Feria de Malaga 2025: the August fair's events and highlights

Málaga is often seen simply as the gateway to the Costa del Sol, but the city has a character all its own. It's a place with some serious historical weight, where you can trace the steps of Roman and Moorish civilisations through the old town's streets. At the same time, it’s the birthplace of Picasso, and that artistic energy is a core part of its identity. This blend of deep-rooted Andalusian tradition and a cosmopolitan outlook is what defines the city, and nowhere is this more vividly on display than during the annual Feria de Málaga.

When and where is the Feria de Málaga 2025?

Get down to the fair in Malaga this summer / PxHere

Feria de Málaga, Malaga Fair, is the city's biggest party of the year, taking place in mid-August in the capital of Costa del Sol. For 2025, it is expected to run from 16th to 23rd August, giving you eight full days of celebrations. The festival has a split personality, with two distinct locations and atmospheres: the Feria de Día (Day Fair) in the city centre and the Feria de Noche (Night Fair) at a dedicated fairground on the outskirts.

Feria de Día: daytime festivities in the historic centre

During the day, Málaga's historic centre transforms into one enormous street party. The main artery is the elegant Calle Larios, which becomes packed with people dancing, singing and socialising. Locals and visitors, many dressed in traditional attire, enjoy tapas and chilled Cartojal, the local sweet wine. 

Feria de Noche: the main fairground at Cortijo de Torres

As evening approaches, the focus shifts to the purpose-built Recinto Ferial in the Cortijo de Torres area. This is the main location for the Night Fair, filled with funfair rides, stages for concerts, and rows of casetas. These are individual marquees hosted by local associations, families or businesses, each with its own music, food and style. 

What happens at the Malaga Feria: activities and traditions

Freepik

The Feria de Málaga is a full-on sensory experience, a mix of modern festival fun and deeply-rooted Andalusian tradition. One minute you could be on a Ferris wheel, the next you could be watching a spontaneous flamenco performance. It’s about celebrating Málaga's culture in every possible way, with specific activities and events that define the festival.

Live music and conciertos at the Feria de Málaga

In the city centre, you'll hear the traditional folk music of the region, known as verdiales, alongside flamenco and pop tunes blasting from bars. At the Night Fair, the Recinto Ferial hosts a more organised programme of concerts, often with big-name Spanish artists. 

Traditional Feria de Malaga food and drink

You certainly won't go hungry. The Feria de Malaga food scene is all about traditional Andalusian treats. Think plates of pescaíto frito (assorted fried fish), jamón, and all sorts of tapas.

Jeronimo Palacios, CC BY 2.0 Creative commons

Flamenco, horses, and traditional costumes

Many locals dress in traditional outfits. Women wear the vibrant traje de flamenca (flamenco dress), and men often wear the traje de corto, the classic horseman's suit. There is also a daily parade of horses and elegant carriages in celebration of Andalusian culture.

The role of toros in the Feria de Málaga

It’s important to know that bullfighting is a traditional part of the Feria de Málaga. A series of bullfights, featuring prominent matadores, takes place at the city's historic bullring, the Plaza de Toros de La Malagueta. This is a long-standing component of the festival's official programme, reflecting a historic aspect of Spanish culture.

The history and origins of the Feria de Málaga

Feria de Málaga / amata_es, CC BY 2.0 Wikimedia commons

The festival commemorates a pivotal moment in the city's past: the reconquest of Málaga by the Catholic Monarchs, Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon. In August 1487, their forces took the city from the Nasrid kingdom, incorporating it into the Crown of Castile. Just a few years later, in 1491, the city council established an annual festival to remember that historic date. 

Planning your Feria de Malaga holidays: practical tips

Freepik

The feria is an incredible experience, but it can also be intense, especially with the August heat. Pacing yourself is key, both with your energy levels and your spending. It’s a good idea to mix full-on feria days with more relaxed activities.

Getting tickets and managing costs

One of the best things about the Feria de Málaga is that it's largely accessible without tickets. Entry to both the Day Fair in the city centre and the Night Fair at the Recinto Ferial is free. Most of the casetas at the fairground are public, so you can walk in, buy a drink, and enjoy the music.

You will only need to purchase tickets for a couple of specific, big-ticket events. For example, the bullfights that take place at the La Malagueta bullring are always ticketed, and tickets for the 2025 events are already on sale.

Where to stay during the Feria de Málaga

Booking accommodation well in advance is essential, as the city fills up completely for the feria. For those who want to be in the heart of the daytime festivities, staying in the Centro Histórico (Historic Centre) is ideal. You can step out of your door and be right in the middle of the action. For a more practical base with easy access to the Night Fair, look for accommodation in neighbourhoods like Cruz de Humilladero, which is closer to the Recinto Ferial and can make getting home in the early hours a bit easier. 

• Property for sale in Malaga
• Long-term rentals in Malaga
• Holiday rentals in Malaga 

Exploring beyond the festival on the Costa del Sol

It's a great idea to build some downtime into your trip. The feria is amazing but exhausting, and you're in a beautiful part of the Costa del Sol. Taking a day away from the crowds to recharge on a beach or explore a nearby town can make your holiday more enjoyable.

Some of the prettiest coastal towns on the Malaga coastline are just a short drive or train ride away. And for a different kind of fun, there are attractions like the Costa del Sol theme parks, including Sunview Park and Aqualand in Torremolinos. A day trip to one of the famous pueblos blancos (white villages) like Mijas or the historic town of Ronda is also highly recommended.

• Property for sale in Costa del Sol
• Long-term rentals in Costa del Sol
• Holiday rentals in Costa del Sol

Málaga Fair 2025: events programme

Jeronimo Palacios, CC BY 2.0 Creative commons