Tag: Family

  • Things to Do in Malta This October 2026

    Things to Do in Malta This October 2026

    October is one of the busiest months of the year in Malta, with warm evenings, big festivals and an international line-up of music, sport and culture. Here’s everything worth knowing about, week by week, with dates, prices and where to get tickets.

    Early October (1-4 October)

    • Malta v Gibraltar and Malta v Andorra: UEFA Nations League at the National Stadium, Ta’ Qali, on Thursday 1 October (20:45) and Sunday 4 October (18:00). Tickets from €8: Malta v Gibraltar · Malta v Andorra · our guide.
    • Malta Classic & Mdina Grand Prix: historic cars racing beneath Mdina’s walls, 1-4 October, with the Grand Prix on 3-4 October. Tickets from €15.75 · our guide.
    • Notte Bianca: Saturday 3 October. Valletta’s free all-night arts festival celebrates its 20th edition with more than 50 projects across the city, closing with a Malta Philharmonic Orchestra concert in St George’s Square. Valletta closes to traffic from 16:30.
    • Boozy Bingo: Golden Oldies: Sunday afternoons at Gianpula from 4 October. Tickets €21.40.

    Mid October (8-18 October)

    • BLAST Slam VIII: the world’s best Dota 2 teams battle for $750,000 at BLAST Arena Studios Malta, 8-11 October. Day tickets from €10.80 · our guide.
    • VBET Malta Premier League: the league returns after the international break, 9-14 October, including Birkirkara v Valletta at Ta’ Qali on 10 October. Adult tickets €10 · fixtures and tickets.
    • Malta Comic Con 2026: comics, cosplay and gaming at the MFCC, 10-11 October. Early bird from €16.20, children 10 and under free · our guide.
    • Dash Berlin at UNO Malta: Saturday 17 October, 22:00-04:00. Tickets from €21.20 · our guide.
    • Rolex Middle Sea Race: the 47th edition of the 606-nautical-mile offshore classic starts from the Grand Harbour on Saturday 17 October. Watching from the bastions of Valletta and Birgu is free.
    • Opera in Gozo: La Traviata at the Aurora Theatre, Victoria, on 17 October (19:30), in the theatre’s 50th anniversary year; tickets through the theatre.

    Late October (23-31 October)

    • Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2026: Malta hosts Europe’s young singers at the MFCC: Jury Final on 23 October, live Final on 24 October. Tickets from €16.20 · our guide.
    • Pro Wrestling Malta: Fall Brawl: Saturday 24 October at Montekristo Estate. Tickets from €8.64 · our guide.
    • DJ Sue’s Disco Fever: 60s, 70s and 80s classics at Tigullio, St Julian’s, on Saturday 24 October. Early bird from €10.80.
    • Three Palaces Festival: classical, contemporary and experimental music in historic palaces around Malta, 28 October to 1 November.
    • Madama Butterfly: at the Astra Theatre, Victoria, Gozo, on 29 and 31 October (19:30); tickets through the theatre.
    • Boozy Bingo Halloween Special: Saturday 31 October and Sunday 1 November at Gianpula; dress code Heroes & Villains. Tickets €21.40 · our guide.

    FAQ

    What’s on in Malta in October 2026?

    Highlights include Notte Bianca (3 October), BLAST Slam VIII (8-11 October), Malta Comic Con (10-11 October), the Rolex Middle Sea Race start (17 October) and the Junior Eurovision Song Contest (23-24 October).

    When is Notte Bianca 2026?

    Saturday 3 October 2026, across Valletta. It’s free to attend.

    Where can I watch the start of the Rolex Middle Sea Race?

    From the bastions around the Grand Harbour in Valletta and Birgu, on Saturday 17 October 2026, and it is free of charge.

    Which October events are free?

    Notte Bianca, watching the Rolex Middle Sea Race start, and the Malta Classic Hill Climb and Style & Elegance events are all free.

  • Halloween in Malta 2026: The Best Parties and Events

    Halloween in Malta 2026: The Best Parties and Events

    Halloween 2026 falls on a Saturday, which means a whole weekend of costumes, parties and spooky family fun across Malta and Gozo. Here are the best ways to celebrate.

    Parties

    • Boozy Bingo Halloween Special: Malta’s craziest bingo show goes super for Halloween at Gianpula Main Room: a Saturday night special on 31 October (doors 19:30) and a Sunday afternoon show on 1 November (doors 15:00). Dress code: Heroes & Villains. Tickets for 31 October · 1 November: standing €21.40 · our guide.
    • G7 presents Halloween Village: a big Halloween party across Gianpula’s Main Room and The Club House on Friday 30 October, from 22:00.

    Theatre

    • The Rocky Horror Show: the cult musical at Republic Hall, Mediterranean Conference Centre, Valletta, on 30 and 31 October (20:30) and 1 November (16:00). Costumes are encouraged; strictly 14+.

    Free family nights in Gozo

    • Halloween in Nadur: Friday 30 October, 17:00-21:00 in Nadur Square: pumpkin carving, face painting, a haunted shelter, fire spinning and inflatables. Free.
    • The Haunting of Blankas: Saturday 31 October, 19:00-23:00, when Ġnien Blankas in Xewkija becomes an immersive haunted attraction with live performers and effects. Free.

    For curious kids

    • Halloween at Esplora: hands-on “science meets spooky” workshops and demonstrations at Esplora, Kalkara, from 1 to 4 November.

    FAQ

    What day is Halloween in 2026?

    Saturday 31 October 2026, so most parties run on Friday 30 and Saturday 31 October.

    Are there free Halloween events in Malta?

    Yes, Halloween in Nadur (30 October) and The Haunting of Blankas in Xewkija (31 October) are both free.

    What’s the dress code for Boozy Bingo’s Halloween Special?

    Heroes & Villains.

  • Malta Events in November 2026: Metal, Gaming, Comedy and More

    Malta Events in November 2026: Metal, Gaming, Comedy and More

    November in Malta brings some of the year’s biggest indoor events: three nights of metal, a free gaming festival, the island’s largest book fair and plenty of Sunday afternoon fun. Here’s what’s on, with dates and tickets.

    Music

    • Malta Metal Weekend: 13-15 November at Eden Arena, InterContinental Malta, St Julian’s: Kreator and Paradise Lost (Friday), Doro, Dirkschneider and Candlemass (Saturday), Europe and Vandenberg (Sunday). Day tickets €81, 3-day €216 · our guide.
    • An Afternoon with Nicko McBrain: Iron Maiden’s longtime drummer in conversation on Sunday 15 November at 15:00, part of Malta Metal Weekend.
    • The Return of the Legends: Jaycee & Terra: old-school favourites reunite at Westend Terrace, Xewkija, Gozo, on Saturday 14 November, in aid of Id-Dar tal-Providenza. Free Entry Invite.

    Gaming

    • PLAYCON 2026: Malta’s gaming and esports festival returns to the MFCC, 19-22 November, with free entry on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 November and a Friday-evening Mythic Pass from €10.80. Get your ticket · our guide.
    • PLAYCON Summit 2026: the industry side of PLAYCON for gaming professionals, 18-19 November. Summit tickets.

    Comedy

    • Max Amini Live in Malta: the comedy star plays the Mediterranean Conference Centre, Valletta, with four shows on 21 and 22 November. All four are sold out.

    Culture and sport

    • Malta Book Festival: the 47th edition, 4-8 November at the MFCC, Ta’ Qali: author talks, workshops and family events. Free entry.
    • Malta Open & Malta Masters darts: a World Darts Federation ranking event in Tarxien, 6-8 November, with men’s, women’s and youth competitions.
    • Żurrieq Half Marathon & 10K: Sunday 15 November, starting and finishing in Żurrieq’s main square; registration closes on 1 November.

    Sunday afternoons: Boozy Bingo

    The Halloween Special closes on Sunday 1 November, Golden Oldies returns on 8 November, and the Pyjama Drama shows run on 15, 22 and 29 November at Gianpula. Standing tickets €21.40 · all the dates.

    FAQ

    What’s on in Malta in November 2026?

    Malta Metal Weekend (13-15 November), PLAYCON (19-22 November), the Malta Book Festival (4-8 November), Max Amini (21-22 November, sold out) and the Żurrieq Half Marathon (15 November) are among the highlights.

    Is PLAYCON 2026 free?

    Yes, weekend entry on 21 and 22 November is free; the Friday Mythic Pass is from €10.80.

    When is the Malta Book Festival 2026?

    4-8 November 2026 at the MFCC in Ta’ Qali, with free entry.

  • Pro Wrestling Malta: Fall Brawl 2026 at Montekristo Estate

    Pro Wrestling Malta: Fall Brawl 2026 at Montekristo Estate

    Live professional wrestling returns to Malta this autumn. Pro Wrestling Malta presents: Fall Brawl takes place at Montekristo Estate on Saturday 24 October 2026 at 20:00, with your favourite local wrestlers alongside athletes from around the world.

    About Pro Wrestling Malta

    Pro Wrestling Malta (PWM) was founded in February 2014 by Wayne Pace, known in the ring as “The Maltese Warrior” Gianni De La Valette, who trained and wrestled in the UK and Europe because Malta had no training centre of its own. PWM describes itself as the island’s first and only pro wrestling promotion. It runs a training academy, holds regular shows and stages three major events a year featuring local and international talent. Its very first show, “Il-Bidu” (The Beginning), took place in July 2015.

    Fall Brawl

    Fall Brawl is one of PWM’s big annual nights and returns to Montekristo Estate, where last year’s edition was also held. Expect high-flying action, heated rivalries and a loud crowd. It’s built as a night out for friends and families alike. Match announcements usually come from PWM in the run-up to the show, so keep an eye on their channels.

    The venue

    Montekristo Estate, at Ħal Farruġ, is a multi-venue entertainment estate opened in 2005, with around ten indoor and outdoor venues, and it is a regular home for big nights out in Malta.

    Tickets

    • Standard Adult: €19.44
    • Standard Kids: €8.64
    • Gold: €21.60

    Prices include the booking fee.

    FAQ

    When is Fall Brawl 2026?

    Saturday 24 October 2026 at 20:00, at Montekristo Estate.

    Is Fall Brawl suitable for families?

    Yes, it’s billed as a night out for friends and family, and there’s a Standard Kids ticket at €8.64.

    How much are tickets?

    From €8.64 for kids and €19.44 for adults, with Gold seats at €21.60, booking fee included.

  • PLAYCON 2026: Malta’s Gaming and Esports Festival Returns to the MFCC

    PLAYCON 2026: Malta’s Gaming and Esports Festival Returns to the MFCC

    Malta’s gaming festival is back. PLAYCON 2026, the sixth edition, takes over the MFCC in Ta’ Qali from 19 to 22 November 2026, bringing together gaming, esports, game development, cosplay and the wider digital entertainment industry, in partnership with GamingMalta.

    From 8,000 to 25,000+

    PLAYCON launched in 2019 as Malta’s first game development and esports expo, welcoming around 8,000 visitors. By 2024 it had grown to more than 25,000, with the show floor expanding to 7,600 square metres and more than 60 exhibitors.

    What’s on

    • Esports: tournaments listed so far include Tekken 8, Street Fighter 6, EA FC 27, League of Legends, CS2, Assetto Corsa and Blood Bowl 3.
    • DAIGON Students’ Esports World Championship: school teams from around the world compete in Rocket League and Minecraft, following the first edition in Malta in 2025.
    • Guests: announced so far are Steven Ogg, Anthony Howell, Elizabeth Rage and Leon Chiro, with Main Stage Q&As free to watch.
    • Expo: new games from talented developers, industry professionals, careers in the sector, and plenty of cosplay.

    Opening hours and tickets

    • Friday 20 November, 19:00-22:30, Mythic Pass only: exclusive early access to the show floor before anyone else. Tiers at €10.80, €27 and €54 (booking fee included); higher tiers add meet-and-greet perks and merch.
    • Saturday 21 November, 10:30-22:30 and Sunday 22 November, 10:30-19:00: FREE entry. Grab your free Weekend Access ticket in advance on Eventworks.

    FAQ

    Is PLAYCON 2026 free?

    Yes, weekend entry on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 November is free. The Friday-evening Mythic Pass is a paid extra, from €10.80.

    When is PLAYCON 2026?

    19-22 November 2026 at the MFCC, Ta’ Qali, with the public expo open Friday evening (Mythic Pass) and all weekend.

    Who are the guests?

    Steven Ogg, Anthony Howell, Elizabeth Rage and Leon Chiro have been announced so far.

  • MERLIN: A Maltese Christmas Pantomime in Ħaż-Żebbuġ

    MERLIN: A Maltese Christmas Pantomime in Ħaż-Żebbuġ

    Christmas in Malta isn’t complete without a panto. This year ACTion Productions presents MERLIN, a Maltese-language pantomime in two acts, at Teatru Dun Mikiel Xerri in Ħaż-Żebbuġ from 11 to 13 December 2026.

    The story

    Merlin the wizard is loved by everyone and always ready to help, especially the underdog. But he has a problem: he can’t use his magic, all because of King Arturo, a man full of apathy. Then there’s Excalibur, the sword everyone wants because it makes you truly powerful, and now the villains have arrived. What are they plotting, and will they succeed? Expect colourful characters, non-stop laughs, dancing, singing and music.

    Show times

    • Friday 11 December: 19:00
    • Saturday 12 December: 19:00
    • Sunday 13 December: 16:30

    The venue

    Teatru Dun Mikiel Xerri is a multi-purpose hall built in the 1950s, across the road from the Żebbuġ parish church. It’s named after Dun Mikiel Xerri, the Żebbuġ-born priest and patriot executed in 1799 after the revolt against French rule. ACTion Productions has staged its Christmas pantomimes here before, including Snow White in 2018.

    A long Maltese tradition

    Pantomime has been part of Christmas in Malta for more than a century. The first, Aladdin and His Wonderful Lamp, was staged in January 1911, and local productions in Maltese keep the tradition alive for families across the island.

    Tickets

    Early-bird General Entry tickets (booking fee included):

    • Adult: €17.50
    • Child (under 12): €11.66

    FAQ

    When is MERLIN on?

    Friday 11 and Saturday 12 December 2026 at 19:00, and Sunday 13 December at 16:30.

    Where is Teatru Dun Mikiel Xerri?

    In Ħaż-Żebbuġ, across the road from the parish church.

    Is the pantomime in Maltese?

    Yes, MERLIN is performed in Maltese.

  • Malta Comic Con 2026: Your Guide to Two Days of Comics, Cosplay and Gaming

    Malta Comic Con 2026: Your Guide to Two Days of Comics, Cosplay and Gaming

    Malta’s biggest celebration of pop culture is back. Malta Comic Con 2026 takes over the Malta Fairs & Conventions Centre (MFCC) in Ta’ Qali on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 October 2026, with two days dedicated to comic creators, comic books and graphic novels, film and TV, tabletop and video games, role-playing, anime, manga and, of course, cosplay.

    What’s on

    • Cosplay: the cosplay competition and the Sunday Masquerade are highlights of the weekend, whether you’re competing or just there to admire the costumes.
    • Panels and talks: creator Q&As, workshops and industry discussions with guests from the worlds of comics, film and gaming.
    • Gaming zone: retro arcade classics, modern favourites and tournaments.
    • Artist Alley and market: discover original artwork, prints, comics and merchandise from local and international creators.
    • For families: kid-friendly activities, workshops and cosplay photo opportunities.

    Malta Comic Con has always put creators front and centre, giving fans the chance to meet the artists and writers behind their favourite stories. The organisers have promised some big names this year, so keep an eye on the official Malta Comic Con channels as the guest list is announced.

    Tickets

    • Early Bird 1-Day ticket: €16.20
    • Early Bird 2-Day ticket: €27.00
    • Children aged 10 and under enter free.

    Prices include the booking fee.

    Here’s a tip worth knowing: prepaid tickets get priority access an hour earlier, at 10:00, so buying online in advance means less time queuing and more time inside.

    Who is it for?

    Everyone. There is material specifically aimed at children and material aimed at a more mature audience across both days, so it works as a family day out as well as a weekend for dedicated fans. If you’re planning to cosplay, the 2-day ticket gives you a second chance at the perfect photo.

    Getting there

    The MFCC sits beside the National Stadium in Ta’ Qali, in the centre of the island and within easy reach of Attard, Mosta and Rabat. There’s parking around Ta’ Qali, but on a busy weekend it’s worth arriving early.

    FAQ

    When is Malta Comic Con 2026?

    Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 October 2026 at the MFCC, Ta’ Qali.

    How much are Malta Comic Con tickets?

    Early bird tickets are €16.20 for one day and €27 for both days, booking fee included. Children aged 10 and under go free.

    What time does Malta Comic Con open?

    Prepaid ticket holders get priority access from 10:00, an hour before general entry.