Festivals in Armenia Worth Planning a Trip Around

Armenians love to celebrate. From ancient traditions to vibrant cultural gatherings, to international music and film events, festivals here overflow with joy, hospitality, and creativity. No matter when you visit, you’ll find a reason to join the crowd, raise a glass, and experience Armenia’s warm spirit.

Planning a June trip? Stroll down Saryan Street for Yerevan Wine Days and taste Armenia’s best vintages during a three-day block party. Visiting in winter? Head to the mountains for Apres Ski Fest and enjoy snow-dusted fun.

Honestly—pick any month. There’s a festival waiting for you.

Spring Festivals in Armenia: From bloom to tradition

Spring in Armenia awakens in full color as winter fades. Spring brings music, food, and cherished traditions to life, filling the streets and parks with energy. From the jazzy rhythms echoing through Yerevan to Easter celebrations steeped in faith, spring festivals are all about renewal.

Jazz Day in Yerevan

Jazz fills the heart of Yerevan each April 30, uniting locals and visitors in a celebration of music that brings the city to life.

When: April 30

Where: Cascade Complex, Yerevan

Cost: Free

Tolma Festival

Food lovers won’t want to miss this delicious festival where tolma, Armenia’s beloved dish of cabbage or grape leaves stuffed with spiced rice and meat, takes center stage in dozens of creative variations, making it one of the most celebrated Armenian dishes.

When: Late May or early June

Where: Varies each year (often near Yerevan)

Cost: Free

Zatik Wine Festival

Celebrate spring’s rebirth with Armenia’s flourishing wine culture in the heart of Yerevan. There’s something for the whole family – enjoy music, dance, games and of course, lots of good food. 

When: Timing changes according to the Easter schedule

Where: Seasons Park, Mashtots Avenue, Yerevan

Cost: Free entry, wine sold by bottle or glass

Zatik (Armenian Easter) Celebration

In Armenia, the deeply meaningful Christian holiday of Easter is filled with traditions, church services, and family gatherings to mark the Resurrection. For a unique experience that you will never forget, attend the Easter mass (‘patarag’ in Armenian) at one of Armenia’s ancient monasteries.

When: Late March to April (date varies each year)

Where: Across Armenia

Cost: Free

Colourful Summer Festivals in Armenia

Summer in Armenia is alive with energy. Streets buzz with music, food, and endless outdoor celebrations. With festivals nearly every week, it’s the perfect season to experience Armenia’s vibrancy. Here are a few highlights: 

Yerevan Wine Days

Sip your way through Armenia’s best wines at this lively street festival, complete with live music and food pairings. More than 80 winemakers present their vintages, from classic crisp whites and robust reds, to local Pet-Nat and orange wine. Sample an assortment, and take your favorites home with you!

When: June

Where: Saryan, Tumanyan and Moskovyan streets

Cost: Free entry, paid tasting packages available

Yerevan Taraz Fest

Celebrate Armenian heritage by admiring stunning traditional costumes (taraz) showcased in a beautiful fashion-show setting.

When: August

Where: Yerevan

Cost: Free entry (registration required)

Vardavar

During Vardavar everyone joins in for this joyful water-splashing festival, a playful tradition rooted in both pagan and Christian customs. Almost any form of water attack is fair game on this day, so if you don’t want to get wet, it’s best not to leave the house! Expect water guns, buckets of water from balconies above, dousing with hoses and much, much more. 

When: July (the specific date changes annually)

Where: Across Armenia

Cost: Free

Yerevan Color Festival

Dance to the music, laugh, and throw bright colors into the air at this festival of joy and community. Wear a white shirt so the color powder shines bright (and don’t worry, it will all wash out.). 

When: June

Where: Yerevan

Cost: Entry fees vary

Golden Apricot Film Festival (GAIFF)

Armenia’s leading annual film festival, celebrating outstanding international and regional cinema. It showcases innovative films, supports emerging filmmakers, and serves as a cultural bridge connecting Armenia with the global film community. Film tickets can be purchased a la carte or in a package. 

When: July

Where: Various venues

Cost: Entry fees vary

Beer Days

This summer festival aims to revive Armenia’s ancient brewing culture (which dates back to the 5th century!) Check out favorite brands as well as up-and-coming brews on tap and delicious street food, enjoy music and games. 

When: August

Where: Various venues

Cost: Free entry, tickets required for tasting packages 

“Navasard” Armenian Iranian Cultural Culinary festival

This multicultural festival in Armenia’s southern region of Syunik showcases both Armenian and Iranian traditions, ranging from participative music and dance to handicraft and food stalls. It culminates in a team culinary competition; you won’t want to miss the tastings! 

When: August 10th

Where: Various

Cost: Entry fees vary

Autumn Festivals: food, harvest, and cozy vibes

Autumn is harvest season, and Armenia celebrates with flavors, music, and traditions that warm the soul.

Rural Life and Traditions Festival

A window into village life with crafts, food, and performances that showcase Armenia’s rural heritage. You can feel good supporting artisans and farmers, purchase organic produce, pickles and jams, and unique handicrafts and enjoy a different live concert each year. 

When: September

Where: Dzoraghbyur, Kotayk Region

Cost: Free

Areni Wine Festival

One of Armenia’s most iconic festivals, where visitors taste award-winning wines right in the terroir where the grapes are grown. Large and boutique wineries alike exhibit their vintages under the red cliffs of Areni, a famous village in one of Armenia’s key wine regions. Pair your drinks with delicious street food, buy unique handicrafts and enjoy musical performances, traditional dances and surprises throughout the day! 

When: Early October

Where: Areni Village, Vayots Dzor Region

Cost: Free entry, paid tasting packages available

«Discover Armenia from the Sky» International Hot Air Balloon Festival

Colorful hot air balloons rise against Armenia’s dramatic landscapes. It’s so magical from the ground, imagine what it’s like from the sky! 

When: Mid-autumn

Where: Yerevan, Garni, Aparan

Cost: Free for spectators (pre-paid bookings for flights) 

Coca-Cola Music Fest

A contemporary music festival bringing together local and international artists.

When: Late summer / early autumn 

Where: Yerevan

Cost: Ticketed 

“Armenia” International Music Festival

Founded in 2017 in partnership with the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra, this multi-week festival celebrates classical music by both Armenian and international composers. A rich lineup of symphonic performances fills Yerevan’s iconic Aram Khachaturian Concert Hall - an experience not to be missed.

When: September–October

Where: Yerevan

Cost: Ticketed

Airfest Aviation Festival

A must-see for aviation enthusiasts, Airfest is all about the machines of the sky. Explore aircrafts inside the Yeghvard Airport hangar, enjoy thrilling airshows, learn about emerging aviation trends, and even book a flight or tandem paragliding adventure. Prefer to stay on the ground? There’s plenty to enjoy with food stalls, concerts, and lively DJ performances.

When: September

Where: Yeghvard Airport

Cost: Ticketed

Yerevan Marathon: the largest running event

Calling all active people! From the 1 km kids’ fun run to the full marathon event, there’s a distance for everyone at Armenia’s largest running festival. Participate in the 1 km, 5 km or 12 km races, or try your hand at the half or full marathon through downtown Yerevan. You don’t have to be a competitive racer to join. 

When: October 

Where: Yerevan

Cost: Registration needed  

Winter Festivals in Armenia you should experience

Even in the cold months, Armenia knows how to celebrate—with sparkling lights, snow festivities, and fiery traditions.

New Year in Armenia

It’s the most festive time of year—expect dazzling decorations, multiple Christmas markets throughout the country, fireworks, and endless hospitality. 

When: Late December – early January

Where: Primarily Yerevan, also in the regions

Cost: Free public events

-46C Winter Festival

One of Armenia’s coldest regions shines during this winter sports festival. Enjoy snowmobiling, skiing and sledding in a white wonderland along with delicious food and drink for refueling, along with lively music to complete the experience.

When: Usually end of February 

Where: Amasia, Shirak Region

Cost: Free, transportation offered

Trndez 

A traditional fire festival symbolizing purification and love, where young couples leap over bonfires under the winter sky.

When: February

Where: Across Armenia

Cost: Free

Conclusion

In Armenia, every season comes with a reason to celebrate. Whether you’re sipping wine in Areni, shooting strangers with water guns on Vardavar, listening to jazz in Yerevan, or leaping over flames at Trndez, these festivals bring you closer to the heartbeat of the country. 

This is only a cross-section of the fun, so make sure to check out the calendar for up-to-date information of all upcoming events in Armenia.