Enjoy the smooth sounds of jazz:

Monday, 16 July – Saturday, 21 July, various times: Malta Jazz Festival – different locations around Valletta

There aren't many local events which have the international prestige and clout enjoyed by the Malta Jazz Festival, which starts tonight. Luminaries of the jazz world, including three of the genre’s biggest musicians – Chick Corea, Christian McBride, and Nasheet Waits – are congregating in our very own capital to delight audiences with their sounds. The six-day festival will kick off with a photographic exhibition, taking place at The Phoenicia Malta, called Jazz Island and featuring images from the 27-year history of the event. Concerts will be held in the streets of the capital over the next few days, though it all really comes to a head this weekend so make sure to save the date!

And some theatre and film:

Wednesday, 18 July at 8pm: RSC: Romeo and Juliet - Spazju Kreattiv, Valletta; from Wednesday, 18 July from 9pm -11pm: Il-Ħanina Maddalena, Pjazza Teatru Rjal

Whether you like your theatre live or not (both will do us!), it’s always great to be able to enjoy some of the best of the art form during the summer. And, this week, there are two opportunities – one which may be more familiar than the other. On Wednesday, catch up with the latest interpretation of William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, by none other than the Royal Shakespeare Company, which is being transmitted to the cinema at Spazju Kreattiv. For something you may have never seen before, Pjazza Teatru Rjal is hosting the musical Il-Ħanina Maddalena featuring local Eurovison-star Chiara. Tickets can be bought from here. 

Thursday, 19 July from 8:30pm – 11pm: Cinemoon – outside Café Society, St John’s Street, Valletta

Cinemoon, an intimate film festival, literally taking place on the streets of the capital, is back and promises to be participative, engrossing and the perfect opportunity to unwind after a stressful day at work (or on the beach!). One film, every Thursday, seems to be the formula which has worked – and why change it if it ain’t broke. You can even vote for your favourite, but be sure to kick back with one of Café Society’s legendary cocktails: the gin-based Basil Fawlty is a definite favourite!

Or the mouth-watering tastes of alfresco dining:

From Thursday, 19 July from 6pm: Malta International Food Festival 2018 – various locations around Mdina

Preparations are in full swing for the annual Malta International Food Festival, which takes place in Mdina, the island’s ancient - and former – capital city as from this Thursday. Food will be freshly prepared, using locally sourced ingredients, and food stalls, featuring specialities from around the globe, will be set up. There promises to be variety aplenty – even for those who get full easily: a programme of events has even been drawn up to make sure you leave happy, in every possible way.