Festivals in Georgia Country 2024

Tbilisi International Book Festival

Dates: May 30 – June 2

Location: Tbilisi

Tbilisi International Book Festival (TIBF) boasts a rich history dating back to 1998. Since then, the event has been organized annually, going from strength to strength. Held these days at Expo Georgia, the main objectives of the TIBF are to promote reading throughout Georgia, support the publishing industry, bolster international relations, and put on various literary activities. 

Participants at the TIBF are diverse, ranging from publishers and booksellers (both local and foreign) to embassies, state museums and institutions, international organizations, and foundations. At the festival, roundtables, meetings with authors, seminars with program conferences, and award ceremonies are all part of the packed agenda. In its 26 years so far, the TIBF has expanded rapidly in both size and influence, and is widely respected as one of the largest and most diverse literary festivals in the Caucasus.

Tsinandali Festival

Dates: August 31 - September 8

Location: Tsinandali Estate, Kakheti

Held in Georgia’s wine-rich region of Kakheti, the Tsinandali Festival serves up a feast of classical music. Of note, the vastly popular festival brings together some of the most famous musicians and orchestras from all over the world. And of course, while savoring the globally revered sounds, festival-goers complement the experience with some of the region’s finest wines.

Cheese Festival

Dates: June

Location: Tbilisi

The Georgian Cheese Festival occurs on an annual basis in the capital city of Tbilisi, offering a veritable paradise for cheese lovers. Here, the astounding diversity of Georgian cheese can be fully appreciated, from the popular sulguni to the rare tenili. For visitors to the festival, there is a perfect opportunity to sample numerous cheeses, as well as to become acquainted with the country's cheese-making traditions and techniques. In addition, after trying dozens of cheeses, one can purchase their favorites to take home. Simply put, the festival is a gastronomic treat not to be missed.

Gemo Fest

Dates: February 17-18

Location: Mestia, Svaneti

Gemo Fest takes place every winter, and is dedicated to the local culinary traditions of the breathtaking mountainous region of Svaneti. At the festival, which is named after the Georgian word for “taste”, you can indeed taste many Svanetian dishes prepared and served by the locals themselves. Moreover, the festival also showcases live music and other cultural entertainment. Against the enchanting wintry backdrop of this unique Georgian region, visitors immerse themselves in the endearing and enduring Svan culture.

Batumoba

Dates: April 27-28

Location: Batumi

Batumoba celebrates the Black Sea city of Batumi through a vibrant festival much loved by locals and visitors alike. Among the various activities on a bulging itinerary are live music, traditional dance performances, and gastronomical delights. Staged on the Old Boulevard, the event has become an increasingly popular way of experiencing and learning all about the intriguing history and dynamic present of Georgia’s coastal jewel.

Kolga Tbilisi Photo

Date: May

Location: Tbilisi

Kolga Tbilisi Photo is an international photography festival that gathers photographers and enthusiasts from all across the globe. Here, exhibitions, workshops, and lectures give leading photographers a platform to show off their excellent work. Simply put, the festival is a must-visit for anyone with even the slightest interest in photography.

Tbilisi Photo Festival

Dates: September

Location: Tbilisi

The Tbilisi Photo Festival is another important date on the Georgian cultural calendar. Founded in 2010, it has become one of the most significant photography events in the entire region with exhibitions, screenings, and discussions all designed to highlight the crucial role of photography in documenting social change and cultural narratives.

Art-Gene Fest

When: May

Place: Tbilisi

Art-Gene Fest is dedicated to the music, dances, and crafts that make up Georgian folklore. Set in the wonderfully spacious outdoor location of the Ethnographic Museum, the event gives its many visitors the rare pleasure of observing the rich heritage of the Georgian people. With traditional performances and craft workshops, there is barely a better chance all year round to relish the folk traditions that make Georgia unique.

Tushetoba

Dates: Summer

Locality: Tusheti

Tushetoba is a celebration of in the mountainous region of Tusheti, marking the point at which shepherds return to the mountains after winter. Here, traditional sports, music, and of course food are key features, demonstrating the way of life and culture of Tusheti’s people. All in all, the festival gives one a special experience of rural Georgia that will leave a lasting impression.

Lamproba

Dates: February 14
Location: Mestia, Svaneti

Lamproba, also known as the “Festival of Lamps,” is celebrated in the town of Mestia and surrounding villages in the mountainous region of Svaneti. During this festival, participants craft and light torches from birch or oak branches and embark on a procession to their ancestors' graves. This is a unique cultural event resembles the well-known “Day of the Dead” in its solemnity.

The eye-catching sights of Lamproba are unforgettable, with visitors able to delve into a part of Georgia’s rich cultural tapestry. 

So, whether you are a music aficionado, a foodie, or a photography enthusiast, there is something for everyone in Georgia’s expansive and vibrant festival calendar. You should check some music entertainment events in georgia too. Make sure to mark your diary and experience one or some of the diverse celebrations Georgia has to offer!