What’s happening around Malta and Gozo this weekend?
There is no shortage of activity across the Maltese Islands on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 July.
The programme includes local art, traditional festas, charity fundraising, classical music and a packed sporting schedule.
A heatwave alert is in force and Malta’s health authorities have escalated the Heat Health Action Plan. People attending outdoor events should carry water, seek shade and avoid unnecessary exposure or strenuous activity between 11am and 4pm. Official health guidance
Here are 10 events and activities to consider.
1. Sliema Arts Festival
Sliema’s promenade and surrounding public spaces are hosting three evenings of visual art, music and live performance.
The free festival runs from Friday 17 to Sunday 19 July, with activities taking place at Independence Gardens, Exiles Beach and along the promenade.
The official festival information gives a starting time of 7pm each evening. Sliema Arts Festival
When: Friday to Sunday, from 7pm
Where: Independence Gardens, Exiles Beach and Sliema promenade
Entry: Free
2. BOV Volleyball Marathon for Id-Dar tal-Providenza
The 53-hour BOV Volleyball Marathon concludes on Saturday evening following three days of continuous play.
For the first time, the fundraiser is being held at the Malta Fairs and Conventions Centre in Ta’ Qali. The programme combines volleyball with entertainment and family activities while raising money for Id-Dar tal-Providenza.
The event began on Thursday and is scheduled to conclude at 11pm on Saturday. It can be attended in person and is also being broadcast on local television. Id-Dar tal-Providenza announcement
When: Saturday, concluding at 11pm
Where: MFCC, Ta’ Qali
3. Msida Ġostra
One of Malta’s best-known summer traditions returns to the Msida seafront this weekend.
Participants attempt to cross a heavily greased pole suspended over the sea and reach the flags at its end without falling into the water.
The official Msida Ġostra programme runs from Friday 17 to Sunday 19 July. Individual competitions and timings should be checked on the organisers’ page before travelling. Official Msida Ġostra page
When: Friday to Sunday
Where: Xatt l-Imsida
4. Feast of St George in Victoria
Sunday is the principal day of celebrations for the Feast of St George in Victoria, Gozo.
A popular band march begins at 11.30am. The titular statue is scheduled to leave St George’s Basilica at 7pm, followed by a musical salute at 7.15pm and the formal start of the procession at 7.30pm.
The statue is scheduled to return to the basilica at 10.30pm. An antiphon and Benediction at 11pm will conclude the main celebrations. Official 2026 festa programme
When: Sunday; band march at 11.30am, procession from 7.30pm
Where: St George’s Basilica and central Victoria
5. Sunday feasts in Qormi and Kalkara
Two other communities will celebrate their principal festa day on Sunday.
The titular Feast of St Sebastian is being celebrated around St Sebastian Parish Church in Qormi. The parish has confirmed Sunday 19 July as the main feast day. St Sebastian Parish programme
Kalkara’s celebrations in honour of St Joseph, which began on 8 July, also conclude on Sunday. Kalkara parish announcement
Visitors should consult the respective parish and festa pages for procession times, fireworks and traffic information.
When: Sunday
Where: St Sebastian Parish Church area, Qormi; and Kalkara
6. Elementi Sajfin in Xgħajra
Xgħajra Local Council is holding Elementi Sajfin at the Tal-Milord area on Saturday.
The free community event will feature live music, dance displays, family activities, a vehicle exhibition and food and drink. The announced performers include DJ Sheron, Liston, Projekt Band, Miguel Bonello, Lapes u Nadine, Drakard and Street Elements.
The event runs from 6.30pm until 11pm.
When: Saturday, 6.30pm–11pm
Where: Tal-Milord, Xgħajra
Entry: Free
7. Malta Philharmonic Orchestra performs Bruckner’s Eighth
The Malta Philharmonic Orchestra will perform Anton Bruckner’s Symphony No. 8 in C minor at the Mediterranean Conference Centre.
The concert will be conducted by Sergey Smbatyan and is officially scheduled from 7.30pm until 9pm. Tickets can be obtained through the orchestra’s booking service. Malta Philharmonic Orchestra event page
When: Saturday, 7.30pm–9pm
Where: Mediterranean Conference Centre, Valletta
Tickets required
8. Spain versus Argentina at the World Cup Fan Zone
Spain and Argentina meet in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final on Sunday.
The match kicks off at 9pm Malta time. FIFA’s official final information
Campus Hub is screening the match at its Football Village in Msida. The venue has warned that the piazza has limited capacity, so spectators are advised to arrive early and check the latest entry information. Campus Hub announcement
When: Sunday, 9pm
Where: Campus Hub Football Village, Msida
9. Saturday water-polo programme at Tal-Qroqq
Four national water-polo matches are scheduled at Tal-Qroqq on Saturday:
4.45pm: Birżebbuġa vs Marsaskala
6pm: San Ġiljan Women vs Sliema Women
7.15pm: San Ġiljan vs Exiles
8.30pm: Neptunes vs Valletta
All four fixtures and their starting times appear on the Aquatic Sports Association’s official schedule. ASA Malta fixtures
When: Saturday, from 4.45pm
Where: Tal-Qroqq Sports Complex
10. Belgian Grand Prix
Formula 1 returns to the Spa-Francorchamps circuit for the Belgian Grand Prix.
The 44-lap race begins at 3pm Malta time on Sunday. Fans can watch from home or enquire directly with sports venues showing the race.
When: Sunday, 3pm
Check before leaving home
Event programmes, traffic arrangements and start times can change, particularly during festas and outdoor activities.
Check the organiser’s latest announcement, allow extra time for parking or public transport and take the official heat precautions seriously. Whether the plan is art by the sea, a traditional festa, an orchestra concert or a Sunday of sport, there is plenty happening across Malta and Gozo this weekend.
