On Saturday 4th October, Valletta will transform into one giant stage for Malta’s most anticipated cultural night of the year, and the best part? It’s free!
Valletta is getting ready to come alive once again for Notte Bianca 2025! Happening on Saturday 4th October, this annual festival is organised by Festivals Malta and has become one of the country’s most-loved cultural traditions. For one unforgettable night, the capital city turns into a vibrant playground filled with live performances, art installations, music, dance, and more, all free of charge.
From buzzing squares to grand palaces, hidden courtyards to open-air stages, every corner of Valletta will be hosting something special. Cafés and restaurants will also keep their doors open late into the night, making sure you can grab a bite or drink while soaking up the atmosphere.
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Here’s a look at the exciting routes you can explore this year:
Alternative Route
Perfect for music and art lovers, this route is packed with local performances, creative exhibitions, and cool artistic installations. As part of this route, you can look forward to Chasing Sunets, featuring prominent DJs such as Tenishia and DJ Ruby; Ċirku, a live performance of music and gymnastics at Pjazza Tritoni; and In-Nutar Pubbliku, where you can experience the stories, secrets and treasures behind Malta’s Notarial Archives.
Classics Route
Valletta’s stunning architecture sets the stage for sacred and classical concerts. Expect creative projects celebrating the great composers, giving timeless music a fresh twist in Malta’s most historic settings. Featuring projects such as Opera Bianca featuring a programme of Arias and duets such as Habanera and Donna è Mobile at the Auberge d’Aragon; Gregorian Strings which will include workds by Pierre Luigi di Palestrina at the St Paul’s Church Oratory; and Tota Pulchra presenting a programme of sacred and inspirational themes at St Francis of Assisi Church, among others.
Dance Route
Movement takes centre stage here, with performances inspired by different cultures and rhythms. From contemporary to traditional styles, the Dance Route celebrates diversity and brings people together through rhythm and expression. This route features projects such as Pink by Moveo Dance Company which explores how our minds sometimes reshape the past, creating illusions that protect or surprise us. This site-specific project will take place at the City Gate Steps.
Children’s Route
Designed for families, this one is full of magic, fun, and imagination. Expect whimsical performances and interactive shows that little ones (and grown-ups too!) will love. One highlight from this route is Festival of Fools at the Upper Barrakka Gardens, which will transport young audiences to the medieval times, featuring stories and games for all the family.
Theatre Route
Laughter and drama fill the streets of Valletta with comedy acts, street theatre, and improvisation. The Theatre Route guarantees big energy and plenty of entertainment, with projects suck as Meastrissimo at Teatru Manoel which is a comedy show about a classis quarter.
Red Route
For the adults, the Red Route explores a more daring side of Valletta with sensual music and performances with mature themes. Definitely one for a grown-up night out. This route is strictly for adults only, featuring projects such as Il-Maltin Imqarbin at the Royal British Legion, a wild interactive comedy show based on the hit show “Naughty Malta!”
Music Route
Arguably the most popular, this route covers every genre you can think of, jazz, blues, rock, pop, Maltese classics, and more. No matter where you turn, you’ll find music that gets you moving. The largest route as part of the Notte Bianca programme, the music route features projects such as The Travellers, Versatile Brass, Gaia, Kelly Marie, Klinsmann and much more.
Why You Can’t Miss It:
Notte Bianca is more than just a festival, it’s a once-a-year celebration that brings people together from all over Malta (and beyond). Whether you’re into art, music, theatre, or just want to enjoy the buzzing vibe of Valletta at night, this is the event that has something for everyone.
Mark your calendar, gather your friends, and get ready for a night where Valletta doesn’t sleep.
Save the date: Saturday 4th October 2025.
Notte Bianca is free, unmissable, and guaranteed to be one of the best nights of your year. For more information and for the full programme visit www.festivals.mt/nb
