Malta Gay Pride 2026

Malta Gay Pride 2026

Malta Gay Pride is one of the later pride events to take place in Europe. The event is held each year in September.

• Tip! – Book your stay in the Capital, Valletta, where most of the pride events take place. Depending on the length of your visit, you might want to combine your trip with a beach escape in nearby St. Julians. It's a short taxi ride (15kms) away or you can get the ferry and enjoy some great views on the journey. 

Gay Malta

• Next Edition – Friday 4th September, 2026 – Sunday 13th September, 2026.
• Malta has been consistently ranked as being the most most LGBTIQ friendly country in Europe according to the ILGA Rainbow Index. The country is warm and welcoming and its pride is a friendly affair, the perfect blend of politics and pride.
• The country comprises five islands and delivers a real wow factor to visitors. It boasts more than 300 days of sunshine each year,
• For more on where to stay and play, visit our comprehensive guide to Gay Malta.
• Malta Gay Pride is a week long series of cultural events, parties, festivals, conferences, fashion nights, a highly recommended Pride Boat Party and other activities culminating in a weekend parade through the streets of the capital Valletta.
• Celebrate Malta Pride in style at our reader's top pick, The Palais Le Brun Hotel with stunning rooftop pool, modern gym and perfect location

September Weather

• September is the perfect time to visit the Island. The weather is warm and sunny with average temperatures early in the month averaging 24 degrees Celsius during the day. For more on the best bars, beaches, restaurants and hotels, visit our Insider Guide to Gay Malta.

Opening Weekend

• Opening Friday:  The festivities kick off with the Opening Night at Maori, Valletta.
• First Saturday of the event : The fun moves to Gozo for the Gozo Pride March and an epic After Party. Gozo is all about showing its support for diversity and inclusion.

Pride Village

• Final Saturday, 12th September, 2026: Malta's Gay Village is set up by the concert area at St Geroge's Square. This space will bring together NGOs, companies, and the LGBTIQ+ community in a lively and welcoming environment, offering a space for connection, support, and celebration.
• Events begin from 5 pm.
• Stay just steps from the Pride Village at The Phoenicia Malta rated “Superb” by guests, offering epic views, 5-star luxurious rooms and infinity pool. Meanwhile, the 4-star Domus Zamittello offers “Exceptional” rooms with superb location and delicious breakfasts. 

Malta Pride Parade

• Final Saturday, 12th September, 2026: From 18.00 – Pride Day celebrations include a Pride Parade with the participation of Floats, Dancers, Street Performers and several other attractions.
• The Malta Pride Parade begins at Triton Square, leaving from the fountain and making its way through the streets of Malta and culminates at St. George’s Square, followed by the After party and concert.
• On Pride Day a Giant 82 foot Rainbow flag is unveiled along with many other surprises.
• Stay close to the parade and parties at the 3 star Osborne Hotel, rated “Fabulous”, complete with a rooftop pool and excellent gym.

Best Places to view the parade

• Arrive early at Triton Fountain if you want photos of the floats lining up.
• For a more relaxed view, watch from café terraces or steps off Republic Street, near Cafe Society or Maori down by the water, then walk up to the main square for the show.
• Base in Valletta, Sliema or St Julian’s and use buses 13/13A/14 or the X-routes to/from the airport and the ferry.
• “Best for the show” – St George’s Square for the stage and concert.
• Stay close to the after parties in St Julian's/Paceville at the Me Malta by Melia, a design-led 5-star hotel in the Mercury Towers development, complete with a Spa, rooftop pools and walking distance to Michelangelo.

Pride Concert

• Final Saturday, 12th September, 2026: Featuring a unique series of performances held in the centre of Valletta, in St Georges Square.
• Events kick off at 21.00. Enjoy live performances from top artists. Expect a diverse mix of genres and styles, with something to delight every music fan.
• Concert is free with VIP options available.

The After Party

• Final Saturday, 12th September, 2026: 22.30 hrs – Malta Gay Pride parade is followed by an open air free Street Party and Concert later in the Evening.
• The official Pride Party typically takes place at Tigullio, in St.Julian's, an event space with a capacity of 2000.

Pride Pool Party

• Second Sunday of the event: To be confirmed Lollipop, one of Malta's most popular bi-monthly gay parties, produces the annual Malta Pride Pool Party at Cabo Terrace beach club in the beach town of Birzebbugia.

Pride Around the Grand Harbour

• Sunday 13th September, 2026: 5.30pm – Reserve your very own boat and sail it around the harbour.  The Dgħajsa or water taxi is an iconic boat often seen across the harbour.
• Decorate your boat and sail it around the harbour followed by a live performance of ultimate 80's hits by singer and performer Davey Stuart at Le Regatta Restaurant.
• Each boat can carry up to 6 guests.

Official Parties, After Parties and Circuit Events

• Second Saturday of the event: PRIDE AFTER PARTY – Michelangelo, Malta's gay club, presents Proud & Loud, a unique Pride After Party from 22.00 hrs, with a live performances and guest DJs.
• Awaiting dates – Friday – Lollipop presents their Pride Edition party with guest DJs, sexy dancers, surprise performances and amazing production at Sky Club.. (Lollipop hosts multiple parties throughout the year.)
• Awaiting dates – NERVE Malta – party crew behind FRUITY: Pride Afterparty, and hosts several queer-curated parties heavily influenced by pop culture, fashion and the Y2K era.
• Awaiting dates – Harshmallow – Pioneering public fetish culture events in Malta and for being an ally to the LGBTQ+ community

Popular Gay Friendly Bars and Cafes

• Maori (Valletta waterfront) : laid-back seafront bar, lesbian-owned, very mixed crowd, regular live music and Pride-adjacent events.
• Cafe Society (Valletta steps) : terrace bar on the steps down to the water, popular with LGBTQ+ locals, good for pre-march drinks and sunset views.
• Gugar Hangout & Bar (Valletta) : alt/hipster vegetarian café-bar, safe space vibe, often mentioned to queer travellers.
• Yard 32 (Valletta, Strait Street) : gin & tapas bar in the old red-light alley, widely described as gay-friendly.
• 97 Notes (Valletta) : live-music bar that hosts Pride-linked events and some queer parties.

Popular Hotels

• Iniala Harbour House – Boutique hotel featuring stunning city and harbour views, blending a mix of modern touches with historical architecture and even a butler service.
• Corinthia Palace Malta – Luxurious 5-star hotel offering beautifully appointed rooms and suites. Treat yourself to an afternoon at their Athenaeum Spa.
• Malta Marriott – Take a trip to the beach town of St. Julian’s at the recently refurbished hotel just steps from Balluta Beach and a short drive to the best shops in Sliema.

Top tips for a visit to Malta

Malta is home to some of Europe’s top restaurants, museums and heritage sites. Here’s our editor’s top higlights:

Culture

• Muza – one of Europe’s newest art museums with a collection spanning 400 years, representing the major European artistic styles.
• Art Box – A modern Art Gallery and workshop on the Island of Gozo, in the tranquil village of Qala.

Dining

• Ion – The Harbour – Rooftop restaurant sitting atop the Iniala Harbour House offering gorgeous harbour food and a seven-course tasting menu.
• Bahia – Located in the elegant Corinthia Palace, offering whimsical one-night affairs, such as a reverse tasting menu that starts with dessert and finishes with an amuse-bouche.
• The Chophouse – Offering guests a modern space with breathtaking panoramic views and some of the best steaks we have tasted.
• Noni – Once a bakery, Noni is now known for breaking boundaries, using a menu of traditional Maltese and Mediterranean cuisine.

Diving

• Malta is home to dramatic historical sites, and some of the world’s best diving spots.
• Just under the Island’s pristine waters is a seabed studded with shipwrecks, lost planes, statues, and other historical structures, including the HMS Maori and the Um El Faroud.
• With boat dives of various depths to choose from, everyone has the opportunity to tap into their inner deep-sea explorer.
• Or, you chill on one of Malta’s 12 beaches and top up your tan while lying in the golden sand.

Entertainment

• The Chamber of Mysteries – An unforgettable dinner and variety show with a 5-star rating combining wizardry, wonder, and wine.
• Portomaso Casino – Indulge your James Bond fantasies a the luxurious Portomaso towers offering roulette, blackjack, and punto banco.
• Lollipop – Pop-up party held throughout the year and host of the official pride parties and pool parties.
• Proud and Loud – Official Malta pride event hosted by the Island’s gay club, Michelangelo

Where to stay

Here are the hotels we recommend that have good reviews and keep you close to all the action in Valletta. Consider a twin city trip and follow pride with an escape to the beach resorts in charming St. Julians, Malta's second city.

Hilton Malta,    InterContinental,    Hugo's Boutique,    Holiday Inn