October isn’t far off now and it’s one of my favourite months in Malta. And not just because of the weather! Though, I’ll admit thats a big part ot it. You see, it’s officially Autumn, but with day temperatures reaching up to 25°C+ I’d go as far to say: it still feels like summer—at least in the earlier part of the month. Plus kids have been packed off to school, hordes of tourists have cleared off and most of the boats cluttering up the beaches have been stowed away. At a warm 24°C, the sea is practically begging you to take a swim—honestly, it would be rude not to.
October is also the month to enjoy some cool cultural (ish) events.
So I’ve put a little list together of a few you shouldn’t miss…
Notte Bianca Art & Cultural Festival
Valletta pulls an all-nighter of art, culture and live performances. What happens here is: all museums, galleries, theatres and palaces fling open their doors for you to explore. It’s free to go and everyone is invited.
📅4th October
📍Valletta Streets, Museums, Gardens & Palaces
Malta Classic Car Festival
This event is definitely one for classic car enthusiasts! At this festival you can scope out a showcase of beautifully restored vintage cars from around the world. Three competitions are also held at this event—including a Grand Prix. And the best part? It’s happening inside the fortified city of Mdina!
📅10th – 13th October
📍Mdina
Rolex Middle Sea Race
One of the Med’s most prestigious yacht races, the Rolex Middle Sea Race sees, international sailors compete in a 600+ nautical mile race to Sicily and back. You can’t see the whole course. But, you can watch from Grand Harbour where you get stunning views of sleek yachts cutting through the water.
📅19th October
📍Grand Harbour, Valletta
The Hamrun Chocolate Festival
Honestly, I’ve yet to meet anyone who doesn’t like chocolate. So if you’re looking for a chocolately-themed event… Head to the Hamrun Chocolate Festival for tastings, art, and creative recipes. Better yet, the chocolately festival is open to everyone. What do you reckon, good date idea or…?
📅 19th October
📍Hamrun
BirguFest
For two nights, Vittoriosa’s narrow streets gets a glow up—by candlelight, transforming the city into a magical labyrinth. Plus, with reduced entrance fees to museums and exhibitions, it’s the perfect time to explore one of Malta’s oldest cities. P.s. it’ll be busy, so you’re probably best off ditching the car!
📅11th – 12th October
📍Vittoriosa
Celebrating Halloween
With over 350 churches, Malta has traditionally been a conservative place, and for a long time, Halloween wasnt really a thing here. But that’s all changed now and Halloweeny events are popping up all over the island. So, if you’re into trick-or-treating, pub crawls, ghost tours or themed parties, you’ll enjoy celebrating Halloween in Malta. Here’s a list of the events happening this year!
📅 25th October – 3rd November
📍Island-wide
Malta Feasts
Village feasts are still happening in October. So, there’s still a chance to join the locals in celebration of their patron saints!
Here are four happening this October:
Our Lady of Rosary
📅6th October
📍Gudja
Our Lady of Rosary
📅11th October
📍Marsa
Saint Francis
📅13th October
📍Sliema
Our Lady of Consolation
📅27th October
📍Gudja
And that’s it!
I hope you have a wonderful October, wherever you are! And whether or not you’re planning a trip to Malta, I hope this still gives you some fun ideas. Hint: Trick or Treat 🧹