Dates, times, programme and a guide to discovering everything about the Málaga Fair, from the daytime Feria de Día in the historic centre to the nights at the Real del Cortijo de Torres fairground.
The 2026 Málaga Fair once again fills the city with music, colour, tradition and joy for eight days. From 15 to 22 August, Málaga celebrates one of its most eagerly awaited festivals of the year, an occasion when the streets of the historic centre and the Real del Cortijo de Torres become the great stages of the celebration.
But how is the Fair really experienced? Is the town-centre Fair still the one that locals from Málaga remember? What is the difference between the Feria de Día (daytime fair) and the Feria de Noche (night fair)? Where can you enjoy the best atmosphere, what should you eat, and how can you combine the festivities with an authentic flamenco experience?
In this guide we tell you everything you need to know about the 2026 Málaga Fair and suggest a different way to experience it: discovering the essence of Málaga through its traditions, its gastronomy and, of course, its flamenco.
What is the Málaga Fair? Origin and meaning
The Málaga Fair has its roots in an event that was fundamental to the city’s history. The celebration commemorates the entry of the Catholic Monarchs into Málaga on 19 August 1487, during the conquest of the city.
Over time, that historical commemoration became one of the most important festivals in Andalusia. Today the Málaga Fair is designated a Festival of International Tourist Interest and every summer draws thousands of visitors who come to the city to enjoy its atmosphere, its music and its traditions.
The Fair is also a way of getting closer to Málaga’s culture. The verdiales, the sevillanas, the food, the flamenco dresses and the atmosphere of the casetas (fair marquees) are all part of a cultural identity in which flamenco holds a very special place.
Málaga is, moreover, a land of its own flamenco styles and a long flamenco tradition. That is why discovering the city during its Fair is also an opportunity to get closer to a culture expressed not only through singing, dance and guitar, but also through fashion, painting and various artistic forms.
Discover more about the culture and flamenco of Málaga on our blog.
Dates of the 2026 Málaga Fair
If you are looking for the dates of the 2026 Málaga Fair, this year it is easy to plan: the celebration will take place from Saturday 15 to Saturday 22 August 2026, both days included.
The festival unfolds across two great settings and at two different times. During the day, the historic centre hosts the traditional Feria de Día, with activities and a festive atmosphere. From the afternoon onwards, the spotlight moves to the Real del Cortijo de Torres, where the Feria de Noche continues until the early hours, with casetas, music and attractions.
Key dates and events of the 2026 Málaga Fair
Friday 14 August: at 11:50 p.m., a drone show, followed at midnight by the pyromusical fireworks display that will welcome the Fair.
Saturday 15 August: the official pilgrimage (Romería) to the Sanctuary of La Victoria, the opening address and the inauguration of the Real del Cortijo de Torres.
Wednesday 19 August: the Fair’s big day, a local public holiday commemorating the capture of Málaga by the Catholic Monarchs in 1487.
Saturday 22 August: official closing of the festivities.
Málaga Fair opening times
Feria de Día – Historic centre: from 12:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Feria de Noche – Real del Cortijo de Torres: from 8:00 p.m. until the early hours.
If you are planning your trip, remember that August is one of the busiest months for tourism in Málaga. To enjoy the Fair without worries, we recommend booking your accommodation, restaurants and any experiences you wish to enjoy during your stay well in advance.
You can also check the times and news about the events on the official channels of Málaga City Council and on the Fair’s official social media.
Feria de Día and Feria de Noche: the two faces of the festival
One of the most distinctive features of the Málaga Fair is that it is experienced in two different places.
During the day, the historic centre concentrates the most traditional, street-level atmosphere, with stages featuring music, verdiales groups and sevillanas enlivening the streets, and restaurants that turn into genuine casetas. At night, the spotlight shifts to the Real del Cortijo de Torres, home to the casetas, the fairground rides, the horse-drawn carts and much of the night-time programme.
Feria de Día in the historic centre
The Feria de Día is the most recognisable image for many locals and visitors. Streets such as Calle Larios and spaces like the Plaza de la Constitución fill with music, dance and people dressed in flamenco outfits.
The casetas and establishments in the centre let you enjoy the festive atmosphere as you wander the streets of the old town. The verdiales troupes (pandas), the music and the performances all help create a particularly lively atmosphere.
Those who have experienced the Fair for decades remember a different atmosphere, more tied to groups of friends and a more local celebration. Today, the huge influx of visitors has transformed the experience and turned the Feria de Día into one of Málaga’s main tourist attractions.
There is another great gastronomic star of the Fair: the Cartojal, the traditional sweet Málaga wine that accompanies many of the toasts during these days. Food also plays a leading role. Fried “pescaíto” (fish), aubergines with cane honey, gazpacho and other Andalusian recipes are all part of the taste of the Fair.
Discover our Andalusian gastronomic offering.
Feria de Noche at the Real del Cortijo de Torres
When the afternoon arrives, the celebration moves to the Cortijo de Torres fairground, the great space devoted to the Feria de Noche.
Here you will find the casetas, the fairground rides and various leisure options for all ages. The site also hosts traditional and family activities, such as the parade of horses and carriages, as well as shows and attractions for the little ones.
The Fair at the Real offers a different experience from the one in the centre: it is larger, it concentrates the night-time activity and it lets you keep the party going well into the early hours.
What is the difference between the Feria de Día and the Feria de Noche?
The main difference lies in the atmosphere and the setting.
The Feria de Día is experienced in the historic heart of Málaga, among streets, squares, music and food. It is a more urban and traditional experience, perfect for exploring the city on foot.
The Feria de Noche is set at the Real del Cortijo de Torres, a large space specially designed to host the celebration. During these dates the casetas are built, decorated in the Fair’s own exuberant style. The main entrance archway, the lights of the rides and the big wheel become some of the site’s most recognisable features and can be seen from various points across the city.
This division also reflects how the Fair has evolved. The historic centre remains the protagonist during the day, but for some years its activities have had a set finishing time of 6:00 p.m., while the Real concentrates the night-time atmosphere. Thus, today’s Fair is best understood as a celebration with two complementary settings.
Poster and new entrance archway of the 2026 Málaga Fair
The 2026 Málaga Fair has an official poster: “Flores para la Victoria” (Flowers for La Victoria), by the artist Patricia Castro Bohórquez. Each year a new design is chosen through a public competition combining the selection of an expert jury and a popular online vote.
The poster adds to another of this year’s novelties: a new entrance archway for the town-centre Fair, unveiled in 2026 and reaching approximately 16 metres in height. The new welcome arch pays tribute to some of Málaga’s most recognisable symbols, among them the Cathedral and La Farola (the lighthouse), as well as incorporating references to traditional elements of Málaga culture such as the verdiales and the biznagas (jasmine posies).
The new archway thus becomes one of the points of interest for anyone exploring the historic centre during the Fair, and a new image for a celebration that continues to evolve without losing its hallmarks.
Curiosities of the drone and fireworks show
The show that opens the Málaga Fair is much more than a succession of lights in the sky. In the 2025 edition, the night began with a drone show at 11:50 p.m. and continued at midnight with a great pyromusical display.
300 drones and 16 million colours: 150 drones from La Malagueta and another 150 from Huelin formed 14 three-dimensional images capable of reproducing up to 16 million different shades.
Images visible from 500 metres: the figures created in the sky could be seen from up to half a kilometre away, with the drones flying at around 100 metres in altitude.
6,308 pyrotechnic effects: the fireworks display lasted 20 minutes and used 500 kilos of gunpowder, synchronised with a soundtrack of 11 musical pieces.
In 2026, the tradition of welcoming the Fair with a night of light, music and gunpowder will once again turn the Málaga sky into one of the great stages of its festivities.
What to do and see at the Málaga Fair
If it is your first time at the Fair, here are some of the experiences you can include in your visit:
Explore the Feria de Día to get to know the historic centre.
Stroll along Calle Larios and the Plaza de la Constitución.
Admire the new entrance archway of the town-centre Fair.
Dress in flamenco style or enjoy the traditional outfits that fill the streets.
Listen to the verdiales troupes and discover one of the musical styles most closely linked to Málaga.
Try a Cartojal and enjoy the tapas and typical dishes of Andalusian cuisine.
Visit the Real del Cortijo de Torres as evening falls.
Enjoy the mechanical rides for all ages.
Watch the traditional parade of horses and carriages.
Check the cultural and leisure programme to find family activities and shows.
If you are interested in bullfighting tradition, take a look at the programme of La Malagueta bullring.
Book a live flamenco experience to discover another of Andalusia’s great cultural expressions.
Where to eat and what to drink during the Málaga Fair
Gastronomy is an essential part of the Fair. In the casetas and establishments of the historic centre you will find some of the most traditional flavours of Andalusia.
Among the dishes you can try are fried “pescaíto” (fish), aubergines with cane honey, gazpacho and various Andalusian tapas. To drink, the undisputed star is the Cartojal, especially during the Feria de Día.
But if you prefer to take a break from the festivities and enjoy a leisurely lunch or dinner, you can also opt for a restaurant with a reserved table.
At Flamenco Alegría, Andalusian gastronomy is combined with a cultural experience in a space located next to the Centre Pompidou and Muelle Uno. It is a perfect alternative for those who want to enjoy a meal without giving up the atmosphere of Málaga and, on top of that, attend a live flamenco show.
Discover the Alegría restaurant and book your experience.
Flamenco at the Málaga Fair: how to experience its true essence
Flamenco is part of Málaga’s cultural identity, and during the Fair it is present in different ways: in the performances, in the casetas, in the verdiales and in the atmosphere of the streets.
But there is a difference between coming across flamenco during the Fair and sitting in front of a stage to experience a live show.
For those who want to get to know flamenco in a more authentic way, a flamenco tablao offers a different experience: a purpose-fitted room, good visibility, carefully tuned acoustics and professional artists who let you enjoy the singing, dance and guitar up close.
At Flamenco Alegría Málaga, the programme brings together experienced artists and different flamenco disciplines in a theatre hall specially prepared for the show and to offer an immersive experience.
During the Fair, you can round off your visit to Málaga with a flamenco experience at various times, with performances scheduled at 6:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m. and 10:30 p.m., depending on the programme available.
And if you want to go a step further, the Interactive Flamenco Introduction Centre offers the chance to get closer to the fundamentals of this art and to learn more about its history and culture. And, why not, take a few dance steps guided by a specialist.
Get to know Flamenco Alegría Málaga.
Discover our artists.
If you are visiting Málaga during the Fair and want to book your flamenco experience, you can do so here:
Book your flamenco show at Alegría.
How to get there and get around during the Fair
During the Fair, Málaga sets up a special mobility operation to make travelling between the centre and the Real easier. The most practical recommendation is to avoid private cars whenever possible and use public transport, especially during peak times.
The Cercanías commuter train service is also an interesting option for those arriving from other parts of the Costa del Sol. The C-1 line connects Málaga with the airport and towns such as Torremolinos and Fuengirola, while the C-2 connects the capital with towns in the Guadalhorce valley.
In 2026, Renfe has announced a special reinforcement of the Cercanías services during the Fair, with more trains and additional seats to make travelling easier.
To move between the centre and the Real, always check the up-to-date information from the EMT (municipal bus company), through its app and official channels, and from Málaga City Council, as special services and transport reinforcements are put in place during the Fair.
In addition, there are lines dedicated specifically to transporting passengers between the different areas of the Fair, identified by the letter F.
EMT prices and ticket types
Feria de Noche — Real and Line F: the direct service to the Real from the neighbourhoods and the special 24-hour line costs €2.00.
Feria de Día — Centre: if you use the ordinary daytime lines to the centre, you can use your multi-journey card for €0.50, thanks to the discounts in force. Always check the up-to-date information on the EMT app.
How do I get to the Real del Cortijo de Torres?
The Málaga Fair site is located in the Cortijo de Torres area, to the west of the city.
During the Fair, the best option is usually to use the special public transport services set up to connect different points of Málaga with the Real.
If you are staying in the historic centre, you can combine the Feria de Día with a visit to the Real using public transport, thus avoiding traffic and parking problems. The transport deployment during these days makes travelling much easier, although you should bear in mind that at peak times the buses can be full and, occasionally, may skip a stop. Plan your departure time well to avoid unnecessary waits.
Frequently asked questions about the Málaga Fair
When does the 2026 Málaga Fair start?
The Málaga Fair officially begins on Saturday 15 August 2026, although the celebration kicks off at midnight on Friday 14 August, with the drone and fireworks show that will welcome the Fair at midnight.
Is it free to enter the Fair’s casetas?
The Feria de Día and access to many of the Fair’s casetas and spaces are free of charge. However, some specific activities or events may have particular conditions, so it is advisable to check the programme of each space.
What is the official website of the Málaga Fair?
To check news, the programme and up-to-date information about the Málaga Fair, you can visit the official website of Málaga City Council.
You can also follow the Fair’s official social media:
Facebook: Feria de Málaga – Ayuntamiento de Málaga.
X (Twitter): @feria_malaga
Instagram: feria_malaga_2026
Where can I see live flamenco during the Málaga Fair?
In addition to the flamenco and traditional music you will come across during the Fair, you can enjoy a professional show at a tablao. Flamenco Alegría Málaga offers shows at various times and an experience that combines flamenco, culture and Andalusian gastronomy.
Book your flamenco experience here.
Experience the 2026 Málaga Fair with Flamenco Alegría
The Málaga Fair is much more than a festival. It is an opportunity to get to know the city through its traditions, to discover its gastronomy and to get closer to a culture that has in flamenco one of its most universal expressions.
You can start the day by wandering the streets of the historic centre, enjoy the Feria de Día, try Málaga cuisine and discover the new 2026 archway. And when the afternoon arrives, round off the experience with an Andalusian dinner and a live flamenco show.
At Flamenco Alegría Málaga, we invite you to combine the essence of the Fair with a complete cultural experience: Andalusian gastronomy, live flamenco and a privileged setting next to the Centre Pompidou and Muelle Uno.
In addition, if you are coming from outside Málaga, you can choose between different experiences and packages to complete your visit, such as Tuk Tuk + Flamenco or Flamenco Introduction + Show.
And remember that you can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, an especially handy option when you are planning a trip.
This summer, discover Málaga, experience its Fair and let yourself be carried away by great flamenco.
Book your experience at Flamenco Alegría Málaga.
Discover our flamenco experience packages.
