Events & Festivals in Tbilisi

Major New Year celebrations with fireworks over the Mtkvari River, concerts on Freedom Square, and festive decorations throughout the city. The city center transforms with light installations, ice skating rinks, and street performances.

Traditional Orthodox Christmas celebrations with Alilo processions where participants dress in biblical costumes and collect donations. Churches hold special services, and families gather for festive meals featuring traditional Christmas dishes.

Month-long theatre festival featuring Georgian and international productions. Includes contemporary plays, classical works, experimental performances, and workshops. Venues range from traditional theatres to alternative spaces.

Annual marathon attracting international runners through Tbilisi's historic districts. Courses include full marathon, half marathon, 10K, and kids' races. Route passes major landmarks including the Old Town and Peace Bridge.

Georgia's largest open-air music festival featuring international and local artists across multiple genres. Multiple stages, food courts, art installations, and camping options. Focuses on rock, indie, and electronic music.

Contemporary art festival showcasing installations, exhibitions, and performances by Georgian and international artists. Takes place in galleries, museums, and unconventional spaces throughout the city with guided tours available.

Celebration of Georgia's independence from Russia in 1918. Military parade, official ceremonies, and public concerts. The city is decorated with national flags, and traditional dance performances occur in public squares.

Week-long LGBTQ+ rights festival culminating in a march and rally. Includes film screenings, discussions, art exhibitions, and cultural events promoting diversity and inclusion. Security measures are typically in place.

Series of classical music concerts in historic venues throughout the summer. Features international orchestras, chamber music ensembles, and soloists performing in churches, courtyards, and cultural monuments.

One of Eastern Europe's premier jazz events featuring world-renowned musicians and emerging artists. Concerts range from traditional jazz to fusion and experimental genres. Includes masterclasses and late-night jam sessions.

Weekend festival celebrating street food culture with dozens of vendors offering Georgian and international dishes. Cooking demonstrations, live music, and craft beer gardens. Focus on innovative takes on traditional Georgian street food.

Georgia's main film event screening international arthouse cinema, documentaries, and Georgian productions. Includes competitions, retrospectives, and masterclasses with filmmakers. Many screenings include Q&A sessions with directors.

The city's largest annual celebration honoring Tbilisi's founding. Traditional crafts markets, folk music and dance performances, wine tastings, and food stalls throughout the Old Town. Culminates in evening concerts on multiple stages.

Large Christmas market featuring Georgian designers, artisans, and food producers. Handmade crafts, traditional textiles, jewelry, ceramics, and holiday decorations. Includes workshops, children's activities, and seasonal food and drink.

International photography festival showcasing documentary, artistic, and conceptual photography. Exhibitions in galleries and public spaces, portfolio reviews, workshops, and lectures by renowned photographers.

Celebration of Georgia's first wine of the season with tastings from dozens of wineries. Focus on natural and qvevri wines with seminars on Georgian winemaking traditions. Food pairings featuring seasonal Georgian cuisine.

Major religious holiday honoring St. George, Georgia's patron saint. Special services in churches, particularly at the St. George's Church on Mtatsminda. Traditional meals featuring roasted lamb and special prayers for protection.

Prestigious international piano competition attracting young talents worldwide. Multiple rounds of performances, masterclasses with jury members, and gala concerts featuring winners. Part of the World Federation of International Music Competitions.

Traditional European-style Christmas market with wooden stalls selling crafts, decorations, and seasonal treats. Ice skating rink, carousel, daily performances, and visits from Santa. Hot mulled wine (glühwein) and traditional Georgian holiday foods.

Major electronic music event featuring international DJs and producers across multiple venues. Focus on techno, house, and experimental electronic music. After-parties continue until morning in Tbilisi's underground clubs.