Events & Festivals in Yerevan

Yerevan dazzles with festive lights, a giant public New Year tree in Republic Square, and numerous concerts. The Armenian Christmas (Սուրբ Ծնունդ) on January 6th is marked by church services and family gatherings. The entire period from New Year's Eve through early January is filled with public joy, street performances, and holiday markets.

A curated winter program of the famed summer festival, showcasing award-winning Armenian and international films. It features screenings, discussions with filmmakers, and masterclasses, providing a cinematic retreat during the colder months.

A city-wide celebration of contemporary visual arts. Galleries, museums, and alternative spaces open their doors for special exhibitions, opening receptions, artist talks, and guided tours, transforming Yerevan into a dynamic art hub for a week.

A major public holiday celebrating women. The city is awash with flowers as men gift them to the women in their lives. Restaurants and cafes are busy, and many cultural institutions host special concerts, exhibitions, and events dedicated to women.

A major running event attracting local and international athletes. It features full marathon, half-marathon, 10k, and kids' races. The course often showcases Yerevan's landmarks, creating a festive and energetic atmosphere throughout the city center.

The most important religious holiday in Armenia. The celebration includes the Saturday evening 'Lightning of the Candle' ceremony at churches, followed by Sunday feasts. Families color eggs red, prepare traditional rice pilaf with raisins, and greet each other with 'Christ is risen!'

Part of the global UNESCO celebration, this day features concerts, jam sessions, and educational workshops across Yerevan. Local jazz legends and emerging talents perform in clubs, parks, and cultural centers, filling the city with improvisational music.

Commemorates victory in WWII and the liberation of Shushi in the First Nagorno-Karabakh War. The main event is a solemn military parade and a procession to the Tsitsernakaberd Genocide Memorial, where officials lay wreaths. The evening often features a concert in the park.

A beloved open-air festival celebrating Armenia's ancient wine culture. Saryan Street is closed to traffic and lined with stalls where dozens of local wineries offer tastings. Live music, street food, and a convivial atmosphere make this a highlight of spring.

A multi-day city festival marking Yerevan's founding. The program includes open-air concerts on Republic Square, street performances, food fairs, a massive fireworks display, historical exhibitions, and family-friendly activities in parks across the capital.

A unique, joyful summer festival of water. Originally a pagan celebration of the goddess Astghik, it is now associated with the Transfiguration of Christ. People of all ages take to the streets, parks, and squares to playfully drench each other with water.

The region's premier film festival, attracting filmmakers and cinephiles worldwide. It screens international competition films, Armenian features, and documentaries, with gala openings, Q&A sessions, and the iconic 'Golden Apricot' award ceremony held at the Moscow Cinema.

A celebration of craft and commercial beer. Local and international breweries set up tents offering tastings and sales. The festival features live rock and alternative music performances, food trucks, and a lively, youthful atmosphere in one of Yerevan's green spaces.

Honors Armenia's classical music heritage. The day includes free concerts in parks and the Aram Khachaturian Museum. It often coincides with the final rounds of the international Aram Khachaturian Competition, where young virtuosos compete in violin, cello, and piano.

A carnivore's paradise dedicated to Armenia's national dish. Masters of the grill compete, showcasing different regional styles of khorovats (pork, lamb, chicken, veggie). Visitors can sample, watch cooking demonstrations, and enjoy folk music and dance performances.

Marks Armenia's independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. The day features a flag-raising ceremony, a military parade (in some years), concerts, and cultural events. The evening culminates in a grand fireworks show over Republic Square.

A harvest festival celebrating autumn's bounty. Local farmers and artisans sell fresh produce, homemade preserves, honey, dried fruits, and handicrafts. The festival includes cooking workshops, children's activities, and live folk music, creating a warm, community atmosphere.

Dedicated to the preservation and performance of traditional Armenian instruments like the duduk, zurna, kamancha, and dhol. It features concerts by master musicians, ensemble performances, and workshops where visitors can see how these ancient instruments are made and played.

A prestigious leg of the FIDE Grand Prix series, attracting the world's top grandmasters. Held in Yerevan, it's a major event for the chess-loving nation. Spectators can watch the games live with commentary and attend simultaneous exhibitions with the stars.

The festive season kicks off with charming Christmas markets. Vendors sell handmade ornaments, woolen goods, jewelry, and gifts. The air is filled with the scent of mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, and gata (sweet bread). Carol singers and festive lights create a hard-to-describe atmosphere.

The city's biggest party of the year. Republic Square hosts a massive free concert with popular Armenian singers and bands. As midnight approaches, the crowd counts down together, culminating in a spectacular fireworks display over the government buildings to welcome the New Year.