The winter months are shaping up to be a proper feast for music lovers. Whether you're a metal head, electronic music devotee, jazz purist, or someone who just wants to hear Mariah Carey belt out "All I Want for Christmas Is You," Malta's got something lined up for you. Let's break down the best live music events heading to the island over the next two months.
Rock/Metal/Live Bands
Malta Metal Weekend
13–15 November — Eden Arena, InterContinental Malta, St Julian's
After a first edition in July 2025 headlined by Dream Theater and Opeth, Malta Metal Weekend is back for three nights, 13-15 November 2026, at Eden Arena within the InterContinental Malta in St George's Bay, St Julian's. For the opening night on Friday, 13 November, Britain's Paradise Lost and Germany's Kreator take centre stage, joined by Finland's Omnium Gatherum and Malta's Angelcrypt. The second day, Saturday 14 November, takes a particularly strong turn towards classic and traditional heavy metal, with Doro, Dirkschneider, Candlemass, Anvil and Malta's own Anchorite sharing the bill. Europe and Vandenberg close on Sunday. Day tickets go for €75, or grab a 3-Day Block ticket for €200.
Iljieli fit-Teatru Beatfest – Lejla Rock
7 December — Pjazza Teatru Rjal, Valletta
Iljieli fit-Teatru Beatfest - Lejla Rock on 07 December 2026 at Pjazza Teatru Rjal, Republic Street, Valletta. This is part of Malta's wider celebration of live theatre and music culture, offering a more intimate rock experience compared to the metal extravaganza happening earlier in the month.
Jazz
Jazz Assemblea 2026
19–22 November — Valletta Campus Theatre
Jazz Assemblea 2026 brings together Malta's jazz community to celebrate its rich musical heritage and the memory of pianist and composer Lino Cauchi, featuring over 70 musicians across 20 concerts, alongside a documentary, discussion and workshop. The Jazz Room: A Journey to the Heart of New Orleans runs from 25 Sep - 27 Nov 2026 at Teatru Salesjan, Sliema, giving you even more jazz throughout the season if you want to dig deeper into the genre.
Valletta Waterfront Jazz Series – Volume 3
5 November — Valletta Waterfront
Valletta Waterfront Jazz 5 Nov: The Great American Songbook Vol 3 kicks off the jazz offerings in November with a refined evening of American standards at one of Malta's most scenic locations.
Electronic & Clubbing
Dalma Festival 2026
4–5 December — Malta Fairs & Conventions Centre, Ta' Qali
Taking place on 4 and 5 December 2026 at the Malta Fairs & Conventions Centre (MFCC), Dalma Festival offers a different perspective on Malta's electronic music scene, bringing together established techno pioneers, contemporary innovators and emerging artists, with the 2026 line-up including influential names such as Jeff Mills, DVS1, Rødhåd, I Hate Models and Clara Cuvé. With performances running from 17:30 until 04:00, Dalma is designed for long nights of music rather than a traditional daytime festival format. This is where Malta's underground electronic music community gathers to celebrate serious techno.
Classical & Holiday Concerts
Candlelight: Christmas Classics
15 December — St. John's Co-Cathedral, Valletta
Candlelight: Christmas Classics at St. John's Co-Cathedral, Malta from €27.00. This event offers a 60-minute live musical experience under candlelight, highlighting iconic film scores in a unique atmosphere. It's the perfect way to soak in festive vibes in one of Malta's most historic venues.
Mariah Carey's Christmas Time Live
8 December — Malta Fairs & Conventions Centre, Ta' Qali
Mariah Carey brings her seated Christmas Time show to MFCC at Ta' Qali, mixing festive songs with her hits. Not exactly underground, but if you want to hear the undisputed Queen of Christmas herself, this is your night.
MYO Christmas Concert
11 December — Metropolitan Cathedral of St Paul, Mdina
The Malta Youth Orchestra and Coro Kemonia, under Michael Laus, play Bach, Mozart, Sicilian carols, Jenkins and Galea in Mdina Cathedral. A beautiful blend of classical masterworks and local tradition in a stunning setting.
Christmas Extravaganza Concert
20 December — Corinthia Palace Malta, Attard
A full festive evening of music to get you properly in the spirit of things as we head into the new year.
For tickets to events in Malta, visit tickets.trackagescheme.com