Looking for fun adventures in Armenia? Look no further than its unique and quirky festivals! The Armenia festivals in 2024 is a combination of old and new traditions. From the renowned Yerevan Wine Days to the delightful Gata Festival and the first-ever DogFest.
If you are planning to spend a week or so in Armenia, you can combine it with visiting a unique Gata Festival or one-of-a-kind Sheep Shearing Festival. The festival culture is becoming more popular every year. Some of the events have already become a tradition like the famous Yerevan Wine Days. However, the others are just taking the first steps.
So, whether you’re a foodie, a wine enthusiast, or simply looking for a good time, Armenian festivals have got you covered. This is a real chance to dive into the vibrant culture. Let’s list some events scheduled for this year.
Yerevan Wine Days
Let’s start with the traditional and super popular Yerevan Wine Days that will take place from June 7 to 9. If you haven’t heard about it before, it’s the biggest annual open-air wine festival held in the heart of Yerevan since 2021. Saryan Street is closed for three days for wine enthusiasts can enjoy wine, delicious food, and music.
This year the organizers will put a clay jug or karas into a spotlight. This is how they are honoring the history of Armenian winemaking. With a record-breaking 120,000 attendees last year, including 30,000 tourists, this festival is one you won’t want to miss!
Tourists can pick from among 700 varieties of wine from local vineyards, each with its own story to tell. And what’s wine without delicious food? The gastro zone features dishes from dozens of restaurants.
Tickets: The packages are already available on the festival’s official website. Wine Enjoyment Package costs 12,000 AMD (around $30), but there are also wine tickets worth 9,000 AMD each.
Gata Festival
This event is dedicated to the beloved Armenian desert – gata. The village of Khachik in the Vayots Dzor traditionally hosts an annual celebration of the exceptional Armenian pastry. This year’s event is set for September 14. Just as the previous ones, it is expected to bring the community together to be involved in the magic of gata-making. Visitors can join in baking this sweet treat and enjoy folk music, dance, and local crafts. The highlight of the festival is the world’s largest gata, expertly crafted by village bakers.
Tickets: Don’t miss out on this delicious celebration of Armenian culture and cuisine as the entrance is free.
Sheep Shearing Festival
If you are visiting Armenia in June, mark your calendars for June 15th, as the Khot settlement in Armenia’s southern Syunik Province will host the Sheep Shearing Festival 2024. This vibrant event features a sheep shearing competition, an exhibition and fair, live music, and even an auction. There are many activities, and you will never get bored. For example, you can watch how the wool turns into a thread and then into a carpet. Of course, there is no festival without delicious local food.
Tickets: Visit Khot to join a day filled with culture and fun free of charge!
DogFest 2024
This event will attract all pet owners and animal lovers! Get ready for the first DogFest 2024 in Yerevan on June 8-9! The organizers invite you to celebrate the pets and share in the joy of their playful antics and heartwarming moments in downtown Yerevan. The festival’s mission is to promote responsible pet ownership. Moreover, it offers different activities and attractions, from educational lectures and exciting competitions to interactive workshops and veterinarian consultations. Explore a variety of pet-related products and services at the fair. There is also a chance to support local animal shelters and volunteer organizations.
Tickets: Entrance is free.
International Ballooning Festival
Balloon lovers will be fascinated by the most colorful ballooning festival. It traditionally starts from Republic Square. Hosted by Skyball company in collaboration with Armenia’s Tourism Committee, this spectacular event will take place from October 12 to 16.
This year the show features around 20 vibrant hot air balloons from Armenia and across the globe—including countries like Brazil, Bulgaria, Germany, and Japan. Besides, it’s a great opportunity to see Armenia’s breathtaking beauty from the sky. The festival program consists of two parts: the demonstrative stage and the sport stage. During the demonstration phase, balloons will glide through the skies above iconic Armenian landmarks like Yerevan and Garni. Meanwhile, the sport phase will challenge balloon crews to complete specific tasks, with winners crowned at the end of the event.
HayBuis Armenian Herb and Flower Festival
Photo: HayBuis Festival
Armenians are obsessed with herbs. You will see it once you visit the country as you may encounter many unusual herbs that Armenian eat. There is even a festival dedicated to herbs and flowers. Yenokavan village of Tavush Province hosts the HayBuis Herb and Flower Festival on June 29. The event celebrates the rich flora of Armenia, particularly the hidden treasures of Tavush. There are many activities like educational games exploring forest biodiversity and creative activities for children. Of course, there are cooking master classes or master classes on making adornments from natural materials. Most importantly, it’s a great opportunity to enjoy the unique nature of the picturesque Tavush province. The organizers’ goal is to engage more residents from remote villages.
Tickets: Entrance is free.
Yerevan Color Fest
The most colorful event of the year in Yerevan will take place on June 15. Although there are no details about this year’s festival, the previous ones proved it was an unforgettable event. Color Fest is a vibrant celebration where colorful powders swirl through the air. Dances, music, and summer vibes mark this most cheerful event of the year.
