Fairs & Festivals on the Costa del Sol May 2026

Fairs & Festivals on the Costa del Sol in May

May is when the Costa del Sol festival calendar really starts to come alive, with warmer weather bringing outdoor celebrations, cultural events and traditional fiestas across the region.

From the colourful Corpus Christi celebrations in Benalmádena Pueblo and the popular International Fair of the Countries in Fuengirola, to food festivals, music events and cultural nights in Málaga, Marbella, Torremolinos and the surrounding villages, there is plenty to discover.

May is a great month to experience local traditions before the busy summer season begins, with street decorations, live music, traditional food and family-friendly events taking place throughout the Costa del Sol.

Sardinada – La Cala de Mijas

The Sardinada (Sardine Feast) in La Cala de Mijas is a much-loved annual tradition celebrating one of the Costa del Sol's most iconic foods – the freshly grilled sardine espeto. Held every year on 1st May, coinciding with International Workers' Day, the event brings together locals and visitors for a day of food, music and traditional Andalusian atmosphere.

The event takes place around Plaza del Torreón, close to the beach, where local espeteros prepare hundreds of kilos of sardines using the traditional Málaga method of cooking them on wooden skewers over open fires. Visitors can enjoy freshly cooked sardines, live music and a relaxed family-friendly atmosphere while experiencing one of the area's most authentic culinary traditions.

Although the sardines are the main attraction, the event is about much more than food. The Sardinada is a chance for the community to come together and celebrate local culture, with entertainment and a traditional seaside atmosphere that reflects the history and character of La Cala de Mijas.

What to Expect

• Freshly grilled sardines cooked as traditional espetos.
• Hundreds of kilos of sardines prepared by local experts.
• Live music and entertainment.
• A friendly atmosphere enjoyed by locals and visitors.
• A chance to experience authentic Costa del Sol food culture by the sea.

Visitor Tips

• Arrive early, as the event attracts large crowds.
• Combine your visit with a walk along La Cala de Mijas promenade and beach.
• Bring cash, as smaller local events may not always accept cards at every stall.
• Expect a relaxed but busy atmosphere — this is a popular local tradition.

Good to Know

• Usually Held: 1st May every year
• 2026 Date: Friday 1st May 2026
• Location: Plaza del Torreón, La Cala de Mijas
• Start Time: Around 12:00 noon
• Entry: Free
• Suitable For: Families, food lovers and anyone wanting to experience traditional Andalusian culture.

Did You Know?

The espeto de sardinas is one of the great symbols of the Costa del Sol. Sardines are traditionally placed on wooden skewers and cooked over a small fire on the beach, a technique that has been passed down through generations of local fishermen.

La Noche en Blanco – Málaga

La Noche en Blanco (The White Night) is one of Málaga's most popular cultural events, transforming the city centre into a huge open-air celebration of art, music and entertainment. Held every year in May, the event allows visitors to experience Málaga's museums, galleries, historic buildings and public spaces in a completely different way, with many activities available free of charge.

For one special evening, the city stays open late with hundreds of cultural activities taking place throughout the historic centre. Visitors can enjoy exhibitions, concerts, street performances, dance, theatre, guided visits and artistic installations, turning Málaga into a living stage after dark.

The event attracts thousands of visitors every year and is a fantastic opportunity to discover the cultural side of Málaga. Many of the city's most famous locations take part, including museums, churches, galleries and historic buildings, giving visitors access to places they may not normally experience at night. The 2026 edition was held on Saturday 16th May, with activities running from 8:00 pm until 1:00 am.

What to Expect

• Free cultural activities throughout Málaga city centre.
• Museums and cultural venues opening late into the night.
• Live music, concerts and street performances.
• Art exhibitions and unusual creative installations.
• A unique atmosphere as the city celebrates culture after dark.

Best Places to Experience It

• Calle Larios – Often the centre of major outdoor activities.
• Plaza de la Constitución – One of Málaga's main meeting points.
• Historic Centre – Many museums, galleries and buildings take part.
• Muelle Uno and the port area – A great place to combine culture with an evening walk.

Visitor Tips

• Plan your evening before arriving, as there can be more activities than you can fit into one night.
• Arrive early for the most popular exhibitions and performances.
• Wear comfortable shoes, as the best way to experience the event is by walking between locations.
• Use public transport where possible, as Málaga becomes extremely busy during the event.

Good to Know

• Usually Held: May
• 2026 Date: Saturday 16th May 2026
• Time: Approximately 8:00 pm – 1:00 am
• Location: Málaga city centre and cultural venues throughout the city
• Entry: Free
• Suitable For: Families, couples, culture lovers, photographers and anyone wanting to experience Málaga after dark.

Did You Know?

La Noche en Blanco is not just a night-time opening of museums — it is a city-wide celebration where streets, squares and historic buildings become part of the artwork. It is one of the best evenings of the year to experience Málaga's growing reputation as a cultural destination.

Feria del Marisco y Frutos del Mar – Benalmádena

The Feria del Marisco y Frutos del Mar is one of Benalmádena's most popular annual food festivals, celebrating the excellent seafood and Mediterranean cuisine that the Costa del Sol is famous for. Usually held towards the end of May, the event brings together locals and visitors for several days of fresh seafood, live music and a fantastic festive atmosphere.

The festival is a paradise for seafood lovers, offering the chance to enjoy a wide variety of dishes including gambas, clams, razor shells, seafood salads, paella and fideuá, all prepared by local restaurants and catering businesses. The event combines great food with entertainment, making it a perfect place to spend an afternoon or evening enjoying the flavours of the Mediterranean.

Originally held in the Puerto Deportivo de Benalmádena, the festival has become a well-established date on the town's events calendar. In 2026 the fair moved to Plaza Adolfo Suárez, continuing its tradition of bringing together gastronomy, music and a lively social atmosphere.

What to Expect

• Fresh seafood and traditional Mediterranean dishes.
• Local restaurants showcasing their best seafood specialities.
• Popular dishes including prawns, clams, seafood salads, paella and fideuá.
• Live music and entertainment throughout the event.
• A relaxed family-friendly atmosphere celebrating the flavours of the sea.

Visitor Tips

• Arrive early if you want to enjoy the most popular dishes, especially during busy evening periods.
• Bring an appetite — this is an event designed around tasting and sharing food.
• Combine your visit with exploring Benalmádena Pueblo, the marina or the seafront.
• Public transport is recommended during busy festival days.

Good to Know

• Usually Held: May (dates vary each year)
• 2026 Dates: 28th – 31st May 2026
• Location: Plaza Adolfo Suárez, Benalmádena
• Entry: Free
• Suitable For: Families, couples, food lovers and anyone wanting to experience authentic Costa del Sol gastronomy.

Did You Know?

The Costa del Sol has a strong connection with the sea, and seafood festivals such as this are a great way to experience local traditions. From freshly cooked prawns to traditional Mediterranean recipes, these events showcase why seafood is such an important part of Andalusian cuisine.