In 2024, Marbella was named Europe’s Best Destination, ranking ahead of cities like Paris, Rome and Amsterdam. Not bad for a coastal town that still feels personal. What many people do not realise is that Marbella’s lifestyle is shaped as much by its events calendar as by its beaches, golf courses and year-round sunshine.
If you are considering buying property on the Costa del Sol or spending extended time here, understanding the rhythm of the year matters. Marbella in August feels very different to Marbella in February. And 2026 is shaping up to be a particularly strong year.
This guide highlights the most important events in Marbella, with select additions from Puerto Banús, Estepona, Sotogrande and Benahavís. Expect a mix of international names, refined sporting events and local celebrations that reveal what living here is really like.
Spring 2026: When Marbella Comes Back to Life
Spring is one of the most appealing seasons on the Costa del Sol. Temperatures are comfortable, the landscape is green, and the social calendar begins to fill quickly.
Semana Santa (Holy Week)
Semana Santa is one of the most atmospheric times to be in Marbella. Traditional processions move through the Old Town, combining candlelight, music and centuries-old rituals.
Marbella, San Pedro de Alcántara and Estepona all host their own processions, each with a slightly different character. It is deeply Spanish, yet fascinating for international visitors. Official updates are published by the Marbella Town Hall.
Spring Golf Tournaments
With more than 70 golf courses within an hour’s drive, spring is peak golf season. Courses such as Los Naranjos, Las Brisas and Valderrama host invitation tournaments and amateur championships.
Real Club Valderrama in Sotogrande also hosts major international competitions, including LIV Golf events. Information is available via LIV Golf.
Early Summer 2026: Culture, Sport and Long Evenings
June marks the transition into summer, without the intensity of the high season. It is one of the most elegant times to be in Marbella.
Feria de San Bernabé
Marbella’s main fair honours its patron saint and transforms the town for a full week. By day, the Old Town fills with music, horses and traditional dress. By night, the fairground hosts concerts, dancing and local food.
This is one of the best moments to experience Marbella’s cultural identity beyond the beach.
International Polo in Sotogrande
The polo season begins in May and builds throughout the summer at Ayala Polo Club in Sotogrande. Matches range from relaxed afternoon games to high-goal international tournaments.
Polo attracts a discreet but highly international crowd, many of whom are also property owners in the area. Full schedules are published at sotograndepolo.com.
High Summer 2026: Music, Nightlife and Global Attention
Summer in Marbella is vibrant, social and unmistakably international.
Starlite Festival
The Starlite Occident Festival is Marbella’s flagship cultural event. Held in a natural quarry above the Golden Mile, it attracts world-class artists across music, comedy and live performance.
The setting is what makes it special. Open air, excellent acoustics, late dinners and long nights. The full programme is announced at starlitefestival.com.
Beach Clubs and Marina Events
Venues such as Nikki Beach, Ocean Club and Puerto Banús Marina host themed parties, DJ residencies and sunset events throughout July and August.
These are not one-off festivals, but part of daily summer life. Puerto Banús event updates can be found at puertobanus.com.
Late Summer 2026: A More Local Rhythm
By late August, the pace softens. Families travel, and residents reclaim the town.
Benahavís Summer Fair
Benahavís hosts a small but charming feria set against a mountain backdrop. Expect live music, local food and a strong sense of community.
It offers a very different experience to Marbella’s larger events and appeals to buyers seeking a quieter lifestyle.
Estepona Cultural Programme
Estepona continues to expand its cultural offering, with open-air concerts, exhibitions and evening markets throughout late summer.
Official event listings are published via estepona.es.
Autumn 2026: The Insider Season
Autumn is a favourite among long-term residents. The weather remains warm, while the town feels more spacious and relaxed.
San Pedro de Alcántara Fair
This October fair is more residential and family-focused than Marbella’s main feria. It reflects everyday life rather than spectacle.
For buyers considering Western Marbella, this event offers a clear insight into local community life.
Gastronomy and Outdoor Living
Autumn is ideal for exploring inland villages, food routes and wine tastings. Benahavís, Ronda and Casares host smaller gastronomic events that are rarely advertised internationally.
Winter 2026: Festive and Surprisingly Social
Winter in Marbella is mild, bright and far more active than many expect.
Christmas Markets
Marbella’s Old Town hosts a festive market with artisan stalls, lights and live music. Puerto Banús also runs a more polished Christmas market set along the marina.
Three Kings Parade
The Cabalgata de Reyes in early January is one of Spain’s most joyful traditions. Parades fill the streets, sweets are thrown to children, and the atmosphere is genuinely warm and inclusive.
Why Marbella’s Events Calendar Matters When Buying Property
For international buyers, events are not just entertainment. They influence lifestyle, rental demand and how different neighbourhoods feel throughout the year.
Living near the Golden Mile feels very different in August than it does in November. Owning close to a golf course follows a distinct rhythm to life in the Old Town.
At Marbella Homes to Love, we believe lifestyle comes first. Properties follow.
If you would like guidance on where to buy based on how you want to live, explore our latest listings or get in touch for a discreet, no-pressure conversation about life on the Costa del Sol.