If anyone in your family lives for video games, PLAYCON is the one November weekend to put in the diary. Malta’s game development and esports expo returns to the Malta Fairs and Conventions Centre (MFCC) in Ta’ Qali, and the public expo is free to enter. It is a busy, noisy, colourful few days where local studios, international publishers, esports teams and gaming fans all meet under one roof.
Dates and what is open to the public
- Public expo: Thursday 19 to Sunday 22 November 2026
- Industry summit: 18 and 19 November 2026 (for professionals only)
- Venue: MFCC, Ta’ Qali
- Entry: general admission to the main expo is free
- Opening hours: not yet published, so check the official PLAYCON pages closer to the date
What to expect
The expo floor usually mixes playable demos from Maltese and foreign game studios, esports tournaments you can watch live, retro and console corners, cosplay, merchandise stalls and plenty of chances to try something new. The 2026 programme also lists Symphonic Pixels on Friday 20 November, a live music show built around video game soundtracks, which is a nice change of pace from the screens. Exact line-ups for each day are released by the organisers in the weeks before, so it is worth checking what is on before you pick your day.
The summit days are a business conference for the gaming industry. Most visitors will not need it, so if you are going just for fun, aim for the weekend or the Thursday afternoon.
Tips for visitors
- Saturday and Sunday tend to be the busiest days. Go early if you want shorter queues at the popular demos.
- Bring headphones and a phone charger; you will be there longer than you think.
- Kids love it, but the halls can get loud. Younger children may enjoy a shorter morning visit more than a full day. For more ideas for little ones, see our guide to kids’ party venues in Malta.
- The MFCC also hosts the Malta Book Festival earlier in November, so you may already know the venue.
How to get there
The MFCC is in Ta’ Qali, right next to the National Park and the crafts village, in the middle of the island. There is parking on site, but it fills up at weekends. Several bus routes stop near Ta’ Qali; check the Malta Public Transport journey planner for the best route from where you are staying. If you are arriving from the airport first, our airport transport guide explains buses, taxis and Bolt.
Planning the rest of your week? Have a look at Malta This Week for weather, events and travel updates.