Things to do this weekend in Málaga and the Costa del Sol: markets, family plans and festivals from 23 to 25 October

The last full weekend of October comes packed with things to do in Málaga and across the Costa del Sol. From Friday 23 to Sunday 25 October 2026, the programme includes craft markets, food festivals, family activities, concerts, sporting events and several plans designed especially for children.

Málaga city concentrates a large part of the activity with the return of Sueños Medievales in Colonia Santa Inés, the Soho Urban Market, the Autumn Market at Muelle Uno and a special Halloween activity at La Concepción Botanical Garden.

But there are plenty of reasons to explore beyond the capital. Mijas Pueblo hosts its Cheese and Wine Festival, Yunquera dedicates the weekend to chestnuts and young wine, Estepona welcomes orchid collectors and Marbella celebrates 40 years of Marbepop.

Here are some of the best things to do in Málaga and the Costa del Sol this weekend.

Sueños Medievales transforms Colonia Santa Inés

One of the most complete free events takes place in Colonia Santa Inés, Málaga city, where the seventh edition of Sueños Medievales runs from Friday 23 to Sunday 25 October.

Calle Manuel Rivadeneyra and the surrounding streets will be transformed into a small medieval village with a themed market featuring 38 craft and preserved-food stalls.

The programme goes far beyond shopping.

There will be musical parades, bagpipes and drums, street theatre, magic, puppetry, dance, pottery demonstrations and displays of traditional crafts.

Children will also have access to traditional wooden games and free workshops.

The event opens on Friday at 5:30 pm with a parade. On Saturday and Sunday, the market and activity areas will begin operating from 11:00 am.

One of the most eye-catching moments is expected on Saturday evening with a dance and fire show.

Admission is free and activities are suitable for all ages.

Family Halloween at La Concepción Botanical Garden

Families wanting to start Halloween celebrations a little early can head to the La Concepción Historical-Botanical Garden.

On Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October, the garden will host a family activity built around a large treasure-hunt-style challenge.

Participants will have to complete a series of tasks to collect the ingredients needed to make a special potion and free the garden from its spirits.

The activity begins at 10:30 am and lasts around three hours.

There will also be a Halloween photo area, and visitors are encouraged to come in costume.

Tickets, including admission to the garden, cost €9 per person, with a reduced ticket priced at €6.90.

Advance booking is required.

Soho Urban Market returns on Sunday

One of central Málaga’s best-known design markets returns on Sunday 25 October.

The Soho Urban Market will take place on Calle Tomás Heredia from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm.

Stalls will feature handmade products, designer jewellery, ceramics, fashion, illustration, home decoration, natural cosmetics, crochet and other goods created by independent makers.

It is an easy plan to combine with a walk through the city centre, the port or Alameda Principal.

This weekend’s edition also includes additional activities while continuing its focus on local brands, sustainable shopping and handmade products.

Muelle Uno’s Autumn Market continues

Another market that can be visited throughout the weekend is the Autumn Market at Muelle Uno.

It is open every day from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm and will remain at the port until 9 November.

Visitors can browse stalls selling clothing, accessories, food, jewellery and gifts.

On Sunday 25, Muelle Uno’s official programme also includes another edition of its Zoco market, bringing even more stalls and activity to the waterfront.

It can easily be combined with a walk along the Palmeral de las Sorpresas, a visit to the Centre Pompidou or a trip towards La Malagueta beach.

The Flower Market returns to Plaza Mayor

Plaza Mayor also adds another shopping option this weekend.

On Friday and Saturday, a new edition of the Flower Market is scheduled, with stalls selling crafts, fashion, accessories, decorative items and original gifts.

Opening hours are expected to run from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm in the central shopping area.

It is a convenient option for those looking for an outdoor shopping plan without travelling into central Málaga.

Cheese and Wine Festival takes over Mijas Pueblo

One of the weekend’s biggest food events takes place in Mijas Pueblo.

Plaza Virgen de la Peña hosts the eighth Cheese and Wine Festival from Friday 23 to Sunday 25 October.

A total of 20 exhibitors will take part, including local hospitality businesses and cheesemakers from across Málaga province.

Opening hours are:

• Friday: 12:00 pm to 1:00 am
• Saturday: 11:00 am to 2:00 am
• Sunday: 11:00 am to midnight

Live music is also scheduled throughout the weekend.

Participating businesses include Bodega del Pintor, Coffee Art, Radikal, Corte de Autor, Confusión, Alboka, Las Terrazas, Las Tablitas, Confitería Maru, La Muralla, Plaza de Toros, El Cañuelo and Salvador Alarcón.

A shuttle bus from La Cantera to Mijas Pueblo is planned to make access easier.

Chestnuts, wine and tradition in Yunquera

Autumn takes centre stage in the Sierra de las Nieves.

Yunquera celebrates its 16th Wine and Chestnut Fair on 24 and 25 October, an event recognised as being of Provincial Tourist Interest.

The programme combines food, heritage, nature and local traditions.

Both days begin at 9:00 am with a scenic route from Plaza de la Constitución.

Throughout the weekend there will be an artisan and food market, parades, live music and tastings.

One of the most traditional moments comes on Sunday with the grape pressing, accompanied by tastings of young wine and malcocinao, a local speciality.

There will also be an equestrian show, verdiales music and further performances.

For those looking to swap the coast for mountain scenery and autumn flavours, this is one of the weekend’s most complete plans.

Festibeer brings craft beer and music to Alhaurín de la Torre

Alhaurín de la Torre also has a full weekend programme with Festibeer.

The festival returns to the fairground from Friday to Sunday with more than twenty craft, national and imported beer brands.

There will also be food trucks and around ten bands, groups and DJs performing across the three days.

Friday’s programme begins at 7:00 pm, while Saturday and Sunday start at 12:00 pm.

The event takes inspiration from large Central European beer festivals while adding its own live music and food offer.

Benalmádena opens its ice rink season

One of the weekend’s more unusual family plans comes from Benalmádena.

The ice rink at the municipal sports centre begins its new season on Friday 23 October, with a special opening session from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

There will be figure skating exhibitions, entertainment, prize draws and children’s activities.

Entry costs €3 and includes skate hire.

The event also has a charitable element, with proceeds going to the Benalmádena Association for Disability Support.

It is a particularly good option for families looking for something different from the usual markets and outdoor events.

Marbepop celebrates 40 years in Marbella

Marbella hosts one of Saturday’s biggest music events.

On 24 October from 4:00 pm, Parque de la Represa will host the 40th anniversary of Marbepop.

The outdoor festival is free to attend.

The programme combines national acts with local performers and will turn the park into a major live music venue throughout the afternoon and evening.

The anniversary edition comes after the event had previously been postponed because of weather conditions.

For anyone looking for free live music on the Costa del Sol, this will be one of Saturday’s main events.

Orchids and collector plants in Estepona

Estepona turns its attention to one of its best-known botanical attractions this weekend.

On Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October, the 11th Orchid and Collector Plant Fair will take place outside the Botanical Park-Orchidarium.

Admission to the fair is free.

Exhibitors from different parts of Spain will bring orchids and unusual plant species, many of which will also be available to buy.

The event is suitable both for experienced collectors and people simply interested in discovering more unusual varieties.

Estepona’s orchids will also make music

The Orchid Fair also includes a particularly unusual activity.

On Sunday 25 October at 10:00 am, the Orchidarium will premiere Escuchar lo invisible, an interactive audiovisual installation that uses the bioelectrical signals of living plants to generate music and images in real time.

The installation responds to factors such as light, humidity, temperature and even the presence of visitors.

It is expected to remain permanently at the Orchidarium after the event.

For families with children interested in nature, science or technology, it could be one of the weekend’s most original plans.

Oktoberfest continues in Estepona

Estepona also continues its Compartiendo Culturas: Oktoberfest celebrations until Sunday 25 October around the Mirador del Carmen area.

The event combines food, music and entertainment and adds another option for anyone spending the weekend on the western Costa del Sol.

PeketubeFest comes to Vélez-Málaga for younger children

The Axarquía also has a family event this weekend.

On Sunday 25 October at 12:00 pm, Teatro del Carmen in Vélez-Málaga hosts PeketubeFest.

The family music show is built around well-known songs and themes associated with YouTube Kids.

Tickets are available through the sales channels announced by the Town Hall and at Librería El Callejón del Cuento.

For families with younger children, it is one of Sunday’s most straightforward entertainment options.

Málaga takes to the streets for its city race

Sport will also be part of Sunday morning’s programme.

The 46th Málaga City Road Race begins at 9:30 am on Avenida de Andalucía.

The main race covers 10 kilometres, while the Mini Race has a distance of 5 kilometres.

Both the start and finish are located close to El Corte Inglés.

The event is open to different age groups and remains one of the longest-running popular sporting events on Málaga city’s calendar.

Bonsai exhibition in Puerto de la Torre

Another option in Málaga city is the Raíces Urbanas Bonsái biennial exhibition.

It can be visited on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October at the Parque Artesanal community centre in Puerto de la Torre.

Opening hours are 10:00 am to 9:00 pm.

The exhibition offers a closer look at different specimens and the art of growing and shaping miniature trees.

A particularly good weekend for family plans

Families have several strong options this weekend.

Sueños Medievales offers workshops, puppetry and free traditional games.

La Concepción hosts a Halloween challenge.

Benalmádena opens its ice rink.

Vélez-Málaga presents PeketubeFest.

And Estepona combines botany, technology and music at the Orchidarium.

That means it is possible to plan almost the entire weekend around family-friendly activities without staying only in Málaga city.

Markets for crafts and alternative shopping

The shopping and craft agenda is also especially strong.

In Málaga city, visitors can combine the medieval market in Colonia Santa Inés, the Soho Urban Market and the Autumn Market at Muelle Uno.

Mijas adds a food-focused option with cheese and wine, while Yunquera brings artisan products and local autumn produce.

The result is one of October’s most varied weekends for markets across the province.

From the beach to the mountains in one weekend

Another advantage of this weekend’s agenda is the variety of settings.

Those who prefer staying near the sea can choose Málaga, Marbella, Benalmádena or Estepona.

For a traditional white village atmosphere, there is Mijas.

And those looking for cooler autumn temperatures, local food and mountain landscapes can head to Yunquera and the Sierra de las Nieves.

The weekend makes it possible to move from waterfront markets to chestnut-covered mountain landscapes without leaving Málaga province.

Weekend at a glance: 23 to 25 October

• Málaga city: Sueños Medievales, Soho Urban Market, Muelle Uno Autumn Market, family Halloween at La Concepción, bonsai exhibition and city road race.
• Mijas Pueblo: Cheese and Wine Festival from Friday to Sunday.
• Yunquera: Wine and Chestnut Fair on Saturday and Sunday.
• Alhaurín de la Torre: Festibeer throughout the weekend.
• Benalmádena: ice rink opening on Friday from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
• Marbella: Marbepop 40th anniversary on Saturday from 4:00 pm.
• Estepona: Orchid and Collector Plant Fair throughout the weekend, plus Oktoberfest until Sunday.
• Vélez-Málaga: PeketubeFest on Sunday at 12:00 pm.

A weekend to make the most of autumn in Málaga

The fourth weekend of October shows that Málaga and the Costa del Sol do not slow down once summer ends.

Markets return to the streets, inland villages celebrate autumn produce and coastal towns maintain a busy programme of cultural and family activities.

From a free medieval market to a chestnut festival, an ice rink or a major music event in Marbella, there are very different ways to spend the weekend from Friday 23 to Sunday 25 October 2026.

For families in particular, it is one of the most varied weekends of the month, with free activities, workshops, shows, Halloween events and nature-based plans spread across the province.