Valletta will once again become a centre for arts and culture on Saturday 3 October as Notte Bianca 2026 brings more than 50 multidisciplinary projects to the capital, the Ministry for Arts, Culture and National Heritage said in a statement. 

The programme, announced by Minister for Arts, Culture and National Heritage Malcolm Paul Agius Galea, will feature music, dance, theatre, visual arts and other forms of artistic expression across four main areas: the City Entrance, Castille Area, Hastings Area and St George's Area.

More than 70% of the projects this year are new works created specifically for Notte Bianca.

The evening will conclude in St George's Square with Minn Malta, a concert by the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra celebrating Maltese music.

"Notte Bianca is a clear example of how we want to continue bringing culture closer to the people and creating more spaces where Maltese artists can express their talent and creativity," Agius Galea said. 

He added that the event provides opportunities for artists and cultural-sector professionals while allowing families and visitors to experience different forms of cultural expression.

Festivals Malta Chairman Aaron Zahra said Valletta would once again offer an atmosphere for the whole family, encouraging the public to attend and experience the programme.

Festivals Malta CEO Frans Agius highlighted the months of preparation involved, including coordination between the organisation, collaborators, professional conference organisers and the disciplined forces.

The event's artistic directors, Rodney Camilleri Gauci, Yanis Azzopardi and Daniel Cauchi, said Maltese artists would remain at the heart of the programme. According to the artistic directors, every project includes the contribution of a Maltese artist, including projects involving international collaborators.

The organisers said the aim was to provide Maltese artists with a platform to create, experiment and present their work to the thousands of people expected to visit Valletta.

Public transport services will be extended during the event.

The Gozo Fast Ferry will operate later services, with the final ferry from Mġarr to Valletta scheduled to leave at 1:30am and the final Valletta-to-Mġarr service at 1:45am.

Valletta Ferry Services, including the Three Cities and Sliema ferry routes, will operate until 2am.

Valletta will be closed to vehicles from 4:30pm on Saturday 3 October. Residents will be allowed access upon presentation of their identity card.

The public is being encouraged to plan journeys in advance and use public transport where possible.

The full Notte Bianca programme and interactive map are available through the Festivals Malta website.

Notte Bianca is organised by Festivals Malta within the Ministry for Arts, Culture and National Heritage, in collaboration with various national entities and authorities.