Summer events: Your go-to guide for sunny days and beachy nights
Summer’s here, and Marbella is the place to be! Now what? We’ve got everything from barefoot beach parties to amazing concerts. Whether you’re here for the vibes, the views or the mojitos: this is your no-stress, sun-soaked summer guide! Let’s get into it!
Events you can’t miss this summer!
Romería (May 3rd)
Romería de la Cruz de Juanar is a traditional pilgrimage. It gets off at dawn to the Cruz de Juanar, located in the Sierra Blanca mountains, a stunning natural viewpoint with breathtaking views over the coast, Marbella and on clear days, even Gibraltar and the African shoreline.
Fiesta of Virgen del Carmen (June 16th)
The Fiesta of the Virgen del Carmen, patron saint of fishermen, is celebrated on 16th July across all towns along the Costa del Sol. In Marbella, it’s especially beloved, as she is also the city’s patron saint. The procession runs between the fishing port and Puerto Banús and then the statue is carried out to sea, accompanied by a fleet of boats to bless the waters.
San Juan (June 23th)
Celebrated on the night of June 23rd, San Juan Night marks the summer solstice. Locals gather on the beach to light bonfires, make wishes and celebrate with music and dancing. This magical night is filled with energy as people jump over the flames and enjoy fireworks, welcoming the arrival of summer.
Ferias (June-September)
Feria de San Bernabé is Marbella’s biggest local celebration and you should get ready for a week (9-14 June) of non-stop colour, culture and pure joy. Held in honour of the city’s patron saint, this iconic June fiesta splits into two moods: during the day, buzzing through the Old Town with dancing, tapas and flamenco flair; and during the night, where the party moves to Arroyo Primero and doesn’t stop ‘til sunrise.
The “Feria” (local festival) is a must! A vibrant celebration of Andalusian culture, with traditional music, dancing, flamenco shows and a true taste of local life. It’s also the perfect way to experience spanish roots while enjoying its luxurious atmosphere. And there are few of them, not only in Marbella! You can also go to Málaga’s (16-23 August) or Ronda’s (2-7 September) ferias, if you are already planning on taking a day trip or visit these towns for a few days.
The real magic happens on 11 June, the big day, marking the historic conquest of Marbella by the Catholic Monarchs. Expect music, parades, fireworks, even a classic bullfight if you’re feeling traditional. It’s a full-on Andalusian celebration: and yes, the dress code is “traje de flamenca”, the traditional dress for the ferias and good vibes only! (Of course, you can wear anything you want, but expect to see beautiful trajes de flamenca and wishing to buy one for next year!)
Starlite Festival (June-August)
Starlite Festival is Marbella’s biggest and most glamorous summer event. It is a stunning open-air music festival that attracts top artists from around the world (Camilla Cabello, The Script, Will Smith…). It combines music, fashion and art in one unforgettable experience. This event is from the 20th of June until 29th of August, and you can see the lineup here.
On top of that, this festival offers an incredible gastronomic journey that features five high-quality restaurants, each offering a unique taste of global cuisine. Starlite Festival’s Gastro Experience is a culinary extravaganza that elevates the festival beyond music. From the vibrant flavors of Ánima’s Mexican dishes to the refined Italian fare at Raffaella and the innovative Nikkei fusion at Tanabata, there’s something to satisfy every palate. Plus, guests can also indulge in gourmet creations at Sandra’s Restaurant and enjoy a variety of options at the Foodhall.
For Art Lovers
However, for Marbella’s art lovers, there is an Art Space daily art exhibition from 1-3 August in Villa Padierna. And if you are an artist, you can showcase your artwork and will be invited to VIP night on the 31st of July where you can meet art collectors and other artists! More information here. For the smaller ones, Little Picassos is held almost every Saturday and Sunday at 10am at Gran Hotel Guadalpin Banus and Manula Kids Marbella. It’s all about creativity, colour and pure joy! This pop-up Art Club invites kids aged 2-10 to unleash their inner artist through playful, hands-on sessions. Expect messy masterpieces and big imaginations!
Sports Events
Marbella’s turning up the heat this summer: not just with sunshine, but with some seriously exciting sports action! First up, the Marbella Cup brings international youth football to town, with the men’s tournament from 20–23 June and the women’s from 26–29 June. Expect goals, glory and plenty of sideline energy.
Beach vibes? Absolutely. The Spanish Beach Tennis Championship (14-18 May) hits Marbella, followed by the high-flying King’s & Queen’s Cups of Beach Volleyball from 29 May-1 June: pro athletes, killer spikes and golden sand. And that’s not all. The One Race to Marbella is the ultimate golf and padel showdown, running all summer across 9 venues, with over 3,000 players swinging for glory. For future ballers, the Carlos Cabezas Basketball Campus (30 June-5 July) is where the next MVPs train with the pros! Whether you’re playing, cheering or just here for the vibe: this summer, Marbella is serving sports with a side of sunshine.
Beach clubs are calling!
This summer in Marbella isn’t about doing everything, it’s about doing everything that makes you feel alive. Whether that’s dancing barefoot, sipping cocktails by sunset or booking a last-minute yacht for “just because”… You didn’t come to Marbella to sit still! Head to the coast and soak up that beach club energy:
Nikki Beach: Champagne showers, iconic white parties and a legendary global name.
Ocean Club: Oversized sunbeds, poolside glamour and non-stop DJ vibes.
Naô Pool Club: Lush jungle feels, fruity cocktails and throwback tunes all day.
Sublime Laguna Village: A vibrant spot known for its stylish ambiance and beachfront allure.
Playa Padre: Boho-chic, beach bonfires and that Bali-meets-Andalusia magic.
La Sala by the Sea: VIP beds, waterfront sushi and that Puerto Banús sparkle.
Purobeach Marbella: Zen meets luxury with panoramic views and next-level dining.
The port area in Marbella is famous for its luxury yachts and high-end lifestyle and in summer, it turns into a hotspot for incredible beach and boat parties.
Get your swimwear ready, the party starts early!
Need a place to stay?
Let Roccabox find you the perfect summer home close to all the fun. Contact us now!