Hi,

Rock the South kicks off this Friday at St Thomas Bay - three days of Maltese bands, loud guitars and a late-night silent disco right by the water. And if you want something completely different this Sunday, Francois Ozon's take on Camus' The Stranger is screening in Valletta for just 8 euros. A rock festival and an art-house film in the same weekend - that's the kind of week I love.

THIS WEEK IN MALTA

- Rock the South 2026 opens this Friday at Zion Bar and Restaurant in St Thomas Bay - the 13th edition of Malta's own rock and alternative festival runs through Sunday with Maltese bands headlining all three days.

- The Dance of Death graphic novel launches this Friday evening at the Malta Society of Arts in Valletta, with original horror artwork on show through the weekend - a genuinely rare thing for local publishing.

- Spring is still running strong across the countryside this week - if you haven't made it to Dingli Cliffs yet this season, this is probably your last good window before the heat sets in.

SPOTLIGHT OF THE WEEK: ROCK THE SOUTH 2026

Three days of homegrown rock and alternative music at one of Malta's best outdoor spots - Zion Bar and Restaurant at St Thomas Bay, with the sea right there as your backdrop.

This is the 13th edition, which really tells how much people here love it. It's Maltese bands all the way - no imported headliners, no pretension - just loud, good music from people who grew up on these islands. Friday starts at 16:30, Saturday at 17:00, and Sunday opens early at 13:00, which means you can make a full afternoon of it. The silent disco caps off the late nights. Go with a group, stake out your spot early, and check the lineup before you go so you know which acts to stay for.

Details: 1 May (16:30), 2 May (17:00), 3 May (13:00) - Zion Bar and Restaurant, St Thomas Bay, Marsascala - Tickets: here.

WHAT'S ON: 3 THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK

1. SPORTS4KATE MARATHON 2026: MOVE – DONATE – EMPOWER – A full-day community sports marathon raising funds and awareness for Kate, a Maltese girl living with an ultra-rare TBRS variant, through inclusive activities for all ages.

  When: Sunday 3 May 2026, 09:00–17:00

  Where: MEYR Centre for PE & Sport (Mikiel Anton Vassalli College, Joseph Abela Scolaro), Ħamrun

  Cost: Golden ticket 10 EUR or Donation – you find it at this link.

  Why go: It’s a genuinely local feel‑good marathon where you can walk, run or join coached sessions while directly helping fund Kate’s therapies – expect a family‑friendly vibe, DJs, fitness activations and a strong “move for a cause” energy rather than a hardcore race‑only crowd.

More info: here.

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2. DANCE OF DEATH - A 200-page graphic novel about the 1518 Dancing Plague launches Friday night, with the original artwork hanging on the walls.

  When: Launch Friday 1 May at 20:00; exhibition open Saturday and Sunday 09:00-13:30

  Where: Malta Society of Arts, Valletta

  Cost: Free

  Tickets/info: Here.

  Why go: Horror, history and real art in one room - and it's a one-person project, which makes the 200-page scale all the more impressive.

3. THE STRANGER - Francois Ozon's film adaptation of Camus' novel, screening once this Sunday afternoon in Valletta.

  When: Sunday 3 May, 16:30-18:30

  Where: Spazju Kreattiv Cinema, Valletta

  Cost: 8 euros standard / 7 euros concession

  Tickets/info: Here.

  Why go: Ozon directing Camus for 8 euros in an intimate cinema - that's an easy yes.

Tip: Save or screenshot this section so you've got your week sorted in 10 seconds.

COMING UP - BOOK AHEAD

1. EARTH GARDEN 2026 - Five stages, camping, healing fields and a serious lineup at Ta' Qali - tickets from 20 euros, and the early options won't last.

  When: 29 May - 2 June 2026

  Where: Ta' Qali National Park, Attard

  Tickets: From 20 euros depending on day and camping options

  Book: Here.

  Note: Malta's biggest alternative festival - day tickets and camping passes sell in waves, so lock yours in now before the next price tier.

2. TANGO PASSION NIGHT - A live ensemble and a professional Argentine dance couple on stage in Sliema for one night only, with proper tiered seating.

  When: Saturday 9 May 2026, 19:00

  Where: Teatru Salesjan, Sliema

  Tickets: 27.50 euros to 55 euros depending on seat

  Book: Here.

  Note: One night, fixed venue, limited seats - if you're thinking about it, book it this week.

WHERE TO GO: VELU RESTAURANT IN HAL GHAXAQ

Velu just opened inside Palazzo Castagna in Hal Ghaxaq - a restored 18th-century sala nobile turned into a proper dining room, with Maltese food given a quiet nod toward Asian techniques.

This is the kind of place that takes about two years to find if nobody tells you about it - a village palazzo, a small menu, higher-end prices but clearly justified by the setting and the cooking. Perfect for a long dinner with someone you want to impress, or just a treat-yourself midweek meal. Book ahead - it's also an events venue, so tables fill up.

Location: Palazzo Castagna, Hal Ghaxaq

Hours: Check website for current service times

Find them: Here.

GET INVOLVED: RICHMOND FOUNDATION IS LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS

Richmond Foundation does some of the most grounded mental health work in Malta - community support, life-skills programmes, and direct befriending of people who need it.

They're looking for volunteers to befriend service users, help run activities, assist at events, and support admin and maintenance across their Qormi base and community locations island-wide. There's no single fixed commitment - it flexes around what you can give. If you have a few hours a week and want to do something that actually matters to someone, this is worth a call.

How to join: Here.

QUICK HITS

- The Somedays Festival with Sonny Fodera starts this Thursday at UNO Malta in Ta' Qali and runs through Sunday - 20-plus house and dance artists over four days. Worth knowing if your weekend plans are still open: Here.

- Save the date: Zamna Festival Malta lands at Gianpula Village on 15-16 May 2026 - two nights of house and melodic techno under the Maltese sky. Early-bird tickets from around 35 euros Here.

YOUR TURN

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

-> Just hit reply and tell me in 1-2 sentences.

Question of the week:

Rock the South or Earth Garden - which one do you make the bigger effort for, and why?

-> Hit reply - I'll feature the best answers (first name only) next week.

Cheers,

Simone

MaltaLife - bringing Malta's best to your inbox every Monday

Instagram: @maltalifenews

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