What’s on in Malaga in August 2026
The latest of our what’s on in Malaga monthly round-ups includes music, open-air cinema, dance, gardens and of course, some really great art. Read to find out more about what’s on in Malaga in August.
Note too that this post is (as always) a work in progress because many events are publicised last minute. We’ll be adding to it as we get notice of events, so bookmark the page and check back regularly for updates.
Thinking of popping to Malaga in August? Then our ebook is just what you need. Click below to buy – 25% discount with code WEB.
More month-by-month Malaga events: Previous month: July · All Malaga events · Next month: September
Public holidays in August
Saturday 15 August is a public holiday in Malaga (and in Spain). Most shops, bars and restaurants will be open as usual, but not businesses or banks.
Wednesday 19 August is also a public holiday, but just in Malaga city, when businesses and shops will be closed.
Read more about public holidays in Malaga.
Note that many shops, particularly the smaller ones, close during Malaga Fair week (15 to 22 August), reopening on 24 August. Note also that most shops in the city centre close at lunchtime during the Fair.
Busy days with cruise ships
August isn’t high season, but in 2026 this month still has a few days with lots of cruise passengers in town, particularly in the last week. See below for the busiest dates. And if you’re in Malaga on a busy cruise ship day, why not avoid the crowds and get off the beaten trail on one of our self-guided walking tours?
| Busiest dates | No of passengers in town |
|---|---|
| 7 August | 7,887 |
| 10 August | 3,405 |
| 14 August | 3,167 |
| 15 August | 3,660 |
| 21 August | 3,327 |
| 25 August | 6,334 |
| 26 August | 4,912 |
| 30 August | 4,082 |
Malaga Fair
August means fair time in Malaga and the 7-day event starts with fireworks at midnight on Friday 14 August and continues until Saturday 22 August. Expect it to be very busy this year as usual as locals and visitors celebrate in style.
For information about what usually goes on, check-out our dedicated guide to Malaga Fair. The article includes details on what’s on during Malaga Fair – flamenco shows, dancing horse shows and activities for children – and tips for enjoying the week.
Malaga Fair firework and drone shows
See the city’s biggest firework display at midnight on Friday 14 August, when over 6,000 fireworks go off from the Port.
Before that, there are two drone shows at 11.50pm in Malaga Port. 150 drones will fly in each space for around 10 minutes.
See the best places to watch Malaga Fair fireworks
Sporting events in Malaga
Some sporting events take place throughout August for both participants and spectators. There are also free yoga, qi gong and zumba sessions. Full information on dates, times and how to sign up is available here (in Spanish only).
Espeto Beach Running
Run 4km in the sand on La Misericordia beach on Friday 7 August from 10pm onwards. More information here.
Jabega Regatta
The traditional jabega boats take part in the 89th edition of this rowing race in the Port from 4.30pm on 8 August. Boats from ten local clubs will be taking part in what is usually a great sporting event in Malaga.
Malaga Port Swimming Race
Pop along to watch the swimmers and cheer them on as they swim the annual 1km race in Malaga Port. The first jump in the water at 9am from Malaga port on Sunday 9 August. There are 500 competitors in the timed race, including the Mayor of Malaga, Paco de la Torre who swims it every year (he’s 83).
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Best tomato in the world tour
The nearby Guadalhorce Valley has a very special crop in August, the big, red huevo de toro tomato (‘bull’s ball’). It comes bursting with flavour and to celebrate its place as king of the tomatoes, restaurants in Malaga city and the province have created special dishes available on the menu until 31 August.
You can see the list of participating venues in Malaga here. Or you can buy this tomato at Atarazanas Market – just add a sprinkling of salt and a dash of olive oil for a delicious summer feast.
Horse & carriage competition
Malaga Fair also includes parades of horses and carriages, all dressed up to the nines for the occasion. This year’s competition takes place in La Malagueta bullring on Friday 7 August at 8pm.
The 43rd edition of this event will showcase over 30 carriages vying for the top prize, with entrants from Malaga and all over Andalusia.
Free entry, but get there early to be sure of a seat.
Book a flamenco show with dinner in Malaga.
Cinema in Malaga in August
Outdoor cinema
The summer programme of outdoor cinema (Cine Abierto) continues until mid-August with free viewings at different locations in Malaga. Films are mostly dubbed in Spanish, but there’s something pretty magical about watching a movie with a gentle evening breeze in your face. For the full Cine Abierto programme click here.
Highlights this August include the Signature Cinema series at the Ocón Auditorium (in the Paseo del Parque), with films in their original version and Spanish subtitles, all at 10.15pm:
- Emilia Pérez (Jacques Audiard, 2024, in Spanish with parts in English) on 5 August;
- Parthenope (Paolo Sorrentino, 2024, in Italian, Neopolitan and some English, with Spanish subtitles) on 6 August;
- Flow (Gints Zilbalodis, 2024, animated with no dialogue) on 12 August.
Plan your trip around Malaga events
Make the most of Malaga events with these practical travel guides.
Start planning your August trip to Malaga!
Phantom of the Opera
This iconic musical continues in Malaga at the Cervantes Theatre until 9 August. The words are in Spanish, but we reckon you already know the story and all those classic tunes.
Performances take place from Wednesday to Sunday, and tickets start at €22. More information and link to buy here.
What’s on in Malaga in August musically
As usual, music takes pride of place in Malaga this month, with several events including free concerts.
Museum of Malaga
This month’s performance takes place in the lovely patio at this museum on Sunday 2 August at noon, with a recital from the Murovsky Duo (flute and cello), playing music by Bach, Chopin and Debussy. Free entry, but get there early to be sure of a seat (we’d recommend 11am).
Music by Candlelight
Listen to pianist Natalia Kuchaeva pay tribute to Ludovico Einaudi by candlelight, in the lovely Salón Real at Gran Hotel Miramar, on Saturday 22 August at 7pm. Tickets cost from €17.50 and are available from this link. Expect 60 minutes of Einaudi classics such as Elegy for the Arctic and Fly; fully accessible; suitable for children over 8.
Music during Malaga Fair
Music forms an essential part of Malaga Fair, so expect plenty of it! There are free concerts on Plaza de la Constitución every day during the celebrations, usually from noon to 4-5pm. Look out for groups of musicians and dancers in the streets in the old quarter too.
There are also free concerts in various venues at Malaga Fairground. 95% of this year’s performers are local, but stars on the stage also include José Mercé, Carlos Baute and Chenoa. Full details are here.
Muelle Uno
Look out for free concerts during August in the square next to the pharmacy. All start at 9pm.
- Friday 7 August – Yerma, post-rock, instrumental band.
- 28 August – Los Terral, pop rock band.
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Flamenco in Malaga in August
If you love flamenco and are in town during Malaga Fair (15 to 22 August), you’re in luck because flamenco (song, music and dance) forms an essential part of the city’s annual party. You can enjoy a flamenco show at the following locations:
Auditorio Municipal – at the fairground (Google map link here) from 16 to 21 August, daily at 4pm and 10pm.
Caseta Municipal – at the fairground (Google map link here) from 16 to 22 August, daily at 2pm and 11pm (10.30pm on 20th and 22nd).
Calle Larios – from 16 to 22 August, daily between 1 and 5pm. Local dance groups will be performing verdiales, not quite flamenco but typical music and dance from the Montes de Málaga. It’s just as lovely and fascinating to watch.
Peña Juan Breva on Calle Ramón Franquelo in the old quarter – daily performances at 2pm. Be sure to take a look at the exhibits in the Flamenco Museum while you’re there.
Read our guide to Malaga Fair for more details about what’s on.
Find a hotel for August
If you fancy staying in the old quarter and at the heart of the Malaga Fair action, check out these hotels. They’re all central but without the events on their actual doorstep.
Hotel Castilla Guerrero
On the main street in Soho, this family-run establishment is a classic on the Malaga hotel scene and a solid, reliable option. Hotel Castil …
Dorma Malaga Museos Hotel
Bang in the heart of the historic centre, Dorma Malaga Museos Hotel has the additional advantage of a rooftop pool with terrace, great for …
Alcazaba Premium Hotel
Nestled in the heart of Malaga, Alcazaba Premium Hotel offers a unique fusion of modern style and historical charm. Guests get to enjoy com …
And if you’re not sure which area is best for your accommodation in the city, check out our full guide to where to stay in Malaga. It lists all the main districts and describes the nearby amenities, distances to the beach and their pros and cons.
Activities and tours of the Botanics
The lovely Botanical gardens have two activities this month.
To book your place, call +34 951 92 61 80 or +34 639 91 40 55 (also WhatsApp) or send an email to infojbotanicomalaga@gmail.com
Dramatised visits
Discover the botanical gardens by night, its characters and history on a dramatised tour taking place on Saturday 8 and Sunday 27 August at 9pm. The cost per person is €17.
For adults – the gardens and palace by night
Discover the botanical gardens by night and the interior of the lovely mansion (rooms, library and chapel) on the 90-minute visits taking place on Thursday 6, Friday 14, Friday 21 and Saturday 29 August at 9pm. The cost per person is €8.40.
What’s on in Malaga in August at the art museums
Some of the best things to do in Malaga in August take place at the city’s art museums. This month you can see:
Casa Natal Picasso
Picasso’s birthplace has an interesting temporary exhibition on this month: Neither Muses nor Models: Female Artists in the Casa Natal Picasso Collection. It includes works by local, Spanish and international artists such as Helen Frankenthaler, María Helena Vieira da Silva, Alice Baber and Elena Laverón. Until 13 September.
Open daily 9.30am to 8pm. Price €3, €4 combined ticket to see Picasso’s birthplace (well worth the extra).
Picasso Museum
Note on tickets
The Picasso Museum is the most-visited in southern Spain and an extremely popular attraction. As a result, sometimes no walk-in tickets are available, only those booked ahead online.
To avoid disappointment, we recommend buying your ticket in advance. You can do so via the museum’s website or through GetYourGuide (no difference in price for you, just a small commission to us through the affiliate program – gracias!).
The most-visited museum in southern Spain has a permanent collection, called Picasso: Structures of Invention. The exhibition shows the 20th century’s greatest artist’s creative process through 150 works. You can also see 22 works from his La Californie sketchbook, which he drew in Cannes in 1956.
You can also see:
Joana Vasconcelos Transfiguration
A new temporary exhibition showcases the work of this contemporary Portuguese artist from the early 90s to today. Vasconcelos’ sculptures and installations examine the relationship between Portuguese traditions and contemporary art, using tiles, textiles and ceramics. The result is an extraordinary collection, guaranteed not to leave you indifferent! Don’t miss the giant shoe in the patio.
Open daily 11am to 8pm. Tickets €12, free Sundays after 6pm. While you’re there, do visit the Picasso Museum café with its lovely patio.
Buy tickets in advance for the Picasso Museum.
Bishop’s Palace
This lovely space opposite the Cathedral has a new exhibition, And the Music Began, exploring the connection between art, history and music from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. The over 100 items in the exhibition include paintings, sculptures and musical scores, by Spanish artists such as José de Ribera, Murillo and Picasso.
Free guided tours available in English on Fridays at 6pm and Saturdays at 12.30pm. Book your place ahead by emailing mediacionculturalmalaga@fundacionunicaja.com or calling +34 952 624 862.
Open Monday to Saturday 10am to 2pm and 5 to 8pm, Sunday 10am to 2pm. €3 Until 2 November.
Malaga Fair opening times (15 to 22 August): 10am to 2pm
Pompidou Centre
The latest exhibition, To Open Eyes, looks at how artists view their surroundings and interact with those looking at their art. The six sections include a wide range of installations, paintings, sculptures and videos. And as usual, they all provide plenty of food for thought.
Read about the latest collection at the Pompidou Centre
Gesture & Matter – International Abstractions (1945-1965)
This must-see exhibition showcases the new artistic movement that emerged in Paris after the Second World War. It explored new ways of depicting art and techniques on canvas, and the exhibition brings together an impressive selection of artists and their paintings. Until 7 September.
Open Wednesday to Monday 9.30am to 8pm. €7 for the permanent exhibition, €9 for both. Free Sundays after 4pm.
Buy tickets in advance for the Pompidou Centre.
Jorge Rando Museum
As well as the permanent exhibitions, you can see one combining the work of Pablo Picasso and Jorge Rando. Their shared theme is bullfighting and you can see engravings by Picasso made between 1929 and 1960 and paintings by Rando from the 70s.
Open Monday to Friday 10am to 2pm and 4 to 8pm, Saturday 10am to 2pm. Free entry. The museum is on Calle Cruz del Molinillo 12, on the northern edge of the old quarter. Don’t miss the Mercado de Salamanca market opposite.
We’ve included this art museum in our latest walking tour, North of Malaga old quarter.
Carmen Thyssen Museum
The museum continues to showcase Spanish art from the 18th and 19th centuries seen in the permanent collection.
The museum also has the following temporary exhibitions:
Archipielago
Taking Warburg’s Atlas Mnemosyne as its inspiration, this exhibition showcases the depiction of cartography in some of the most influential 20th-century artists. Signatures include Picasso, Miró, Warhol, Braque, Arp and Zush. See it until 6 September.
The works on display carry signatures of artists like Luis Gordillo, Chema Cobo, Andy Warhol and Miquel Barceló. Under 14 September.
Roman remains
The extraordinary remains of a residential and commercial complex underneath the museum are now open. If you like a good dose of history and/or an insight into Malaga’s rich heritage, we highly recommend including a visit.
You can book your ticket in advance – €15 including the museum and remains (€10 if you’re resident in Malaga province) – or join one of the hourly visits when you’re there.
Read more about these unique Roman ruins
Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 8pm. Tickets cost €12. Free entry on Sundays after 4pm. Note that if you’re resident in Malaga province (you need to show proof), the entry fee is €8.
15 to 23 August: Open Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 3pm
Free entry on Thursday evenings
This museum has free entry on Thursday 6 and 13 August between 8pm and 11pm. Guided tours at 8.15pm, 8.50pm and 9.30pm (sign up at reception). Jazz concerts in the patio from 10pm.
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Russian Museum & MEET
The Russian Museum and MEET (Malaga Espacio Expositivo Tabacalera) has several exhibitions, many of which comes from private collections of art and some have a Russian theme.
Mijail Glinka. The Romantic Traveller
Glinka was one of Russia’s most prominent composers in the 19th century, when cultural, artistic and scientific changes influenced his life and work. This exhibition explores his life and links to music, including his stay in Spain when he discovered flamenco and other traditional types of music. The over 100 works on show include travel classics such as Alexandre Dumas’ Impressions de voyage and Richard Ford’s Handbook for Travellers in Spain, as well as antique maps, paintings, photos and instruments.
Flight, Vertigo and Fall
This exhibition shows around 50 works by Vladimir Veličković, one of the most prominent Serbian artists in the last 50 years. The sketches, engravings and litographs are all study of the human body in movement. Until 29 November.
Art from the Spanish Golden Age
Some 80 works from Alejandro Sanz Peinado’s private collection are on display. They showcase 16th and 17th masterpieces, with the emphasis on Dutch paintings and Italian works. Signatures on the canvases include Rubens, Tenier, van Dyck, Velázquez and Zubarán. Until 30 September.
Open Tuesday to Sunday 9.30am to 8pm. €8. Free on Sundays after 4pm.
La Térmica Cultural Centre
Murmuration
US artist Ryan Schneider has spent two months in residence at the centre and this exhibition is the result. Giant sculptures in wood, bronze, stone and gold make up the pieces, all inspired by the ecosystem in Ryan’s home in the Mojave Desert.
Until 13 September. Free entry. Open Monday to Friday 10am to 2pm and 4 to 8.30pm, weekends 10am to 2pm.
La Térmica is on the western seafront and you can get to it on foot (walk west from the Port and about 0.5km after the tall chimney, you’ll see a modern glass building on the right – La Térmica is behind it) or by bus on the No 7 from the Alameda Principal (south side; get off at the Santa Paula stop and walk down to the seafront).
Looking for somewhere good to eat out?
Malaga has dozens of good restaurants and we’ve selected the best. You’ll find them divided into handy categories, allowing you to easily select what you’re looking for.
Or if you like a detailed description of what a venue is really like, take a look at our Malaga Restaurant Reviews. We’re continually adding new ones, so check back regularly.
Markets in Malaga in August
Arts and crafts – El Zoco market at Muelle Uno takes place every Sunday. La Merced Market showcasing local artisan pieces on Sunday 2 August from 11am to 7pm.
Organic Markets – the best summer fruit (think apricots, watermelon, peaches…) and vegetables are now in season and these markets sell them plus products, all grown and produced locally in the Guadalhorce River valley. Saturday 8 August on Calle Cervantes and Paseo de Reding (near La Malagueta) and Saturday 22 August in Huelin Park. 10am to 2pm.
Read more about markets in Malaga.
Heads up for September
September includes several big events including Malaga Fashion Week, with its famous blue catwalk. This year’s edition takes place on Friday 25 and Saturday 26 September 2026, in Calle Larios.
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