November is quieter than October, but it is not empty. There are no public holidays in the month, so the events fall on ordinary weekends.
Here are the dates that are confirmed so far, in order.
The ferries and the light change first
The harbour ferries move to their winter timetable on 1 November. The last crossings from Sliema and the Three Cities to Valletta are earlier, and the times are on the ferries page.
The evenings are short by now. In Valletta the sun sets at 17:08 on 1 November and at 16:51 on 25 November.
Malta Book Festival, 4 to 8 November
The Malta Book Festival fills the MFCC in Ta’ Qali for five days. Thursday and Friday close from 13:00 to 17:00, so check the hours before you set off.
The festival page has the full timetable and the guests.
Science in the City performances, 6 and 7 November
Science in the City runs a second, smaller festival in November, built around performance. The University of Malta lists three venues in Valletta: MICAS, St John’s Co-Cathedral and Offbeat Music Bar.
The programme and booking details have not been published yet.
Malta Metal Weekend, 13 to 15 November
Thirteen bands play over three nights at Eden Arena in St George’s Bay, St Julian’s. The venue is inside the InterContinental hotel.
Europe play on the Sunday. Kreator, Doro, Paradise Lost and Candlemass are also on the bill.
You can buy a ticket for one day or for all three. Day tickets start at €35 through the festival’s ticket seller.
Żurrieq Half Marathon, Sunday 15 November
The half marathon starts in front of the Żurrieq parish church at 07:00. The 10K run and the 10K walk start at 07:45, and the children’s race is at 09:45.
The route runs through Qrendi, Mqabba and Kirkop and finishes back in Żurrieq. If you drive in the south that morning, allow extra time.
Entry costs €25 until 25 October and €30 after that.
The feast in Ta’ Xbiex, Sunday 15 November
The same Sunday is the feast of St John of the Cross in Ta’ Xbiex. It is the only village feast (festa) in November.
The rest of the year’s feasts are on the festas page.
Christmas in the Capital, from 25 November
The Valletta Cultural Agency starts Christmas in the Capital on 25 November. It runs to 31 December across the city.
The programme covers street decorations, a nativity crib, the big Christmas tree, live music and activities for families.
Getting around
The Book Festival is at Ta’ Qali, and bus routes 404 and 405 run there. The buses page has the timetables.
The Metal Weekend runs late into the night. Plan the ride home before you go. The taxi apps page lists the options.
Every event with a date is also in the events calendar.
