What to do in Málaga this weekend: free tastings, festivals, concerts and markets from 4 to 6 September

Summer may be slowly drawing to a close, but the calendar in Málaga and the Costa del Sol is showing no signs of slowing down.

The weekend from Friday, 4 September to Sunday, 6 September 2026 brings together some of the biggest gastronomic, cultural and outdoor events of the season, with enough variety to plan almost any kind of escape.

Food lovers can choose between free ajoblanco in Almáchar, freshly grilled sardines by the sea in Estepona or some of the burgers competing for national recognition in Mijas.

Those looking for large-scale entertainment can head to Torre del Mar for the International Air Festival, while Málaga city celebrates the new Fiestas de la Victoria with names including El Kanka, María Peláe, Carlos Sadness and Alizzz.

There will also be seaside markets, traditional celebrations, exhibitions, children’s activities and entire villages changing atmosphere after sunset.

These are some of the best plans for the first weekend of September in Málaga.

Fiestas de la Victoria: El Kanka, María Peláe and Carlos Sadness take over Málaga

One of the biggest new additions to Málaga’s September calendar is taking place in the capital.

The Fiestas de la Victoria run from 3 to 6 September, with a programme spread across several venues and designed to combine contemporary music with elements of local culture.

After the opening events on Thursday, Friday 4 will focus on La Térmica, where Carlos Sadness, Alizzz DJ Set, Sike, Victorias, DJ Felipe, M.E.M.O. and NUR NUR are scheduled to perform.

Saturday 5 brings one of the central nights of the programme.

The La Malagueta bullring will host El Kanka, María Peláe, Tabletom and Javypablo, bringing together different generations and styles connected with Málaga and Andalusian music.

On Sunday, the programme will shift towards a more traditional format, with popular celebrations and activities linked to local customs.

The main concerts require tickets: the La Térmica event is priced from €12, while Saturday’s programme at La Malagueta starts from €17.

Muelle Uno: summer market, Zoco and swing by the Mediterranean

For anyone looking for a more relaxed plan in Málaga city, Muelle Uno brings together several options over the weekend.

Its Summer Market remains open until 13 September, with stalls offering crafts, accessories, decoration, fashion and gifts.

The official opening hours are 11:00 am to 11:00 pm, making it easy to include in almost any walk through the port.

On Sunday 6, another edition of the Zoco market will also take place, while the same afternoon will feature the final summer session of Swing, turning the promenade into an open-air dance floor.

It makes for an easy Sunday plan combining a market, a seaside walk, food and music without leaving central Málaga.

LEGO and gaming come together at OXO Museo

If the heat or weather makes an indoor plan more appealing, OXO Museo del Videojuego offers a particularly attractive option for families, gamers and LEGO fans.

The temporary exhibition LEGO Gaming: The Exhibition explores the connections between the world of video games and the famous building system.

The exhibition combines audiovisual content, historic sets and more recent pieces, including material linked to franchises that have brought both worlds together.

One of the highlights is a LEGO Pokémon area available at the Málaga venue.

OXO is located in Plaza del Siglo and opens daily from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm, making it easy to include in a visit to the historic centre.

Anna Pavlova brings ballet history to the Russian Museum Collection

Another cultural option can be found at the Russian Museum Collection in Málaga.

The exhibition Anna Pavlova: A Life Without Borders remains open throughout 2026 and explores the life of one of the most influential dancers in ballet history.

Pavlova helped turn classical dance into an international phenomenon and took her work to countries across the world during the early decades of the 20th century.

The exhibition looks at both her artistic career and the influence she had on later generations.

It remains scheduled until 31 December 2026, making it a fully current option for this weekend.

Torre del Mar International Air Festival fills the sky again

One of the largest events of the weekend will take place in Torre del Mar.

The International Air Festival celebrates its eleventh edition on 4, 5 and 6 September, bringing together military aircraft, aerobatic teams and specialist pilots in front of thousands of spectators.

The 2026 programme includes teams and aircraft linked to the PAPEA parachute patrol, Aerosparx, the National Police, Guardia Civil, Patrulla Mirlo and Real Aeroclub de Sevilla, among others.

The festival is free and can be watched from different areas of Torre del Mar beach.

The organisers particularly recommend the area around Biblioplaya for a good view of crossings and aerial manoeuvres.

Training sessions and aircraft movements may also be visible on the days before the main display, although timings can vary depending on weather and operational conditions.

Manilva celebrates its Grape Harvest Festival

Wine and agricultural tradition will be at the centre of the weekend in Manilva.

The Fiesta de la Vendimia, or Grape Harvest Festival, celebrates one of the municipality’s most important historic activities: grape growing and winemaking.

The programme takes place around Calle Mar and Plaza de la Vendimia.

Highlights include the mass in honour of Nuestra Señora de los Dolores, the subsequent procession and grape offering, as well as the traditional competition for the heaviest bunch of grapes.

Music and dancing complete a festival whose most distinctive moments remain closely connected with grape processing and the wine-growing customs that have shaped Manilva for centuries.

It is one of the most interesting options for anyone looking to combine a visit to the western Costa del Sol with a celebration that still has a strong local identity.

Almáchar serves free ajoblanco at one of Málaga’s oldest food festivals

If there is one place worth arriving hungry on Saturday, it is Almáchar.

The Axarquía village celebrates the 56th Fiesta del Ajoblanco on 5 September, turning its streets into a route through local gastronomy, music and tradition.

The star is, of course, ajoblanco, made from almonds, garlic, bread, olive oil, vinegar and water.

Throughout the day there will be free tastings, accompanied by other products closely linked to the Axarquía, including grapes, raisins and Muscat wine.

But the event goes well beyond food.

There will also be workshops, children’s activities, village tours, live music, flamenco and spaces dedicated to explaining the agricultural and gastronomic heritage of the area.

It is one of the best options for turning Saturday into a full-day excursion.

Ronda says goodbye to the Pedro Romero Fair

The first weekend of September also coincides with the final days of one of the province’s best-known celebrations.

The Pedro Romero Fair and Festivities in Ronda run from 1 to 6 September.

The programme includes music, equestrian events, activities at the fairground and different events connected with the city’s bullfighting tradition.

This weekend includes some of the busiest moments of the celebrations.

The Rondeña Rejoneo bullfight is scheduled for Saturday 5, while the fair continues through Sunday.

Ronda also adds other special activities during these days, including the first edition of a World Ham Championship, further expanding one of the busiest weekend programmes in the province.

Carratraca glows with thousands of candles during Embrujo Andalusí

Few towns will change appearance as dramatically this weekend as Carratraca.

From 4 to 6 September, the town celebrates the 29th edition of the Embrujo Andalusí Festival.

For three days, its streets are transformed into a large Al-Andalus-inspired setting with crafts, food, music, dance, exhibitions, parades and performances.

However, the most memorable part arrives after sunset.

Thousands of candles and torches illuminate the streets and create the atmosphere that has become the most recognisable image of the festival.

It is officially recognised as a Provincial Tourist Singularity Festival and is especially recommended for those looking for an afternoon trip that continues into the evening.

Estepona gives away 350 kilos of sardines at La Gran Espetada

One of the simplest gastronomic plans to explain this weekend is taking place in Estepona: sardines, wood fire and the Mediterranean.

La Gran Espetada begins on Saturday 5 September at 8:00 pm next to the breakwater at the Fishing Port.

The Town Hall has prepared 350 kilos of sardines, which will be grilled by specialist espeteros and handed out free to the public while supplies last.

Miguel León, Alfonso Marín, Miguel Saint and Nicolás Joaquín Gavín will take part, all experienced professionals in competitions linked to this traditional cooking technique.

There will also be DJ music and a charity bar run by the Brotherhood of Nuestra Señora del Carmen Coronada.

It is an opportunity to enjoy one of the most recognisable flavours of the Málaga summer completely free while watching the sardines being cooked beside the sea.

Marbella ends Verano Joven with two free nights of music

The Parque del Mediterráneo in Marbella will host the final two parties of the Verano Joven programme.

Both events will be free and will run from 10:00 pm to 3:00 am.

On Friday 4, Mediterráneo Mix will pit major hits from the 2000s against current sounds, with Alex de la Rosa, Chaver and Lenna.

On Saturday 5, a Pool Party dedicated to old-school reggaeton will feature Tomi Demaio, Jilton, Samy Asuik and Mikel Lombarte.

The party will also include a foam cannon and other entertainment elements, so organisers recommend bringing swimwear or suitable clothing.

Both activities are open to all audiences and close the youth programme that has run throughout the summer.

Alhaurín de la Torre brings back the atmosphere of traditional summer festivals

Another more traditional option can be found in Alhaurín de la Torre.

The Municipal Park once again becomes one of the main meeting points in town with its Verbena Popular, a late-summer celebration looking back at past decades and local traditions.

The programme begins on Friday 4 September, with activities from 8:30 pm.

Rather than focusing on major concerts or large-scale productions, the event recreates the atmosphere of classic local summer celebrations, with an emphasis on community, music and traditions from the 1970s and 1980s.

It is a good option for those looking for a more local plan away from the larger tourist venues.

Final weekend of The Champions Burger in Mijas

Burger fans have one last chance this weekend.

The Champions Burger ends on Sunday 6 September at the fairground in Las Lagunas de Mijas, after running since 20 August.

This year’s edition includes 17 participants, each competing with their own burger creations.

The site has also been themed around The Big Game, inspired by American football.

Alongside the burgers, visitors can also find cheesecake and other food options designed to complete the experience.

Anyone who wants to try it has only until Sunday.

Estepona’s summer market closes this Sunday

Another seasonal attraction also comes to an end this weekend.

The Estepona seafront summer market finishes on Sunday 6 September.

It includes around 30 stalls dedicated to crafts and food, as well as fairground attractions.

During this final stretch of summer, the market operates on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, while the rides have remained open daily.

The announced opening hours are 7:00 pm to midnight.

This weekend is therefore the last opportunity to visit before the market disappears from the promenade until next summer.

Saturday flea market in Fuengirola: more than 300 stalls

Those who enjoy looking for antiques, unusual objects or second-hand items can begin Saturday morning in Fuengirola.

The weekly flea market takes place at the Fairground from around 9:00 am to 2:00 pm.

It features more than 300 stalls, offering everything from crafts and furniture to clothing, tools, music, books, decoration, bicycles, small appliances and all kinds of used items.

That variety is part of its appeal.

The point is not always to arrive looking for something specific, but to browse until something unexpected appears.

Its morning schedule also makes it easy to combine with other plans elsewhere on the Costa del Sol later in the day.

Sunday antiques at the Torremolinos flea market

On Sunday, there is a similar option in Torremolinos.

The Fairground hosts its traditional flea market in the morning, focused mainly on antiques and second-hand goods.

Visitors can find decoration, vintage objects, records, books, ceramics and different items for collectors.

It is a particularly good option for anyone who wants to start Sunday early and leave the rest of the day free for the beach, food or one of the other events taking place around the province.

Which plan should you choose this weekend in Málaga?

With so many options, the best choice depends mainly on the kind of weekend you want.

For free food: Almáchar and Estepona stand out, with ajoblanco on Saturday in the Axarquía and 350 kilos of sardines at La Gran Espetada.

For a large-scale spectacle: the Torre del Mar International Air Festival is likely to be one of the biggest events.

For live music: the Fiestas de la Victoria bring some of the most recognisable names of the weekend to Málaga city.

For a different night-time escape: the Embrujo Andalusí in Carratraca offers one of the weekend’s most memorable images with its candlelit streets.

For families: OXO, the Air Festival, Muelle Uno and many of the food festivals offer activities suitable for different ages.

For food lovers: beyond Almáchar and Estepona, The Champions Burger has its final weekend in Mijas.

For markets and unusual shopping: Fuengirola, Torremolinos, Estepona and Muelle Uno all offer different options across Saturday and Sunday.

Quick guide: what to do in Málaga from 4 to 6 September

Here are the main dates to save:

• Fiestas de la Victoria: Málaga city, until Sunday 6.
• Muelle Uno Summer Market: 11:00 am to 11:00 pm.
• Muelle Uno Zoco and Swing: Sunday 6.
• LEGO Gaming: The Exhibition: OXO Museo del Videojuego.
• Anna Pavlova: A Life Without Borders: Russian Museum Collection.
• Torre del Mar International Air Festival: 4, 5 and 6 September.
• Manilva Grape Harvest Festival: this weekend.
• Almáchar Ajoblanco Festival: Saturday 5.
• Pedro Romero Fair in Ronda: until Sunday 6.
• Embrujo Andalusí in Carratraca: 4, 5 and 6 September.
• La Gran Espetada in Estepona: Saturday 5 at 8:00 pm.
• Mediterráneo Mix in Marbella: Friday 4, 10:00 pm to 3:00 am.
• Marbella Pool Party: Saturday 5, 10:00 pm to 3:00 am.
• Alhaurín de la Torre Verbena Popular: from Friday 4.
• The Champions Burger in Mijas: final weekend, until Sunday 6.
• Estepona summer market: until Sunday 6.
• Fuengirola flea market: Saturday morning.
• Torremolinos flea market: Sunday morning.

Málaga squeezes in one of the final big weekends of summer

September arrives with schools preparing to reopen, slightly shorter days and the feeling that summer is beginning to wind down.

But this weekend proves that Málaga still has plenty of outdoor plans left.

In just three days, visitors can watch aerobatic aircraft crossing the skies over Torre del Mar, taste ajoblanco in an Axarquía village, eat free grilled sardines beside Estepona’s Fishing Port, wander through candlelit Carratraca or end the night listening to music in Málaga or Marbella.

The difficult part will not be finding something to do.

It will probably be choosing.

Opening hours, access information and any last-minute changes can be checked through the official sources for the Fiestas de la Victoria, the Torre del Mar International Air Festival, the Muelle Uno agenda, Estepona Town Hall, Marbella Town Hall and the official Ronda Tourism agenda.