Annual Events & Festivals
Major Festivals:
- Tbilisoba (October): City's main festival celebrating Tbilisi's founding. Street celebrations, concerts, wine, traditional food, parades, and cultural performances throughout Old Town. Dates vary annually; Tbilisoba 2026 is scheduled for October 3–4.
- The 2026 festival ran April 30–May 3, over four days; remove the accompanying “week-long” description: International and local jazz artists perform at various venues. Week-long celebration of jazz music.
- Tbilisi International Film Festival (December): Showcasing Georgian and international cinema. Screenings, premieres, and filmmaker discussions.
- Art-Gene celebrates Georgian folk music, dance and crafts at the Ethnographic Museum; usually held in summer (check the dates): Contemporary art festival with installations, performances, and exhibitions across the city.
- New Wine Festival (May): The 2026 New Wine Festival took place at Mtatsminda Park on May 9, 11:00–18:00, presenting wines from the 2025 harvest.
- Rtveli (September-October): Grape harvest season throughout Georgia. Many wineries host harvest celebrations and traditional festivities.
National Holidays:
- New Year (January 1-2): Major celebration with fireworks, street parties, and family gatherings.
- Orthodox Christmas (January 7): Religious observance with church services.
- Epiphany (January 19): Traditional blessing of water ceremonies at rivers.
- Mother's Day (March 3): Celebrating mothers and women.
- Orthodox Easter (April/May - varies): Most important religious holiday with midnight services and celebrations.
- Independence Day (May 26): May 26 commemorates the 1918 declaration of independence and establishment of the Democratic Republic of Georgia.
- Mariamoba/St. Mary's Day (August 28): Important religious holiday with church services.
- Mtskhetoba (October 14): Celebrating Mtskheta and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral.
- St. George's Day (November 23): Honoring Georgia's patron saint with religious observances.
Cultural Events:
- Tbilisi Opera & Ballet Season: September-June with regular performances of classical and Georgian works.
- Open Air Season (May-September): Concert series at various outdoor venues featuring local and international artists.
- Gallery Openings: Contemporary art galleries host regular exhibition openings, particularly Thursday-Saturday evenings.
Note: Many businesses close on national holidays. Plan accordingly and make restaurant reservations for major celebrations.