top of page

Annual Events

The Farsons Great Beer Festival

There’s nothing more refreshing on a hot summer’s day than a nice cold beer, and this particular July festival has beer in abundance.

Claiming to be one the largest and most diverse outdoor events in the whole of Malta, the Farsons Great Beer Festival boasts an array of samples, delicious food stalls, and a fairground for kids, all set to the soundtrack of a selection of live bands of local artists.

The event is obviously meant to promote both locally brewed beers as well as international brands, but it’s worth attending for the music and atmosphere as well!

Summer Wine Festivals

Local wine producers Delicata and Marsovin organise annual wine festivals, which offer a good opportunity to get a taste of local Maltese wines (and a good excuse to enjoy good wine for a w mellow summer’s night).

Throughout the event, visitors can sample as many different local wines as they wish, soaked up with some of the delectable food on offer. To top it all off, there is a rota of artists providing a soundtrack to the classy event and both locations offer for great harbour views to admire.

in Malta.

International Fireworks Festival

Fireworks are always a great idea and they add a bit of whimsical wonderment to any event. The International Fireworks Festival features spectacular shows by local firework factories, as well as professional pyrotechnic companies from further afield. On the final day of the event, which takes place in April, there is a Grand Finale to end all grand finales at Barriera Wharf in Valletta.

Tips:

  1. Visit the event site to see the location of the firework displays to know where best to position yourself.

  2. Be early to find yourself a good spot, beating the crowd.

  3. Get some drinks/snacks and bring along your camera and tripod if you’re into photography!

Medieval Mdina

Mdina is an impressively well preserved historical bastion city, and the Medieval festival in April takes the city right back to the Middle Ages, encouraging visitors to dabble in a spot of time travel and experience the heady days of the knighthood. In addition, traditional, local music floats down the streets and flowers adorn every available space spreading the jovial feeling of spring.

There’s usually also a falconry display and various exhibitions are held around the old bastion city.

Village Festas

Throughout the year (and more popularly during the summer months), Malta and Gozo offer an array of colour and cheeriness as, every weekend, there is a traditional village feast somewhere on the islands. Each village’s patron saint is celebrated, and although originally a religious celebration it’s the event of the year for the local villagers, filled with band music during the day and fireworks, drink and food in the evenings.

Expect winding trails of parades, traditional costumes, and local, traditional Maltese music, all topped off nicely with delicious food and refreshing drinks with the sight and sound of fireworks.

Isle of MTV

Music festivals are all the rage these days, and Malta is not immune. The Isle of MTV boats a jaw-dropping collection of headline acts each year (Past line ups included Lady Gaga, David Guetta, Will.i.am, Nelly Furtado, Rita Ora, Enrique Iglesias, Jason Derulo, Maroon 5, OneRepublic, Jessie J, amongst many other household names), and thousands upon thousands of hedonistic music-lovers converge on the island’s shores in late June for one of the largest free open-air concert in the whole of Europe.

Various parties are organised around Malta and Gozo to celebrate Isle of MTV and it’s a great time to explore the local clubbing and nightlife scene. If you decide to attend, go early and keep in mind transport options to/from the event will be limited.

L-Imnarja Summer Folk Festival

Meaning “Festival of Light”, L-Imnarja dates way back to the days before the Knights even arrived in Malta. Its roots stem from the solstice fires the burned throughout festivities but, today, the festival is a merry event for spending time with family and loved ones – picnics are the perfect pastime, and the wine is free-flowing, plus there is a selection of live acoustic music as darkness falls.

It’s a great opportunity to see some important aspects of Maltese culture, giving you a taste of what the Maltese people’s heritage is all about.

Malta International Airshow

Flying is a fascinating thing, and it has become the subject of many an annual event around the world. With its rich aviation history and a museum dedicated to the craft, it makes sense that Malta has one of the best shows in Europe.

At the end of September, flying enthusiasts (and even those who aren’t that enthusiastic about it) can watch amazing air displays flit over the beautiful Maltese landscape, and learn more about the machines and their past.

Mdina Grand Prix

In early autumn, Mdina whirs into life with the annual Grand Prix. Winding through the scenic streets of the old, rustic town and through the beautiful countryside, the classic cars taking part vie for first prize. Alongside the race, there are also numerous cultural activities to keep visitors busy – many of whom come from overseas especially for the even.

The Rolex Middle Sea Race

This classic annual event is a must-do for any sailing fanatic – or even those who just enjoy spending time by the sea. Beginning in the beautiful Grand Harbour beneath the imposing structure of the Saluting Battery, the race draws in thousands of visitors who watch from both sides of the harbour, enjoying the jovial atmosphere and the golden autumn sunshine.

Why attend? Quite impressive to watch the races from the bastions of Valletta, usually with great weather to boot still, at this time of year.

bottom of page