Málaga guides
The Málaga Fair: a guide to August's big party
Every August, Málaga throws a week-long fair with two sides: by day, in the streets of the Old Town; by night, at the Real de Cortijo de Torres fairground, with marquees, rides and partying until dawn. Here's when it usually takes place, how to get between the two and what's worth knowing to enjoy it.
What the Málaga Fair is and when it's held
The August Fair (Feria de Agosto) commemorates the Catholic Monarchs' entry into Málaga in 1487. That's why it centres on 19 August, a local holiday marking Málaga's incorporation into the Crown of Castile.
It lasts a week, Saturday to Saturday. In 2025 it ran from 16 to 23 August and in 2026 from 15 to 22, with fireworks on the Friday night before. As of 14 October 2026 the council hadn't announced the 2027 dates; it has confirmed that Thursday 19 August 2027 will be a local holiday.
On the first Saturday there's usually a pilgrimage (romería) to the Sanctuary of the Virgen de la Victoria, the city's patron saint: in 2026 it left the City Hall at around 11:00 and crossed the centre to the sanctuary.
Fair in the centre (by day)
- In the streets of the Old Town.
- In 2026, the council's decree set it from 12:00 to 18:00.
- Decorated streets and a festive atmosphere; walkable from our apartments.
- The centre is closed to traffic during those hours.
Fair at the Real (by night)
- At the Cortijo de Torres fairground, south-west of the centre.
- Marquees (casetas) open to the public: no invitation needed.
- In 2026, around a hundred fairground rides.
- Partying into the small hours; special buses and taxis all night.
2026 times, for guidance only. Check that year's programme on the city council's website.
The daytime fair in the centre
Around midday, the party is in the Old Town streets, closed to traffic (from 12:00 to 18:00 every day of the fair in 2026).
It's the easiest part to enjoy if you're staying in the centre: step outside and you're in it. To drink, Cartojal, a sweet wine, is the favourite among fairgoers.
The night fair at the Real de Cortijo de Torres
As evening falls, the fair moves to the Real, the Cortijo de Torres fairground next to the Trade Fair and Congress Centre. That's where you'll find the marquees and the rides.
Málaga's marquees are open to everyone, no invitation required. And the Real doesn't close early: in 2026 the EMT's special night buses ran from 20:00 to 6:00, and the fairground taxi ranks operated around the clock.
- 24 hEMT line F between the centre and the fairground (2026)
- 16Special night bus lines from the neighbourhoods to the fairground (2026)
- €2Fare on line F and the special lines (2026, approx.)
How to get to the fairground
The council recommends leaving the car and using public transport to reach the Real: access roads close from around 20:00 and the last stretch of Camino de San Rafael is reserved for buses, taxis and residents. Here are the options, with 2026 details:
| Option | From | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|
| Line F (EMT) | Alameda Principal, north side, between Calle Larios and Puerta del Mar | Direct to the fairground 24 hours a day throughout the fair; €2 (approx.), cash or card. |
| Special night lines (EMT) | From every neighbourhood in the city | 20:00 to 6:00; €2 (approx.), by bank card. |
| Regular daytime lines (EMT) | Lines 4, 18, 19, 20 and 22 | Link the fairground with several districts at the standard fare. |
| Cercanías train (Renfe) | C1 from Centro-Alameda or María Zambrano | Get off at Victoria Kent, the nearest station: about 11 minutes' walk to the fairground (approx.). Renfe added extra services in 2026. |
| Taxi or ride-hailing | Ranks in the centre or an app | 24-hour fairground ranks on Avenida de las Malagueñas (main gate) and Avenida Ortega y Gasset; ride-hailing drop-off on Ortega y Gasset. |
Times, routes and fares change every year: check the EMT website or app, Renfe and the city council's website.
A day at the fair, our way
An easy morning
Beach, a museum or a lie-in: the daytime fair gets going at midday.
Midday in the centre
Head into the Old Town streets and soak up the daytime fair.
Siesta
Go back to the apartment when the heat peaks. It's a long night.
Night at the fairground
Take line F from the Alameda or the Cercanías to Victoria Kent.
Home again
Line F ran all night in 2026; otherwise, a taxi from the fairground ranks.
Where to stay during the fair
If the daytime fair is your thing, staying in the centre is easiest. Torre San Juan is about 2 minutes' walk from Plaza de la Constitución (approx.), right in the middle of it; bear in mind it's a 4th floor with no lift and the street will be lively that week.
For getting to and from the fairground, Cuarteles is about a minute's walk (approx.) from Centro-Alameda, where the C1 Cercanías line starts, and about 6 minutes (approx.) from the Alameda Principal, where line F left from in 2026.
If you're driving, Trinidad has paid parking in the same building: leave the car there and get around on foot and by public transport. Bear in mind that in 2026 the centre was closed to traffic from 12:00 to 18:00 and didn't reopen until around 21:00; if you're arriving that week, message us beforehand and we'll help you plan your arrival.
Frequently asked questions
When is the 2027 Málaga Fair?
As of 14 October 2026, the city council hasn't announced the dates. It usually lasts a week in mid-August, Saturday to Saturday (15 to 22 August in 2026), and 19 August 2027 will be a local holiday.
Where are the day fair and the night fair?
The day fair is in the Old Town streets (12:00 to 18:00 in 2026). The night fair is at the Real, the Cortijo de Torres fairground.
How do I get to the fairground?
In 2026, on EMT line F, direct from the Alameda Principal 24 hours a day; on the special night lines from the neighbourhoods; or by Cercanías train to Victoria Kent and about 11 minutes on foot (approx.). There are taxi ranks at the fairground too.
Do I need an invitation to get into the marquees?
No. In Málaga the marquees (casetas) are open to the public.
Can I drive to the fair?
We wouldn't. The council closes streets in the centre and around the fairground and recommends public transport. If you arrive by car, park it and leave it.
