As people start to say goodbye to summer and welcome the autumn season, it's not only the weather that's changing. The events scene also takes a spin.

In no particular order, we have searched our portal for our top picks for the month. It was no easy task with so many great contenders, but it in the end we feel we made the right choice...

The Smiling Man

The Smiling Man is an original theatre production by Two Sleeping Cats. The story follows a married couple, Lily and George, and how they are gradually torn apart because of their definition of happiness. Set in a dystopian modern world, the play explores society's invasiveness into our private lives. Combining disco and Orwellian madness, the play is an immersive experience that seeks to bring its audience into a world that, though extreme, is not too unfamiliar to their own.

And that’s made me buy a couple of tickets for the play too...

Starring Michela Farrugia, Joseph Zammit, Anthony Mizzi and Jacob Piccinino, the play is showcasing exclusive local talent. It’s hosted by the Blank Canvas and you can grab your tickets for 3 different nights from the 24th to the 26th September directly from Chitzo.

Branch to Bottle

The Mediterranean Culinary Academy are beginning the autumn season in style with their annual branch to bottle event. A unique experience for food enthusiasts to produce great quality local olive oil and enjoy the surrounding nature in Wardija.

The experience starts at the olive grove where the guests will meet the cultivators, the Grima family, who will share their insights and answer any questions that the group may have. They will also get everyone started with the harvesting process and lead a unique olive oil tasting session among the beautiful olive trees. The event will conclude with a locally-sourced 3-course sunset dinner with carefully selected wines. Guests will also get to enjoy the olive oil with their own cooking at home – they will be given a sample of the Bidni, endemic mono-varietal olive oil.

The MCA team are running the event on four separate days: Tuesday 21st, Friday 24th, Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th and spaces are limited to 24 people on each day. Saturday’s session is already sold out but there are some places on the remaining 3 days.

Malta Artisan Markets

The Malta Artisan Markets makes a most welcomed return on Independence Day. For their yearly summer market, they are heading to the courtyard of the beautiful and newly-refurbished Imperial in the heart of Sliema. Diverse artisans from jewelers and ceramists to graphic artists and painters, will be selling their authenic products.

Visitors may try local food, and discover the arts and crafts from the islands most enterprising individuals. The event itself is very family friendly, a great place to bump into old friends and speak to the artisans. It’s free to enter from 4pm to 8pm.

For more info follow this link.

Annette

Every month, Spazju Kreattiv brings out exciting new arthouse movies to their cinema. And this month, Annette is definitely a must watch. It's starring a great cast in Adam Driver, Marion Cotillard and Simon Helberg and directed by Leos Carax - who is the winner of the Best Director at the Cannes Film Festival 2021

The story follows Henry, a stand-up comedian with a fierce sense of humor, and Ann, a singer of international renown. In the spotlight, they are the perfect couple, healthy, happy, and glamourous. The birth of their first child, Annette, a mysterious girl with an exceptional gift, will change their lives.

The film is being screened on the following days:

• Tuesday, 7th September, 2021, 7.30pm
• Saturday, 11th September, 2021, 5.30pm
• Tuesday, 14th September, 2021, 7.30pm
• Friday, 17th September, 2021, 9pm
• Sunday, 26th September, 2021, 8.30pm
• Thursday, 30th September, 2021, 7.30pm
• Saturday, 2nd October, 2021, 5.30pm

Finesse Writers Retreat

Following Finesses’ recent book club launch, they have now dedicated a day’s retreat for writers to improve their craft and be more confident when writing. It’s no secret that writing can be a lonely activity at times, as you are just you, your thoughts and your keyboard. But it doesn’t have to be that way...

The retreat is taking place at Ax Palace Hotel in Sliema where you will learn from top international copywriting coaches, participate in engaging workshops, get feedback on your writing skills and network with other fellow writers.

Katie Lantukh, founder and chief copywriter of US-based Murphy Marketing, will share her secret on what’s needed to be commercially successful when writing. During his workshop, Jonathan Shaw will provide you with the tools to tackle writer’s block, while Jo Caruana will elevate your writing skills in her sessions.

You can find more information and booking here.

The Glades Live at Storeroom & Hole in the Wall

Brought together by a mutual love of classic glam and rock'n'roll, The Glades are two men on a mission to get your booties shakin’. Now is your chance to catch them live and up close as they are performing live at two venues just two days apart. For both performances, they'll be toning it down to give you an intimate acoustic set, playing songs from their original catalogue, as well as their own versions of songs they love and are inspired by.

Their first gig is at Storeroom on Sunday 12th September. They are selling tables indoor for €5 per person, and outdoor tables with just a stage view for €3. Their second gig is at Hole in the Wall on Tuesday 14th September and you can reserve a seat for just €1

Abseiling from Mosta Bridge

Check this one off the bucket list!

If you are feeling brave and would like to try a heart racing activity in Malta, abseiling from the daunting Mosta Bridge will definitely do the trick. Not only will the experience have your nerves on full alert, but you will also be able to enjoy some spectacular views of the gorgeous Wied l-Ghasel valley as you descend off the bridge.

The event is taking place on Sunday 25th September by MC Adventure with morning sessions at 9am and 10am. You may find more information and booking from here.

Stand Up at Uncle Matt’s

If you are looking for a different kind of night with your friends, the Clueless Comedy Collective have got you covered. They are touring bars and restaurants north and south of the island with different acts each time. We had the pleasure of attending their last event, and we had an absolute blast. This time around they are at Uncle Matt’s Kitchen in Msida with a star-studded line up hosted by the charming Dom Tabone.

Brandon Calleja Shaws’ comedy will tickle your funny bone in the opening act, before Gwilym Bugeja will leave you genuinely flummoxed and wondering if magic is actually ‘a thing’. Matthis Mallia will then hit the stage where anything that annoys him will likely be a victim. Famous for his plays, Malcolm Galea, will then share some of his deepest insights, including how to make friends and influence people… by farting on a plane.

It’s expected to be a sold-out night so grab your tickets from Chitzo here.

Masterclass: Carlo Muscat + Ermanno Novali Trio

Looking to learn more about Jazz? Now’s your chance...

The Malta Jazz School, through the support of the US Embassy in Malta, are offering a jazz masterclass on Sunday 19th September at Storeroom. The session will be led by the Italian pianist Ermanno Novali's trio in collaboration with local saxophonist Carlo Muscat.

Throughout this class, the group will broach numerous subjects, such as the way they handle interaction on stage whilst navigating a tune, interpreting standard repertoire pieces in various styles, influences, practicing methods, and more. The masterclass is suitable for all instrumentalists and vocalists of all ages and experience levels.

Book your spot for just €10 here.

Malta – Tunis – Marseille Exhibition

Based on a true story, artist Katel Delia, explores a Maltese family’s complex journey of migration through an immersive exhibition made up of photographs, videos, sound installations and archival documents. In their search for a better life, the family is looking for a space to inhabit that feels like home, but they are being pushed out because of external issues.

We have selected this exhibition to be part of the list as it echoes the life-story of many migrants who look for shelter when their native countries do not accept their return. It starts on 17th September at Spazju Kreattiv and will remain on until the end of October.

More information can be found here.