Events in Palestine

Events & Festivals in Palestine

Your complete guide to what's happening throughout the year

Palestine's calendar runs on religious observances and cultural gatherings that mirror local life. Events cluster in Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Nablus, where communities celebrate with traditional music, food, and crafts. Expect food festivals spotlighting regional specialties, arts exhibitions with contemporary Palestinian work, and seasonal markets. Religious holidays shape the rhythm, with cultural activities planned around them. Attending these gatherings gives direct insight into daily life and community traditions across Palestine.

Peak event periods
  • Christmas season in Bethlehem, late December
  • Summer festival season in Ramallah, July and August
  • Olive harvest cultural events, October and November
  • Eid al-Fitr holiday period, dates vary annually
Public holidays in Palestine: 27 September 2026 to 26 September 2027
  • 15 November 2026 Independence Day
  • 25 December 2026 Catholic Christmas Day
  • 1 January 2027 New Year's Day
  • 5 January 2027 Isra' and Mi'raj
  • 7 January 2027 Orthodox Christmas Day
  • 8 March 2027 International Women's Day
  • 9 March 2027 Eid al-Fitr
  • 10 March 2027 Eid al-Fitr
  • 11 March 2027 Eid al-Fitr
  • 28 March 2027 Easter
  • 1 May 2027 Labor Day
  • 2 May 2027 Easter
  • 16 May 2027 Eid al-Adha
  • 17 May 2027 Eid al-Adha
  • 18 May 2027 Eid al-Adha
  • 19 May 2027 Eid al-Adha
  • 6 June 2027 Islamic New Year
  • 14 August 2027 Prophet's Birthday
Banks, offices and some attractions may close, and transport and prices can change around these dates.

January

🍽️Tulkarm Citrus Festival

Dates vary yearly Main public gardens or municipal square, Tulkarm
Free food

This festival celebrates the citrus harvest with stalls selling oranges, lemons, and related products like marmalades. Cooking demonstrations use citrus, and family activities fill the schedule. It's a cheerful, local event. Food lovers and those wanting to see regional farming pride will enjoy it.

Tip: The festival usually happens on a Friday or Saturday. Bring bags for fresh fruit purchases. Prices are very affordable here.

February

🎉Qalqilya Zoo Family Day

Dates vary yearly Qalqilya Zoo
festival

A special community day at one of Palestine's main zoos features guided tours, educational talks about local wildlife, and activities for children. The focus is on conservation and the animals native to the region. A popular local outing for families. on weekends.

Tip: Purchase entrance tickets at the gate. The zoo can be crowded on the main event day. Consider visiting on the following day. You'll get a quieter experience. Worth it.

March

⚽Palestine Marathon

Dates vary yearly Start and finish near the Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem
Book Ahead sports

Running courses pass significant Bethlehem sites, including past the separation barrier. Full marathon, half-marathon, and shorter family runs are available. The event carries a strong message of movement and access, attracting international runners and local participants. Athletes and supportive spectators alike will find it meaningful.

Tip: Register online months in advance. Places are limited. Spectators should find a spot near Manger Square early to see the start and finish.

🎭Gaza International Festival for Theater for Children

Dates vary yearly Various cultural centers in Gaza City
Book Ahead cultural

A theater festival dedicated to performances for young audiences features puppet shows, plays, and interactive workshops from local and visiting troupes. It wants to provide creative outlets for children in Gaza. The atmosphere is joyful and energetic. Focused entirely on family participation.

Tip: Tickets are often distributed through schools and community centers. International visitors need to coordinate access to Gaza well ahead of time. Start planning now.

April

🎉Gaza Sea Festival

Dates vary yearly Gaza City coastline, near the port area
Free festival

This community festival lines the Gaza City coastline with boat displays, traditional fishing demonstrations, and seafood stalls. Cultural tents host music and dabke performances. It's a significant local celebration of maritime life, offering a view of coastal culture in Palestine.

Tip: Access to Gaza requires specific permits. Arrange these long before travel. Check conditions and entry requirements thoroughly.

🎭Birzeit Heritage Week

Dates vary yearly Birzeit University campus and town center
Free cultural

Birzeit University organizes this week-long event. Lectures, traditional craft workshops, and exhibitions cover Palestinian history and folklore. Activities often focus on village life, embroidery, and agricultural tools. It's educational. Well-suited for students and culturally curious travelers.

Tip: Check the university's events schedule online for specific workshop times. Some hands-on craft sessions may require prior registration. Limited materials are the reason. Plan ahead.

May

🎭Ramallah Short Film Festival

Dates vary yearly Cinemas and cultural institutes in Ramallah
Book Ahead cultural

Short films from Palestinian and Arab filmmakers screen here, followed by discussions with directors. Cinemas and cultural institutes host the events. A young, film-literate crowd attends. The festival provides insight into regional storytelling and cinema.

Tip: Buy a festival pass for all screenings if attending multiple days. Award-winning film seats fill fastest.

🎵Khan al-Wakala Classical Music Evenings

Dates vary yearly Khan al-Wakala, Old City of Nablus
Book Ahead music

Chamber music concerts take place in the historic Khan al-Wakala caravanserai in the Old City of Nablus. The stone-vaulted venue provides excellent acoustics for string quartets and piano recitals. The audience is a mix of local music aficionados and visitors. A special experience combining history and music.

Tip: The venue can be cool in the evening. Bring a light jacket. After the concert, explore the surrounding soap shops in the old market. They stay open late. Perfect timing.

🙏Jerusalem Day Cultural Programs

Dates vary yearly Community centers in East Jerusalem, like the Palestinian National Theatre
Free Book Ahead religious

In East Jerusalem, community organizations hold lectures, photo exhibitions, and guided walking tours focusing on the city's Palestinian heritage and Muslim holy sites. These are cultural-educational events rather than political rallies. Suit visitors interested in the deep historical and religious layers of Jerusalem.

Tip: Spaces on the guided walking tours are very limited. Advance registration is required. Check program details at the Palestinian National Theatre box office. Don't miss out.

June

🎭Jenin Freedom Theatre Summer Program

Dates vary yearly The Freedom Theatre, Jenin Refugee Camp
Book Ahead cultural

Jenin's Freedom Theatre presents plays, workshops, and street performances throughout summer. Productions are often in Arabic with social and political themes, performed by the resident company and youth groups. Theater-goers interested in community-based art will find it powerful.

Tip: Book tickets directly through the theater's website or office. Plan transport to and from Jenin in advance. Evening performances need extra preparation.

🛒Ramallah Summer Nights Market

Dates vary yearly Main downtown streets around Al-Manara Square, Ramallah
Free market

A weekly evening market runs through the summer months in downtown Ramallah. Stalls sell handmade jewelry, clothing, artwork, and street food. It becomes a social hub where people stroll, shop, and meet friends after work. Suits visitors looking for casual shopping and people-watching.

Tip: The market is most active on Thursday and Friday evenings. Street food vendors are concentrated on one side. Easy to find a quick dinner. Follow your nose.

July

🎵Palestine International Festival for Dance and Music

Dates vary yearly Various historical venues in Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Jerusalem
Free music

This festival gathers local and international performers for open-air concerts and dance shows. Historical venues across several cities host traditional Palestinian dabke alongside contemporary acts. Families gather on summer evenings. The atmosphere is communal. It suits those into performing arts and cultural exchange.

Tip: Arrive early to secure a good spot. Popular performances draw large crowds. Check the specific venue schedule in advance. Locations rotate nightly.

🎭Bethlehem Storytelling Festival

Dates vary yearly Venues in the Old City of Bethlehem
Book Ahead cultural

Storytellers from Palestine and abroad gather to share tales in intimate settings like gardens, old houses, and cafes. Stories are told in Arabic and sometimes translated. The festival creates a warm, communal atmosphere. Wonderful for families and those interested in oral tradition.

Tip: Sessions for young children are in high demand. Book those tickets first. Evening sessions for adults in historic venues are atmospheric. Prioritize accordingly.

August

🎵Bethlehem Music Festival

Dates vary yearly Various churches and cultural centers, Bethlehem
Book Ahead music

Classical and choral music concerts fill churches and cultural centers around Bethlehem. Palestinian choirs and international guest musicians share the program. Historic venues create a solemn yet accessible atmosphere. Music enthusiasts and those seeking quieter cultural experiences will appreciate it.

Tip: Tickets for Church of the Nativity area performances sell out fast. Book well in advance. Confirm the exact venue, as it can change.

⚽Palestinian Youth Football Championship

Dates vary yearly Faisal Al-Husseini International Stadium, Al-Ram, and other local pitches
Free sports

A tournament featuring youth teams from across the West Bank competes in various age categories. Finals are often held in a major stadium. The event is community-focused, with strong local support for the teams. Good for sports fans to see grassroots football culture.

Tip: Games are during the day. Bring sun protection and water. The final matches draw the biggest crowds. Arrive early for a seat. Essential.

September

🎭Ramallah Contemporary Art Exhibition

Dates vary yearly The Palestinian Museum or Khalil Sakakini Cultural Center, Ramallah
Free cultural

This exhibition presents new work from Palestinian visual artists across painting, installation, and video. A major cultural center hosts opening talks and artist meet-and-greets. Those interested in the current arts landscape and local narratives will find the scene engaging.

Tip: Visit on a weekday afternoon for quieter art viewing. Opening night is crowded. You can meet artists then.

⚽Abu Dis Community Sports Day

Dates vary yearly Sports grounds of Al-Quds University, Abu Dis
Free sports

The local municipality and Al-Quds University organize a day of inclusive sports competitions and activities for all ages. Events include races, football matches, and traditional games. It's a lively, local community gathering promoting health and participation, with a strong family turnout. Expect crowds. Bring water.

Tip: Parking near the university is limited. Consider using shared taxis from central Jerusalem or Ramallah and getting dropped off at the main gate. Plan ahead. Arrive early.

🍽️Dates Festival in Jericho

Dates vary yearly Central Jericho and surrounding date farms
Free food

This festival celebrates the date palm harvest in the Jericho region, featuring stalls selling many varieties of dates, from fresh to pressed and stuffed. Farmers give tours of their plantations. It's a sweet-focused event that highlights one of the area's most important agricultural products. Taste everything.

Tip: Wear a hat and sunscreen for farm tours. The Medjool dates sold here are well-known for their quality and make for excellent gifts. Buy extra. They're heavy.

October

🎭Nablus Olive Harvest Festival

Dates vary yearly Old City and surrounding groves, Nablus
Free cultural

This Nablus event celebrates the annual olive harvest with demonstrations of traditional olive pressing, soap making from olive oil, and craft stalls. Local families join harvesting activities. It's an authentic look at a key agricultural tradition. Visitors interested in rural life and local crafts will find it worthwhile.

Tip: Wear sturdy shoes for walking in the groves. Visit the soap workshops in the late morning. Avoid the midday crowds.

🎵Al-Mahatta Cultural Station Performances

Dates vary yearly Al-Mahatta Cultural Station, Ramallah
Book Ahead music

A monthly series of concerts and acoustic sessions takes place in a renovated old railway station in Ramallah. Local indie bands, jazz musicians, and acoustic singers perform. The intimate venue attracts a hip, local crowd. Good for an evening of low-key, modern Palestinian music.

Tip: The venue is small. Book tickets as soon as the monthly program is announced. There's a small cafe on site. It gets busy at intermission. Arrive early.

🎉Taybeh Oktoberfest

Dates vary yearly Taybeh Brewing Company, Taybeh village
festival

Held by the Taybeh Brewing Company, this celebration of local craft beer includes live music, tours of the brewery, and food stalls. It attracts a mix of local residents, expats, and tourists. The mood is lively and social. Set in the grounds of the brewery in this Christian village.

Tip: Arrange transport to and from Taybeh village in advance. Taxis are scarce after the event. Sample the non-alcoholic grape drink if you're not drinking beer. Good alternative.

November

🛒Hebron Glass and Ceramics Fair

Dates vary yearly Old City market areas, Hebron
Free market

This fair spotlights Hebron's centuries-old glassblowing and pottery industries. Artisans demonstrate their craft, and stalls sell decorative pieces to everyday tableware. Located in the old market area, it's practical shopping for unique handicrafts and supports local workshops.

Tip: Cash is essential for market purchases. Go early to see glassblowing demonstrations. Workshops get busy with orders later.

🎭Ramallah Book Fair

Dates vary yearly Ramallah Cultural Palace or similar large venue
Free cultural

Publishers from across Palestine and the Arab world set up stalls selling books in Arabic, English, and other languages. The fair includes author signings, poetry readings, and discussions. A major event for intellectuals, students, and anyone interested in Palestinian literature and publishing.

Tip: If you're looking for English-language books on Palestine, head to the stalls of specific academic publishers early. Their stock is limited. Don't delay.

December

🍽️Jericho Winter Food Festival

Dates vary yearly Public parks or along the main promenade, Jericho
Free food

Held in Jericho's warmer climate, this festival shows date-based dishes, hearty stews, and breads baked in traditional taboon ovens. Local restaurants set up stalls with samples and meals. It's a relaxed, outdoor way to experience Palestinian cuisine.

Tip: Food is paid per item. Bring small bills. Visit in the late afternoon as daytime heat fades.

🙏Nativity Scene Exhibition and Competition

Dates vary yearly Various churches and public halls around Manger Square, Bethlehem
Free religious

Local churches and community groups in Bethlehem create elaborate nativity scenes, or cribs. These are displayed publicly and judged. The scenes range from traditional to modern interpretations. A festive community activity. Adds to the seasonal decorations in Manger Square.

Tip: Pick up a map from the tourist information office listing all participating churches. The displays are often best viewed in the evening. They're lit up then. Plan accordingly.

🛒Bethlehem Christmas Market

Dates vary yearly Streets surrounding Manger Square, Bethlehem
Free market

A seasonal market near Manger Square sells Christmas decorations, olive wood carvings, embroidery, and festive foods like roasted nuts and sweets. The market is busy with pilgrims and local shoppers preparing for the holiday. The central place to find traditional Palestinian Christmas crafts.

Tip: The market is most crowded in the two weeks before Christmas. For a better shopping experience, visit on a weekday morning. Haggle politely for handicrafts. Expected practice.

Tips for Attending Events

Practical advice to help you get the most out of local events and festivals.

1

Check specific dates and venues shortly before your trip, as event schedules in Palestine can be confirmed only weeks in advance. Be flexible. Have backup plans.

2

For events in cities like Bethlehem or Ramallah, use shared taxis (servees) which are cheaper than private taxis. But agree on the fare beforehand. Confirm prices. Pay cash.

3

Summer events are hot. Carry water, sun protection, and a hat. Winter events, evening ones, can be cool, in hill cities like Ramallah. Layer up. Stay comfortable.

4

During major religious holidays like Eid al-Fitr, public transport is less frequent and cities can be very quiet, while family-oriented events may be busier. Adjust plans. Expect changes.

5

For paid events, cash in local currency is often required for on-the-day ticket purchases, even if online booking was an option. Bring shekels. Don't rely on cards.

6

Always carry identification documents with you when traveling between cities, as there are checkpoints. Keep papers ready. Expect delays.

Event Categories

Browse events by type to find what interests you.

🎉
festival

Major community celebrations and seasonal festivals, often with music, food, and activities for all ages. Join in. Dance freely.

🎭
cultural

Events focused on arts, theater, film, literature, and heritage, including exhibitions, performances, and workshops. Check schedules. Book early.

⚽
sports

Organized athletic competitions, tournaments, and community sports days for participants and spectators. Cheer loudly. Bring snacks.

🛒
market

Seasonal and night markets selling local crafts, food, and goods, often serving as social gathering points. Stay late. Eat everything.

🙏
religious

Observances and cultural programs tied to religious traditions and holy days, excluding the official public holidays listed separately. Respect customs. Dress modestly.

🎵
music

Concerts, music festivals, and live performances ranging from traditional and classical to contemporary genres. Buy tickets. Enjoy the scene.

🍽️
food

Festivals and fairs celebrating local harvests, traditional dishes, and regional culinary specialties. Come hungry. Leave satisfied.

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