5 festivals to attend this month in Malta

For the music lovers: Malta Arts Festival, ends 15th July

If you’re into theatre, classical music and anything that falls under the umbrella of the arts then you’re in for a treat. You’re still in time to catch the final days of this exciting international festival based largely in Valletta. Highlights include the Choir of Clare College featuring baroque singer Elin Manahan Thomas, who famously sang the ethereal introit at the Royal Wedding last May. Watch in awe as gravity defying dancers, acrobats and flying actors (!) perform a highly original interpretation of Dante’s Divina Commedia. And don’t miss the closing concert by the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra starring 13-year-old prodigy Dmitry Ishkhanov, a Maltese pianist of Russo-Armenian heritage who will be performing the “Mediterranean” piano concerto by Maltese composer Charles Camilleri. 

For the wine lovers: Marsovin Summer Wine Festival, 20th - 22nd July

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This festival has all the ingredients of a perfect balmy summer night: chilled white wine (or glorious red, depending on your preference), funky music, and an idyllic setting in a garden with a view. Hastings Garden in Valletta will once again host the 11th edition of this popular event featuring over 30 certified D.O.K. and I.Ġ.T. quality wines from grapes grown around Malta and Gozo and produced by Malta’s oldest winemaker. On stage will be Red Electrick and The Travellers, two of the most successful local bands in recent years, Vinyl Paradise, a cutting-edge blues band, Swing Nuages, a fun-loving gypsy swing and manouche jazz band, Relikc, a band creating the perfect blend of funk and rock; and Analise and Band who will be singing along to some popular tunes. And in case you get peckish, some of Malta’s top restaurants will be showcasing their cuisines on site. 

For the food lovers: Malta International Food Festival, 19th - 22nd July

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The medieval walled city of Mdina becomes the gourmet capital of the island featuring cuisines from 12 different countries serving up over 100 scrumptious dishes. The festival is held in the ditch surrounding Mdina, which was recently turned into a public garden. Look out for live cooking shows, delicious desserts from all over the world and special entertainment for the little ones too. Al fresco dinner sorted. No reservations required.

For art lovers: Mellieha Outdoor Arts Festival, every Friday in July

Artists pitch their easels and show off their talent every Friday throughout July at Arti fil-Misrah (art in the square) in a month long festival showcasing local artistic skill. This is a chance for up-and-coming artists and artisans to exhibit their work in the heart of the Northern town of Mellieha overlooking Malta’s largest sandy beach, Ghadira. 

For beer lovers: Farsons Beer Festival 26th July - 4th August

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One of Malta’s best loved festivals returns for its 38th edition. The 10-day outdoor festival brings together the best local music, entertainment and, of course, beer, at Ta’ Qali National Park. The free festival regularly attracts thousands of visitors each night and is organised by local brewers Farsons. Established in 1928, Farsons is the company behind the iconic, award-winning Maltese beer Cisk Lager, Blue Label Ale, Hopleaf Pale Ale, not to mention Malta’s very own original soft drink, Kinnie. Despite the fact that beer is the headline attraction, this is a fun-for-everyone kind of event.