Festivals and events in Málaga all year round

If Málaga were a person, she’d be that friend who always has plans: festivals, shows, traditions, red carpet cinema, concerts, fairs… And in between, an espeto with sea views — always a good shout. The city is constantly buzzing which is why talking about events in Málaga means a diary that never switches off from January to December.  

That’s not all: getting to Málaga by train is easy and fast, dropping you at María Zambrano station, just a stone’s throw from the centre. Spoiler: you’ll want to come back.  

Events and festival calendar in Málaga

Málaga changes outfit with every season — and, honestly, every look suits her. In spring, the city turns solemn and thrilling with Semana Santa: the tronos move forward between saetas and spine tingling silences, while the streets fill with people and tradition. It’s also when the Festival de Cine de Málaga takes over, with premieres, Q&As and strolls through a historic centre that feels like an open air film set.  

In summer, the heat pulls life out onto the streets and the Feria de Málaga flips the party mode switch: casetas, concerts, fireworks and that mix of music, colour and joy that makes you want to do it all again every night. Autumn and winter take things down a gear (just a touch) to make room for the Festival Internacional de Jazz de Málaga, indoor shows and, of course, the festive season: lights, markets and plans cosy enough to warm even the Grinch. In short, if you’re looking for events, festivals or shows in Málaga, your diary might run out of space — but your enthusiasm won’t.

Tips for attending events in Málaga

The recipe for a drama free time is simple: one eye on the culture and the other on the logistics. Book accommodation and tickets in advance, because the biggest cultural feasts and time honoured traditions attract half the country (and more and more visitors from abroad). And always check official dates — they sometimes shift with the yearly calendar.  

It’s also a good idea to dress for the plan and the season. In summer, pack light clothing, sunglasses, a towel and swimwear. If you’re heading to watch processions, bring a light jacket and your comfiest shoes. And if you’re visiting in winter, you won’t need to bundle up too much, as temperatures are much milder than elsewhere in the country.  

And, of course, get around sensibly. Arriving in Málaga by train is hard to beat, dropping you right into the action — at María Zambrano station — with Cercanías, Metro and buses on your doorstep and the historic centre just a short stroll away.

Main festivals and events

Feria de Málaga (Feria de Agosto)

In mid August, the city hits full on celebration mode with the Feria de Málaga. If you want to make the most of the daylight hours, the Feria de Día pulses through the historic centre with music, verdiales and that ‘we’re here to have a good time’ atmosphere. After sunset, the Cortijo de Torres fairground (also known as el Real) turns into a parallel universe of casetas, performances, lights, typical food, toasts and a party that runs well into the small hours. It’s one of the most beloved spectacles in Málaga — a classic that reinvents itself every year.  

Friendly tip: start early if you want to wander the centre at an easy pace and, when the sun goes down, hop on the Metro or a bus to the fairground to dodge traffic. And because we love to do things properly, in the last edition of Feria de Málaga we sponsored the Caseta Olé and brought music, prize draws and an amazing vibe… Pure OUIGO moments!  

Semana Santa in Málaga

Between March and April (depending on the year), Málaga becomes a vast stage for emotion and quiet reflection during Semana Santa. The tronos — genuine works of art — make their way along streets like Calle Larios, in Plaza de la Constitución and around Teatro Cervantes. Don’t miss processions such as the Cautivo (Lunes Santo), Virgen de la Esperanza or Cristo de la Buena Muerte (both on Jueves Santo).

If you want to catch unforgettable entradas and salidas, check the itineraries to plan your visit and arrive early: there are capacity limits and road closures, because the centre is fit to burst on these days. Bring water, protect yourself from the sun if it’s hot and pack a jacket — it cools down once the sun sets.

Concerts and shows

Málaga sounds good — all year round. The Palacio de Deportes Martín Carpena hosts the big tours that get you jumping, while the Teatro Cervantes is one of those venues with real magic, home to all kinds of disciplines, from theatre to music and dance. When the good weather rolls in, the Plaza de Toros de La Malagueta transforms with events that are a brilliant night out.  

Pop, rock, flamenco, jazz, comedy, musicals… There’s no excuse not to enjoy Málaga. Always buy through official channels, arrive in good time to breeze through the entrance and plan your journey home on the Metro or buses — late night finishes are part of the ritual.

Other Málaga events you’ll love

As we said, Málaga never stops, so here’s another handful of unmissable plans for every taste:

• La Noche en Blanco: usually held on a Saturday in May, when the city backs a raft of artistic and cultural proposals (most of them free), keeping museums and other public spaces open past midnight.  
• Festival Internacional de Jazz de Málaga: lands in November with a top class programme across venues and theatres. A must for music lovers.
• Carnaval de Málaga: depending on the year, it takes place in February or March and always brings parades, comparsas and proper laughs across the city.

• Sports calendar: Málaga also delivers for sports fans — plan ahead and you can tick off a visit to the iconic La Rosaleda to cheer on Málaga C.F.

   

Typical Málaga cuisine

Of course, you come here to eat as well — because a pit stop with Málaga’s typical food is worth the energy of three power banks. Start with an icon: the espeto de sardinas, grilled over embers by the sea — a full on sensory experience. Then move on to the boquerones victorianos or the fritura malagueña, two other local classics. After something quick, the campero is unmissable. It’s Málaga’s signature sandwich — try it once and you’ll be hooked.

If your trip coincides with hotter days, don’t leave without trying porra antequerana — similar to gazpacho or salmorejo, but with its own personality. In summer, you’ll also fancy ensalada malagueña, as fresh and light as it is nourishing.

And if you’re visiting in colder months, you have to try the gazpachuelo... Don’t let the name fool you! Nothing to do with gazpacho, it’s Málaga’s best known spoon dish, made with fish stock, potatoes and mayonnaise.

Málaga is that destination that multiplies your urge to get out, explore and celebrate. Sync your diary with the city: arrive by train to Málaga and get around easily from the Málaga María Zambrano station. Between culture, music and great food, this guide helps you prioritise without missing the very best of the shows in Málaga. Next stop: a toast gazing at the sea — and another dancing between casetas. See you at the next plan!