What’s Going on in Malta and Gozo: July Edition

If there is one month that captures the spirit of summer in Malta and Gozo, it is July. From international concerts and seaside festivals to village festas and cultural evenings under the stars, the islands come alive with events that draw both locals and visitors outdoors.

July is about far more than a single concert. Across Malta and Gozo, every weekend offers something different, whether it is live jazz by the Grand Harbour, a food festival in Gozo, a performance beneath the Cittadella, or a traditional village festa that lights up the streets until late into the night.

While there is no shortage of memorable experiences this month, one event stands above the rest. Drawing tens of thousands of people every year and welcoming some of the biggest names in music, it has become the undisputed highlight of Malta’s summer calendar.

Pick of the Month ⭐ Isle of MTV Malta

If you only make room for one event on your calendar this July, make it this one. Isle of MTV has grown into one of Europe’s largest free music festivals, transforming Floriana into a spectacular open-air venue for an unforgettable night of live performances. The concert marks the opening of Malta Music Week, a five-day programme of music and entertainment running from 22 to 26 July. While Isle of MTV is the centrepiece, the celebrations continue with official events across the island, including the Isle of MTV Afterparty featuring Afrojack presents Kapuchon, the Isle of MTV Boat Party, G7 Fridays featuring NERVO at Gianpula Main Room, GORDO at Café del Mar, and the closing Isle of MTV Pool Party at Toy Room Beach Club featuring Dizzee Rascal. Whether you attend just the main concert or make a week of it, Malta Music Week offers one of the busiest and most exciting programmes of the summer.

Beyond Malta’s biggest concert of the summer, July unfolds with a packed programme of events across the islands. Whether you prefer live music, local cuisine, cultural experiences or village celebrations, there is no shortage of ways to make the most of the season.

Eco Festival

The Eco Festival returns to Upper Barrakka Gardens with a summer edition dedicated to sustainability, local creativity and conscious shopping. Visitors can expect handmade products, eco-friendly items, organic goods and stalls by local artisans and small businesses.

Set against one of Valletta’s most beautiful views, this is a relaxed daytime event for families, residents and visitors who want something lighter than the usual evening concert. It is also a good excuse to spend a morning or afternoon in the capital before the July nights become busier.

Ħondoq by Night

Ħondoq by Night brings music to one of Gozo’s best-loved coastal spots. The event turns the bay into an open-air summer venue, with live performances, DJs and a lively atmosphere by the sea. This year’s line-up includes Cash & Band and Ryan Spiteri, among others. It is the kind of event that feels very Gozo: casual, scenic and made for a warm July night.

BBC Concert Orchestra: ABBA vs Bee Gees

The BBC Concert Orchestra returns to Malta with a large-scale tribute to two pop and disco giants: ABBA et le Bee Gees. The concert brings together more than 70 musicians, vocalists and a full orchestral production for one night at the Granaries .Expect familiar songs, big arrangements and a feel-good summer crowd. It is a strong choice for anyone who wants a polished open-air concert that still feels fun and accessible.

Closer to the Voice: Charles Buttigieg Live

International baritone Charles Buttigieg performs alongside soprano Chrystelle DiMarco and tenor Alan Sciberras, with an orchestra conducted by Maestro Mark Gauci.

The evening is built around operatic arias and classical works, making it one of Gozo’s more elegant July events. For those who prefer a seated concert rather than a crowded festival, this is a beautiful summer option.

Festival de jazz de Malte

Le Festival de jazz de Malte remains one of the island’s most respected cultural events. Held in Valletta, with performances around the Grand Harbour area, it brings together international jazz musicians, local talent, concerts and special performances.

This is not just background music for a summer evening. It is a festival for people who want atmosphere, quality and one of the most beautiful backdrops in Malta. The harbour lights, the music and the July air do most of the work.

Michael Bublé Live in Malta

Michael Bublé will perform in Malta for the first time this July, bringing one of the biggest international concerts of the summer to Ta’ Qali.

Known for his smooth vocals, classic standards and polished stage presence, Bublé’s concert is expected to attract both local and international audiences. Ticket categories range from obstructed view and bronze options to platinum seating, making it one of the month’s major ticketed événements.

Festival gastronomique de Gozo

Le Gozo Food Festival brings food, music and family entertainment to Xewkija Square. Visitors can expect international food stalls, a wine garden, food displays, children’s entertainment and live music.

This is one of the easiest events to recommend because it works for almost everyone. Families, couples, visitors and residents can all enjoy it without needing much planning. Just arrive hungry and leave space for dessert.

Ricchi e Poveri Tour

Italian pop legends Ricchi e Poveri will perform in Malta as part of the Għaxaq Music Festival. With a career spanning more than five decades, the group remains one of Italy’s most recognisable names in popular music.

This concert will be especially appealing to fans of Italian music and nostalgic summer hits. It also adds a different flavour to Malta’s July music calendar, which is otherwise dominated by pop, jazz and large festival productions.

Farsons Beer Festival

The Farsons Beer Festival is one of Malta’s classic summer traditions. Over 10 nights, Ta’ Qali turns into a large open-air festival with live music, food stalls, beer bars and entertainment.

It is casual, busy and very Maltese in atmosphere. You do not need to be a beer enthusiast to enjoy it. Many people go for the music, food and summer crowd as much as for the drinks.

Festival de musique Xwejni

Xwejni Music Fest returns for its fourth edition, bringing live music and summer energy to one of Gozo’s most atmospheric coastal locations.

This year’s event includes Platinum, The Live ABBA Tribute Show, together with Jolene Samhan, DJ Nate from Vibe FM and DJ Ziggy. With the sea nearby and the music carrying through the evening, this is one of Gozo’s strongest July events for families, groups of friends and visitors staying on the island.

Opéra contre pop sous les étoiles

Date: 27 July 2026
Time: 20:30 to 22:00
Location: Courtyard, Ministry for Gozo, Victoria
Entrance: Reservation required

Opera vs Pop Under the Stars is one of Gozo’s best-known summer musical evenings. The concert brings together the Gozo Youth Orchestra, resident soloists and guest singers in a programme that blends operatic arias with popular music.

It is elegant without being too formal, making it a lovely choice for anyone who wants a cultural evening outdoors. Under the direction of Mro Dr Joseph Grech, the event has become a familiar favourite in Gozo’s summer calendar.

A Month Made for Evenings out

Some months are best remembered through photographs. July is remembered through experiences. It is the concert you almost skipped but ended up loving, the local festival you discovered by chance, the fireworks that appeared just as you were heading home, or the evening that lasted far longer than you had planned. However you choose to spend it, July is the perfect excuse to explore more of Malta and create a few memorable summer stories along the way.