What to do in Málaga this long weekend: fairs, Oktoberfest events, markets and plans from 9 to 12 October

The October long weekend arrives in Málaga with an especially busy agenda. From Friday 9 to Monday 12 October, the province offers something for almost every taste, from traditional fairs and beer festivals to markets, exhibitions, concerts and family activities.

Fuengirola, Marbella, Benalmádena, Torre del Mar and Archidona are among the towns hosting some of the biggest events.

Here are some of the best plans to enjoy the long weekend.

Autumn Market at Muelle Uno

Those staying in Málaga city can start with a walk by the port.

Muelle Uno is hosting its Autumn Market throughout the long weekend, with stalls selling clothing, accessories, food, jewellery and other products.

The market usually opens from around 10:00 am to 10:00 pm.

There will also be the traditional Sunday market on 11 October and a special edition on Monday 12 October for the public holiday.

It is an easy option for combining shopping, a seafront walk and food without leaving central Málaga.

Feria del Rosario in Fuengirola

Fuengirola is enjoying one of the biggest weekends in its annual calendar.

The Feria del Rosario 2026 continues until Monday 12 October at the fairground, with casetas, music, attractions and activities throughout the day.

Monday will also coincide with Spain’s National Day.

A special event will take place in Plaza de la Constitución, accompanied by a performance from Sondesoto.

The Town Hall and the Federation of Peñas will also distribute thousands of wristbands in the colours of the Spanish flag.

One important detail for anyone planning to visit the usual market: Fuengirola’s Saturday flea market on 10 October is cancelled because of the Feria del Rosario.

Festival de la Hispanidad in Marbella

Marbella is celebrating the third edition of its Festival de la Hispanidad from 9 to 12 October in Parque de la Represa.

The event brings together food, music, dance and traditions from Spain and several Latin American countries.

Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru and Venezuela will be represented through their cuisine, products and cultural traditions.

The festival site will be open from around 1:00 pm until midnight for much of the weekend, making it one of the strongest food and culture options during the holiday.

Oktoberfest in Benalmádena

Plaza de la Mezquita in Arroyo de la Miel becomes the setting for Benalmádena’s Oktober Fest from 9 to 12 October.

Over four days, visitors can expect beer, German-inspired food, live music and activities also aimed at families.

The event is designed for both residents and visitors and will bring extra atmosphere to Arroyo de la Miel throughout the long weekend.

Oktoberfest in Torre del Mar

The Axarquía will have its own beer festival too.

Torre del Mar is holding its Oktoberfest on 10 and 11 October on Avenida Toré Toré.

The venue opens from 1:00 pm and will feature live music, dancing and tribute bands.

Saturday will include tributes to acts such as Hombres G, while Sunday will feature music inspired by Estopa, Héroes del Silencio and Mecano.

Entry is open and the programme is designed for families and groups of friends.

Beer, food trucks and 80s and 90s music in Archidona

Archidona is extending its Beer Festival to three days this year.

The event will take place from 9 to 11 October in front of El Silo.

There will be national and international beers, food trucks, children’s attractions and live music.

The music programme will draw heavily on the 1980s and 1990s, bringing back songs and the atmosphere of some of the best-remembered discos in the area.

Fiesta en el Aire in Arriate

Arriate will once again turn its streets into a cultural space over the weekend.

The Fiesta en el Aire celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, combining music, art, cultural activities and street entertainment over several days.

The programme includes several well-known names from the Spanish music scene.

This Serranía de Ronda village is therefore another good option for anyone looking to move away from the coast for a day.

Livestock Fair in Villanueva de Tapia

Rural tradition also plays an important role this weekend.

Villanueva de Tapia is celebrating its historic Real Feria de Ganado, one of the oldest events of its kind in Málaga province.

The programme runs over the 12 October holiday weekend and combines livestock-related activities with festive and cultural events.

It offers a very different experience from the larger fairs along the Costa del Sol.

Mule Fair in Arenas

Another traditional event is the Feria en Homenaje a la Mula in Arenas.

The Axarquía village once again pays tribute to an animal that played a central role in agriculture and everyday life in mountain communities for decades.

The programme includes exhibitions, popular activities, music and events linked to rural traditions.

A cultural weekend in Málaga city

The weekend is not only about fairs and food.

Málaga city also offers several cultural options.

The Museo Carmen Thyssen Málaga continues its exhibition on the Ribalta family and naturalist Baroque painting.

At the Automobile and Fashion Museum, visitors can see Maison Mesa: Emotional Fashion.

Meanwhile, OXO Museo del Videojuego is hosting LEGO Gaming: The Exhibition, a particularly attractive option for families and gaming fans.

Centro Fundación Unicaja is also continuing with Y sonó la música, an exhibition exploring the presence of music in art across different periods.

Theatre to start the long weekend

The Teatro del Soho CaixaBank adds another cultural option with Long Day’s Journey into Night by Eugene O’Neill.

The play can be seen on 9 and 10 October.

The production is directed by Ernesto Caballero and stars Carlos Hipólito, Mapi Sagaseta, Álex Villazán and Nicolás Illoro.

It is a good indoor alternative before joining the more festive atmosphere of the rest of the weekend.

Four days to explore Málaga

The Monday 12 October public holiday makes this weekend a great opportunity to break with routine and explore different parts of the province.

Those looking for a traditional fair can head to Fuengirola.

Marbella and Benalmádena offer international and food-focused events.

Torre del Mar and Archidona are hosting their beer festivals, while Arenas and Villanueva de Tapia offer a closer look at rural traditions.

And for anyone staying in Málaga city, markets, museums, theatre and exhibitions complete a programme with options across all four days.