Garden 2026 (Malta)

A multi-day outdoor festival with music, workshops, and a relaxed ‘daytime hangs + evening sets’ vibe—great if you want Malta to feel creative and alternative.

June 12–2026 (day: 21)

Malta International Arts Festival 2026

A June festival of contemporary performance, theatre, and music—ideal for travelers who want one high-quality arts night in Valletta.

Typically mid-July (date TBA)

Isle of MTV Malta (seasonal)

A huge free summer concert event with international headliners—big crowd energy and a very different side of Malta’s nightlife calendar.

July 23–2026 (day: 26)

Malta Jazz Festival 2026

A summer jazz highlight with waterfront evenings—great if you want an elegant ‘music night’ in July.

Typically July–August (dates TBA)

Farsons Beer Festival (seasonal)

A classic Malta summer festival with live music and a big, casual crowd—good if you want one lively evening out beyond Valletta’s usual wine-bar rhythm.

September 4–2026 (day: 13)

Malta Pride 2026

A week-plus of Pride events with a parade and celebrations—great if you want a late-summer trip with city energy and community atmosphere.

September 10–2026 (day: 12)

Valletta Guitar Festival 2026

A small, music-forward festival with concerts in historic venues—perfect if you want one special evening that feels intimate and ‘Valletta’.

September 21, 2026

Malta Independence Day (September 21) in Valletta

A national public holiday in Malta. In Valletta, expect a different city rhythm and possible official ceremonies—useful context for planning opening hours and transport.

Typically late September (dates TBA)

Malta International Airshow 2026

A big outdoor spectacle: aircraft displays over the coastline and a strong ‘only in Malta’ atmosphere—great for a weekend trip if you like aviation or photography.

October 3, 2026

Notte Bianca Valletta 2026

A huge one-night arts festival: free performances, open doors, and a city that stays awake late—one of Valletta’s most atmospheric nights.

Typically October (dates TBA for 2026)

Birgufest 2026 (watchlist)

An atmospheric Three Cities evening festival: candles, lights, and waterfront walks in Birgu—one of the most ‘Malta at night’ experiences you can have.

October 17, 2026

Rolex Middle Sea Race 2026

A spectacular offshore sailing start from Valletta’s Grand Harbour—high drama and beautiful boats right in the city’s most cinematic setting.

Typically October (dates TBA)

Malta Comic Con 2026

A pop-culture convention with cosplay, panels, gaming, and a friendly crowd—an easy indoor plan if you’re in Malta in autumn and want a fun ‘event day’.

Typically December (dates TBA)

Valletta Christmas season (markets + lights) (seasonal)

Holiday lights, pop-ups, and a cozy evening-walk vibe—Valletta is especially pretty in December when the city feels dressed up.

December 13, 2026

Republic Day (December 13) in Valletta

A national public holiday in Malta. It’s a useful date to plan around for December travel: opening hours and transport can change, and the city’s rhythm shifts.

December 31, 2026–January 1, 2027

New Year’s Eve in Valletta

A festive harbor-city countdown: dinner, a short walk with sea air, and a midnight moment in a compact, beautiful center.

Typically January (dates TBA)

Valletta Baroque Festival (early-year seasonal)

A January culture highlight with concerts in atmospheric venues—perfect for travelers who want ‘one special night’ in Valletta’s quiet season.

Typically early February (check the exact 2027 program)

Feast of St Paul’s Shipwreck 2027 (watchlist)

A deeply local Valletta feast day with church ceremonies and a very ‘you’re seeing real Malta’ atmosphere—excellent if you’re visiting in early February.

Quick plan

Pick an event that fits your dates, then open it for the official schedule and any ticket rules. Programs change — if something conflicts, trust the official link on the event page.

Choose 1 anchor

One event per day is plenty. Keep the rest flexible.

Time it earlier

For calmer vibes: weekdays, or early sessions on busy weekends.

Pair it nearby

Add one walk + one viewpoint/meal area for a complete day.