Lighting up screen and stage:

Thursday, 13 September from 7.30pm: Aida - Pjazza Teatru Rjal, Valletta

Quite the spectacle, and a reflection of the senselessness of war, Aida has probably never come at a more opportune time, with military conflicts constantly making the headlines across the globe. The opera, written by Guiseppe Verdi, and first performed in 1871, is set in Ancient Egypt and tells the story of an Ethiopian princess who is being held captive. Aida is in love with a general, Radames, and he with her, but when he is chosen to lead a war against her home country, they must both decide whether their love for each other trumps that for their nation. Tickets from here. 

Tuesday, 11 September from 7.30pm: Film Screening: From Malta to Motor City – Palazzo Falson, Mdina; Tuesday, 11 September from 8pm – 9.45pm: Solar Cinema, Memories (short film programme) - San Lawrenz, Gozo; Wednesday, 12 September from 6pm – 8pm: Life of Brian - The Cinema Bar by Citylights

As the weather starts to turn, we start to look a bit more indoors for entertainment which will keep us going for the next few months. This week check out the film screenings happening all over the island, with the first set taking place tomorrow night. Charlie Cauchi’s short documentary on Maltese migrants living in Detroit will show at Palazzo Falson in Mdina, while Solar Cinema is hitting the road again, and settling at San Lawrenz in Gozo, for their line-up of short film focusing on the topic of memories. For a good ol’ belly laugh, the Cinema Bar by Citylights in Valletta is playing Monty Python's Life of Brian, iconic moviemaking at its best.

Clean that aura:

Tuesday, 11 September from 7.30pm – 8.30pm: The Healing Art of Kalarippayat - Tigullio Complex, Rocky Valley Garden, Spinola Bay, St Julian's; Wednesday, 12 September from 6.30pm: Circus Arts Playground - Golden Bay, Manikata

Head al fresco for a stretch of the legs and some healing motions. Tomorrow night, the Indian martial art Kalaripayattu lands on the island. This psychophysical practice may not be as well known as Yoga or Ayurveda-based traditions, but its focus on well-being will have many converted. Lifting the spirits will also be the aim of the Circus Arts Playground, consisting of music, juggling and acroyoga, and taking place on Wednesday at Golden Bay. This will be the penultimate session of the season, so hit the sands while you can.

Add some fizz:

Wednesday, 12 September from 5pm: Let's Gin Up - 1926 Beach Club, Quisisana Seafront, Sliema

Do you know your Monkey 47 from your Hendricks? And do you have a tendency to pour yourself a large one when the sun goes down? This week, you won’t need to sip that while doing the cooking at home. One of Malta’s popular beachfront outfits – the 1926 Beach Club – is hosting Let’s Gin Up, promising lashings of the spirit, perfect for those who don’t need to settle behind the wheel to get home. 

Starting Thursday, 13 September from 3pm: TropOut Malta – launching from Sliema

Parties, gorgeous men and lots of kicking back. What more do you need? TropOut Malta – a festival for the gay traveller – has hit many islands before but, from Thursday, you'll get to enjoy the hedonism right here on this very rock. The event kicks off at 3pm but lasts all weekend, so you better hope you’ve got the stamina to keep up! Tickets here.