What's on in Malta | October 2021
There is so much going on this October! We’ve had to make a difficult choice to pick our favorite events of this month.
As most of us painfully said goodbye to the summer season over the last couple of weeks, we are definitely looking at brighter days ahead with events in full swing and covid-19 cases remaining stable. A stark contrast to the position we were this time last year, when cases started increasing and bars were slammed shut by the end of October.
There is so much potential with the October weather. I personally just love the smell of the first rains on the island and bringing out my winter wardrobe as the weather cools down in the evenings. Day time events are also just as beautiful, as the intense summer heat will have passed and most days are still sunny just with an added breeze. Event organizers will have to be weary of the October rain and ensure there is a sheltered area in the case of a few showers.
We've had to make a difficult choice to select these 10 events. We wanted to include diversity in our pick and gave extra points to unique events. Hope you enjoy...
1. Oktoberfest at Ivy House
Our top featured event of the month is the Ivy House Oktoberfest, a beer and music festival that’s got everyone talking. The Ivy house team have teamed up with 18 awesome music artists to give their own unique take on the original and enjoyable Oktoberfest that takes place in Munich every year. They are setting up two distinct areas – the terrace will feature live acoustic and jazz bands, while the beer garden will have more of a party vibe. There will be plenty of different beers, various food vendors and a live market.
The festival is starting on Friday 22nd and continues well into the night of Saturday 23rd October. You can purchase tickets for both days for just €15 or you can choose to go on one day for €10. All tickets are to be bought directly from Chitzo from here.
2. Blanket Music Picnic
Not only do we see the potential of the autumn season, as Blank, Dr Juice and Beer Head have come together to bring you the first edition of BLANKet – a perfect new combination of a picnic with music. They shall be hosting guests for a relaxing afternoon at the Skorba Farmhouse, a location that boasts great views and is surrounded by a quiet rural landscape.
They are selling tickets for €25 and you will get entrance to the framhouse, delicious natural good food provided by Dr Juice, craft beer or cocktails from Beer Head, and BLANK will bring the awesome tunes. So, all you’ve got to do is bring good vibes, something warm for when it gets chilly in the evening and maybe a ukulele to impress your friends. On second thought, better you leave the ukulele at home...
3. Storeroom’s Open Mic
Have you ever been to an open mic in Malta? If you haven't, they are a fun, engaging was to witness an open stage of local talent. From vocalists, to up and coming bands to solo artists, they are usually people who wish to showcase their work in a dedicated space.
On Tuesday 19th October, Storeroom are putting up their first ever open mic directly at their intimate venue. Three artists will come on stage and perform for approximately 45 mins each, so you are likely to have a real mix of talent on stage. Storeroom have teamed up with the Yes Concept community for this brand-new series of events. They have a variety of seating options available both indoors and outdoors so they can cater for most groups. Check out their availability here.
4. Unplug Yoga Retreat
Do you need a weekend getaway from the digital world? Do you need to unplug from all the noise that surrounds you in your daily lives? Yoga Malta are back with their popular Unplug Yoga Retreat in Gozo over the weekend of the 15th and 17th October. Say goodbye to all technology for a weekend and enter a world of quiet and peace to reflect on what is important in life.
Guests will be staying at a beautiful farmhouse in Sannat for two nights, with freshly prepared vegetarian and vegan meals throughout breakfast, lunch and dinner and a 24-hour tea house service. The weekend includes 4 yoga and meditation classes as well as some fun activities and engaging workshops.
This experience is perfect for couples, solo travelers, adventurers and professionals looking to get away from the busy life or groups of friends looking to find a new wholesome experience.
For more info on booking, check out chitzo.
5. World Pasta Day Workshop with Fasto Soldini
Carb lovers, we need your full attention. Monday 25th October is World Pasta Day and we have the perfect event to commemorate this special day. Food experts, Mediterranean Culinary Academy, have teamed up with Fausto Soldini, the owner of Zero Sei Trattoria and Sotto Pinsa Romana, to offer you an exclusive opportunity to learn how to make a Roman-style pasta dish.
In this workshop, Fausto will share his tricks into making the perfect Carbonara and how to source the finest ingredients. You will then replicate and make your own carbonara from scratch using dry pasta.
If you think this one is for you, check out chitzo for booking options.
6. Orange Bike Ride 2021
The Embassy of the Kingdom of Netherlands and bicycle advocacy group, Rota, have teamed up once again to bring this beautiful colorful event to the streets of Malta. So, if you come across an army of orange cyclers on Sunday, 24th October, don’t worry, they are helping to promote the use of cycling in the Maltese Islands.
They will be starting at around 2pm near the Whitehall Mansions beside the Ta Xbiex Seafront and will go around neighboring areas. All levels of cyclists are welcome to join, from beginners to more experienced riders, as the pace will be moderate and police will also be present to help escort the participants. If for some reason you do not want to cycle, it is probably also worth to coming down to Ta Xbiex to support the movement.
7. Leaders for Change Convention
Taking the theme of Leaders for Change, the JCI Malta National Convention will be held on the 30th and 31st October. Renowned motivational speaker Jay Johnson from the US will be addressing delegates at the convention together with other keynotes and training opportunities led by local and international trainers and speakers. There will also be business networking opportunities, project pitches, a kick-ass Murder Mystery dinner, a treasure hunt around the city of Valletta, this event is not to be missed.
8. V&A Presents Alice: Curiouser and Curiouser
Spazju Kreattiv are officially screening Alice: Curiouser and Curiouser, an exclusive private view of the ‘hugely enjoyable and thought-provoking exhibition’ (★★★★★ The Guardian) at the V&A in London, filmed especially for the big screen.
Take a guided tour ‘down the rabbit hole’ with the V&A Curator Kate Bailey and presenter Andi Oliver as the documentary explores how Alice has become an enduring icon, influencing successive generations, and inspiring creativity in fashion, film, photography and on the stage. This special cinema event will bring to life the magical world of a landmark exhibition that charts the evolution of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland from manuscript to a global phenomenon beloved by all ages.
It's being shown at the Spazju Kreattiv Cinema on:
9. Chinese GO classes
Are you fond of strategy board games? Then China’s most enduring game 'GO' is for you! Starting this October, the China Cultural Centre is offering 10 Chinese GO classes taught by the sharp, insightful and warm-hearted Mr. Jianmin Li. According to Mr. Li, the game is intrinsic to Chinese philosophy and Yin Yang that in turn can teach you how to live a balanced life. Chinese Go is not about total victory but rather relative advantage.
They are meeting every Friday from the 8th of October and you can book your spot through Chitzo for each class. It only costs €50 for the tuition. Bargain.
10. Giorgia Job live at Hole in the Wall
Giorgia Job is an Italian one-woman band who found her freedom through the Berlin streets. Her ruspy voice reminds us of Janis Joplin and Gianna Nannini from which she’s been influenced. She plays guitar, kazoo, harmonica, tambourine, looper and stomp box all that mixed in an energetic acoustic folk style. Her powerful performance will drag you through bizarre stories of killers, dinosaurs, lost hair and other lovely discomforts.
The live gig is taking place on Tuesday 19th October from 20.30. You can book your spot for this live gig directly on Chitzo.