Events Calendar in Jerusalem

Each winter the Old City becomes an open-air gallery of illuminated art. Local and international artists install glowing sculptures, projections, and interactive light pieces along the ramparts, the Tower of David moat, and the narrow lanes of the Jewish and Christian Quarters. In 2026 the festival is expected to run from December 3 to December 12, with free evening walking routes starting near Jaffa Gate. Crowds peak on weekends, so weekday visits after sunset offer a quieter experience. Food stalls and live musicians appear along the route, and many shops stay open late. The event is family-friendly, stroller-accessible on main paths, and pairs well with a Old City walking tour done earlier in the day. Expect large crowds near the main light installations.

This long-running performing arts festival brings dance, theater, and orchestral music to venues across the city, including the Jerusalem Theatre and outdoor stages in the Sultans Pool amphitheater. The 2026 edition is anticipated for May 21 to June 6, featuring both Israeli companies and touring international acts. Programming ranges from contemporary dance to classical concerts and experimental theater, with tickets sold per performance rather than as a festival pass. Sultans Pool shows are especially popular for their setting beneath the Old City walls, so arriving early secures better seating. Some performances are staged in Hebrew with English surtitles, while music and dance events cross the language barrier easily. It is a favorite among culture-focused travelers looking to combine sightseeing with evening entertainment.

Through the warm months, Jerusalem hosts a series of open-air concerts in the Jerusalem Botanical Gardens and the Sherover promenade area, spanning jazz, world music, and classical ensembles. For 2026, the series is planned across July 9 to August 27, typically with performances on Thursday and Saturday evenings. Audiences bring blankets or low chairs, and the gardens setting keeps temperatures more comfortable than the city center after dark. Many concerts are free or low-cost, making this an accessible option for budget travelers and families. Local food trucks often set up near the entrance gates. Because seating is unreserved and informal, arriving thirty to forty minutes before showtime is recommended for a good spot near the stage.

Held on the grounds of the Israel Museum, this harvest-season gathering celebrates the country's wine industry with tastings from dozens of boutique and established Israeli wineries. The 2026 dates are projected for August 12 to August 16, held over several evenings amid the museum's sculpture garden. Entry typically includes a tasting glass and access to unlimited samples, alongside cheese pairings and live acoustic music. Many wineries bring limited-release bottles not sold elsewhere, appealing to enthusiasts hunting for something distinctive. The setting among outdoor artwork and Jerusalem stone gives the event a relaxed, garden-party feel rather than a formal trade show. Designated drivers and taxis are recommended given the tasting format, and the museum's galleries remain open for early arrivals.

One of the city's largest annual sporting events, the marathon sends thousands of runners along a route weaving past the Old City walls, Mount Scopus, and the Knesset. The 2026 race is scheduled for March 13, with a full marathon, half marathon, 10K, and shorter fun-run options starting at staggered times that morning. Roads throughout central Jerusalem close for several hours, so visitors not participating should plan sightseeing routes around the course map published in advance. Spectators gather near the Old City sections for the best views of runners against the historic backdrop. Registration for international runners typically opens months ahead and often sells out for the half marathon distance. Post-race, a runners village near the finish line offers food and live entertainment.