For three evenings in September, the sound of the guitar fills Valletta’s most atmospheric historic venues. The Valletta Guitar Festival returns from 10 to 12 September 2026, celebrating the instrument in all its forms — classical, flamenco, jazz, and contemporary.
Organised by Festivals Malta and launched as a new addition to their 2026 programme, the festival brings renowned international guitar virtuosos and emerging local talent together in intimate settings that let you hear every note, every string, every breath. If you appreciate the guitar as an instrument, or simply enjoy beautiful music in beautiful places, this is one of the most refined cultural events on the Maltese calendar.
Event Details
- Event: Valletta Guitar Festival 2026
- Dates: Thursday 10 to Saturday 12 September 2026 (three evenings)
- Venue: Historic venues across Valletta (to be confirmed)
- Organised by: Festivals Malta
- Tickets: Vary by concert. Check festivals.mt for programme and booking.
- Genres: Classical, flamenco, jazz, contemporary, acoustic
What to Expect
The Valletta Guitar Festival is intentionally intimate. This is not a festival of large outdoor stages and festival wristbands. It is a series of curated concerts in venues that were built for exactly this kind of experience — stone churches, palace halls, and cultural spaces where the acoustics bring the instrument to life in a way no modern concert hall can replicate.
Previous Festivals Malta guitar programming has featured a mix of internationally acclaimed soloists, ensemble performances, and emerging talent from Malta’s own guitar scene. The 2026 edition is the festival’s inaugural standalone year, building on the success of earlier guitar programming within the broader Festivals Malta calendar.
The programme and full lineup for the 2026 edition will be announced via the Festivals Malta website and social media channels. We will update this article as details are confirmed.
Why September in Valletta
September is arguably the best month to visit Valletta. The intense heat of July and August has eased, the summer crowds have thinned, and the city takes on a quieter, more reflective character — perfect for the kind of intimate, focused cultural experience that the Guitar Festival offers. The weather is still warm enough for evening strolls between venues, and the light in September is softer and more photogenic than the harsh midday sun of peak summer.
The festival also sits in a remarkable cultural window. Victory Day and the September Regatta fall on 8 September, just two days before the festival opens, and Notte Bianca follows in early October. For visitors who time their trip right, a week in Valletta in September can include the regatta, the Guitar Festival, and some of the best weather of the year.
Where to Stay
The Valletta Guitar Festival takes place entirely within the capital — making a hotel in the city centre the obvious choice. At The Embassy Valletta Hotel on Strait Street, you are within walking distance of every venue in Valletta. Step out of the hotel, stroll to the evening’s concert, and walk home afterwards through the lit streets of the capital.
For a pre-concert drink, the Rooftop Restaurant & Lounge on Level 7 offers the perfect setting to ease into the evening with a cocktail and harbour views before heading to the performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Valletta Guitar Festival 2026?
Thursday 10 to Saturday 12 September 2026.
Where does the festival take place?
In historic venues across Valletta. Exact locations will be confirmed in the programme, which will be published on festivals.mt.
What genre of music is performed?
The festival spans classical, flamenco, jazz, and contemporary guitar. The focus is on the instrument itself, across a range of styles and traditions.
How much do tickets cost?
Ticket pricing varies by concert. Details will be available at festivals.mt once the programme is announced.
Is this a new festival?
The 2026 edition is the Valletta Guitar Festival’s inaugural standalone year. It builds on earlier guitar programming within the Festivals Malta calendar and was announced as part of Festivals Malta’s 2026–2031 strategy.
How far are the venues from The Embassy Valletta Hotel?
All venues are within walking distance. Valletta is one of the smallest capital cities in Europe and is entirely walkable.
Image taken from: Malta Info Guide