Málaga Fair 2026 will fill the city with nearly 200 free performances

Málaga will once again become a vast open-air stage for eight days. The 2026 Málaga Fair, taking place from 15 to 22 August, will feature almost 200 free musical and artistic performances across the Cortijo de Torres fairground and several venues in the historic city centre.

The programme will bring together nationally renowned performers, leading figures from Málaga’s cultural scene and representatives of the province’s traditional music. Among the biggest names announced are Antonio Carmona, Diana Navarro, Medina Azahara, Nancys Rubias, David de María, Zenet and Paloma San Basilio, alongside numerous local bands and solo artists.

Major concerts at the Municipal Auditorium

The Cortijo de Torres Municipal Auditorium will host some of the fair’s most prominent performances. Admission will be free until capacity is reached, with concerts scheduled throughout almost the entire festive week.

The programme will begin on Saturday, 15 August, with Encarni and Diana Navarro. Ana Romma and David de María will perform on Sunday 16, followed by Tabletom and Medina Azahara on Tuesday 18. Hoffman and Nancys Rubias will take to the stage the following day.

Tonia Rodríguez and Zenet will perform on Thursday 20, Antonio Carmona on Friday 21, and Paloma San Basilio will close the auditorium’s headline concert programme on Saturday, 22 August.

One of the most eagerly awaited appearances will be that of Medina Azahara, whose performance forms part of the historic Córdoba band’s farewell tour. Lead singer Manuel Martínez has expressed the group’s desire to deliver an especially memorable concert for the Málaga audience.

Flamenco and copla remain at the heart of the fair

Flamenco will once again occupy a central place in the Málaga Fair. The Municipal Flamenco and Copla Marquee, located at the fairground, will offer daily performances by artists including José de Chaparro, Chato de Málaga, Vanesa Fernández, Manuel de la Curra, Amparo Heredia, Ana Fargas, Alejandro Estrada, Isabel Soto, Rocío Alcalá, Miguel Astorga, Chelo Soto and Rosa Linero.

Flamenco will also reach the historic centre. The Juan Breva Flamenco Club will host shows from 3 pm featuring Gema Garcés, Chato de Vélez, Bonela, José Lucena, Alfredo Tejada, Isabel Guerrero and Pepe de Campillos.

The programme will also include the seventh Málaga Flamenco Dance Schools Festival and the final of the 19th City of Málaga Spanish Song Competition.

Verdiales and local folklore in the city-centre streets

Verdiales will once again have a dedicated place in the celebrations. The marquee devoted to this traditional Málaga genre at Cortijo de Torres will welcome two groups every evening, representing the three main styles: Montes, Almogía and Comares.

The tradition will also move into Calle Larios, where different verdiales groups will perform daily between 1 pm and 5 pm. Participants will include San Isidro de Periana, Primera de Benagalbón, Raíces de Almogía and Montes de Guadalmedina.

The Málaga Folk Culture stage will also host dance academies and choirs throughout the fair. Plaza de la Constitución, Plaza de las Flores, Plaza del Obispo and Plaza de San Pedro Alcántara will offer additional musical entertainment during the afternoons.

Equestrian shows and DJ sessions

The fairground’s Equestrian Exhibition Centre will present daily shows such as Málaga Dreams on Horseback, Between Jábegas and Horses and Málaga’s Equestrian Rhythm.

The programme will also feature the traditional carriage and horse parade and the 23rd Juan Alda Memorial Equestrian Dress and Harness Competition.

Younger audiences will have their own venue at the Youth Esplanade, where nightly DJ sessions will begin at 10 pm.

The Magical Fair celebrates its 30th anniversary

This year’s children’s programme will be particularly special as the Magical Fair celebrates its 30th anniversary. For three decades, the initiative has introduced thousands of families to theatre, circus, magic and music.

Activities will be held at two venues. The Municipal Children’s Marquee at Cortijo de Torres will offer performances every night at 9.30 pm, while Plaza de la Merced will host the daytime production From the Earth to the Moon: 30th Anniversary.

Companies including Vibralto, Esfera Teatro, Mago Luigi, Los Títeres de Miguel Pino, Acuario Teatro, Ángeles de Trapo, La Carpa Teatro and Índigo Teatro will take part in a programme aimed at children and families.

A fair showcasing Málaga’s local talent

Málaga’s councillor for festivities, Teresa Porras, has highlighted that most of the headline performers come from the province, strengthening the presence of local talent at one of the city’s most important celebrations.

With concerts, flamenco, copla, verdiales, folklore, children’s activities, DJ sessions and equestrian shows, the Málaga Fair will once again offer entertainment for audiences of all ages.

Events will be spread across the Municipal Auditorium, the themed marquees at the fairground, the Youth Esplanade and the streets and squares of the historic centre.

Dates: 15–22 August 2026
Main venues: Málaga historic centre and Cortijo de Torres fairground
Admission: Municipal performances are free until capacity is reached

Information sources: Cadena SER, Málaga City Council, Málaga Hoy and El Español.