Málaga Weekender Newsletter: April 17–21, 2025

🌟 In case you’ve been hiding under a rock, it is Holy Week, and this is the big weekend. Málaga’s world-famous Holy Week processions take over the city center each day and night through Easter Sunday, April 20. Dozens of brotherhoods (cofradía) carry lavish thrones with realistic wooden sculptures that depict scenes from the Passion or Virgin Mary, accompanied by bands and candles in an emotional display of art and faith​. In total, 45 processions will parade through the streets over the week, with the most solemn nights being today, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. Expect large crowds, road closures, and an unforgettable atmosphere. Kid-friendly: Yes (with parental supervision in the crowds). More info: See the Semana Santa program for routes and timing of each procession​.

For this week, we’ve divided the events by day to make it easier to plan your weekend.

THURSDAY, APRIL 17

Not many events outside of Holy Week, but I was able to find a few ongoing music events on Thursday and Friday evenings.

🎶 Clarence Jazz Club – Jam Session
Live, improvised jazz night with local musicians.
📍 Clarence Jazz Club | ⏰ 22:00 | 👨‍👩‍👧 Kid-friendly: No
🔗 More Info

FRIDAY, APRIL 18

🎶 Live Rock – Hard Rock Cafe Málaga
Hard Rock Cafe in Muelle Uno hosts a weekly music night. Usually rock and pop covers.
📍 Hard Rock Cafe | ⏰ 21:00 | 👨‍👩‍👧 Kid-friendly: Yes
🔗 More Info

SATURDAY, APRIL 19

⛹️ Basketball: Unicaja vs. Surne Bilbao – Catch elite Spanish Liga Endesa basketball as Málaga’s home team Unicaja faces off against Surne Bilbao Basket​. Expect an electric atmosphere with passionate fans.
📍 Palacio de Deportes Martín Carpena | ⏰ 18:00 tip-off | 👨‍👩‍👧 Kid-friendly: Yes (this is a great activity for kids as young as 3)
🔗 More Info 

🎉 Brunch Electronik Festival
Electronic music festival with headliner Paco Osuna, food trucks, and a ‘chill evening vibe.’
📍 Auditorio Municipal | ⏰ From 18:00 | 👨‍👩‍👧 Kid-friendly: Partial, festival setting.
🔗 More Info

🎶 O’Funk’illo – 25th Anniversary Concert
Legendary Spanish funk-rock band performs live—expect heavy grooves and wild energy.
📍 La Cochera Cabaret | ⏰ 22:00 | 👨‍👩‍👧 Kid-friendly: No
🔗 More Info

🎶 Alba LaMerced – “Ciudad Matriz” Concert
Local singer-songwriter Alba LaMerced presents her debut album with a unique show blending music and theater.
📍 Sala Marte | ⏰ 21:00 | 👨‍👩‍👧 Kid-friendly: No
🔗 More Info 

(No major football home games in Málaga this weekend – Málaga CF plays an away match.)

SUNDAY, APRIL 20

🎭 Toni Bright – Creer Para Ver
Mentalism and illusions from one of Spain’s best-known stage magicians.
📍 La Cochera Cabaret | ⏰ 17:30 | 👨‍👩‍👧 Kid-friendly: Yes
🔗 More Info

🎭 Málaga Comedy – Monologuean2
Stand-up comedy night in Spanish with local comedians.
📍 La Cochera Cabaret | ⏰ 20:30 | 👨‍👩‍👧 Kid-friendly: No
🔗 More Info

🎶 Candlelight Premium: Coldplay vs. Imagine Dragons (Tribute)
String quartet tribute by candlelight featuring hits by Coldplay & Imagine Dragons.
📍 Museo Carmen Thyssen Málaga | ⏰ Evening | 👨‍👩‍👧 Kid-friendly: Yes (8+)
🔗 More Info

🎨 Sunday is also the final day to see:

🛳️ Galeón Andalucía – Historic Ship Visit
Explore six decks of maritime history aboard a full-size Spanish galleon.
📍 Muelle Uno | ⏰ 10:00–20:00 | 👨‍👩‍👧 Kid-friendly: Yes
🔗 More Info

MONDAY, APRIL 21

🎬 Memento Mori (Indie Short Film Screening)
Local noir-thriller film premiere from True Cinema Productions.
📍 La Caja Blanca | ⏰ 19:30 | 👨‍👩‍👧 Kid-friendly: No
🔗 More Info

🖼️ Ongoing Exhibits

If you’re aching for some visual art this weekend, here’s rundown of the ongoing exhibits in the city’s main museums:

• Picasso: The Royan Sketchbooks – Museo Picasso Málaga

• Pintura Liberada – Museo Carmen Thyssen

• Zurbarán: Saints – Museo Carmen Thyssen. This exhibit’s last day was supposed to be this Sunday but has been extended until June 1st.

• Kandinsky @ Centre Pompidou

• Guda Koster Kids’ Exhibit @ Pompidou Espacio Joven

Enjoy the weekend!