What’s on in Malta and Gozo this week: July 20 to 26, 2026
Highlights of events in the coming days
MUSIC
Isle of MTV Malta 2026
US pop star Katy Perry will headline this year’s edition of the Isle of MTV Malta at The Granaries, in Floriana, on July 22.
The concert, which will also feature performances by Dutch DJ Afrojack and Maltese singer Aidan, is the main event of Malta Music Week which includes the Isle of MTV Pool Party on July 26, featuring British rapper Dizzee Rascal, among other events.
General entrance is free but one has to register via https://isleofmtv.com/. VIP tickets are also available.
Għaxaq Music Festival 2026
The Għaxaq Music Festival is back with two main acts this year: the Italian pop group Ricchi e Poveri on July 21 and the Portuguese DJ Padre Guilherme on July 24.
Other performers on July 21 include Kevin Paul & The Band; and deejays Pierre Cordina and Alex Grech. DJ Padre Guilherme will be supported by the UK melodic house duo POU (Product of Us), alongside Maltese deejays JJoy, Mux and Braynord.
Entrance to the Għaxaq Music Festival 2026 is free, but VIP and limited seated tickets are available from www.showshappening.com.
Padre Guilherme. Photo: Facebook/Padre GuilhermeThe Swing Era
The Big Band of the Malta Concert Orchestra, under the direction of Alex Bezzina, is dedicating an evening to the golden age of swing music at Pjazza Teatru Rjal, Valletta, on July 24 at 8.30pm.
Guest artists Angie Vella Zarb, Nadine Axisa, George Curmi ‘Il-Pusé’ and Paul Abela, will be sharing the stage with dancers from Swing Island Malta.
Tickets from pjazzateatrurjal.gov.mt.
105 Summer Festival Malta
Radio 105’s Summer Festival is bringing some of Italy’s biggest music stars to the Granaries in Floriana on July 24.
These are Fedez, Gigi D’Alessio, Elettra Lamborghini, Baby K, Alessio Bernabei, Anna Tatangelo, El Ma, Ermal Meta, Grelmos, Lorenzo Lupo, LDA & AKA 7EVEN, LUK3, Meek, Samurai Jay, Sarah Toscano, The Kolors and Welo.
General entrance is free but one has to register via maltatickets.com. Front of stage VIP tickets are available at showshappening.com.
Ermal Meta is one of the singers performing at 105 Summer Festival Malta.An Evening with de Falla
The Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Pablo González, will perform three masterpieces by Spanish composer Manuel de Falla at the Hilton Malta, St Julian’s, on July 25 at 7.30pm.
The concert will include performances of the impressionistic Nights in the Gardens of Spain and The Three-Cornered Hat, Suites Nos. 1 & 2.
Tickets from showshappening.com.
THEATRE
Hamlet
MADC is staging Hamlet for its annual summer Shakespeare appointment from tomorrow July 20 to the 27th.
This year, Michael Mangion’s adaptation is this year taking place at the Msida Bastion Historic Garden in Floriana.
The cast includes Alex Weenink as Hamlet, Maya Micallef Engerer as Ophelia and Stephen Oliver as the King.
The show is suitable for an audience aged 12+. Tickets from madc.com.mt.
Read more about the show on Times2.
The cast of Hamlet. Photo: Justin MamoGħaliex?
A participatory performance on gender-based violence is being staged in various venues in Malta and Gozo until from July 31.
The performance, directed by Lee N-Abela, is based on the drama Għaliex jien? by Vincent Vella. After its debut last week, it is being staged again at Freespirit Acting Studio, Qormi, on July 22, at Orpheum Theatre, Gżira, on July 23, at Sir Arturo Mercieca Primary School, Victoria, on July 30 and at the Mosta community hall on July 31.
All shows start at 7pm and entrance is free.
The event is supported by the Commissioner on Gender-Based Violence and Domestic Violence through the programme ‘Together We Empower’.
Read more about the production on Times2.
Angela Galea and Gilbert Mallia in Għaliex?DANCE
Dance Festival Malta 2026
The fifth edition of Dance Festival Malta runs from July 23 to July 26, featuring contemporary dance performances, workshops and masterclasses.
Programme highlights include contemporary performances by Spanish duo Aurora Bauzà and Pere Jou, Taiwanese choreographer Lai Chung-Hung and Greek experimental dancer Vasiliki Papapostolou.
There will also be artist discussions led by Paula Guzzanti, senior lecturer at the University of Malta, workshops and masterclasses.
Tickets from www.dfm.mt/.
Lights, Camera... Dance!!
Teatru Salesjan in Sliema is hosting a dance show by The Dancing Angels, a Birżebbuġa-based dance school, on July 25 at 7.30pm.
The family-friendly showcase will include performances ranging from contemporary and hip-hop to cultural and classical dance.
Tickets from https://tsmalta.com.
FILM
ŻVOG: Aħjar Tard Milli Qatt
The ŻVOG Short Film Festival returns for its second edition at the Spazju Kreattiv Cinema in Valletta on July 24.
The festival continues its mission of celebrating local film-making while also presenting international entries, highlighting the event's expanding reach.
Among this year’s Maltgese entries are Omertà by Sera Barbara, Outside by Franco Rizzo, Don’t Look by Greta Holland, The Golden Bee by William Cachia (Juwill), and Dominion by Bradley and Liam Spiteri.
The event is certified 15. Tickets from spazjukreattiv.org.
MISCELLANEOUS
Omid Djalili Namaste Tour 2026
British comedian and actor Omid Djalili is bringing his critically acclaimed show Namaste to the InterContinental Event Conference Centre in St Julian’s on July 24 and 25 at 8.30pm.
The stand-up takes a bold look at the state of the world, mixing sharp political insights with his signature wit.
Minimum age 16+. Tickets from showshappening.com.
Omar Djalili. Photo: Facebook/Omar DjaliliMikrofonija
Serbian comedian Srđan Jovanović will perform his stand-up comedy show Mikrofonija at the Concert Hall of the Malta Society of Arts on July 24 at 7pm.
Javanović’s comedy draws on themes such as growing up, adulthood, relationships and social expectations. His material blends personal storytelling with observational humour, moving fluidly between anecdotal narratives and broader social commentary.
Minimum age 16+. Tickets from artsmalta.org.
Farsons Beer Festival
The 44th edition of the Farsons Beer Festival is taking place at Ta’ Qali National Park from July 23 to August 1.
As in previous years, the festival will feature plenty of local and imported beer and a packed live music programme on different stages.
For all the details, visit farsonsbeerfestival.com/ and the event’s social media pages.
Tribali will once again perform at the Farsons Beer Festival.Valletta Pageant of the Seas
The Valletta Pageant of the Seas makes its biennial return to Grand Harbour on July 24 at 9pm.
The maritime performance will feature traditional luzzus, kayaks, yachts, live music, and captivating water choreography. There will be illuminated fountains, laser projections, dramatic lighting and spectacular pyrotechnics.
The harbour will transform into a dazzling stage with illuminated fountains, laser projections, dramatic lighting, and spectacular pyrotechnics.
The performance, organised by the Valletta Cultural Agency, will end with a grand fireworks display.
The event's poster