Top 5: Summer festivals in Jerusalem

August in the capital is filled with an array of fun, vibrant, memorable events that offer something for everyone.

Jerusalem Beer Festival  370 (photo credit: iTRAVELJERUSALEM)
Jerusalem Beer Festival 370
(photo credit: iTRAVELJERUSALEM)
International Arts and Crafts Fair
Also known as Hutzot Hayozer after the Arts and Craft Center where it is held, the festival offers an exciting mix of arts, crafts, theater, dance and music that appeals to the whole family. Visitors get to experience a taste of exotic cultures with arts and crafts by guest artists from abroad.
International Arts and Crafts Fair (iTRAVELJERUSALEM)
International Arts and Crafts Fair (iTRAVELJERUSALEM)
Attendees can also view the best in local art with exhibits in a number of disciplines – woodwork, ceramics, prints, metalwork, jewelry and more. Each night there will be a free concert at 9:30 p.m. featuring top Israeli musicians such as Ehud Banai and hip hop band Hadag Nahash. Another highlight is the lively interactive performances and street theater by Tav Café.
Chativat Yerushalayim Street
(077) 203-4521
6 August until August 18
6 p.m. until 11 p.m.; Saturday –one hour after the end of  Shabbat until midnight
NIS 60 (kids: NIS 35)
Israeli Wine Tasting Festival
Popular with the young anglo crowd in Jerusalem, this sophisticated outdoor festival takes place in the Israel Museum’s Sculpture Garden and features wines from leading wineries in Israel as well as smaller boutique wineries.
Wine Tasting Festival (Courtesy)
Wine Tasting Festival (Courtesy)
The ticket includes a wine glass, unlimited tasting and admission to the museum galleries until 9 p.m. on Tuesday. Visitors will also enjoy the boutique cheeses, olives, olive oils and other treats for sale. Space is limited so it’s recommended to book tickets in advance.
Ruppin Street
(02) 625-9703
July 30 until August 2
8:30 p.m. until 11 p.m.
NIS 80
Balabasta
The Balabasta festival promises to transform the alleyways, rooftops and storefronts of the Mahane Yehuda market into a raucous party. Part of the Jerusalem Season of Culture project, Balabasta features outstanding singers, dancers, actors, and poets.
Balabasta (Snir Kazir)
Balabasta (Snir Kazir)
In the past two years, tens of thousands have taken part in the festivities and this year should be bigger and better with inventive art projects undertaken in cooperation with local merchants and new musical content.
Mahane Yehuda Market
August 6 ; August 13; August 20
3 p.m. until midnight
Free
International Festival of Puppet Theater
This annual festival takes place for the 21st time and features the best in local and international puppetry from all over the world. The shows are aimed at children, but adults will appreciate the shows too.
International Festival of Puppet Theater (iTRAVELJERUSALEM)
International Festival of Puppet Theater (iTRAVELJERUSALEM)
Recommended local productions include “A Touch of Light” and the premiere “Pirate in the Bath." The festival is the main source of inspiration in the field of Puppet Theater in Israel, with 38 rich and diverse shows on offer. Most of the performances take place at the Train Theater in Liberty Bell Park.
3 Jabotinsky Street
(02) 561-8514
August 5 until August 10
Jerusalem Beer Festival
The eight annual Jerusalem Beer Festival is a must for beer lovers and those looking for a good party. An excellent selection of local, boutique, home-made and mainstream beers will be available as well as stalls demonstrating the beer production process, an accessories stall, food stalls, live music by popular Israeli bands and a top DJ.
Jerusalem Beer Festival (iTRAVELJERUSALEM)
Jerusalem Beer Festival (iTRAVELJERUSALEM)
The festival takes place in the derelict but trendy Old Train Station compound. It's recommended to arrive early.
Access via Beit Lechem Street or Hebron Road
August 22 until August 23
6 p.m. until midnight
NIS 30 (NIS 25 ILS for students, soldiers & Jerusalem-card holders)
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