Upcoming events in Malta this October!

Summer is well underway, and we have been enjoying a fantastic calendar of events and festivals in Malta in 2019. As the seasons change the entertainment doesn’t stop though, there are several exciting events in Malta in October to look forward to.

Notte Bianca – 5^th October in Valletta

Notte Bianca is a festival of celebration of Maltese art and culture, based in and around Valletta’s streets and iconic buildings and includes Atmosfera, the festival fringe. The event celebrates not just mixed media art and sculptures but also music and theatre. The streets come to life and local landmark buildings such as the Grandmasters Palace and the museums and churches host exhibitions and performances.  St Georges Square will be home to an outdoor stage with a diverse range of music, and the roads will be closed throughout the city centre to accommodate the crowds. There is so much to see and do, you don’t need to plan much as just a stroll round the city streets will take you on a journey of entertainment and wonder as you stumble upon performances and open houses.

Birgufest – 11^th-13^th October in Birgu

Birgufest is a weekend art, culture, food and music in one of Malta’s oldest cities, in a beautiful setting next to the Grand Harbour. The streets are decorated with candles and chandeliers, highlighting the city’s stunning architecture and the residents decorate their houses too. The museums discount their entry fees.Also special history-focused performances take place including processions in traditional Maltese costumes with old-fashioned music, guided cultural tours and talks about events such as the Great Seige of 1565. Children from local schools are encouraged to be part of the celebrations to learn about their community’s past.

A fantastic immersive event for anyone that has an interest in European history.

Rolex Middle Sea Race – 19^th October in Valletta

One of Europe’s biggest sailing events, the 40^th Rolex Middle Sea race takes place in mid-October again this year. On a scale with the prestigious UK Cowes Week, this yachting event attracts a huge crowd to Malta and is a great spectacle for all the family with the start and finish line situated at Valletta Grand Harbour. Onlookers will be able to see a fantastic array of boats and their hard-working teams as they sail into the harbour after an exhilarating journey around Malta, which will be marked at the start with cannon fire from the Upper Barrakka Gardens. You can see some awe-inspiring photography of the event on the race’s Facebook page for a teaser of what to expect. Bars and restaurants in Valletta will be very busy at this time, so make sure you book a table in advance!

Where to stay for the October events in Malta?

Valletta is a great place to stay, to be at the heart of the action for the autumn events and to be able to travel easily during the festivities without waiting in traffic. As the streets will be closed during the Middle Sea race and ferries won’t be running it’s important to find somewhere in the city centre and book as soon as possible. A luxury suite in Casa Ellul, a boutique hotel in Old Theatre Street is the perfect setting for such a prestigious event. During Birgufest, the quickest way to travel to Birgu is by ferry from the Grand Harbour. And during Notte Bianca, the roads will be closed so it’s advisable to stay within walking distance from the city centre. October looks set to be an exciting time for Malta, and we can’t wait to join in!