There’s nothing quite like summertime in Lebanon. For those seeking a bit of culture and outdoor entertainment, the country lights up with a whole host of events. In collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, we take a peek at the hottest festivals, food and music events around the country that you do not want to miss!
MUSIC FESTIVALS
Wickerpark
Photo: Wickerpark
Beit Misk Festival
Where: Beit Misk
When: 29-30 June
Highlights: Beit Misk welcomes French Canadian pop sensation Garou (June 29) and world-renowned composer and oud master Marcel Khalife (30 June).
71 211121, MiskEntertainment
Byblos International Festival
Where: Byblos
When: 3 July – 4 August
Highlights: The lineup just keeps getting better and better at the Byblos International Festival. Catch international stars Sean Paul (3 July) and Julian Marley (19 July), German alternative rock darlings Milky Chance (24 July) and violin virtuoso Ara Malikian (27 July), among others.
09 542020, byblosfestival.org
Ehdeniyat International Festival
Where: Ehden
When: 4-11 August
Highlights: Enjoy the cool mountain weather as you listen to the enchanting voice of Kadim el Saher (4 and 5 August) and renowned French singer and songwriter Michel Sardou (11 August).
76 908020, ehdeniyat.org
The Batroun International Festival
Where: Batroun
When: 12-19 August
Highlights: This year the Batroun International Festival is welcoming to its stage Carole Samaha (12 August), Bonnie Tyler (18 August) and Wael Kfoury (19 August) for three magical nights.
06 642262/03 105700, batrounfestival.org
Wickerpark Festival
Where: Batroun
When: 9 September
Highlights: Wickerpark is a grassroots alternative music festival, highlighting new and emerging bands. It is one of the most welcoming and reasonably priced music festivals in the country.
03 241408, wickerparkfestival.com
ART & CULTURE
Beirut Art Fair
Photo: Beirut Art Fair
Beirut Cultural Festivals
Where: Beirut Hippodrome
When: 28 June – 5 July
Highlights: The festival will feature two special productions imagined, executed and performed by Lebanese artists, to highlight the history of the Lebanese capital, using the latest audio-visual technology. The first show, “A Journey Through Time”, is an on-stage performance that features beautiful dance choreography accompanied by a live orchestra. The second production taking place at the festival will be “Alwan Beirut”, an animated musical film addressing children and families, allowing the audience to discover Lebanon’s regions and unique heritage.
Beiteddine Art Festival
Where: Beiteddine Palace
When: 1 July – 12 August
Highlights: As every year, a series of first-class music, theater and dance performances will headline at Lebanon’s incredible Beiteddine Palace. This year’s program includes the powerhouse vocals of Omar Kamal (1 July), “Ballet For Life” by the Béjart Ballet company (14 and 15 July), international jazz favorites, Pink Martini (July 19), award-winning singer, songwriter and composer Kadim el Saher (28 and 29 July) and Lebanese singing legend Magida el Roumi (12 August).
01 373430, beiteddine.org
Jounieh International Festival
Where: Jounieh
When: 2-15 July
Highlights: Watch Lebanese singer and songwriter Wael Kfoury live on stage (2 July) and the critically acclaimed musical “Notre-Dame De Paris” (8 to 11 July). Michel Fadel’s musical performance (15 July) will be followed by the epic firework display the festival is famous for.
09 832263, jouniehinternationalfestival.com
Baalbeck International Festival
Where: Bacchus Temple, Baalbeck
When: 7 July – 15 August
Highlights: With a history that spans six decades, this year’s festival hosts the celebrated “Lebanese Nights” (7 July), three-time Grammy award winner Angelique Kidjo (16 July), and top-selling international band TOTO (15 August).
01 373150/03 041006, baalbeck.org.lb
Kobayat International Festivals
Where: Al-Qoubaiyat, Akkar
When: 5-14 August
Highlights: Ecotourism and musical events feature on this year’s program including a day of mountain biking and adventure in Akkar (6 August), a tour to the fortress of Akkar Al Atika, and the much-awaited concert of the Egyptian singer Sherine Abdel Whahab (13 August).
09 934 921, kobayatfestivals.org
Lebanon Latin Festival
Where: Eddé Sands Resort, Byblos
When: 6-11 September
Highlights: With 90 artists, 15 DJs, 100 workshops, 90 shows, and three arenas to party in, the Lebanon Latin Festival promises to be the biggest Latin extravaganza of the summer.
70 230979, lebanonlatinfestival.com
Batroun Mediterranean Film Festival
Where: Batroun
When: 7-10 September
Highlights: As part of the Batroun International Festival, the Mediterranean Film Festival will host short films from 21 countries on the Mediterranean Sea. The event will consist of competitions, workshops, concerts and screenings.
06 642262/03 105700, batrounfestival.org
Beirut Design Fair
Where: Biel, Beirut
When: 20-24 September
Highlights: Dedicated to contemporary and modern design, collectible and limited edition furniture, the fair will present design from leading international designers and galleries, alongside upcoming design from across the Middle East and the rest of the world.
Beirut Art Fair
Where: Biel, Beirut
When: 21-24 September
Highlights: As the leading platform for the discovery of new artists, trends, galleries, institutions, and publications in th region, Beirut Art Fair will offer an exceptional and innovative program, reaffirming Beirut’s role as one of today’s most vibrant centers of contemporary creation.
03 386979, beirut-art-fair.com
FOOD & DRINK
Beirut Restaurants Festival
Photo: Beirut Restaurants Festival
Beer, Wine and Seafood Festival
Where: Batroun
When: 6 August
Highlights: The festival is back for its third edition, with over 30 Lebanese vendors showcasing the country’s best beer, wine and seafood.
06 642262/03 105700, batrounfestival.org
Jounieh Cocktail Festival
Where: Fouad Chehab Stadium, Jounieh
When: 17-20 August
Highlights: The Cocktail Festival in Jounieh will feature Lebanon’s best alcoholic selection, with more than 55 bar stations, bar caterers and pubs from Mar Mikhael, Hamra, Jounieh, Badaro, Byblos, Broumana, Dbayeh and other nightlife hotspots around the country.
Beirut Restaurants Festival
Where: Trainstation, Mar Mikhael, Beirut
When: 29 September – 1 October
Highlights: Celebrate the best of Lebanon’s tradition and international flavors at the second edition of the Beirut Restaurants Festival. Over 30 establishments, from street food vendors to fine-dining restaurants, will be present so Beirut foodies can sample a little bit of everything.
01 480081, BeirutRestaurantsFestival
Whisky Live Beirut
Where: Le Yacht Club, Zaitunay Bay, Beirut
When: 19-21 October
Highlights: The premier whisky tasting event is back for its second edition. Discover the most exclusive single malt blended, Bourbon, Scotch and Irish whiskies with more than 20 premium brands. Join exclusive masterclasses and tasting sessions to learn more about unique and rare bottles.
01 480081, WhiskyLiveBeirut
The Lebanese Ministry of Tourism actively works to promote cultural events, year round and throughout the country.
mot.gov.lb, destinationlebanon.gov.lb
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