Malta Festivals & Events Calendar 2026: What Not to Miss!
Malta is a vibrant island where culture, history, music, food, and community celebrations come alive almost every month of the year. Every year, most Malta Festivals & Events calendar change, but the enjoyment and celebration remain the same. Whether you’re planning a trip, building a travel blog, or simply curious about Maltese culture, first you must be aware of the dates, months, and times. So you can plan your trip according to the festival.
We designed a Malta festival calendar of the best festivals and events in Malta for 2026 — from huge international music festivals to traditional village festas and national celebrations. A Malta Tourist Visa from the UK opens the gateway to these festivals and events.
A Month-By-Month Malta Festivals & Event Calendar For UK Travellers
Below is a month-by-month calendar of popular festivals and events celebrated in Malta for UK travellers who are keen on festivals and planning a trip to Malta. So, they do not have to face any issue during searching for a Maltese event and do not miss any festival due to wrong or a lack of information.
Festivals & Events in January in Malta
| Feastival & Event Name | Date | What Is Special? |
| Valletta Baroque Festival | 8–25 January | Baroque music, opera, and instrumental performance |
*** Valletts Baroque is one of Europe’s most prestigious classical music celebrations set in Baroque churches and palaces. A perfect start for culture enthusiasts.***
Festivals & Events in February in Malta
| Feastival & Event Name | Date | What Is Special? |
| Il-Karnival ta’ Malta (Carnival) | 13–17 February | Colourful parades, costumes, dancing, satire |
| Valentine’s Cultural Evenings | 14 Feb | Concerts & themed dinners at many locations in the country |
| ŻiguŻajg Children’s Arts Festival | 20–22 Feb | Family-friendly theatre & art event |
| Malta Marathon | 22 Feb | An International running event |
| Malta Mountain Bike Festival | 27–28 Feb | An adventurous event for sports lovers |
Festivals & Events in March – April in Malta
| Feastival & Event Name | Date | What Is Special? |
| Mużika Mużika | 19–21 March | Maltese music performances |
| Holy Week & Easter Celebrations | 29 March – 5 April | Processions and traditions across the islands |
| Freedom Day & National Regatta | 31 March | National holiday with historical events |
| Strawberry Festival (Festa Frawli) | mid-April | Celebrating Malta’s strawberry harvest with food stalls, music |
| Malta International Fireworks Festival | late April | Spectacular pyrotechnics light up harbourside skies |
Festivals & Events in May in Malta
| Feastival & Event Name | Date | What Is Special? |
| Rock the South | 1–3 May | Energetic rock music at popular venues. |
| EU Open-Door Cultural Days | 9 May | Museums & embassies |
| Sunny Side Festival | 15–17 May | House & techno by the sea with beach parties |
| Ritmu Roots Festival | 20–23 May | Folk music, workshops, and local melodies. |
| Malta International Food Festival | 28–30 May | Global street food event celebrated grandly |
Festivals & Events in June in Malta
| Feastival & Event Name | Date | What Is Special? |
| Malta International Arts Festival | 12–21 June | Cultural performances spanning theatre, dance, and music |
| Earth Garden | early June | Festival combining music, art, and sustainability vibes |
| Abode on the Rock (Gozo) | 18–22 June | Beachside beats and a scenic island |
| L’Imnarja Summer Folk Festival | 28–29 June | Traditional folk music and picnics under bushy trees. |
Festivals & Events in July in Malta
| Feastival & Event Name | Date | What Is Special? |
| Malta Jazz Festival | 6–11 July | World-class jazz |
| Isle of MTV Malta | 21 July | Free mega concert in Malta |
| Malta Music Week | July dates TBA | One of Malta’s biggest party weeks with DJs |
| Dance Festival Malta | 23–26 July | Workshops and performances celebrating dance |
Festivals & Events in August in Malta
| Feastival & Event Name | Date | What Is Special? |
| Soul Session Malta | 30 July – 3 August | Smooth grooves for soul and funk fans. |
| Delicata Wine Festival | early August | Celebration of Maltese wines with live music |
| Summer Daze Malta | 11–17 August | One of Malta’s biggest festival weeks with pop, dance |
| Glitch Festival | 12–15 August | House and techno dazzlers across rooftops |
| Santa Marija Feast | 15 Aug | Grand Fireworks celebration, including traditions |
***August is Malta’s peak party season, because of its rooftop techno sets and crowd-pleasing pop/dance performances.***
Festivals & Events in September in Malta
| Feastival & Event Name | Date | What Is Special? |
| Victory Day & Regatta | 8 September | A national holiday mixing history and traditional boat races. |
| R&B & Slow Jams Malta | 9–14 September | For lovers of smooth tunes and rich nightlife. |
| Freedom Street Europe | 11–14 September | Multi-venue open-air music festival |
| Independence Day | 21 September | Patriotic celebration with concerts |
| Malta Gay Pride | September TBA | Colorful celebration of diversity and inclusion |
Festivals & Events in October in Malta
| Feastival & Event Name | Date | What Is Special? |
| Defected Malta Festival | 1–4 Oct | Dance and music festival with DJ, club parties, and beach nightlife |
| Notte Bianca Festival | 3 Oct | Malta’s largest cultural night with art, live performances, and music. |
| Birgu Festival (Birgufest) | Mid-Oct | A magical night with candles and live music |
| Rolex Middle Sea Race | 17 Oct | A prestigious offshore yacht race |
| International Folk & Bands Festivals | 23-26 Oct | Cultural festival with parades, live performances, and marching bands |
***Malta never disappoints UK travellers in August. You can find the museums and galleries open with free entry during “White Nights.” ***
Festivals & Events in November in Malta
| Feastival & Event Name | Date | What Is Special? |
| Three Palaces Festival | 27 Oct – 1 Nov 2026 | An elegant classical and contemporary music festival |
| Valletta Early Opera Festival | Nov | Europe’s oldest classical music and opera festival |
| Malta Fashion Week & Awards | Nov | The biggest fashion celebration in Malta |
| Festival Mediterranea (Gozo) | Nov | A cultural, art, opera, and music festival with creative folk performances |
| St. Martin’s Day & Village Feast | 8-15 Nov | Food festival with a local celebration |
Festivals & Events in December in Malta
| Feastival & Event Name | Date | What Is Special? |
| Fairyland – Santa’s City | Early December | Malta’s biggest Christmas celebration for families |
| Bethlehem f’Għajnsielem | Mid December | A huge open-air nativity village with Christmas celebrations |
| Sliema Christmas Market | 1–24 December | A lively waterfront Christmas market |
| New Year’s Eve & Fireworks Celebrations | 31 December | Public concerts, live music with grand fireworks |
According to recent data, Malta is a bit difficult to get a visa from the UK due to its strict immigration rules and detailed documentation. Due to which 11% of visa applications are denied, and this breaks the dreams of UK travellers.
We understand these situations, and our experts at MALTA-VISA UK focus on updated Malta immigration laws and visa rules to book express Malta visas from UK. Additionally, they assist UK travellers with documentation and ensure they get their visa in a smooth way.
Why Malta is a Festival Lover’s Paradise
Malta’s festivals & event calendar 2026 is a perfect mix of culture, music, heritage, food & wine, and traditional religious fiestas. Many major events take place outdoors from spring through autumn due to the atmosphere. Visiting Malta during festival season means immersing yourself in the island’s character. At this time, you will get a chance to connect with centuries-old rituals.
Malta’s year-round celebrations!
No Malta festival calendar is truly complete without experiencing the famous village festas. These are the heart of Maltese culture and community life. These celebrations are held in honor of a village’s patron saint and take place across towns and villages throughout Malta and Gozo, mainly between May and September.
Village festas in Malta events 2026 are deeply rooted in tradition and faith. Still, they organise lively social events that are must-attend activities for UK travellers. You can admire the decorated streets with colorful lights, banners, and religious symbols. All these things create a festive atmosphere that can be felt throughout the entire village. Do not miss this opportunity while being on your Malta trip.
Key Highlights of Malta’s Village Festas
Fireworks Displays
Fireworks are one of the most iconic elements of Malta festivals 2026. These include daytime ground fireworks and spectacular nighttime aerial displays. You can witness them over villages or coastal areas. Malta is world-famous for its pyrotechnics, and festas are where this tradition truly shines.
Brass Band Marches
Local brass bands march through the streets playing traditional and modern tunes at Malta festivals 2026. Crowds cheer them up with flag-waving supporters. Additionally, the spontaneous street celebrations often continue late into the night, offering you proper Maltese vibes.
Religious Processions
At the heart of all Malta festivals 2026 is a religious procession featuring a statue of the patron saint carried through the village streets. Locals dress formally, and churches hold special masses. These events and festivals show Malta’s Catholic heritage and devotion towards its culture.
Traditional Maltese Food & Street Stalls
Do not forget to try the dishes such as pastizzi, nougat, grilled sausages, sweets, and seasonal treats during your Malta trip. The festival evenings are a great opportunity for all foodies to taste the authentic Maltese flavours in a relaxed, local setting.
Cheapest Ways to Reach Malta From the UK. Flight! Bus! Train!
As Malta is an Island in the Mediterranean, you can not reach it by bus or train. So, taking a flight from a UK city ( London, Manchester, or Edinburgh) is the most comfortable, cheapest way to reach Malta from the UK on time.
| Departure Airport | Taken Time | Approx Cost ( one -way) |
| London (LHR/LGW/LTN/STN) | ~3h 15m – 3h 20m | ~€50 – €90 |
| Manchester | ~3h 30m | ~€60 – €100 |
| Edinburgh | ~3h 50m | ~€80 – €120 |
During the peak festival season, it is hard to get a flight on time. So, it is advised to book a flight in advance before your intended travel date rather than last-minute bookings.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Malta celebrates plenty of festivals throughout the year. From cultural festivals, beach festivals, and firework events to music and folk festivals, Malta offers an unforgettable experience in 2026 for UK travellers. If you are planning a trip to this country, first check the Malta Festivals & Events Calendar according to your interests.
Whether you are travelling from the UK, London, or the nearby cities, first you have to apply for a Malta Visa From London to enter the country legally. Getting a timely appointment during festival season is hard, so apply at MALTA-VISA UK. The visa experts here book your express Malta Schengen visa appointment in the UK with the first available slot, stress-free. So, you can plan your Malta trip smoothly.
FAQs
Q. What is the best time to visit Malta from UK for festivals?
The best time to visit Malta from the UK for festivals is the spring and autumn seasons. These months (April-June and Sept-Oct) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds. You can easily plan a trip this time.
Q. Do I need a visa to attend festivals in Malta from the UK?
Yes, UK residents require a Malta tourist visa from UK, depending on their nationality. For a smooth and fast visa experience, you can apply at MALTA-VISAS UK, a reputable and trusted visa agency in the UK.
Q. Which Malta festivals are most popular internationally to attend?
Isle of MTV, Glitch Festival, Defected Malta, and Malta Jazz Festival are the most popular international festivals in Malta. These events attract thousands of UK and worldwide visitors.
Q. Are Malta festivals family-friendly if I take my children from the UK?
Yes, many festivals in Malta are family-friendly, such as Carnival events, village festivals, and food festivals. You can take your children with you.
