What's on in Málaga and the Costa del Sol this weekend: the best things to do from November 6 to 8

Málaga and the Costa del Sol are preparing for a busy autumn weekend packed with things to see and do. From Friday, November 6, to Sunday, November 8, 2026, the province will host major sporting events, international concerts, theatre performances, local markets, traditional food festivals and activities for the whole family.

One of the biggest highlights will be the Generali Málaga Marathon, taking over the streets of the city on Sunday. Culture lovers can enjoy the International Jazz Festival, while Estepona will welcome another edition of La Térmica Village, featuring live music, workshops and a free design market.

On the Costa del Sol, Mijas will finally celebrate Halloween on Friday, November 6, after the original events were postponed due to the official mourning period following the railway tragedy in Toledo. Meanwhile, Marbella, Fuengirola, Benalmádena and Torremolinos will offer concerts, performances and cultural activities.

Food enthusiasts will also have plenty of options, with traditional gastronomic celebrations taking place in Parauta, Alcaucín, Ojén and Campillos.

Here is a selection of the best things to do in Málaga and the Costa del Sol this weekend, organised by municipality to help residents and visitors plan their days.

Málaga city: marathon, jazz, concerts and cultural events

Málaga city has one of the busiest weekend programmes, with activities for sports enthusiasts, music lovers and theatre audiences.

Málaga Marathon brings thousands of runners to the city on Sunday, November 8

One of the weekend's biggest sporting events will be the Generali Málaga Marathon 2026, taking place on Sunday, November 8, from 8:30 am.

The race will start on Paseo del Parque and feature two distances: the full marathon of 42.195 kilometres and a half marathon of 21.097 kilometres.

The route will pass through different parts of the city, giving residents and visitors the opportunity to watch thousands of athletes competing.

In addition to watching the race from the streets, visitors can attend the Runner's Expo on Friday and Saturday at Málaga's Trade Fair and Congress Centre (FYCMA).

The event will involve road closures and changes to traffic arrangements on Sunday, so anyone planning to drive through the city should check the latest municipal travel information.

Málaga International Jazz Festival celebrates its 40th edition

Music will take centre stage with the 40th Málaga International Jazz Festival, continuing its programme at Teatro Cervantes.

On Friday, November 6, guitarist Kurt Rosenwinkel will perform at 8 pm.

On Saturday, November 7, at the same time, the theatre will welcome the James Carter Organ Trio, while Sunday, November 8, will feature pianist Kenny Barron alongside guest musicians in his Songbook performance.

The programme offers three consecutive evenings showcasing different styles of international jazz.

Tickets are available through the official Teatro Cervantes booking channels.

Live concerts, photography and theatre throughout the weekend

Málaga's music scene will also feature Hijos de la Ruina, the collaborative project by Natos y Waor and Recycled J, performing on Saturday at 9 pm at the José María Martín Carpena Sports Palace.

Meanwhile, Sala Marte will host Málaga Popfest 2026 on Friday and Saturday, bringing together artists from the independent music scene.

Photography enthusiasts can visit Moments Photo Weekend, taking place from November 6 to 8 at the MEET space in the Tabacalera building, with activities dedicated to contemporary photography.

At Teatro del Soho CaixaBank, audiences can enjoy Verborrea, a theatrical production by Pablo Remón featuring Javier Cámara, Marta Nieto, Israel Elejalde and Emilio Tomé.

Mijas: Halloween returns on Friday, November 6, with free family celebrations

Mijas will be one of the busiest municipalities for family entertainment on Friday.

The town council has rescheduled its Halloween celebrations for November 6, after the activities originally planned for October 31 were postponed because of the national mourning period.

The programme will be spread across the municipality's three main areas.

In Mijas Pueblo, Plaza Virgen de la Peña will host Alice in the Land of Nightmares from 4 pm, featuring children's activities and themed entertainment.

In La Cala de Mijas, Parque de La Butibamba will welcome The Enchanted Night from 5 pm, with performances and family activities.

Meanwhile, in Las Lagunas, the fairground will be transformed from 6 pm for an event called Scary Stories.

One of the most anticipated attractions will be the haunted experience at Cortijo Don Elías, scheduled from 6 pm until midnight.

All the announced municipal activities will be free and include magic shows, storytelling, parades, workshops and games.

The weekend's cultural programme in Mijas will continue with Piano y voz, a musical performance by Fran Doblas, on Saturday at 8 pm at Teatro Manuel España. The same venue will host No me toques el cuento on Sunday at 6 pm.

Marbella: comedy, live entertainment and a Michael Jackson tribute

Marbella will offer several cultural events this weekend, with live performances taking centre stage.

On Saturday, November 7, at 8 pm, the Palacio de Congresos will host comedian Morera with his show No me enfado, pero me da coraje.

On Sunday, November 8, the same venue will welcome Dancing Machine, a Michael Jackson tribute show beginning at 7 pm.

The production features Adrián Álvarez, known professionally as SacMJJ, recreating some of the American singer's most recognisable performances and choreography.

Visitors looking for a quieter cultural experience can explore exhibitions still running at different venues in Marbella, including Dalí: Ten Recipes for Immortality, at the Museum of Contemporary Spanish Engraving, which is scheduled to remain on display until mid-November.

Estepona: La Térmica Village and an international board games gathering

Estepona has one of the weekend's most comprehensive free cultural events.

Plaza del Ajedrez will host La Térmica Village on Saturday, November 7, from noon until 8 pm, bringing the travelling cultural programme organised by Málaga Provincial Council to the town.

The event will feature live music, family workshops, creative activities, live art and a design market.

The musical line-up includes Depresión Sonora, Carmen Lancho, Polarnova, DJ Moreno and China China China, offering a range of contemporary music styles.

Admission will be free, and the activities are designed for visitors of different ages.

Board games and family entertainment on Saturday and Sunday

Estepona will also host the International Board Games Gathering, scheduled for November 7 and 8 at the town's Exhibition and Conference Centre.

The event will bring together games, demonstrations, publishers and activities connected with tabletop gaming, with free admission according to the announced programme.

Sports enthusiasts can take part in the third Ruta 091 on Sunday, November 8, a charity race and walk organised in collaboration with the National Police, starting near Mirador del Carmen.

Fuengirola: La tabernera del puerto comes to Palacio de la Paz

In Fuengirola, the main cultural attraction will be a performance of La tabernera del puerto, one of the best-known Spanish zarzuelas by composer Pablo Sorozábal.

The show will take place on Saturday, November 7, at 8 pm, at Palacio de la Paz.

It will be performed by Teatro Lírico Andaluz, bringing this story of love, intrigue and life by the sea to the stage.

Tickets cost €10 for stalls seating and €15 for box seating.

They can be purchased through Fuengirola Town Council's official ticketing platform and authorised outlets.

The town is also hosting Ninfas, an exhibition by artist Ahmad Ghoreishi, at the Casa de la Cultura.

Benalmádena: free activities celebrating Mexico's Day of the Dead

Benalmádena is offering cultural activities for visitors interested in learning about traditions from other countries.

The Felipe Orlando Museum of Pre-Columbian Art, located in Benalmádena Pueblo, will host a guided tour of its Mexican Day of the Dead altar on Saturday, November 7, from 11:30 am.

The activity will explain the meaning of the different elements that make up this Mexican tradition.

Later, at 5:30 pm, the museum will host Discover the Museum as a Family, a free activity featuring games, challenges and educational experiences connected with the altar.

Advance booking is required for this family session.

There will also be cultural visits on Sunday, November 8, including a guided activity exploring the museum's collections at noon.

Torremolinos: live jazz and a charity walk against cancer

Torremolinos will combine music and sport this weekend.

On Friday, November 6, Clarence Jazz Club will host the Richard Ray Farrell Trio, with the performance scheduled for 10 pm.

On Saturday, also at 10 pm, the venue will welcome the Armin Jambor Quartet, offering another evening of live jazz.

On Sunday, November 8, Torremolinos will hold Marea Rosa, a non-competitive charity walk supporting the fight against cancer.

The event begins at 10 am on Avenida Marifé de Triana and follows a route of approximately 4.4 kilometres to Plaza del Remo in La Carihuela.

The announced registration fee is €10, including a race number and commemorative T-shirt.

Rincón de la Victoria: a free family cycling event on Sunday

Rincón de la Victoria will celebrate another edition of its Día del Pedal, or Cycling Day, on Sunday, November 8.

The event will begin at 11 am from Parque Huerta Julián, which will also serve as the finishing point.

Organisers have prepared two non-competitive routes of three and six kilometres, designed for different ages and abilities.

Participation is free, and cyclists can collect their race numbers between 9 am and 10:30 am.

Commemorative T-shirts will be given to the first registered participants who meet the announced conditions, and there will also be cycling equipment prize draws.

Helmets are compulsory, and children must be accompanied by an adult.

Vélez-Málaga: Pasión Vega and theatre performances

Vélez-Málaga's cultural programme will feature singer Pasión Vega, performing on Saturday, November 7, at 8:30 pm, at Teatro Lope de Vega.

The concert, titled Pasión Almodóvar, explores the musical world associated with Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar.

Also on Saturday, at 8 pm, Teatro del Carmen will host the theatrical production La sombra de doña Inés.

On Sunday, November 8, at noon, the same venue will present another instalment of the musical series Los sabores de la música.

The weekend will also include the return procession of the crowned Virgin of Los Remedios to her sanctuary, scheduled for Sunday from 5 pm.

Parauta: Rabbit Festival with free traditional rice and live music

One of the province's biggest food events this weekend will take place in Parauta, in the Serranía de Ronda.

The village will celebrate its traditional Rabbit Festival (Fiesta del Conejo) from Friday, November 6, to Sunday, November 8, an event recognised as a Festival of Provincial Tourist Interest.

The main attraction will take place on Saturday, November 7, at 2:30 pm, with a free tasting of traditional rabbit and rice.

The programme begins on Friday evening with performances by Mutación and El Negro y La Cebolla.

On Saturday, traditional verdiales music will begin at 12:30 pm, followed by the food tasting and a series of concerts throughout the afternoon and evening.

Sunday will feature children's activities from 12:30 pm, including bouncy castles, workshops and musical entertainment.

The festival also provides an opportunity to explore Parauta's historic centre and its famous Enchanted Forest, which is particularly attractive during autumn.

Alcaucín: a Chestnut Festival celebrating the flavours of autumn

The Axarquía will also host a major gastronomic celebration on Saturday, November 7.

Alcaucín will celebrate its Chestnut Festival (Fiesta de la Castaña), with a programme beginning around midday and featuring a market, music and traditional food tastings.

At 2 pm, visitors will be able to enjoy a tasting of a traditional plato alpujarreño, available while supplies last.

One of the most characteristic moments will arrive during the afternoon, when chestnuts are roasted and traditional products such as mantecados, sweet potatoes and aniseed liqueur are distributed, starting from 6 pm.

The programme will also include performances by Evelyn Ríos, the Infinity Show orchestra and other musical acts.

The celebration offers an opportunity to enjoy one of the most characteristic seasonal products of inland Málaga.

Ojén: the traditional Chestnut Roast returns on Sunday, November 8

Another municipality celebrating autumn will be Ojén, where the 32nd Tostón Popular will take place on Sunday, November 8.

The event will begin at approximately 10 am in Plaza de Andalucía, with traditional food and a festive atmosphere.

Roasted chestnuts will be the main attraction, accompanied by other local products, music and traditional games.

The programme includes a performance by the Raíces de Los Moras verdiales group, bringing traditional Málaga folk music to the celebrations.

It is one of the best-known autumn festivals in the villages surrounding the Sierra de las Nieves.

Campillos: the Ham Fair brings together local food producers

On Sunday, November 8, Campillos will host one of inland Málaga's most important food events.

The 18th Ham Fair (Feria del Jamón) will begin at 10:30 am in Parque José María Hinojosa.

The event will bring together more than fifty businesses specialising in products such as cured ham, sausages, cheeses and olive oil.

Visitors will have the opportunity to discover different products, shop at the stalls and enjoy a festival featuring live music and traditional local entertainment.

It is an appealing option for anyone looking for a food-focused day trip beyond the Costa del Sol.

A weekend to discover Málaga beyond its beaches

The variety of activities shows that November remains a busy month for leisure and entertainment across Málaga and the Costa del Sol.

Visitors looking for major events can enjoy the Málaga Marathon, performances at the International Jazz Festival or the concerts and shows scheduled in Marbella and Vélez-Málaga.

Families will find free activities in Mijas, Benalmádena, Estepona and Rincón de la Victoria, while food lovers can discover traditional festivals in Parauta, Alcaucín, Ojén and Campillos.

Before travelling, visitors should check opening times, admission conditions and ticket availability, particularly for performances with limited capacity.

From November 6 to 8, 2026, Málaga and its surrounding towns will offer a varied weekend of sport, culture, food and family activities, with opportunities to explore both the Costa del Sol and the traditional villages of inland Málaga.