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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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’.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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’.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.