This Week in Malta

• Big weekend energy (Ta’ Qali + Valletta): ToyCon lands at MFCC, and Valletta gets a major ballet night with Carmen.
• For food people: Open Fire Chefs is back — one ticket, four fire-cooked plates, full-day festival vibes.
• For builders + doers: Academy of Givers’ “Giving Better” conference is the sharpest networking room this week.

Spotlight of the Week

ToyCon Malta 2026 (MFCC, Ta’ Qali)

If you like toys, collectibles, anime, gaming, cosplay, or you just want a high-energy, easy weekend plan — ToyCon is the anchor. Expect 60+ exhibitors, queues at peak times, and a very “comic-con” atmosphere (with families, collectors, and plenty of cosplay).

When: Sat 28 Mar (Early Bird 09:00, General Admission 10:00–20:00) • Sun 29 Mar (09:00–19:00)

Where: MFCC, Ta’ Qali (South Entrance)

Tickets:https://toyconmalta.com/ • Info: https://mfcc.com.mt/events/toycon-malta-2026/

What’s On

1. Annual Conference & Impact Fair 2026 – “Giving Better” (CSR / ESG / NGO networking)

When: Tue 24 Mar (09:00–15:00)

Where: The Xara Lodge, Rabat (Mdina area)

Why go: CEOs, CSR/ESG leads, NGOs, Impact Fair + Pitch Fest — practical connections, not fluffy talk

Register / info:https://www.academyofgivers.org/events/annual-conference-and-impact-fair-2026

Note: Members + NGOs showcasing attend free; registrations for others open soon (places are finite).

1. Open Fire Chefs (live-fire food festival)

When: Sat 28 Mar (from 10:00)

Where: Maria Rosa Wine Estate, Ħ’Attard

Why go: the rare “all-in-one” foodie day — open flames, music, a proper crowd, and a setting that makes the whole thing feel like a mini escape

Tickets:https://eventworks.mt/open-fire-chefs-28-march

(Includes entry + 4 × 150g fire-crafted meals — one per chef station; drinks separate.)

1. TV/Movie Themed Board Game Night (PlayUp Malta)

When: Sat 28 Mar (18:00–23:00)

Where: Valletta Design Cluster

Why go: social, indoor, and genuinely welcoming for expats/new-in-Malta types — moderated tables, no rulebook stress

Tickets:https://www.playupmalta.com/product/21945259/tv-movie-themed-board-game-event

1. Carmen by Balletto di Milano (first time in Malta)

When: Sun 29 Mar (15:00 & 19:30)

Where: Mediterranean Conference Centre (MCC), Valletta

Why go: world-class company, big music, and the kind of night that feels “proper Valletta”

Tickets:https://www.showshappening.com/ad-events-ltd/Carmen-by-Balletto-di-Milano

Note: Minimum age 14+. Seating is tiered; central sections go first.

Coming Up

Foundation Day Concert – Malta Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) + Malta Youth Orchestra (MYO)

A strong “book now, thank yourself later” morning concert: Smetana’s Vltava (Die Moldau) + Brahms’ Symphony No. 1, conducted by Michael Laus.

• When: Sun 12 Apr (11:00–12:30)
• Where: Mediterranean Conference Centre, Valletta
• Tickets:https://www.showshappening.com/Malta-Philharmonic-Orchestra/foundation-day-concert-2026
• (Tip: there’s a free shuttle from Floriana — booking details are on the ticket page.)

Where to Go

Rainforest Café (Bay Street, St Julian’s) – experiential family dining

This one isn’t about “the best burger on the island.” It’s about the experience: interactive animatronics, rainforest soundscape, and simulated thunderstorms — a reliable “kids are entertained” win, and honestly a fun change of pace for groups too.

If you’re meeting friends with children or hosting visiting family, this is an easy, no-brain choice — especially paired with Bay Street’s parking and walkability.

Info: https://rainforestcafemalta.com/

Get Involved

MSPCA – animal shelter volunteers

If you want a volunteer role that’s consistently useful: MSPCA welcomes people who can support daily care, shelter routines, and adoptions/fundraising days. Even a few hours a week makes a difference.

• Volunteer page: https://maltaspca.org/become-a-volunteer/

Quick Hits

• Clocks change this Sunday (29 March): Malta moves to summer time — 02:00 becomes 03:00. If you’re meeting friends, travelling, or catching a show, it’s worth the reminder.
• Seasonal playbook (March): diving + cycling are at their best right now.

Diving/snorkelling shoulder season: fewer boats, cooler air for gearing up, sea still around 15–16°C — plan for proper exposure protection.

Cycling & running: mild temperatures are perfect for longer sessions (Dingli–Imtarfa plateau, Żurrieq coast, Marfa Ridge, Gozo loops). Visibility and wind can change fast — lights and layers help.

Your Turn

Know a great event, venue, or community project that should be here next week?

→ Hit reply and tell me in 1–2 sentences (include the link if you have it).

Question of the week:

What’s your favourite “Malta weekend plan” when you want to do something fun without spending the whole day in traffic?

Cheers,

Simone

Instagram: @maltalifenews

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