Seven Ways to Spend This Weekend in Malta
Mid-October in Malta is a lovely thing. The worst of the summer heat has finally backed off, but it’s still warm enough to sit outside well into the evening. The sea hasn’t quite cooled down yet either, and there’s plenty happening across Malta and Gozo. This weekend brings yacht racing, theatre, a chocolate festival and even a sky full of kites, so there’s something for everyone. Here are seven of the best things to do.
Watch the Rolex Middle Sea Race set off
On Saturday, more than 100 yachts leave Grand Harbour for the 47th edition of the Rolex Middle Sea Race, a 606-nautical-mile loop around Sicily and back. Starts begin at 11am, so grab a spot on the Valletta bastions early. Can’t make it? Live coverage starts online at 10.30am.
Go fly a kite (or watch someone else's)
In Gozo, the San Dimitri area near Għarb fills with giant, oddly shaped kites this weekend. The fun starts at 10.30am on Saturday, with illuminated kites lighting up the sky after dark, and continues from 10am on Sunday. There’s family entertainment too, and it’s free. Keep an eye on the forecast, since the wind gets the final say.
Little Leprechauns at the Studio Theatre
Got kids aged four to seven? TOI TOI’s latest show sends them chasing a rainbow through Irish folklore, with dance, puppets and plenty of joining in. Shows are at 3pm and 5pm on Saturday and at 2pm and 4pm on Sunday in Valletta.
Chocolate takes over Ħamrun
From 6pm on Saturday, St Joseph High Street turns into one long dessert table. Expect chocolatiers and chocolate fountains, and, for the brave, cocoa-flavoured pasta, pizza and even pastizzi. There’s also live music, band clubs and street theatre. Go hungry.
The Beatles and Beyond
Also on Saturday night, the Rock Troupers Malta take on the Fab Four and the solo careers of Lennon, McCartney, Harrison and Starr at Teatru Salesjan in Sliema. They’re backed by a seven-piece band and a string quartet. The music starts at 8pm, and you can get your tickets here.
Arti at Teatru Manoel
Yasmina Reza’s award-winning play Art comes to the Manoel in Maltese as “Arti”. One friend buys an expensive, completely white painting, and the arguments that follow crack open a long friendship. Shows are at 8pm on Friday and Saturday and 5pm on Sunday, with tickets from €15 to €30.
Achetez vos billets ici.
Ġenna ta' Ġonna in Floriana
Argotti Botanic Gardens
Floriana is famously packed with public gardens, and for Ġenna ta’ Ġonna happening this Sunday, the town opens them up alongside its museums, churches and historic buildings. There’s free entry to MICAS, guided tours at Argotti Botanic Gardens and family activities throughout the day. Bring comfortable shoes and let yourself get a little lost.
Yachts, kites, chocolate, theatre or a garden stroll, which will you choose?
