October and November are *the* months to be in Malta if you're chasing beats, live performances, and festival energy. Whether you're into underground house, melodic deep tech, heavy metal, or classical in candlelit palaces, the island's dropping serious lineups across the board. Here's what you absolutely need to lock in.
Electronic & Clubbing
Defected Malta 2026
October 1–4 — UNO Malta, Café Del Mar, Fort St. Elmo & boat parties
Defected Malta is a Mediterranean celebration of house and dance music, with its fifth edition taking place from 1st to 4th October 2026. More than 50 artists will perform across several venues, including the multi-room UNO complex, Café del Mar's poolside setting, and distinctive historic locations. Making their hotly anticipated debut for the fifth edition are celebrated selectors Hot Since 82, Syreeta, Chez Damier, Sidney Charles and Jayda G, while Defected sister label Glitterbox is also represented in full, with the nightlife phenomenon presenting disco sets from SKREAM and HoneyLuv, as well as label favourites like Catz 'N Dogz, Melvo Baptiste, MiNNA, Aline Rocha and David Morales.
Anjunadeep Malta 2026
October 8–11 — UNO Malta & island venues (Noma Island, gardens, beaches, castles)
Anjunadeep Malta returns from October 8-11, 2026. Across the weekend, experience curated Anjunadeep lineups in some of the island's most extraordinary settings - from serene historic castle walls and golden beaches, to sun-kissed boat parties and Open Air clubs beneath the Mediterranean sky. This is deep house and melodic techno done right—expect sets from Amtrac, Because of Art, Braxton, Catching Flies, CRi, Eric Luttrell, Guy J, Jody Wisternoff, Karyendasoul, Martin Roth, MOLØ, Romain Garcia, and many more.
Rock/Jazz/Live Bands
Malta Metal Weekend 2026
November 13–15 — Eden Arena, St. George's Bay, St. Julians
The second edition of Malta Metal Weekend is set to take over the Eden Arena at St George's Bay, St Julian's, from 13 to 15 November 2026, bringing three nights of international heavy metal to Malta. Day 1 features Kreator, Paradise Lost, Omnium Gatherum, and Angelcrypt; Day 2 brings Doro, Dirkschneider (playing Accept's Balls To The Wall), Candlemass, Anvil, and Anchorite; Day 3 showcases Europe with their Final Countdown 40th Anniversary Tour, Adrian Vandenberg with My Whitesnake Years, Gus G. ft. Ronnie Romero, and Atomic Flame. Doors open at 5 PM each day, and both single-day and block tickets are available now from eventworks.mt/malta-metal-weekend-2026.
Other Events
Notte Bianca
October 3 — Valletta
Valletta stays awake as palaces, museums and theatres throw open their doors with free or discounted entry, with streets filling with art installations, street theatre and live music. It's a massive cultural night celebrating art, performance, and the island's heritage—perfect if you want to explore Valletta's live music scene for free.
Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2026
October 24 — Malta Fairs & Conventions Centre, Ta' Qali
The Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2026 will be held on 24 October 2026 at the Malta Fairs & Conventions Centre in Ta' Qali, Malta, and presented by Gaia Cauchi, Destiny Chukunyere, and Keane Cutajar. Malta will host the 24th Junior Eurovision Song Contest, bringing together young performers from 16 countries for one of Europe's biggest international youth music events.
Three Palaces Festival
Late October–Early November — Malta's historic palaces
The Three Palaces Festival brings concerts in Malta's historic palaces and cultural landmarks, blending classical, contemporary and experimental music, described as elegant, atmospheric and uniquely Maltese. Perfect for catching something a bit different—expect classical performance in some of the most beautiful settings on the island.
For tickets to events in Malta, visit tickets.trackagescheme.com