Ultimate Guide to Marbella Fair
Besides Easter and Christmas, the Marbella Fair is one of the most awaited events in the city.
The city gets ready for a week of celebration. The old town of Marbella fills up with locals and tourists. Expect a lively atmosphere as you walk through the most charming area of Marbella.
If you want to experience the local culture, the fair is such a great opportunity. We locals sometimes wear traditional flamenco dresses, dance to traditional music (malagueñas, very similar to flamenco), and gather with friends and family at the fair to have a good time.
The other good thing is that we have two types of fairs, Feria de Día and Feria de Noche, which translates to day and night fairs.
Whether you’re a local or a traveller who happens to be in Marbella just in time for this celebration, I’m sharing the dates for 2026, the scheduled program and other insider tips.
I’m pretty sure you’ll have a wonderful time. After all, it’s the best event in the city!
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What’s Marbella Fair? What to expect
The fair, officially called Feria de San Bernabé, consists of a week of celebrations that also commemorate the Patron Saint, San Bernabé. There’s actually one day, the 11th of June, dedicated to San Bernabé.
Feria de día takes place in the old town, at Parque de la Alameda, and on Avenida del Mar. They set up stalls where you can grab food and drinks, and there’s music playing too. It’s a great atmosphere. Each day, you can expect a variety of live performances, including parades and concerts.
Feria de noche takes place near La Cañada shopping centre. It has a bit of everything, from rides and concerts to casetas (stalls serving food bites and drinks) with a fantastic atmosphere. While it’s nighttime, I think it’s better for older children and teens, since there are many fun rides and attractions, from a big wheel to roller coasters and bumpy rides.
Scheduled program for 2026
The official program published by Turismo de Marbella has just been released. Unfortunately, it’s only in Spanish, so I’ve created a summary of the main events based on this year’s edition.
Sunday 31st May. While the fair happens a bit later, the festivities start a bit early. On this Sunday, we celebrate the Romería. You can enjoy free churros with chocolate in Plaza de la Iglesia at 8:30 am before the religious procession. On this same day, you can see traditional dances, have paella at Parque de Nagüeles and more.
Fast forward to Monday, the 8th of June, it’s the official start of the fair, which starts at 10 pm. The young locals are awarded the title of Dama de la Feria (Lady’s Fair), among others, and there are impressive fireworks, too.
Tuesday, 9th June. Marbella day fair starts in Parque de la Alameda. The park entrance is decorated with a beautiful themed arch every year. Every stall offers different activities you can engage in. Expect lots of stalls, live music, traditional dancing and a lively atmosphere. Continue the party on the evening fairgrounds at 7 pm, where you can find rides and attractions.
This is also the famous Día del Niño, when attractions are reduced for children at the evening fair.
The next day, Wednesday, the 10th of June, go to the old town at 12 pm to enjoy the Andalusian hymn and see the parade with live music and giants and oversized-headed figures passing through the streets of the historic centre. It starts and ends in Calle Salinas. Afterwards, head to Parque de la Alameda for the day fair.
Thursday, the 11th of June, starts with a religious parade at 10 am, followed by the usual activities at the day and night fairs. If you love traditional dancing, such as sevillanas, you’ll want to come on this day from 2 to 4 pm.
Friday, the 12th of June, features very similar activities to the previous days; however, one highlight is the “noise-free” hours at the night fair. From 7 pm to 10 pm, people sensitive to noise can enjoy the fair without music and loud noise.
One of the most unique events takes place on Saturday, the 13th of June. And that’s the historic parade that recreates the arrival of the Spanish Monarchs Isabel and Fernando in Marbella. It takes place in the old town. While I’m against bullfighting, there’s also a bullfighting event at the Marbella bullring at 7:30 pm for those interested.
The last day of the fair, Sunday, the 14th of June, is still full of fun activities. Children will want to attend the water party in Arroyo Primero at 12 pm, and those interested in dancing need to head to Avenida Ramón y Cajal for sevillanas at 1:30 pm! Continue the party at the day and evening fair. Another top event is the “Noche del Rock Andaluz” (Night of Andalusian Rock) at 7 pm.
Tips for making the most of the Marbella Fair
- If you have children, take advantage of “Día del niño” on Thursday. During this day, you can expect reduced prices for attractions at the night fair.
- If your children are sensitive to noise, you’ll be glad to know that there’s a quiet time on one of the days. It’s usually between 7 pm and 10 pm.
- Are you planning to eat lunch near the city centre? I recommend booking restaurants in advance. During the fair week, they fill up very quickly, and you might end up with very few options.
- Do you want to go from the city to the night fair? You might want to check out the free bus running during the fair week. I wouldn’t drive, as parking isn’t easy to find.
- You definitely don’t need to dress as a local to attend the fair, unless you want to get a traditional dress from one of the shops in the historic centre. But I recommend comfortable, light clothing, as it can be quite hot, especially during the day, even under the shade of La Alameda’s tall trees. I love wearing floaty summer dresses at this time of the year. If you need inspiration for what to pack for Marbella in the summer, this guide will help.
What to do in Marbella before or after the fair
Sightseeing in Marbella is always better when big events aren’t happening, as it can feel a bit crowded, especially because of its size, since it isn’t as big as Malaga.
Nevertheless, if you are only staying when the fair is happening, you can still do the same as you do any other time.
Also, keep in mind the parades and street performances taking place. Plan your sightseeing time wisely.
Here are some of my recommended activities as a local:
- Enjoy chocolate con churros or a freshly squeezed juice in Plaza de los Naranjos.
- Have a peek at the Iglesia de la Encarnación.
- Window shop at independent shops. I love Artesanía española Juan de Arce for souvenirs; I have bought a couple of lovely lemon-themed mugs and bowls, and Tandem for boho and floaty dresses, perfect for summer.
- Visit the Spanish Engraving Museum.
- Walk on the beach promenade at sunset.
- Take in the luxurious vibes at Puerto Banus.
✨ Interested in learning a bit more about Marbella? My self-guided audio tour includes the highlights of Marbella Old Town, interesting facts and other local insights. The best thing is that you can take it at your own pace.
Where and what to eat at Marbella Fair
You’ll find a good selection of stalls, tapas bars and taverns in the old town where you can enjoy some of our local flavours.
Taverns like La Niña del Pisto, my favourite, and El Bordón serve delicious Andalusian appetisers and dishes, such as pescaito frito (fried fish), Iberian ham and cheese boards, and Spanish potato omelette, among others.
Regarding drinks, the most popular options are beer, such as the local Victoria beer, and wine in various forms, including the classic tinto de verano and Cartojal sweet wine. If you want something different, why not try manzanilla? A refreshing sweet and dry wine served at the fair or the rebujito made with fino and Seven Up.
During the Night Fair, there are plenty of casetas (stalls) where you can grab food and drink, and if you want to end the night like a local, churros or buñuelos (small doughnuts) are a must before heading back to your hotel.
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FAQ about Feria de Marbella
Is Marbella Fair free?
Yes. There’s no cost to attend both fairs. Most concerts, street performances and parades are free. You only need to pay for the rides and for some concerts, which are usually by very famous singers.
Do places close during the fair?
Most restaurants, bars, boutiques and shopping centres remain open during the Marbella Fair. The only day you might find fewer places open is the 11th of June, San Bernabé Day.
Where is the best place to stay in Marbella during the fair?
I would stay in Marbella Centre, as you’ll be within walking distance of the day fair, and you can easily grab transport to the evening fair. In this area, I recommend hotels such as Obal Hotel Marbella and Hotel Amàre Marbella (adults-only). If you prefer a resort, Hotel Don Pepe Gran Meliá is one of the closest to the centre.
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