Photo: © Isle of MTV

Summer in Malta is undoubtedly the most eventful time of the year, bringing together both locals and tourists in a flurry of colour and festivities. Just as the temperatures start to rise, so do events being held in Malta, with activities such as an open-air wine festival, the Malta International Arts Festival, as well as Malta Music Week, which includes the Isle of MTV party, Europe’s largest free international party. If you have plans to visit Malta this summer, here’s where we recommend visiting.

Malta Music Week
23 – 28 June

If sun, fun, and lots of music sound like something you might be up for, we strongly recommend booking your holiday around Malta Music Week. Held every year, MMW is one of Malta’s largest events and includes a week-long celebration of music, held in a series of concerts and parties across Malta and Gozo. The festival’s highlight includes the Isle of MTV Malta which is being held in Floriana on the 28th June. This year marks the 10th anniversary of this party and incudes performances from Steve Aoki, Wiz Khalifa and Jess Glynne amongst others.

L-imnarja (Feast of St Peter and St Paul)
29 June

Malta is also traditionally known for celebrating its local heritage throughout the summer in the form of village feasts, locally known as festi. L-imnarja is one of Malta’s oldest feasts and is dedicated to St Peter and St Paul. This unique feast and folk festival is held annually at Buskett Gardens and attracts several locals and visitors to take part in celebrations that include fresh fruit and vegetable shows, and a late-night donkey race.

Malta International Arts Festival
Dates TBC

The Malta International Arts Festival brings together an exciting programme of conceptual art throughout its 11-day calendar of events. Visitors are able to enjoy as much as 15 performances by popular local and international artists from the realms of dance, poetry, film and theatre.

Malta Jazz Festival
Dates TBC

Placing Malta on the global jazz map, the Malta Jazz Festival offers the unique opportunity of bringing together local and foreign talent and showcasing them at an international level. The stunning location and the rich calendar of events make this festival one of Malta’s most anticipated events of the year.

The Farsons Beer Festival
Dates TBC

Organised every year by Malta’s largest brewery, Farsons, the beer festival offers a week-long celebration that includes live music, stand up comedy, food, drink, and of course; lots of beer. The festival is held at the Ta’Qali National Park and is a popular destination for both locals and visitors.

The Delicata Classic Wine Festival
Dates TBC

With Maltese wine rapidly gaining momentum on the world stage of wine, this Maltese winery hosts a yearly Classic Wine Festival that includes live entertainment, and of course, the opportunity to sample some of the House’s finest wares. Hosted at the picturesque Upper Barrakka Gardens in Valletta, the Delicata Classic Wine Festival is now in its 15th year and is considered the largest event related to wine on the island. Should you happen to be visiting a little later along the year, there’s a second edition being held in Gozo between the 19th and the 21st August.