What’s On in Gozo This Summer: Festivals, Feasts & Events 2026

What to Expect in Summer

Summer on Gozo runs hot and humid from July through to mid-September, with temperatures regularly hitting the mid-30s in July and August. The sea is warm, the evenings are longer and the island is at its busiest. If you’re visiting in peak season, book accommodation early and plan sightseeing for the mornings, by early afternoon, the sensible thing to do is find a shady spot or a beach with a parasol. By evening, the villages come back to life.

Live Music & Weekly Series

Gozo has a lively music scene and in summer the island runs a packed rota of free outdoor concerts across its villages. Most run weekly from mid-July through to the end of August, making them easy to slot into an evening whatever stage of your trip you’re at.

Marsalforn Mondays

• When: Every Monday, 20 July – 31 August, 21:30
• Where: Marsalforn Front, Marsalforn
• Cost: Free

A different live act each Monday night by the sea. Expect everything from big bands to pop and jazz — DCapitals Big Band open the series on 20 July.

City Tuesdays

• When: Every Tuesday, 28 July – 21 August, 21:00
• Where: St George’s Square & Independence Square, Victoria
• Cost: Free

Victoria’s squares come alive with music most Tuesday evenings through the summer. Sarah Bonnici opens the series on 28 July.

Midweek Summer Vibe

• When: Every Wednesday, 22 July – 26 August, 21:00
• Where: Alternates between Qala Village Square and Xagħra Square
• Cost: Free

Top local performers mid-week in two of Gozo’s most pleasant squares. Novel open in Xagħra on 22 July.

Mġarr Fridays

• When: Every Friday, 24 July – 29 August, 21:00
• Where: Manuel de Vilhena Street, Mġarr
• Cost: Free

Live music from local artists at Gozo’s ferry village. Quartet open on 24 July.

Nadur Saturdays

• When: Every Saturday, 25 July – 29 August, 21:00
• Where: St Peter and St Paul Square, Nadur
• Cost: Free

Live entertainment in Nadur’s main square through the height of summer. The Stents open on 25 July.

Summer in the Square 

• When: Every Saturday, 19 July onwards, 21:00
• Where: St John the Baptist Square, Xewkija
• Cost: Free

Live music and a lively atmosphere under the iconic Rotunda.

I Love Xlendi

• When: Every Sunday, 1 August – 30 August, from 20:00
• Where: Xlendi Bay
• Cost: Free

Live music by the bay on Sunday evenings, with a traditional fjakkolata illuminating the Xlendi waterfront every Saturday night alongside it.

Iljieli Sajfin (Summer Nights)

• When: Every Saturday 7 Sunday, 4 July – End of September, 20:00
• Where: Għajnsielem Centre
• Cost: Free

Għajnsielem square transforms into a pedestrianised evening space with traditional games, tombola, band concerts, open-air cinema nights and walking tours. Full calendar at ghajnsielemlc.com.

Funland Thursdays

• When: Every Thursday, 9 July – 3 September, from 19:30
• Where: Marsalforn Front, Marsalforn
• Cost: Free

Free family entertainment on the Marsalforn seafront — live music, art demonstrations, bouncy castles, pony rides and zip lines. One of the better free options if you’re travelling with children.

Major Concerts, Festivals & Special Events

Beyond the weekly series, July through September brings a run of one-off concerts and festivals worth planning around.

Ħondoq by Night

• When: 3 July, 21:00
• Where: Ħondoq Bay, Qala
• Cost: Free

One of the most atmospheric events of the summer. The bay is lit with flaming lanterns as Cash & Band and DJ Ryan Spiteri take to the stage. A beautiful setting made even better after dark.

Closer to the Voice: Charles Buttigieg Live

• When: 4 July, 20:30
• Where: Grand Hotel Ballroom, Mġarr
• Cost: Ticketed — book at showshappening.com

International baritone Charles Buttigieg performs alongside soprano Chrystelle DiMarco and tenor Alan Sciberras, with an orchestra conducted by Mro Mark Gauci. One of the more polished evenings on the summer calendar.

Gozo Food Festival

• When: 10 & 11 July, 18:00 until midnight
• Where: Xewkija Main Square
• Cost: Free entry (food and drink for purchase)

Two evenings of international food, live music, a wine garden and children’s entertainment in Xewkija’s main square. [Link to be added]

PyroFantasia

• When: 10 July, 21:00
• Where: Għajn Tuta, Kerċem
• Cost: Free

The tenth edition of this fireworks show, held on the 80th anniversary of the Our Lady of Sorrows procession, with a short documentary about the area by photographer Sebio Aquilina.

Flames Across the Meadows

• When: 11 July, 22:30
• Where: Triq il-Kalandrijiet, Kerċem
• Cost: Free

A fireworks display by Għaqda Nar Kerċem combining visual artistry and mechanical precision. This year’s centrepiece is a recreation of Rome’s Colosseum.

Xwejni Music Fest

• When: 25 July, 20:30
• Where: Xwejni Bay, Marsalforn
• Cost: Free

An open-air concert in front of the Qolla l-Bajda Battery featuring Jolene Samhan, Platinum (The Live ABBA Tribute Show), DJ Nate and DJ Ziggy. Free entry and free park and ride.

Opera vs Pop Under the Stars | 18th Edition

• When: 27 July, 20:30
• Where: Ministry Courtyard, St Francis Square, Victoria
• Cost: By reservation only

The Gozo Youth Orchestra under Mro Dr Joseph Grech presents a night of operatic arias and pop arrangements, with Pamela Cibrano, Ludwig Galea and Noel Galea, plus guest appearances from Rachel Fabri and Fabian Galea. Book via the ticket hotline on 7942 1611 / 9942 1611 or email gozowindbandorchestra@yahoo.co.uk.

Gozo Ceramics Festival | 13th Edition

• When: 1 August, 18:30 – 23:00
• Where: Xlendi Bay
• Cost: Free

Ceramic artists demonstrating and selling their work at Xlendi Bay, with hands-on potter’s wheel experiences, traditional dance and music, street arts and raku firing. A consistently good evening.

DCapitals Live@Cittadella | 11th Edition

• When: 1 August, 21:00
• Where: Cittadella Ditch, Victoria
• Cost: Free

The annual open-air big band concert returns, with special guest William Mangion joining resident vocalists Gail Attard, Eliża Stellini, Alexia Micallef and Marie Emeh, under the direction of George Apap.

Gozo Film Festival

• When: 21–23 August
• Where: Cittadella, Victoria
• Cost: Free

Three days of local and international shorts, feature films and a children’s programme, with filmmaking talks and behind-the-scenes sessions.

Delicata Classic Wine Festival

• When: 21 & 22 August, from 18:00
• Where: Ġnien il-Kunsill, Triq Belvedere, Nadur
• Cost: Free entry (wine for purchase)

Award-winning wines in a relaxed outdoor setting with live music. A reliable late-August fixture.

Stage & Proms on the Sea | 11th Edition

• When: 14 September, 20:30
• Where: Mġarr
• Cost: Free standing; VIP seating by reservation (7942 1611 / 9942 1611 or gozowindbandorchestra@yahoo.co.uk)

The Gozo Youth Wind Band under Mro Dr Joseph Grech with vocalists Neville Refalo and Clara Sciberras, performing West End and Proms classics.

Fontana Wine Festival | 7th Edition

• When: 18 September, 20:00
• Where: Triq il-Għajn & Triq ix-Xlendi, Fontana
• Cost: Free entry (wine for purchase)

Local wines, live music from Sterjotipi, Cash & Band and DJ Izzy, set along Fontana’s characterful streets.

Traditions: Wine, Olive Oil & Honey Festival

• When: 19 September, 19:00
• Where: Salvatur Square, Għasri
• Cost: Free entry (food and drink for purchase)

Local produce, roast pork, live music, dance and a children’s area in one of Gozo’s smaller villages.

Art, Culture, Film & Theatre

Gozo’s summer programme has always made room for more than music. Exhibitions, open-air screenings and theatrical performances run alongside the concerts and feasts, and several are worth seeking out.

Reluctant Modernism: The Art of Ġużeppi Briffa

• When: Until 8 September, 09:00 – 17:00
• Where: Il-Ħaġar Museum, St George’s Square, Victoria
• Cost: Free

An exhibition exploring the work of Gozitan artist Ġużeppi Briffa across five thematic sections, tracing his negotiation between modern visual languages and a more traditional public sensibility. Worth an hour of anyone’s time.

Gozo Ceramic Arts & Collective Exhibition

• When: 25 July – 1 August, 09:00 – 17:00
• Where: Gozo Seminary, Victoria
• Cost: Free

A collective exhibition of diverse ceramic works by local artists and ceramicists, running in the week leading up to the Ceramics Festival at Xlendi.

Sporting Impressions: A Philatelic Journey

• When: 3–26 July, 08:30 – 20:00
• Where: Xewkija Windmill, Xewkija
• Cost: Free

A sports philately exhibition by the Gozo Philatelic Society. Niche, but genuinely interesting if you have a curiosity about Gozo’s social history.

Lens on Gozo: A Photographic Legacy

• When: 4–30 August, 08:30 – 20:00
• Where: Xewkija Windmill, Xewkija
• Cost: Free

A collective photographic exhibition of Gozo produced in collaboration with the National Archives.

Sweet Music: Moulin Rouge

• When: 23 July, 20:30
• Where: Il-Ħâra d-Dejqa, Victoria
• Cost: Free

An open-air screening of Moulin Rouge in one of Victoria’s narrow historic streets. A rather atmospheric way to spend a summer evening.

Sweet Music: Wicked

• When: 24 September, 20:15
• Where: Il-Ħâra d-Dejqa, Victoria
• Cost: Free

The same format, same street, different musical. Wicked closes out the summer screenings series.

Feel the Magic of Musicals: Disney’s Alice in Wonderland JR

• When: 24 & 25 August, 20:00
• Where: Villa Rundle Amphitheatre, Victoria
• Cost: Free

Chorus Urbanus Junior Choir brings Alice in Wonderland to life with song, dance and costumes in the open-air amphitheatre.

Gozo Theatre Festival

• When: 9 & 10 September
• Where: Villa Rundle Gardens, Victoria
• Cost: Free

Two evenings of local theatrical performances from new and established writers, directors and actors. A platform for Gozo’s creative community and generally a good night out.

Gozo International Puppet Festival

• When: 25–27 September
• Where: Main Square, Għarb
• Cost: Free

Three days of international puppet theatre in Għarb’s square, with artists from around the world. Surprisingly compelling for adults as well as children.

Family-Friendly & Children’s Events

Gozo’s summer programme is genuinely good for families. Most of the weekly music series are relaxed enough for children, and there are several events specifically designed for younger visitors.

Funland Thursdays

• When: Every Thursday, 9 July – 3 September, 19:30 – 21:30
• Where: Marsalforn Front, Marsalforn
• Cost: Free

Free family entertainment on the Marsalforn seafront every Thursday evening through the summer. Live music, art demonstrations, bouncy castles, pony rides and zip lines. One of the more reliable free options if you’re travelling with children.

Super Splash Sports Day

• When: 12 July, 09:00
• Where: Alberto Mizzi Ground, Qala
• Cost: Free

A Sunday morning event combining competitive sports with children’s entertainment and animation. A good option if you want to kick off the day with some energy before the heat sets in.

Ċama Ċama

• When: 12 July, 19:30
• Where: Palazzo Palina Courtyard, Ta’ Ċenċ Hotel, Sannat
• Cost: Free

The SCJ Children’s Choir end-of-year concert and summer special edition, conducted by guest Senna Valvanne. A lovely setting for an early evening concert.

Cocomelon & Baby Disco Night

• When: 25 July, 20:00
• Where: Għajnsielem Centre, Għajnsielem
• Cost: Free

A themed evening for toddlers and young children with Cocomelon clips, songs, themed attractions and a classic movie under the stars.

The Square for Children

• When: Every Saturday, 22 August – 26 September, 19:30 – 23:00
• Where: St Lawrence Square, San Lawrenz
• Cost: Free

San Lawrenz’s square becomes a dedicated play zone every Saturday evening through late summer, with giant chess, classic games and activities for children of all ages.

Feel the Magic of Musicals: Disney’s Alice in Wonderland JR

• When: 24 & 25 August, 20:00
• Where: Villa Rundle Amphitheatre, Victoria
• Cost: Free

Already listed in the Arts section, but worth flagging here too — Chorus Urbanus Junior Choir’s production is one of the better family evenings of the summer.

Food, Wine & Local Traditions

Gozo’s summer calendar has always made room for the table. From international food festivals to celebrations of the island’s own produce, there’s plenty to eat and drink your way through between July and September.

Gozo Food Festival

• When: 10 & 11 July, 18:00 until midnight
• Where: Xewkija Main Square
• Cost: Free entry (food and drink for purchase)

Two evenings of international food, live music, a wine garden and children’s entertainment in Xewkija’s main square. One of the most popular events of the early summer calendar. [Link to be added]

Twilight Summer Mercato

• When: 4 July, 17:00
• Where: Nadur Village Square
• Cost: Free

A summer evening market in Nadur’s village square, with locally made art, jewellery, homewares and food from Gozitan and Maltese artisans. A relaxed way to spend an early evening.

Kalipso

• When: 25 July, 20:00
• Where: Calypso Cave, Xagħra
• Cost: Free

A traditional folk evening organised by Għaqda Kummittiva Għawdex in collaboration with Ta’ Verna Folk Band, featuring folk music, dance and the traditional Il-Kummitiva. Younger members take part to keep the traditions going.

Ta’ Sannat Beer Festival

• When: 16 August, 19:30
• Where: St Margaret Square, Sannat
• Cost: Free entry (food and drink for purchase)

A community beer festival in Sannat’s square with food stalls and a relaxed summer atmosphere.

Delicata Classic Wine Festival

• When: 21 & 22 August, from 18:00
• Where: Ġnien il-Kunsill, Triq Belvedere, Nadur
• Cost: Free entry (wine for purchase)

Already listed in the concerts section, but worth a mention here too — award-winning Maltese wines in a pleasant outdoor setting with live music.

Xewkija Beer Fest

• When: 20 September, 20:00
• Where: Ta’ Blankas Olive Grove, Xewkija
• Cost: Free entry (food and drink for purchase)

The first edition of a new beer festival at Ta’ Blankas Olive Grove in Xewkija, with live entertainment and a community atmosphere.

Fontana Wine Festival | 7th Edition

• When: 18 September, 20:00
• Where: Triq il-Għajn & Triq ix-Xlendi, Fontana
• Cost: Free entry (wine for purchase)

Local wines, live music from Sterjotipi, Cash & Band and DJ Izzy, set along Fontana’s characterful streets.

Traditions: Wine, Olive Oil & Honey Festival

• When: 19 September, 19:00
• Where: Salvatur Square, Għasri
• Cost: Free entry (food and drink for purchase)

Local produce, roast pork, live music, dance and a children’s area in one of Gozo’s smaller, quieter villages.

Other Highlights

A few events that don’t fit neatly into a category but are worth knowing about.

Qala Autofest

• When: 11 July, 18:00
• Where: Mġarr Road, Qala
• Cost: Free

An annual exhibition of classic, sports and customised cars, motorcycles and trucks along Mġarr Road. A good excuse to wander down to Qala on a Saturday afternoon.

Lejla Għawdxija

• When: 27 July, 20:00
• Where: St Joseph Square, Qala
• Cost: Free

An evening dedicated to Gozitan traditions, with folkloristic dance, country music and children’s entertainment. A warm, community-centred night out.

L-Assedju t’Għawdex 1551

• When: 26 July, 20:00
• Where: Cittadella, Victoria
• Cost: Free

A dramatic re-enactment of the 1551 Ottoman siege of Gozo at the Cittadella. One of the more distinctive events on the summer calendar.

Fiori d’Argenta Folk Festival

• When: 27–29 August
• Where: St John Baptist Square, Xewkija
• Cost: Free

Three days of folk music, traditional Għana, and the ceremonial cutting of the Torta tal-Bajtar ta’ San Ġwann, culminating in the lighting of the Il-Ħuġġieġa ta’ San Ġwann bonfire. Rooted in Xewkija’s community and worth catching if you’re on the island that weekend.

Levant | Gozo Music Festival

• When: 11 September, 20:00
• Where: St John the Baptist Square, Xewkija
• Cost: Free

Kurt Calleja and friends headline this open-air music festival in Xewkija’s square. One of the bigger music events of the late summer season.

Aquaman Open Water Swimming

• When: 30 August, 09:00
• Where: Otters Pitch, Marsalforn
• Cost: Registration required — see aquaman.co

Open water races at Marsalforn for swimmers of all levels, blending competition with Gozo’s coastal scenery.

Plan Your Summer

For the latest updates and any last-minute programme changes, visit eventsingozo.com or follow Events in Gozo on Facebook. All events are subject to change — always worth checking before you head out.

If you’re still working out where to stay, our guide to accommodation on Gozo covers the main areas and what suits different types of trip. And if you’re getting around without a car, the guide to Gozo transport has everything you need.