What to do this weekend in Málaga: fairs, Oktoberfest, culture and family plans from 16 to 18 October

The third weekend of October arrives in Málaga province with a particularly varied agenda. From Friday 16 to Sunday 18 October, there will be free concerts, international food, theatre, family activities, pop culture and plenty of reasons to explore both the coast and inland areas.

From Málaga city to Marbella, Estepona, Benalmádena, Torrox and Ronda, these are some of the most interesting plans for the weekend.

San Pedro Alcántara Fair: three nights of major concerts

The San Pedro Alcántara Fair and Festivities enters its busiest days this weekend at the La Caridad fairground.

Music will be one of the main attractions: OBK and Modestia Aparte will perform on Friday 16, Pasión Vega on Saturday 17 and Camela on Sunday 18.

The concerts form part of a free programme that also includes casetas, fairground rides, local performances, family activities and a lively atmosphere throughout most of the day.

The celebrations will continue until Monday 19 October.

ImaginaMálaga brings comics, fantasy and pop culture to La Caja Blanca

Málaga city will host one of the weekend’s main family and youth events with ImaginaMálaga 2026, taking place from 16 to 18 October at La Caja Blanca.

The event is dedicated to comics, illustration, fantasy literature, video games and other forms of pop culture.

The programme includes meetings with authors, presentations, signing sessions, concerts and activities for different ages. Among the guests is David Lloyd, internationally known for his work as a comic artist.

Admission is free, although some activities have limited capacity.

Estepona celebrates Latin American Culture Day

Parque El Calvario in Estepona will fill with music, food and Latin American traditions on Saturday 17 October.

The Latin American Culture Day will run from 12:00 pm to 9:30 pm as part of the municipal Sharing Cultures programme.

The event aims to showcase the cultural diversity of Latin America and strengthen links between the many nationalities living in the municipality.

Admission is free.

Comedy and a Mecano tribute in Estepona

The Teatro Auditorio Felipe VI also offers two evening options for those looking for a show.

On Friday 16 at 9:00 pm, comedian Santi Rodríguez will present ¿Nos damos un viaje?.

On Saturday 17, also at 9:00 pm, Aidalai will perform a tribute show featuring some of Mecano’s best-known songs.

A giant inflatable park in Estepona

Families with children have another option at the Estepona Exhibition and Congress Centre.

The City Jump inflatable park remains open until 25 October.

The attraction turns part of the venue into a large indoor leisure area for children and can be a particularly useful option for a family plan over the weekend.

Autumn storytelling in Parque de la Paloma

Benalmádena offers a free family activity on Friday.

At 6:00 pm, the Monument to the Poets in Parque de la Paloma will host Ha pasado un año, a theatre performance by Bricabrac Teatro as part of the Autumn Storytelling programme.

The activity is suitable for all ages and entry is free until capacity is reached.

Oktoberfest in Torrox: German beer and food

For anyone willing to travel east towards the Axarquía, Torrox is celebrating its 2026 Oktoberfest until Sunday 18 October.

The event takes place at the Ferrara car park in Torrox Costa, inside a large 1,500-square-metre marquee.

German beer, food, music and the participation of local businesses are all part of a festival closely linked to the municipality’s large German community.

Music and poetry in Ronda on Friday

Ronda starts the weekend on Friday 16 with Noches de Versos Libres con Carmen Hita.

The event will take place at 8:30 pm at Teatro Vicente Espinel and will raise funds for Asociación Senda.

The performance combines music and poetry as part of the city’s October cultural programme.

Theatre on Saturday and family magic on Sunday in Ronda

Teatro Vicente Espinel will offer plans throughout the weekend.

On Saturday 17 at 9:00 pm, A la Fresca will be performed by Alberto Berzal, Israel Frías and Luis Rallo.

On Sunday 18 at 6:00 pm, Lola Mento will present LIBERADA, a magic show aimed at family audiences.

Moors and Christians in Setenil

Very close to Ronda, although technically in Cádiz province, Setenil de las Bodegas offers one of the weekend’s most unusual plans.

On 16 and 17 October, the town hosts Moros y Cristianos Setenil 1484, a historical recreation with performances, a themed market and activities throughout the streets.

Friday begins at 8:00 pm with the opening of the souk, followed by storytelling, an opening speech, aerial performances and flamenco.

It can be a good option for combining a trip to Ronda with a visit to the Serranía.

More activities across the Serranía de Ronda

The wider area also has a particularly active calendar.

Cuevas del Becerro is holding its Countryside Days from 16 to 18 October, while Saturday will also feature the La Cueva del Cante Flamenco Festival and a speed-painting competition.

In Montecorto, Saturday 17 is dedicated to its Independence Day celebrations, while Benaoján will host the Marcha Cueva del Gato.

These are good options for anyone wanting to explore inland Málaga over the weekend.

What should you choose this weekend?

For festivals and concerts, San Pedro Alcántara offers one of the most complete programmes.

For a family-friendly plan, ImaginaMálaga, City Jump and Benalmádena’s storytelling event are some of the easiest choices.

Those interested in food and international culture can choose between Torrox Oktoberfest and Estepona’s Latin American Culture Day.

And anyone looking for an inland break will find theatre, magic, flamenco and traditional events in Ronda and the Serranía.

October once again shows that the end of summer does not mean the end of things to do in Málaga. The province remains busy with events spread across the coast, the city and inland towns.