Bocata Fest returns to Fuengirola with more than 20 gourmet creations and leading Málaga chefs

The humble sandwich will be transformed into a gourmet experience during the second edition of Bocata Fest, taking place at Marenostrum Fuengirola on 6 and 7 August 2026. The event will bring together several well-known chefs from Málaga province, who will present more than 20 creations designed exclusively for the festival.

The surroundings of Sohail Castle will host an experience combining food and entertainment in the same venue. Alongside signature sandwiches and international street-food dishes, visitors will be able to enjoy live concerts, DJ sessions, interactive activities, competitions and a market devoted to fashion and handmade products.

Dani Carnero joins as special guest

One of the main new additions will be Dani Carnero, chef at Kaleja, which holds a Michelin star, and the driving force behind projects including La Cosmo.

The Málaga chef will take part as a special guest with his Cordero Kaleja, a creation made with lamb, roasted aubergine and yoghurt sauce.

The gastronomic line-up will also feature Diego René, associated with restaurants such as René, Beluga and Kraken; Álvaro Ávila, from El Nacional; Álvaro Saura, from Liceo Playa; Reyna Traverso, from Taquería Ensenada and Niña Bonita; Mariano Rodríguez, from EME de Mariano; and Alberto Vega, from El Mesón de Cervantes.

The variety of culinary styles will allow visitors to explore Andalusian, Mexican, Asian and Mediterranean flavours without leaving the venue. Each chef has adapted part of their cuisine to an informal format designed to be eaten by hand and enjoyed in a festival atmosphere.

Sandwiches available only during the festival

Exclusivity will be one of Bocata Fest’s main attractions. The recipes have been created specifically for the event and will not form part of the restaurants’ usual menus.

The selection will also change from one day to the next, meaning that some dishes will only be available for a limited period.

Among the announced creations are Diego René’s Carrillera trufada and Alita brava; Álvaro Ávila’s Pulledbull Andaluz and Asado al pesto; and Álvaro Saura’s Katsu-mollete and Pollo a la chistorra.

Reyna Traverso will offer a gluten-free option inspired by a tuna Russian salad burger with plantain chips, as well as a beef suadero creation.

Mariano Rodríguez will present El bocadillo del mar and Bocata marengo, while Alberto Vega will complete the menu with Carrillada payoya and Panceta maple.

The sandwich selection will be accompanied by street-food dishes including sea bass ceviche, spicy nachos, Korean-style fried chicken, Asian-inspired wings and other international creations. Handmade brownies and ice cream will provide the sweet options.

Music from the 1980s and 1990s

The music programme will begin on Thursday, 6 August, with a performance by Pop FM at 9.30 pm. The band will revisit major Spanish and international pop hits from the 1980s and 1990s.

A DJ session will begin at 11.15 pm and continue until closing time.

On Friday, 7 August, also at 9.30 pm, 90 Roll will perform British pop covers, international songs from the 1990s and well-known dancefloor classics. The evening will once again end with a DJ session from 11.15 pm.

Throughout both days, visitors will be able to vote for their favourite sandwich and explore the creative market installed on the outdoor esplanade beside Sohail Castle.

Two admission times to reduce queues

The venue will be open from 7 pm until 12.30 am. To speed up entry and prevent the kitchens from becoming overcrowded at the beginning of each evening, organisers have introduced two arrival slots: one at 7 pm and another at 8.30 pm.

The selected time only determines when visitors enter. Once inside, all guests may remain at the festival until it closes at 12.30 am.

The venue will include high tables and a new outdoor seating area, although the format is mainly designed for visitors to walk around and sample the different food options.

Ticket prices and options

General admission costs €6 and includes access to the venue, concerts, DJ sessions and the crafts market. Sandwiches, other food items and drinks must be purchased separately inside the festival.

A promotional double ticket is available for €10, valid for two people on the same day.

The Bocatera Ticket costs €17 and includes individual admission, one sandwich, one drink, a reusable cup, the concert, the DJ session and access to the market.

Children under 12 may enter free of charge when accompanied by an adult with a valid ticket. The festival will also include gluten-free options and an accessible area for guests with reduced mobility.

A charitable side to the event

The second edition will also collaborate with the Olivares Foundation, which will use the event to raise awareness of its work supporting children with cancer and other chronic illnesses, as well as their families.

With its combination of creative cuisine, music and outdoor entertainment, Bocata Fest aims to establish itself as one of the Costa del Sol’s most original summer food events.

For two evenings, Sohail Castle will demonstrate that a sandwich can also bring together culinary technique, local ingredients and plenty of imagination.

Information sources: Málaga Hoy, Bocata Fest and the official Marenostrum Fuengirola programme.