What’s on in Malaga in October 2026

The latest in our monthly series of Malaga events looks at what’s on in Malaga in October, a special month for the city because it’s Picasso’s birthday month.

This year also celebrates the 23rd anniversary of the Picasso Museum. Other highlights include some fantastic films, amazing art, great music and of course, the usual markets. Read on to find out what’s on where and when.

Note that the events on this post refer to October 2025. We’ll be updating them for 2026 as soon as we have the information.

Note too that this round-up is (as always 😅) a work in progress. Bookmark the page and check back for regular updates.

Autumn in Malaga

This is one of the loveliest times of year in the city. Balmy temperatures, not many people at the beach (and the sea is the warmest it gets) and lots of things to do.

To catch autumn leaves, head for the Botanical Gardens towards the end of the month or take a day trip to Ronda where the chestnut tree forests turn brilliant orange and magenta, again towards the end of October.

If you need an excuse to visit, here are 10 compelling reasons to visit Malaga in autumn!

Public holiday in Malaga

Quick heads-up: Monday 12 October is a public holiday in Spain and Malaga. Banks, businesses and some small shops will be closed all day in Malaga, but expect to find most large shops cafés, bars and restaurants open as usual. The same applies to monuments and museums, although the Museum of Malaga opens 9am to 3pm only.

The autumn in Spain is packed with public holidays.

Religious procession

There are two in October and both run through the city centre. Unlike Easter processions, these ones will be joyful, with lots of flowers and upbeat music. Worth seeking out if you’re in town on the day.

Thursday 9 and Sunday 12 October – Our Lady of Mercy

The Virgen del Gran Perdón will parade on her Easter week throne from Capuchinos to the Cathedral on Thursday 9 October. She’ll remain in the Cathedral until Sunday 12 October when the parade will take the return route.

The return procession starts at 6pm and follows this route: Casa Hermandad de la Cofradía de los Estudiantes on Calle Alcazabilla, Calle Alcazabilla, Calle Císter, Calle San Agustín, Calle Duque de la Victoria, Plaza del Siglo, Calle Molina Larios, Plaza del Obispo, Calle Strachan, Calle Larios, Plaza de la Constitución, Calle Especería, Calle Cisneros, Calle Fajardo, Calle Compañía, Tribuna de los Pobres, Calle Carretería, Calle Dos Aceras, Carrera de Capuchinos, Calle Empecinado, Calle Alderete, Calle Marqués de Cádiz, Calle Eduardo Domínguez Ávila, Plaza de Capuchinos, Alameda de Capuchinos, Calle Miguel Bueno Lara, Calle San Millán to her ‘home’ (arrival expected at 4.45am).

Saturday 25 October – Our Lady of the Trinity

The Virgen de la Trinidad will parade from San Pablo church (in La Trinidad district) to the Cathedral on Saturday 25 October. Her return journey takes place the same day. She leaves at 4.30pm and takes the following route to the Cathedral: Plaza Jesús Cautivo, Calle Trinidad, Calle Jaboneros, Calle Mármoles, Pasillo de Santa Isabel, Tribuna de los Pobres, Calle Carretería, Calle Álamos, Calle Cárcer, Calle Casapalma, Plaza de Uncibay, Calle Méndez Núñez, Calle Granada, Plaza del Siglo,Calle Molina Lario and Plaza del Obispo at 9pm. Here, a mass will be celebrated before she starts her return journey.

The return takes the following route: Calle Molina Lario, Calle Strachan, Calle Larios, Plaza de la Constitución, Calle Especería, Calle Nueva, Plaza de Félix Sáenz, Calle Sagasta, Calle Sebastián Souvirón, Calle Moreno Carbonero, Plaza de Enrique Garcia-Herrera, Calle Fernán González, Calle Fajardo, Puerta Nueva, Pasillo de Santa Isabel, Ribera del Guadalmedina, Calle Trinidad, Plaza Jesús Cautivo and Casa de hermandad. Arrival expected at 3.30am.

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Film in October

The Albeniz Cinema on Calle Alcazabilla has a weekly programme of films in their original version, usually independent European productions. Check out the programme here.

French Film Festival

This year sees the 31st edition and it takes place from 10 to 17 October. This year’s festival content includes legends of contemporary and great movies from French cinema plus activities for children.

The majority of films will be screened at the Albeniz Cinema, in French with Spanish subtitles. You can see the full programme here.

Masterpieces

The Albeniz Cinema (Calle Alcazabilla) is screening true movie classics on Thursdays in October at 8pm. Films are shown in their original version with Spanish subtitles:

• Thursday 2 October: The Philadelphia Story, George Cukor, USA, 1940
• Thursday 9 October: Casablanca, Michael Curtiz, USA, 1942
• Thursday 16 October: Ladri di biciclette, Vittorio De Sica, Italy, 1948
• Thursday 23 October: The Searchers, John Ford, USA, 1956
• Thursday 30 October: À bout de souffle, Jean-Luc Godard, France, 1960

Tickets cost €6.

Musical events in Malaga in October

The musical list of what’s on in Malaga runs long this month and the highlights include:

MOSMA 2025

Malaga’s annual date with movie soundtracks is this month, with four concerts from 23 to 26 October, all at 8pm. Highlights are to be confirmed. You also have the chance to meet key players in the film music industry at free round tables and book signings.

More information and links to buy tickets (from €15) here.

L’Italia è Opera

The homeland of opera celebrates the bel canto with two concerts at 7pm on Friday 17 and Saturday 18 October in the Sala Maria Cristina concert hall. The programme covers the history of opera from its traditional beginnings to its modern contemporary style. Puccini and Verdi (obviously) take centre stage.

More information and links to buy tickets here.

Municipal Band concerts

The band plays two concerts during October, both with free entry (arrive early to be sure of a good seat):

Sunday 12 October at 7.30pm in the gardens of the Colegio de Arquitectos

These lovely gardens are at Paseo del Limonar 41 (Google map link here) and the band will be playing a Spanish-themed concert to celebrate Spanish National Day. The programme includes two pieces from Albeniz’s Spanish Suite and a traditional pasodoble at the end.

You can get to the gardens on the Nos 3, 11, 32, 33, 34 and C3 buses. Get off at the Joaquín Sorolla stop and walk up the Paseo del Limonar. Allow 25 minutes for the journey from the Alameda Principal.

Sunday 26 October at noon in the Museum of Malaga

This programme includes works by Ponchielli, Dvorak and Chapí.

Concerts in museum patios in October

As usual, the city’s lovely patios offer free performances this month.

Museum of Malaga

This month has three freebies in the lovely patio at this museum:

• Tuesday 7 October at 7pm – the Architects Association Choir performs a programme called “Between two seas”.
  
• Sunday 19 October at noon – Brass Jazz (including maestros Raquel Pelayo and Daniel Amat) will perform modern and Latin jazz works. Free entry but get there early to be sure of a seat (we’d recommend by 11am).
  
• Sunday 26 October at noon – the Municipal Band plays (see above).

Carmen Thyssen Museum

Malaga Guitar Orchestra plays on Friday 17 October at 7pm, with a programme featuring music by A. Mudarra, Haydn, Duarte, Brouwer, Ponce and Moreno Torroba. Free entry, but again, be there early!

Museum of Art and Popular Customs

Southwest, a trio of musicians from Seville who play acoustic folk, perform a free concert on Saturday 18 October at noon. Entry to the museum included with the concert. The MACP is on Plaza Enrique Herrero, 5 minutes’ walk from Calle Larios – Google map link here.

Free concerts celebrating Picasso

As part of Malaga’s tribute to her world-famous artist, there are two free concerts:

Friday 24 October – discover the sound mural made by local pupils and enjoy a guitar and box concert at noon by the Picasso sculpture in the corner of Plaza de la Merced.

Saturday 25 October – the Jitterbug Trio perform ‘Picasso & Jazz’ from 7pm in Picasso’s birthplace (Casa Natal Picasso) on Plaza de la Merced. Free entry, but get there early to bag your seat.

Free concerts in the Museum of Malaga

As well as the three concerts above, the Museum is running “Music for a Visit” on two weekends in October, when visitors can enjoy musical performances as they walk around the museum spaces. All concerts are at noon.

Saturday 18 October – Piano Jazz

Sunday 19 October – Malinconia String Quartet

Saturday 25 October – Galería Sonora percussion quartet

Sunday 26 October – the Enterpe flute trio

Entry to the museum is free for EU nationals or €1.50 otherwise. The concerts are included in the museum ticket.

Free concert for International Opera Day

Malaga celebrates this special on Saturday 25 October with a free concert in the square in front of the Cervantes Theatre at 6pm. Sopranos Araceli González and Irene Delclós join tenor José Antonio Larrubia for a performance of French and Italian arias, accompanied by Blanca Trabalón on piano.

St George’s Church

Chamber Music Recital, featuring a trio of flute, cello and piano on Saturday 25 October at 8pm. Tickets cost €20 and are available online or at the gate on the evening.

Looking for somewhere good to eat out?

Malaga has dozens of good restaurants and we’ve selected the best. You’ll find them divided into handy categories, allowing you to easily select what you’re looking for.

Or if you like a detailed description of what a venue is really like, take a look at our Malaga Restaurant Reviews. We’re continually adding new ones, so check back regularly.

Find out how Malaga celebrates Picasso in October

Dance in Malaga in October

Malaga Dance

This year’s edition of Malaga Dance arrives on 13 October and continues until January. As usual, it brings world-class performances to the city.

The programme is eclectic and encompasses all types of dance from ballet to hiphop via flamenco and modern. Performances take place at the Cervantes Theatre and you can see the full programme here. Click on performance to get to the link to book tickets online.

Swing on Muelle Uno

Join in three hours of swing dancing to live music on Muelle Uno on Sunday 26 October from 4.30 to 7.30pm on the square next to the pharmacy. Dance the afternoon and early evening away as you watch the sun go down.

Flamenco in Malaga in October

This month has several flamenco events including:

Flamenco dance at the Cervantes Theatre

The annual Dance Festival includes several flamenco performances (classic and contemporary) in October:

• Monday 13 October at 7pm – Alter Ego.
• Thursday 16 October at 8pm – the first performance of Bendita Lo/Cura.
• Sunday 19 October at 7pm – one of Spain’s top dancers, Eva Yerbabuena, performs Yerbagüena with her dance company.
• Tuesday 21 October at 8pm – another top dancer, María Pagés, performs Amor de Dios.
• Wednesday 22 October at 8pm – La Materia.

Tickets cost from €12. More information and link to book here.

Book a flamenco show with dinner in Malaga

Free flamenco concert

Local singer Ana Fargas performs at the MVA Auditorium on Calle Ollerías on Monday 27 October at 7.30pm. Tickets are free, but you need to get yours from the box office on the day (available from 7pm onwards) or from the Municipal Fiestas Department in Camino de San Rafael 99 (available from 9am onwards – you can get here on the No 20 bus from the Alameda Principal).

The video below gives you an idea of what to expect.

Architecture Week

Malaga’s Architects’ Associations celebrates Architecture Week from 3 to 10 October, with talks and guided tours of iconic buildings/settings in the city. The tours will be in Spanish, but in our experience, most architects in Spain speak some English, so they might be willing to translate some of their talk for you.

To give you an idea of what to expect, last year’s guided tours included the Baroque Nuns Chapel in El Perchel district, the city’s medieval walls, the Picasso Museum, the Tabacalera (home to the Russian Museum and Car Museum) and the Parque del Oeste.

Numbers are limited for tours and talks – book your place online via this link.

Can’t come to Malaga this autumn and missing the food?

Why not create great Malaga food in your own kitchen? Our foodie ebook, Malaga Fine Wining & Dining, includes 11 exclusive recipes served in Malaga’s best restaurants, 2 with Michelin stars.

Easy to create and make plus a chef’s top tip for each one and a Malaga wine pairing suggestion. Our cookbook has received the thumbs-up from some real foodies too – see their reviews here. All for just €8.95.

Guided tours at Malaga Botanical Gardens

These lovely botanical gardens (one of the best places to enjoy autumn in Malaga) have several events in October:

To book your place, call +34 051 926 180, WhatsApp +34 639 914 055 or email infojbotanicomalaga@gmail.com

Guided tours

A 90-minute stroll around the grounds to discover the gardens’ history and anecdotes. Tours take place on Saturday 4 and Saturday 18 mornings and cost €8.05 per person. Private tours (minimum three people) in English and French are also available.

Evening guided tours

You can also visit the gardens and house in the evenings on Friday 3 and Friday 10 October at 7.30pm. This tour costs €8.40 per person.

Family fun

Explore the gardens through games, puppets and puzzles on Sunday 5 and Sunday 12 October from 11am to 2pm. Tickets cost €6.90 for children up to 16 and €9 for adults.

The gardens also have two great Halloween events, find out more in our Halloween post.

Picassian October

October in Malaga celebrates Picasso’s birthday – he’d have been 144 this month. As usual, there’s a programme of events celebrating Picasso’s life and works. Centred around his birthplace, expect to see an LED-screen installation on the façade and a luthier making a Picasso-inspired guitar, and enjoy two free concerts. This year’s edition is the 37th anniversary of the event.

Art events in Malaga in October

As usual, there’s an excellent choice of world-class art in Malaga this month.

Bishop’s Palace

This lovely space opposite the Cathedral has the exhibition, Casa de Alba Patronage and Collecting (Mecenazgo y coleccionismo en la Casa de Alba), which showcases 250 pieces (paintings, sculptures, decorative art and documents) from the house of Alba.

The collection, from the Alba’s three palaces in Spain, is one of the largest and most significant in Europe. Top treasures include a portrait by Goya, drawings by Rembrandt, letters from Queen Elizabeth I and Queen Victoria, and works by Gainsborough and Reynolds.

Free guided tours available in English on Fridays at 5.30pm and Saturdays at noon. Book your place ahead by emailing mediacionculturalmalaga@fundacionunicaja.com or calling +34 952 624 862.

Open Monday to Saturday 10am to 2pm and 4 to 7pm, Sunday 10am to 2pm. €3 Until 11 January.

Archivo Municipal

This month’s exhibition is to be confirmed.

Open Monday to Friday 10am to 1pm and 5 to 8pm. Weekends 10am to 1pm. Free entry. Until 8 December.

Pompidou Centre

The latest exhibition, To Open Eyes, looks at how artists view their surroundings and interact with those looking at their art. The six sections include a wide range of installations, paintings, sculptures and videos. And as usual, they all provide plenty of food for thought.

Read about the latest collection at the Pompidou Centre

Animal dreams

This fun exhibition imagines how animals might dream through the photos and videos of 11 Spanish and French artists. Until 2 November.

Open Wednesday to Monday 9.30am to 8pm. €7 for the permanent exhibition, €9 for both. Free Sundays after 4pm. 

Buy tickets in advance for the Pompidou Centre.

Carmen Thyssen Museum

The museum continues to showcase Spanish art from the 18th and 19th centuries seen in the permanent collection.

The museum also has the following temporary exhibitions:

American People

See over 50 pictures taken between the 1930s and 1980s by prominent American photographers (including the pioneers such Walker Evans and the first colour pics by artists like Harry Callahan). Until 13 October.

Telluric and Primitive

Practially everyone who’s anyone in modern Spanish painting has something on display in this exhibition, showcasing the nation’s artistic obsession with primitive art and essential earthy elements. This leitmotif of art in the 20th century created its own avant garde movement, resulting in the masterpieces on show. Signatures on the works include Barceló, Chillida, Miró, Picasso, Saura and Tapiès.

From 7 October 2025 to 1 March 2026.

Rembrandt the Engraver

Most of us think Rembrandt’s legacy are his great paintings, but as this exhibition shows, the Dutch artist was also a magnificent engraver. This collection of 35 works showcases his skill in this genre, with the engravings focusing on portraits (including self portraits) and religious themes. 23 October 2025 to 18 January 2026.

Open Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 8pm. Entry costs €12 (€8 if you’re resident in Malaga province). Free entry on Sundays after 4pm.

Russian Museum

The main exhibition space in this museum is currently closed and undergoing repair work after damage from the spring rains. You can, however, see three temporary exhibitions:

This museum also has temporary exhibitions:

The Adventure of a Collector

Some of Jose María Castañé’s magnificent collection of Russian art is on display, including masterpieces from the late 19th century to the mid-20th. Like the main exhibition in the museum, this selection focuses on the Avant-Garde.

Hidden Jungle

Works by Chinese artist, Chen Chumnu (who received a scholarship from the Casa Natal de Picasso), depicting nature and organic forms with dreamlike landscapes.

Anna Pavlova – A life sans frontières

This exhibition pays homage to one of the world’s greatest ballarinas, Anna Pavlova who spread ballet throughout the world in the 1910s and 1920s. Consisting of original photos, programmes and posters plus some audiovisual material, the exhibition tells the story of Pavlova’s extraordinary talent and life. Until May 2026.

Open Tuesday to Sunday 9.30am to 8pm. €8. Free on Sundays after 4pm.

Picasso Museum

Note that the Picasso Museum is super busy this year, so we’d recommend getting a ticket in advance to avoid long queues.

The most-visited museum in southern Spain has the permanent collection, called Picasso: Structures of Invention. The exhibition shows the 20th century’s greatest artist’s creative process through 150 works. You can also see 22 works from his La Californie sketchbook, which he drew in Cannes in 1956.

Genius Loci

This temporary exhibition showcases the work of one of the biggest figures on the contemporary art scene, Farah Atassi. A couple of her Picasso-inspired pictures featured at the museum in 2024 and this year, she gets her own show. Until 14 December.

Oscar Domínguez

Works from the Tenerife born artist are also on show at this museum. Domínguez, along with Dalí and Miró, was one of Spain’s most famous surrealist artists and this exhibition showcases his visionary art and flight of imagination. Until 30 October.

Open daily 11am to 7pm. Tickets €9, free Sundays after 5pm. While you’re there, do visit the lovely café in the patio.

Buy tickets in advance for the Picasso Museum.

Jorge Rando Museum

As well as the permanent exhibitions, you can see one combining the work of Pablo Picasso and Jorge Rando. Their shared theme is bullfighting and you can see engravings by Picasso made between 1929 and 1960 and paintings by Rando from the 70s.

Open Monday to Friday 10am to 2pm and 4 to 8pm, Saturday 10am to 2pm. Free entry. The museum is on Calle Cruz del Molinillo 12, on the northern edge of the old quarter. Don’t miss the Mercado de Salamanca market opposite.

We’ve included this art museum in our latest walking tour, North of Malaga old quarter.

La Térmica

This cultural centre on the western seafront has the following exhibition in October: Entelequia by Cuban artist, Diana Fonseca. The works explore entelechy (the state of perfection with its own purpose) and consist of paintings, sculpture, video and installations. From 16 October to 15 February 2026.

Free entry, open Monday to Friday 11am to 2pm and 5 to 8.30pm and Saturday 11am to 2pm.

La Térmica is on the western seafront and you can get to it on foot (walk west from the Port and about 0.5km after the tall chimney, you’ll see a modern glass building on the right – La Térmica is behind it) or by bus on the No 7 from the Alameda Principal (south side; get off at the Santa Paula stop and walk down to the seafront).

Picasso Foundation

Picasso’s birthplace is currently showing ‘Animating History: Rep in the Casa Natal Picasso’. The Argentinian artist, Miguel Repiso (aka Rep), has created a series of videos that accompany the tour of the house. The animations explore parts of Picasso and his family’s daily life in the house and Malaga. Until the end of December

Picasso: Life with Françoise

You can also see this exhibition showcasing sketches of Françoise Gilot, one of Picasso’s muses. The works offer a glimpse into their relationship and how she shaped his work. As Gilot herself said, “I was never just his model. I was his companion and much more. I was involved in his life and his art, and in my own way, collaborated with his creative process”. From 22 October

Open daily 9.30am to 8pm. €3 (€4 combined ticket to visit the house).

Markets in Malaga in October

Arts and crafts

The autumn market at Muelle Uno takes place daily from 10am to 10pm daily. The Sunday market, El Zoco, is on every Sunday between 11am and 7pm.

Red Friday

The monthly vintage and performance market at La Térmica returns for its new season on Friday 3 October from 6pm to midnight. This month’s edition includes theatre, vintage stalls, live music performances and food trucks. Entry costs €5; tickets are available online via this link from a date to be confirmed.

Mercado de la Merced

Arts and crafts stalls in the lovely square at Plaza de la Merced from 11am to 7pm on Sunday 5 and Sunday 12 October.

Soho Market

Artisan produce and crafts on Sunday 26 October on Calle Tomás Heredia, 11am to 7pm. 

Organic Markets

The best early autumn fruit (think figs, custard apples and grapes) and vegetables are now in season and these markets sell them plus products, all grown and produced locally in the Guadalhorce River valley. Saturday 11 October on Calle Cervantes and Paseo de Reding (near La Malagueta) and Saturday 25 October in Huelin Park. 10am to 2pm.

Read more about markets in Malaga.

Sporting events in Malaga in October

This month has several key sporting events. They include:

Charity swim

The local Aliquindoi swim club is organising its 7th charity swim in the sea on Sunday 5 October at 10am. Races are 1,500m, 3,000m and a relay of 2 x 1,500m. All taking place at the Misericordia beach (western seafront).

More information and link to sign up here. Proceeds in aid of the Red Cross.

Malaga City Golf Trophy

In its 28th edition, this tournament takes place on 4 and 5 October at the Real Guadalhorce Club de Golf. Entry open to all golfers and the cost to non-members is €65.

More information here.

Running races

October is a busy month for runners, with three city races at different locations.

Sunday 5 October – Carrera Urbana El Torcal-La Paz

The annual 10k fun run that starts and finishes in the west of the city, with the route taking in the western seafront. More information and link to sign up here.

Sunday 19 October – Carrera Popular Ciudad de Málaga

The city’s most veteran race – this year is the 45th edition – that goes 10k around central Malaga, starting outside El Corte Inglés department store. More information here.

Sunday 26 October – Carrera de la Prensa

The annual press race that starts outside the Rosaleda Stadium and ends near City Hall after 7km. There’s also a 2k walk. All in support of freedom of the press. More information here.

Stay up to date with Malaga

This monthly events post is just one of the ways Guide to Malaga offers you to keep up to date with what’s going on in the city.

If you want more, sign up for our free fortnightly newsletter. October’s editions will be in our subscribers’ inboxes on Friday 2, Friday 16 and Friday 30 October.