Malta, a captivating Mediterranean archipelago with a history stretching back over 8,000 years, is famous for its endless sunshine and rich cultural heritage. While summer brings an array of festivals and events across Malta and its enchanting sister island, Gozo, the archipelago continues to have a buzz into the fall. Gozo, with its own unique charm and dynamic cultural scene, complements Malta perfectly, offering an exciting lineup of concerts and festivals well into the autumn months. Throughout the year, Malta and Gozo ensure there’s always something remarkable to experience.
Malta Calendar of Events – Select Highlights
Valletta Contemporary Presents Cumulus Art Exhibition: Second Installment – Sept. 4th – Nov. 23rd, 2024
Valletta Contemporary, in partnership with the Norbert Francis Attard Foundation, is hosting a new exhibition titled Cumulus starting their Fall installment on September 4th, 2024, and ending on November 23rd from 6 pm to 9 pm. This showcase features works by 29 acclaimed international artists, such as Gilbert and George, Ai Weiwei, and Tracey Emin. The collection, curated by Norbert Francis Attard, highlights his evolving taste and decades of art accumulation. It explores the theme of collecting and offers a rare opportunity to view these pieces in Malta for the first time. Valletta Contemporary is open Wednesday to Saturday, 2 pm to 7 pm, with free entry.
Notte Bianca – October 5th, 2024
Notte Bianca is one of Malta’s biggest annual arts and culture festivals. For one special night, every first Saturday of October, the Valletta cityscape lights up with a spectacular celebration of the arts, open to the public free of charge. Local museums, piazzas, state palaces, and churches transform their property into venues to hold live performances and concerts, while other restaurants and cafés extend their hours to serve the festival celebrants.
BirguFest – October 11th – 12th, 2024
Birgufest is an annual event in Birgu (also known as Vittoriosa), one of the “three cities” across the Grand Harbour from Valletta, organized by the Birgu Local Council, held on the second weekend of October. The festival spans two days and features “Birgu by Candlelight,” where the city’s streets are illuminated solely by candles, creating a unique atmosphere enhanced by professional musicians. Churches open for concerts, museums, and historical sites offer discounted entry, and local groups provide traditional food. The event also includes exhibitions, a short film festival, and an artisan market, making for a vibrant and immersive experience.
The Three Palaces Festival – October 30th – November 3rd, 2024
Organized by Festivals Malta, this year’s Three Palaces Festival celebrates the 700th anniversary of Marco Polo and features Antonio Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons,” exploring its influence on various composers, including Max Richter, Tchaikovsky, and Piazzolla. The festival highlights Malta’s heritage by hosting performances in historic venues like the Grand Master’s Palace and St John’s Co-Cathedral, and offers educational activities such as an illumination workshop. It will also include a call for art themed around The Silk Road, showcasing local artists.
Valletta Early Opera Festival – November 8th & 9th, 2024
As part of the Valletta Early Opera Festival, Festivals Malta and Teatru Manoel present Mozart’s lesser-known opera Il Re Pastore. This work, composed when Mozart was just 19, explores themes of war, star-crossed lovers, and triumph, similar to his later opera Così Fan Tutte. The production features Federico Fiorio, Catherine Trottman, Claire Debono, Nico Darmanin, and Raffaele Giordani, with musical direction by Giulio Prandi and direction by Tommaso Franchin. The opera will be performed at Teatru Manoel, Europe’s oldest functioning theater, which has been a significant cultural venue in Malta since 1731.
Gozo Calendar of Events – Select Highlights
Levant Gozo Music Festival – September 13th, 2024
Get set for an event to remember with Tribali! This night explodes with pure live music, a mesmerizing blend of contemporary and classical sounds designed to ignite the soul of every music lover. Witness the magic as talented musicians weave a tapestry of sound, fusing traditional Maltese rhythms with the vibrant energy of the Mediterranean and African. Don’t miss this unforgettable experience – a night of pure musical harmony awaits!
Liquid Spirit Gozo – September 13th – 17th 2024
LIQUID SPIRIT Gozo is a boutique dance music festival combining the unique gifts of Malta’s sister island, Gozo, with a stellar international DJ and PA line-up from across the house and soul spectrums. This long weekend island takeover will offer a series of exclusive events in unique locations, including villa, pool, club, and boat parties, as well as pop-ups, foodie events, well-being, and more.
Opera in Gozo – October 12th & 24th, 2024
Gozo, one of Malta’s sister islands’ most popular events in the Fall is opera. This year will be no different as the two opera houses of Astra and Aurora will be holding one fully staged opera each – the Astra Theatre will stage Giuseppe Verdi’s Giovanna d’Arco, whilst the Aurora Theatre will stage Giacomo Puccini’s Il Trittico. These performances will deliver a truly unique and culturally rich experience for all attendees.
All Saints Day Candlelight Celebration – November 3rd, 2024
Churches across Gozo celebrate their saints and villages with stunning candlelight displays. The Cultural Heritage Directorate within the Ministry for Gozo in collaboration with the Gozo Diocese hosts an illumination outside every Gozitan parish church each year. All Saints’ Day, known as “Jum il-Qaddisin” in Maltese, on 1st November is dedicated to commemorating all the saints who have lived holy and virtuous lives. On the 2nd of November, it is All Souls’ Day also known as the Day Of The Dead, which is a day to remember and pray for departed souls. It is when the living reflects upon their loved ones who have passed and offer prayers of peace. Both of these festivities will be celebrated on November 3rd.
Rock Astra – November 24th, 2024
The La Stella Philharmonic Band will once again rock the island at the Rock Astra festival. It will be held in Teatru Astra’s beautiful auditorium for the second time. It will feature a vast repertoire of chart-topping glam rock pieces, adorned by the inescapable cool and strong performance from the top voices of Malta’s music scene under the direction of Mro John Galea.
