Summer is here! Here are 10 events you don't want to miss this Summer 2024
Malta is known for its vibrant cultural scene and hosts numerous events throughout the year, however in summer when Malta is home to more visitors, the weather is warmer, and the days are longer – more events are organised.
If you are planning to visit Malta to either learn English at ESE or just as a tourist, we are providing you with a list of events that you could attend whilst in Malta:
- Festi in Malta – every weekend – various towns and villages around the island
- Earth Garden – 6th to 9th June
- Malta International Arts Festival – 14th to 23rd June
- Ed Sheeran Concert – Mathematics Tour – 26th June
- BBC Concert Orchestra – Queens of Soul – 5th July
- Malta Jazz Festival – 8th to 13th July
- Malta International Food Festival – 12th and 13th of July 2024 (Gozo Edition), 7th – 11th August (Valletta Edition)
- Isle of MTV 2024 – 16th July
- Farsons Beer Festival – 25th July to 3rd August
- Delicata Classic Wine Festival – 9th, 10th and 11th August (Valletta), 23rd and 24th August (Gozo)
- and more…
1. Festi in Malta – every weekend
Where: Across localities in Malta
Each town or village has its own feast dedicated to its patron saint, and these feasts often take place between May and September.
The main events of each ‘festa’ include religious processions, band marches, firework displays, community gatherings as well as stalls selling traditional and fast food.
Our favourite is the St. Julian’s ‘festa’ which will be held on the 25th of August this year.
2. Earth Garden – 6th to 9th June
Where: Ta’ Qali National Park
Earth Garden is not just a music festival, but an event that brings the world together – you will find an ethnic market, healing fields which promote self-care with meditation and yoga, and food stalls with diverse cuisines. The event goers are encouraged to respect environmentally-friendly practices whilst there.
This year’s edition is shaping up to contain its “largest ever” lineup of music artists, which includes English electronic duo Groove Armada, Ukrainian Eurovision Song Contest 2021 representatives Go_A, and many other international and local musicians, DJs and bands.
Other facilities will also include a camping area and children’s play area.
Tickets available here.
3. Malta International Arts Festival – 14th June to 23rd June
Where: Across Malta
Performances take place within some of the island’s unique historic settings – from Neolithic temples to the Grand Harbour, to theatres.
4. Ed Sheeran Concert – Mathematics Tour – 26th June
Where: Ta’ Qali National Park
The award-winning English global superstar Ed Sheeran will perform in Malta for the first time ever, at the all-new concert venue at Ta’ Qali!
Best-known for his chart-topping hits Shape of You, Perfect, Thinking Out Loud and Bad Habits, this once-in-a-lifetime concert forms part of his “+–=÷× Tour”, which began two years ago in Dublin, Ireland.
The concert will be opened by former Britain’s Got Talent contestant, singer Calum Scott, who is also greatly known for his cover of Dancing On My Own and single You Are The Reason.
Tickets are selling fast – book yours now!
5. BBC Radio 2 Concert Orchestra – Queens of Soul – 5th July
Where: Fosos, Floriana
The world-famous BBC Concert Orchestra returns to Malta for the fifth time this July! This year’s concert will be dedicated to the Queens of Soul, as the name implies, who are the late Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston and Tina Turner.
There will be 70 musicians and 6 singers who will be ready to put on a show that’s guaranteed to get your dancing shoes on.
Don’t miss out – tickets available here: https://maltashows.com/tickets/
6. Malta Jazz Festival – 8th to 13th July
Where: Valletta (Ta’ Liesse Church and City Theatre)
The annual Malta Jazz Festival, which has been running since 1991, takes place this July. The main events will take place at the stunning Ta’ Liesse church as well as the City Theatre in Valletta and will host some international world-renowned jazz musicians. These include the guitarist Tom Ollendorff (9th July), French drummer Philippe Soirat (10th July), Brazilian vocalist Monica Salmaso (11th July), American jazz saxophonist Walter Smith III (12th July), New Orleans multi-instrumentalist Chief Xian aTunde Adjuah (13th July) and multi-national Trio Grande (13th July).
For a full programme and to purchase tickets click here.
7. Malta International Food Festival – 12th and 13th of July 2024 (Gozo Edition), 7th – 11th August (Valletta Edition)
Where: Xewkija, Gozo and Pjazza Tritoni, Valletta
Malta’s biggest food event will take place from the 12th of July as well as the 7th of August.
The Malta International Food Festival is the island’s highest-anticipated gourmet event, which welcomes a multitude of international cuisines by over 100 caterers from all over the world. This year’s edition will be held at both the village of Xewkija in Gozo in July and at the Triton Square in Valletta in August, the latter which will run for 5 days following last year’s success, which attracted over 50,000 visitors.
Tokens can be purchased at the event, which can be redeemed for food, drink and wine.
Live entertainment will also be provided for both adults and children.
8. Isle of MTV 2024 – 16th July
Where: Fosos, Floriana
The sixteenth edition of the exciting Isle of MTV festival returns this July!
Headliners this year are French-Algerian DJ Snake, known for his hits “Turn Down for What” with Lil Jon, “Let Me Love You” featuring Justin Bieber, “Lean On” with Major Lazer featuring MØ) and “Taki Taki” featuring Selena Gomez and Ozuna.
British singer RAYE is also set to headline on the night, who is famous for her chart-topping single “Escapism”, as well as “Prada” with D-Block Europe and Cassö, “Worth It”, and “You Don’t Know Me”, a collaboration with DJ Jax Jones. This year alone, she won six prestigious Brit awards – British Artist of the Year, Best New Artist, Songwriter of the Year, Best R&B Act, British Album of the Year for “My 21st Century Blues”, and Song of the Year for “Escapism”.
Canadian singer and 2000s icon Nelly Furtado will be returning to the Isle of MTV stage after 12 years! Catch her set here:
Free tickets available now!
9. Farsons Beer Festival – 25th July to 3rd August
Where: Ta’ Qali National Park
The Farsons Beer Festival is one of the most exciting summer events, drawing thousands of festivalgoers every night. Now in its 42nd edition, this free outdoor festival combines local live music, entertainment for both adults and children, and food stalls from various cuisines at Ta’ Qali National Park’s picnic area.
For updates click here.
10. Delicata Classic Wine Festival – 9th, 10th and 11th August (Valletta), 23rd and 24th August (Gozo)
Where: Upper Barrakka Gardens, Valletta & Nadur, Gozo
The annual Delicata Classic Wine Festival is Malta’s grandest celebration of its local wine. As usual, it will take place at the scenic Upper Barrakka Gardens in the capital city, Valletta over three days in August as well as in Nadur, Gozo later in the month. Festivities throughout the evening include live music, food, and of course, wine.
Entrance is free. Wine coins can be purchased at the event itself.
Bonus: More events this summer!
Ghaxaq Music Festival – 24th to 27th July
Where: Ghaxaq GroundsThis year marks the 25th anniversary of the iconic Ghaxaq Music Festival. Established in 1999, the festival has promoted Maltese music and dance. In 2007, the first international act, rock ‘n roll singer Joe Brown, headlined the festival and was accompanied by Maltese musicians. Other notable performers include the German group Boney M, English rock band Smokie, Irish two-time Eurovision winner Johnny Logan, Bob Marley’s former band The Wailers, and Italian singer Marco Masini.
The 2024 edition will host another member of the Marley family, Bob’s son Julian Marley, whose performance will form part of his “Colours of Royal” world tour. He is expected to perform on the first night, Wednesday 24th July. The second headliner is Irish band Boyzone’s former frontman Ronan Keating, who will perform his hits with Boyzone as well as his solo material, with a full band, on Saturday 27th July.
Tickets available here:
SummerDaze Malta – 11th to 18th August
Where: Across Malta
The annual week-long SummerDaze festival is back once again this summer!
It all begins on Sunday, 11th August at Café Del Mar, with a set by Purple Disco Machine, known for his hits including “Body Funk” and “Hypnotised”.
The highlight is surely the main concert taking place at Ta’ Qali on the 15th August, which falls on a Maltese public holiday. Headlining are British singer Becky Hill whose hits include “Remember” with David Guetta and “Heaven on my Mind”, as well as English singer Sam Smith, whose chart-topping singles include “Unholy”, “I’m Not The Only One” and “Stay With Me”.
For further details and to purchase tickets visit the SummerDaze official website.
NOTE: You may be filmed, photographed of recorded when attending these events. Footage may be used for broadcasting.
Remember to check local event listings, our social media pages and official tourism website closer to your visit to get the most accurate and up-to-date information about specific events and activities happening in Malta during summer 2024.
Click here to book a language course and make the most out of your summer.
Focus on Fluency
Patron saint (noun) – the protecting or guiding saint of a town or place
Parish (noun) — (in the Christian Church) a small administrative district typically having its own church and a priest or pastor
Greased (verb) – smear with grease
Erected (verb) – put together and set upright such as a building or wall
Top off (phrasal verb, informal) – finish something in a memorable way
Goers (plural noun) – a person who attends a special place or event
Ensemble (noun) – a group of musicians who perform together
Renowned (adjective) – known or talked about by many people
Festivalgoers (plural noun) – a person attending a music festival, film festival or any kind of festival.
Author – Sophie Muscat
Student testimonial – Interview with Ayaka
Earlier this year, Ayaka from Japan studied at ESE. Check out our interview with her.
Celebrate Christmas 2024 in Malta with these events
Can’t decide where to go for Christmas yet? This blog post will be your guide to a selection of unmissable events taking place this Christmas.
Maryna’s CELTA Experience
One of our teachers, Maryna, tells us about how she went about the CELTA Course, what it entails and how it equipped her with newly found skills to delivery high quality English language tuition.