Updated for the weekend of Friday 9th to Sunday 11th October 2026.
If you only pick one weekend to be in Malta this autumn, make it this one. Birgu switches off its streetlights and glows under thousands of candles, two of the island’s most important historic sites open after dark for just €3, Anjunadeep fills the island with music, and on Sunday you can explore Roman catacombs for free or watch a whole hillside in Gozo light up with torches.
Here’s everything worth doing in Malta this weekend, day by day.
The weather this weekend
Early October in Malta still feels like summer. Expect warm, sunny days in the mid-20s °C and mild evenings, perfect for being outdoors at night. The sea is still warm enough for a swim, so pack your swimwear alongside a light layer for the evening. Autumn showers can appear suddenly, so it’s worth checking the forecast before heading out.
Friday 9th October
Birgufest opens
The weekend’s big event starts tonight. Birgufest brings music, food and atmosphere to the historic streets of Birgu from 6pm. Friday is usually a little calmer than Saturday, which makes it a good night to wander the old town before the biggest crowds arrive.
Last night of the Valletta Waterfront Oktoberfest
Beer, live music and Bavarian games by the Grand Harbour, with free entry from 6pm. Tonight is the final evening of the Valletta Waterfront Oktoberfest, so don’t leave it for next year.
Anjunadeep Malta, day two
The main festival weekend of Anjunadeep Malta kicks off, with melodic and deep house across some of the island’s best venues.
Saturday 10th October
Birgu by Candlelight
This is the night. Birgu turns off its streetlights and the narrow streets, squares and bastions glow under thousands of candles. It’s one of the most magical evenings of the whole year in Malta, and Saturday is traditionally the night when the candlelight is at its best. Arrive early, wear comfortable shoes and take the ferry from Valletta to avoid the traffic.
Fort St Angelo and the Inquisitor’s Palace by candlelight, just €3
Heritage Malta is opening two of Birgu’s most important sites after dark for the festival. From 7pm to midnight, Fort St Angelo and the Inquisitor’s Palace are lit by candlelight, with one combined ticket for just €3. It’s outstanding value and a completely different experience from a normal daytime visit. All the details are in our Birgu Fest special opening guide.
Anjunadeep by day and night
Saturday at Anjunadeep means a daytime session at Café del Mar followed by a night at UNO Malta.
Freshers’ Rave at Gianpula
Prefer a big club night? The Freshers’ Rave takes over the Main Room at Gianpula Village from 10pm, with a tech house night in Groove Gardens on the same evening.
Sunday 11th October
Free open day at St Paul’s Catacombs
One for families and history lovers. To celebrate Malta’s first-ever European Heritage Label, Heritage Malta is opening St Paul’s Catacombs in Rabat for free from 9am to 7pm, with guided tours, a dig pit for kids and the chance to ask the curators anything. No booking needed, but tour places are first come, first served. See our open day guide and our full St Paul’s Catacombs visitor guide.
Make a day of it: the catacombs are a short walk from Mdina, and Buskett Gardens is just down the road for an afternoon picnic in the woods.
Fjakkolata in Gozo
Heading to Gozo? In the evening, thousands of traditional torches light up the Għar Ilma hill near Santa Luċija for the Fjakkolata, with folk music, dancing and local food. It’s free, very local and quite beautiful.
Anjunadeep closing day
The festival wraps up at The Beach and Noma Island.
Boozy Bingo at Gianpula
The “Golden Oldies” Boozy Bingo show is on again in Gianpula’s Main Room, with doors at 3pm and the show at 4pm. Dress like your nanna.
Something quieter?
Not everyone wants crowds. If you’d rather keep it calm:
- Go for a swim: the sea is still warm and the beaches are far quieter than in summer. Our guide to the best beaches for swimming in October includes local tips on wind and weather.
- Walk the Victoria Lines: autumn is the perfect season for Malta’s best countryside walk. Read our Victoria Lines Trail guide.
- Visit a museum: start with the National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta.
Getting around this weekend
- Birgu on Saturday: parking will be very difficult. Take the ferry from Valletta to the Three Cities, or use public transport.
- Late nights: book taxis or ride-hailing apps in advance for the journey home after Anjunadeep, Gianpula or Birgufest, as demand is very high at closing time.
- Gozo: Gozo Channel ferries run from Ċirkewwa throughout the day and night.
- Don’t drink and drive. Ever.
Planning further ahead?
Next weekend brings the start of the Rolex Middle Sea Race from the Grand Harbour and the Ħamrun Chocolate Festival, both on Saturday 17th October. For the whole month, see our guide to things to do in Malta in October, or browse everything coming up on our Events page.
Event details can change at short notice. Always check with the organisers before you go. We update this page every week with the latest weekend highlights.