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What to do in Cyprus this weekend, October 9–11? Festivals and free attractions
What to do in Cyprus this weekend, October 9–11? Larnaca will host the Scalifornia food festival, Nicosia will host the largest book festival, and Limassol will host a sea festival and motorcycle show. Mountain towns offer apples, local delicacies, and handicrafts. Many events are free to attend.
We've prepared suggestions for families, music lovers, cinema enthusiasts, sports enthusiasts, and Cypriot traditions. We've provided dates, locations, and fees. Please note that free admission to the festival doesn't include free food or participation in all workshops. Tickets or reservations are required for selected concerts, performances, and tastings.
The rest of the article is below
What to do in Cyprus this weekend? Select a region.
You'll find the most options in the three largest cities, but it's also worth considering venturing beyond the main resorts. Kyperounda invites you to the Apple Festival, Argaka to the avocado festival, and Lagoudera to experience traditional flavors.
The schedule below allows you to quickly choose your destination. Further down, you'll find details about individual events.
Weekend of October 9–11, 2026
Where to go?
Limassol and surroundings: Thalassa, motorcycles, open galleries, cinema, Oktoberfest and a concert in Kourion.
Larnaca: Scalifornia, street festival, dance championships and MahallArt.
Nicosia: book festival, jazz, Mitsikouri and United by Pride events.
Paphos and surroundings: European Donation Day and the Avocado Festival in Argaka.
Mountain towns: apples in Kyperounda, street food in Palaichori and traditional flavors in Lagoudera.
Ayia Napa: dragon boat races and a Friday spectacle at the monastery.
Limassol and its surroundings - sea, motorcycles and culture
Thalassa 2026 on the Molos promenade
Saturday, October 10 | Molos | 9:00 AM–7:00 PM | Free admission
The fifth edition of the Festival of the Sea will showcase sailing, the work of maritime services, and the Cypriot maritime economy. It's also a great event for children, with presentations, interactive attractions, and educational activities.
An evening concert by Haris Varthakouris has also been announced at the Old Port Square. It's worth checking the concert time in the current program—it shouldn't be confused with the daytime hours of the festival.
Off Road Festival All Star
October 10–11 | Agios Antonios Stadium | Free Saturday, ticketed Sunday
Freestyle motocross, Hard Enduro, and Trial shows promise a spectacular weekend for motorcycle enthusiasts. Family attractions and a Sunday concert by Locomondo have also been announced.
Online tickets for Sunday start at 15 euroSince the announcements indicate different times for the Saturday portion, please check the organizer's current schedule before going. Information is also available by calling 96 030130.
Limassol Art Walks
October 9–11 | Historic Center | Free admission
Galleries, studios, and art spaces are open to the public. The program includes exhibitions, installations, and performances.
On Friday you can visit participating places during opening hours 17:00–21:00, and on Saturday and Sunday 11:00–18:00It's worth selecting a few points on the organizer's map in advance, rather than trying to see everything in one walk.
International Short Film Festival
October 10–16 | Rialto Theatre
The sixteenth edition of the International Short Film Festival of Cyprus begins this Saturday. This event is for those interested in films outside the mainstream repertoire, meetings with filmmakers, and accompanying events.
The announcement stated 5 euros for a day ticket and 25 euros for a season ticketThe repertoire and entry requirements for specific events should be checked upon purchase.
Aida Garifullina in Kourion
Friday and Saturday, October 9-10 | 8:00 PM | Ancient Theatre of Kourion | Tickets from €80
The soprano will perform with the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra. The ancient theater will be the setting for two evenings of classical music.
If you are reading the list late on Friday evening, check first of all the availability of places for Saturday.
Oktoberfest at City of Dreams Mediterranean
October 9–11 | City of Dreams Mediterranean, Limassol
Beer, Bavarian delicacies, and live music make up the three-day Oktoberfest Extravaganza. This is one of the events previously featured on CyprNews.
For hours, prices and other beer festivals, see our separate list below.
Larnaca - Food, Dance and Street Life
Scalifornia in Salina Park
October 10–11 | Salina Municipal Park | 11:00 AM–11:00 PM | Free admission
Street food, Cypriot chefs, music and workshops will fill the park at Larnaca's municipal gardens.
On Saturday at 17:30 a craft beer tasting is planned, and 19:00 Hot sauce workshops. On Sunday at 14:30 there will be a tasting of local wines, and 16:30 burger preparation demonstration.
Selected classes are subject to a fee and require registration. The organizer provides 40 euros for Sunday wine tasting.
Veneror Larnaca
Saturday, October 10 | Historic Center | 11:00–23:00
The city center streets will be filled with music, performances, food, and family-friendly attractions. This is a great idea for a city walk, which can be combined with a visit to Salina Park.
Before leaving, it is worth checking the plan of individual points - the event covers the center area, not a single stage.
IDO Dance Championships
October 9–15 | Municipal Multifunctional Center, Faneromenis 63 | Public ticket: €30
Larnaca hosts an international dance competition. The program includes Latin Style, Discofox, salsa, and bachata.
Announced range 9:00–22:00 applies to the competition program. The time of the selected competition and the ticket scope must be checked in the detailed schedule.
MahallArt in Agios Ioannis
October 8–10 | Agios Ioannis District
The Larnaca 2030 initiative brings culture to the neighborhood. The program includes walks, workshops, performances, and outdoor shows.
The festival runs until Saturday. With Friday's release, it's worth checking out the events that haven't started yet, as well as the Saturday portion of the program.
More details in our previous materials
We've already described selected events separately. You'll find a more detailed program there, along with practical information you'll need before your trip.
Nicosia - Books, Jazz and Performances
Nicosia Book Fest
Saturday and Sunday, October 10–11 | Strovolos Acropolis Park | 10:00–22:00 | Free admission
Bookstores, publishers, and authors will gather for the largest book festival on the island. This year, Spain is the guest of honor.
In addition to book stalls, there will be talks, presentations, workshops, and events for children. The official opening is scheduled earlier, on Friday at 19:00 — the main visiting days are Saturday and Sunday.
Mitsikouri - a festival for young audiences
October 10–18 | Various cities and scenes in Cyprus
The international performing arts festival presents 14 productions from 11 countries. The first weekend includes events in Nicosia, Limassol, and Pelendri.
When choosing a performance, check the audience's age, language, and ticket availability. Some performances are already sold out, and prices and admission rules vary depending on the specific production.
AglanJazz Festival
Saturday, October 10 | Skali Aglantzias | 7:00–11:00 PM
Five bands will perform during one evening of jazz. This is a great option for those who want to stay in the capital for concerts after the daytime festivals.
United by Pride
Saturday, October 10 | Marches start: 5:00 PM
The two marches will depart from Eleftheria Square and Kuğulu Park, on opposite sides of divided Nicosia. The meeting is scheduled for the buffer zone near Ledra Palace, with an artistic and musical program.
People planning to move between parts of the city should take an ID card and check the rules of participation.
Paphos and the surrounding area - European event and avocado
European Donation Day
October 8–10 | Paphos
Cyprus is hosting this year's European Organ, Tissue and Cell Donation Day. The main events are taking place in Paphos.
A ceremony featuring a drone demonstration has been announced for Friday evening at the medieval castle. Saturday's program also includes a conference—be sure to check its availability before attending.
If you are reading this text after the Friday show, do not treat it as an attraction for Saturday.
Argaka Avocado Festival
Saturday, October 10 | SEDIGEP Argaka | From 4:30 PM | Free admission
The second edition of the festival will showcase local avocado cultivation and culinary uses. Cooking demonstrations, family activities, and performances have been announced.
The artistic program will start at 18:30Argaka is located in the Polis Chrysochous region – it is a separate excursion destination, not an event in the center of Paphos.
Mountain villages - apples and traditional flavors
Apple Festival in Kyperound
October 10–11 | Kyperounda Central Square | Free admission
The twenty-second edition of the festival combines local apples and preserves with workshops, crafts, music and dance.
The start is scheduled for Saturday at 10:00, and ending on Sunday at 20:00These hours are for the duration of the event only—they do not mean booths are open overnight.
Palaichori Street Food & Art Festival
October 10–11 | Palaichori Park | Saturday from 3:00 PM, Sunday from 11:00 AM | Free admission
Street food, handicrafts, local producers, and music will fill the park for two days. This is an option for those who want to combine gastronomy with a stroll through a mountain village.
Traditional flavors in Lagoudera
Sunday, October 11 | Agios Georgios Church Square | 10:00–17:00 | Free admission
This all-day event is dedicated to Cypriot cuisine, local products, and traditions. It's the perfect destination for a Sunday trip to the mountains.
Paramali - a festival of centuries-old olives
Sunday, October 11 | Paramali Community Park, Limassol Region | 11:00–20:00 | Free admission
Paramali invites you to a festival dedicated to ancient olive trees, olive oil, and agricultural heritage. The event showcases the products and experiences of local communities.
The town is located in the Limassol region, so it can be chosen as an alternative to a trip high in the Troodos.
Ayia Napa - Sports at the Marina and Theatre at the Monastery
International Dragon Boat Races
October 10–11 | Ayia Napa Marina | 8:00–14:00
The fourth Cyprus International Dragon Boat Regatta will bring together teams from Cyprus and abroad. Races will take place on Saturday and Sunday.
This is a suggestion for a morning visit to the marina, which can be combined with a walk. The competition program should not be confused with the separately organized closing ceremony.
The Echo of Our Mother
Friday, October 9 | Ayia Napa Medieval Monastery | 7:00 and 9:00 PM
The performance combines music, stage movement, and stories about women and motherhood. It is performed in Greek.
Free admission with advance reservations has been announced. Check the evening announcement to see if there are any seats left for the second screening.
How to plan a weekend without rushing?
For a family trip, Kyperounda or Argaka are good options. Those staying in the city can choose Scalifornia in Larnaca, the book festival in Nicosia, or Thalassa in Limassol.
It's better to plan one main event and possibly a second one nearby. Traveling between regions, parking, and getting to the venue may take longer than usual.
Before heading out, check the organizer's current announcements, ticket availability, and forecast. It's worth bringing warmer clothing for an evening in the mountains. After your alcohol tastings, plan to return with a non-drinking driver, either by taxi or public transport.
Sources: Cyprus Mail, Visit Cyprus, Visit Pafos, Sunmoon Hospitality, Limassol Art Walks, ISFFC, EDQM, Cyprus Dragon Boat Federation, EventOr; CyprNews archive.
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