Festivals In Armenia

Discover the soul of traditions

🎉 Festivals in Armenia – Celebrate Culture, Taste, and Tradition

Armenia comes alive with vibrant festivals throughout the year—each one filled with color, music, and flavor! Join the locals and feel the joy of Armenian culture in action.

Popular Festivals:

Yerevan Wine Days – Taste local wines, enjoy street music and a lively city vibe (May)
Dolma Festival – Celebrate Armenian cuisine with endless variations of this traditional dish (May–June)
Vardavar – The beloved water festival where everyone joins in for a splash! (July)
Barbecue Festival (Khorovats) – A meat lover’s dream in the heart of Armenia (August)
Gata Festival – Try different kinds of Armenia’s sweet traditional pastry in a festive village atmosphere (September)
Areni Wine Festival – Held in the wine capital with tastings, dances, and crafts (October)

Perfect For: Foodies, culture lovers, and anyone who loves to celebrate!
Tip: Bring your camera—these festivals are full of beautiful, unforgettable moments.

🍇 Areni Wine Festival
📍 Location: Areni village, Vayots Dzor
📅 When: First Saturday of October, every year

Discover Armenia’s deep winemaking roots at the vibrant Areni Wine Festival—a day filled with flavor, culture, and joy. Held in the heart of one of the world’s oldest winemaking regions, this festival is the perfect blend of tradition and celebration.

✨ What to Expect:
Unlimited wine tastings from local and regional wineries

Traditional grape stomping—jump in and feel the fun!

Authentic Armenian cuisine: cheeses, lavash, dried fruits, and more

Folk music and dancing with live performances all day

Local crafts & souvenirs by Armenian artisans

Breathtaking views of the Areni valley and its vineyards

💡 Insider Tip:
Wear comfy shoes and bring an empty bag—you’ll likely leave with a few bottles of amazing wine!

Whether you’re a wine lover or a culture enthusiast, the Areni Wine Festival is an unforgettable experience that brings together the warmest traditions of Armenia with its world-class hospitality.

💦 Vardavar – The Water Festival of Armenia
📍 Celebrated Throughout Armenia
📅 Date: 14 weeks after Easter (usually in July)

Vardavar is one of the most joyful, playful, and ancient festivals in Armenia, where people of all ages take to the streets to splash water on each other—yes, completely drenching friends, strangers, and even tourists is part of the fun! 😄

🌸 A Festival with Deep Roots
Vardavar dates back to pagan times, originally dedicated to Astghik, the Armenian goddess of love, beauty, and water. After Christianity was adopted, it became associated with the Transfiguration of Christ, but the joyful water-splashing tradition remained.

🎉 What Happens on Vardavar:
Everyone throws water—with buckets, water guns, bottles, hoses, anything!

Streets turn into giant water playgrounds.

No one is safe—but everyone’s laughing!

In villages, you might also see traditional songs, dances, and feasts.

Yerevan’s Republic Square becomes one of the main splash zones, with music and water fountains turned into party spots.

💡 Insider Tip:
If you’re visiting Armenia during Vardavar, wear quick-dry clothes, leave your phone in a waterproof pouch, and just let go—you’ll have the time of your life! 😊

Fun fact: Armenians say that whoever you splash on Vardavar, you bless with happiness!

🫓 Dolma Festival – A Feast of Flavor
📍 Location: Usually held in the village of Hnaberd (Aragatsotn region)
📅 When: Mid-May (dates may vary)

Dolma, also known as “tolma” in Armenia, is more than just food—it’s a deep-rooted tradition that symbolizes hospitality, family, and celebration. The Dolma Festival is a delicious annual event that brings together chefs, food lovers, and culture enthusiasts to honor this iconic Armenian dish.

🍽 What is Dolma?
Dolma is a traditional dish made of minced meat, rice, herbs, and spices wrapped in grape leaves or cabbage. It can also be prepared with vegetables like eggplant, bell peppers, or zucchini. At the festival, you’ll taste all kinds of creative versions!

🎉 Festival Highlights:
🍴 Live cooking competitions with professional chefs and home cooks

🧑‍🍳 Creative dolma variations using local ingredients

🥇 Awards for the tastiest and most unique dolmas

🪕 Traditional Armenian music, dances, and cultural performances

🧺 Open-air picnic vibes with lots of tasting opportunities

🧵 Folk artisans selling handmade goods and crafts

💡 Insider Tip:
Come hungry! Bring your camera too—the presentation of the dolma dishes is a feast for the eyes as much as the stomach 😍

This festival is a true celebration of Armenian hospitality and culinary pride. It’s not just about tasting—it’s about experiencing food the way Armenians cherish it: with warmth, love, and joy.

🍖 Khorovats Festival – Armenian Barbecue Celebration
📍 Location: Akhtala, Lori Province
📅 When: Every September

One of the most mouth-watering festivals in Armenia, the Khorovats Festival is a true paradise for meat lovers and foodies! Dedicated to Armenia’s beloved khorovats (barbecue), this celebration brings together grill masters from all over the country to showcase their skills in preparing Armenia’s most iconic dish.

🔥 What is Khorovats?
Khorovats is Armenian-style grilled meat, usually pork or beef, marinated in herbs and spices and cooked over open flames. It’s a staple of Armenian gatherings, and at the festival, you’ll taste dozens of incredible variations!

🎉 Festival Highlights:
🍢 Live grilling competitions between top chefs and amateurs

🍷 Tasting stations with endless khorovats, wine, and beer

🥗 Local side dishes like fresh herbs, lavash, and Armenian salads

🎵 Folk music, dances, and live performances

🎭 Cultural showcases and games for kids and families

🧺 A big outdoor feast atmosphere with tables, laughter, and dancing

💡 Insider Tip:
Come hungry and early—many dishes are made fresh on the spot and sold out quickly! Don’t forget to grab a glass of local wine or tan (Armenian yogurt drink) to go with your meal.

Whether you’re a BBQ aficionado or just love authentic experiences, the Khorovats Festival offers the taste and spirit of Armenian hospitality at its finest.

🎷 Yerevan Jazz Festival – Feel the Soul of the City
📍 Location: Yerevan, various concert halls & open-air venues
📅 When: October (dates may vary annually)

The Yerevan Jazz Festival is one of the most elegant and internationally recognized music events in Armenia. It brings together world-class jazz musicians from all over the globe, alongside talented Armenian performers, to celebrate the smooth rhythms and soulful vibes of jazz music.

🎶 Festival Vibe:
Yerevan turns into a melodic cityscape during this time, with jazz echoing from prestigious concert halls, cozy bars, and even open-air stages under the autumn sky. Whether you’re a lifelong jazz lover or simply curious, this festival welcomes everyone to feel the groove.

🌟 Festival Highlights:
🎤 Live performances by local and international jazz stars

🏛️ Concerts in venues like the Armenian National Philharmonic Hall, Cafesjian Center, and outdoor stages

🍷 Wine & cocktail corners in some venues for a classy night out

🎹 Jazz jam sessions in Yerevan’s cozy clubs and cafes

🎭 Some events mix jazz with visual art, poetry, or dance for an immersive cultural experience

💡 Insider Tip:
Look out for free shows in outdoor areas or hotel rooftops. It’s a great way to enjoy jazz under the stars with a glass of Armenian wine and a perfect city view 🎶🌆

Whether you’re touring Armenia or just in Yerevan for a few days, the Jazz Festival offers a chic and unforgettable musical evening.

🥮 Gata Festival – A Celebration of Sweet Armenian Traditions
📍 Location: Khachik village, Vayots Dzor region
📅 When: Annually in September

The Gata Festival is a magical mix of Armenian hospitality, tradition, and sugar! Dedicated to gata, one of Armenia’s most beloved traditional pastries, the festival takes place in the scenic village of Khachik, right near the Armenian border. It’s not just about eating—it’s about celebrating heritage and community.

🍰 What is Gata?
Gata is a sweet, buttery pastry often filled with sugar and flour or nuts, sometimes decorated with traditional patterns. Every region in Armenia has its own style of gata, and this festival showcases them all—freshly baked, warm, and irresistible!

🎉 Festival Highlights:
🍪 A massive gata baked on-site (sometimes up to 3 meters long!)

🥮 Tasting booths featuring different regional variations of gata

👩‍🍳 Live baking demos and traditional ovens in action

🎶 Folk music, village dancing, and cultural performances

🧵 Local handicrafts, games, and storytelling for kids

💐 A genuine rural atmosphere with mountain views and village hospitality

💡 Insider Tip:
Don’t leave without buying a few gata loaves to take home—they’re made with love and taste like tradition. Also, try chatting with the villagers—they’re warm, welcoming, and love to share their stories 😊

🧵 Carpet Festival – Weaving Culture Into Art
📍 Location: Dilijan or surrounding regions (varies by year)
📅 When: Summer (usually July or August)

The Carpet Festival of Armenia is a vibrant celebration of the country’s ancient weaving traditions, showcasing the artistry, stories, and symbolism woven into every handmade rug. This cultural festival brings together master weavers, artists, designers, and history lovers for a beautiful day of colors, textures, and heritage.

Armenian carpets—renowned for their deep reds, geometric patterns, and spiritual motifs—have been treasured worldwide for centuries. This festival lets visitors step into that legacy and experience it up close.

🧶 Festival Highlights:
🏺 Exhibitions of antique and modern carpets from various Armenian regions

🧵 Live carpet-weaving demonstrations by skilled artisans

🛍️ Opportunity to purchase authentic handmade carpets and local handicrafts

🎨 Traditional arts workshops for guests—learn knotting, dyeing, and embroidery

🎵 Folk music, dancing, and cultural performances in a festive outdoor setting

📸 Perfect for photo lovers—vibrant backdrops and colorful traditional wear

💡 Insider Tip:
Ask the weavers about the meanings of the patterns—each rug tells a story of protection, family, and nature. This is a great chance to take home not just a souvenir, but a piece of Armenian soul.

Whether you’re an art lover, a culture explorer, or simply looking for beauty, the Carpet Festival is a deep dive into Armenia’s timeless craftsmanship.

🍷 Yerevan Wine Days – Sip, Stroll, and Celebrate
📍 Location: Saryan Street & surrounding areas, Yerevan
📅 When: Early May (usually the first weekend)

Yerevan Wine Days is the ultimate urban festival for wine lovers and culture seekers! For a few magical evenings, the heart of the city transforms into a lively, open-air wine and food paradise, filled with music, art, and people from all over the world.

Set along Saryan Street, known as Yerevan’s “wine avenue,” the event gathers Armenia’s top winemakers, local restaurants, and artisans to create a joyful, unforgettable atmosphere.

🍇 Festival Highlights:
🍷 Wine tasting from over 100 local wineries and producers

🍢 Delicious street food and gourmet plates from popular Yerevan restaurants

🎶 Live music, open-air concerts, jazz bands, and DJs

🎨 Art installations, handmade goods, and stylish photo zones

👫 A relaxed and romantic crowd—perfect for couples and friend groups

📸 Insta-worthy moments on every corner, especially at sunset!

💡 Insider Tip:
Grab a festival wine glass at the entrance (you can refill it all evening) and go early to avoid lines. The evenings get very lively, and the vibe is magical as fairy lights glow over the streets. It’s not just a wine event—it’s a celebration of Armenia’s new vibe and ancient roots.

Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or a casual traveler, Yerevan Wine Days is a must-experience blend of taste, culture, and fun in the capital.