Yes, there is such a thing as Mosta weekend!

Sunday 16 September from 9am: Open Day at Ta’ Bistra Catacombs – Mosta; Saturday, 15 September from 7pm – 11pm: Qargħasel - Rotunda Square, Mosta

This weekend put Mosta on your hit list. There’s a host of events designed to highlight the heritage and culture of the town: on Saturday, there is a celebration of all things honey and pumpkin with culinary delights from the hip Manouche and the Mediterranean Culinary Academy, while, on Sunday, Ta’ Bistra Catacombs are throwing their doors open, allowing visitors insight into these 4th century A.D. Paleochristian catacombs, set on a ridge overlooking St Paul’s Bay.

The banned play: 

All weekend from 9pm: Stitching – Studio Theatre, Teatru Manoel, Valletta

Almost a decade ago, the play Stitching caused quite a furore on this little island. The heavy hand of censorship lifted its fist and came down on this offer from Unifaun Theatre, citing blasphemy, sexual violence, and self-mutilation as reasons. It was the last play in Europe to ever be censored. Today – after these rules have been all but abolished and the judgement reversed, the play comes to the stage. Starring Mikhail Basmadjian and Pia Zammit, and directed by Chris Gatt, this promises to be a production to remember – for all the right reasons. 

Iconic theatre:

Saturday, 15 September at 7.30pm: Aida - Pjazza Teatru Rjal, Valletta; Sunday, 16 September from 6pm: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time – Spazju Kreattiv, Valletta

Opera Spanga’s Aida is heading to the stage at Pjazza Teatru Rjal, at the entrance of Valletta, to wow audiences in a new production of an opera which has become increasingly relevant in these fraught times. Telling a story of love and war, the production aims to introduce the show to a whole new set of audiences. A stone’s throw away, at Spazju Kreattiv, the London National Theatre’s The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time – a theatrical adaptation of the novel of the same name – is set to captivate and entrance on Sunday.

Stand up:

Saturday, 15 September from 3pm – 11pm: Malta Pride 2018 Parade & Celebrate – Valletta

Organised by Allied Rainbow Communities (ARC), the 2018 Malta Pride Parade & Celebration, taking place on Saturday, will bring together those who have the rights of the LGBTQ community at heart. Expect celebrations, joviality and bucketloads of energy in this yearly event which would have been impossible to dream of as recently as a decade ago. 

Saturday, 15 September at 8pm – 11pm: Rockestra 2018 - MFCC, Malta Fairs and Conventions Centre Millenium Stand, Level 1 National Stadium, Ta' Qali

Rockestra has a long history and an enthusiastic following, revelling in the thrill of notched-up tunes, popular refrains and nostalgia. Going into its 10th year, this edition promises to offer some fan favourites: will it be Queen, Van Halen or Jon Bon Jovi whose songs will ring out at the MFCC? Hopefully, it will be a little bit of everything. Tickets from here.

Saturday funzies:

Saturday, 15 September from 10.30pm: Spots & Stripes - Beachhaven, Xemxija hill, St Paul's Bay; Saturday, 15 September from 10pm – 4am: The Reflex 80's Summer Party - Gianpula Main Room, Limits of Rabat, Zebbug

Join the cool gang this weekend at Spots & Stripes taking place in Xemxija, at the seaside locale of Beachaven. Don your best spotted or striped clothing before heading down or you might not actually get in. If nostalgia is more your thing – even if you’re a noughties child - Gianpula is putting on its Reflex ‘80s Summer Party, encouraging you to relax and just have fun.