1. Art and Diseño

Travel and
Events in
Israel's
Guide to
Festivals in
Israel
2015
Copyright © All Rights Reserved 2015
We bring flexibility to your family or Bar/Bat Mitzvah tour
in Israel, and create memories to last a lifetime.
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Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................... 1
Eilat Chamber Music Festival ................................................................................ 2
International Belly Dancing Festival (Eilat) ........................................................... 2
Red Sea Jazz Festival (Eilat) ................................................................................... 3
Eilat Bird Festival ................................................................................................... 4
Voice of Music - Kol Ha'Musica (Hebrew - Galilee) ............................................... 4
Sounds of the Old City (Jerusalem) ....................................................................... 4
The International Clown Festival (Netanya) ......................................................... 5
Festival of Wine & Plenty (Zichron Ya'akov) ......................................................... 5
The AHAVA Dead Sea Festival ............................................................................... 6
Ein Gev Festival ..................................................................................................... 6
Boombamela Festival (Ashdod) ............................................................................ 7
The Felicja Blumental International Music Festival (Tel Aviv) .............................. 8
Open House Tel Aviv ............................................................................................. 8
Jacob's Ladder Festival (Sea of Galilee) ................................................................. 9
The Israel Festival (Jerusalem) .............................................................................. 9
Abu Gosh Festival .................................................................................................10
Dragon Boat Israel International Festival (Sea of Galilee) ...................................10
Light in Jerusalem.................................................................................................11
Opera Festival at Masada ....................................................................................11
White Night (Tel Aviv) ..........................................................................................13
Jerusalem Film Festival ........................................................................................14
Karmiel Dance Festival .........................................................................................14
Among the Vineyards Festival - Hebrew (Galilee) ...............................................15
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Table of Contents
The International Puppet Theater & Film Festival (Holon) ..................................15
The International Art and Crafts Festival Jerusalem ............................................16
Israeli Wine Tasting Festival (Jerusalem) .............................................................16
Arad Festival - A Song in the Air ...........................................................................17
Klezmer Festival (Safed) .......................................................................................17
The Rosh HaAyin Festival of Mediterranean Music .............................................18
Tamar Festival (Dead Sea) ....................................................................................18
International Hot Air Balloon Festival (Hebrew) ..................................................19
The International Guitar Festival (Netanya) ........................................................19
Haifa International Film Festival ..........................................................................20
Hula Bird Festival (Galilee) ...................................................................................21
Films in the Arava Desert (Negev) ........................................................................21
Jacobs's Ladder Winter Festival (Sea of Galilee) ..................................................22
Taste of the Kinneret (Hebrew - Sea of Galilee)...................................................22
Jewish Film Festival (Jerusalem) ..........................................................................22
Holiday of Holidays (Haifa) ..................................................................................23
Scarlet South Festival (Darom Adom) ..................................................................24
Cinema South Festival (Sderot) ............................................................................24
Docaviv International Documentary Film Festival (Tel Aviv) ...............................25
ISRAMAN Eilat ......................................................................................................26
Dead Sea Half Marathon ......................................................................................26
Tel Aviv SAMSUNG Marathon ..............................................................................26
Jerusalem Marathon ............................................................................................27
The Speedo Sea of Galilee Swim ..........................................................................27
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Table of Contents
CONCLUSION ........................................................................................................28
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Introduction
This is Travel and Events in Israel's first Guide to Festivals in Israel. The
guide highlights dozens of festivals throughout the year. We created this
guide in response to requests from our tour clients for information about
cultural activities in Israel. Today, touring a country isn't enough, people
want to experience the country the way the locals do.
From Dragon Boat Racing, a Clown Festival to Birding Festivals, and Belly
Dancing and numerous musical genres, there's something for everyone.
In most cases the festival name is a hyperlink to the festival's English Web
site (where available). In addition to the various festival Web sites, we've
included easy links to book accommodations, Hotels, B&Bs (Tzimmers), and
Apartments near the festivals as well as links for booking tours in the
relevant areas.
In a few instances we have included festivals for which dates are unknown,
at this time, so that you may check the festival's Web site later in the year.
We hope that you find this guide useful. Please feel free to share it with
friends, family and colleagues, and share it on social media.
If you know of a festival that should be included in the next guide, please
contact us.
If you are planning a private family or Bar/Bat Mitzvah tour of Israel, contact
us for a tour that will create memories that last a lifetime.
*Note: Tours are for tourists only. Accommodation Reservations made by Israelis do not
include VAT, which will be charged by the Hotel, B&B (Tzimmer)/Apartment, directly.
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February
Eilat Chamber Music Festival
February 2-7, 2015
This festival attracts audiences from around the world and Israel and
is one of the leading international festivals held in Israel. In 2015 the
festival will be celebrating its 10th anniversary. The festival will feature
unique collaborations and renowned international soloists.
Tourists and Israelis can book a Hotel, B&B (Tzimmer) or Apartment, in Eilat here. To book
a tour in Eilat or for a Petra extension, click here.
International Belly Dancing Festival (Eilat)
February 11-14, 2015
This 4 day festival is being held for the 11th time in Eilat. The festival
was created for dancers and amateurs and includes a rich program
of events. There will be competitions, shows, workshops and parties
at night. The program includes over 50 workshops, a place to do
yoga and stretching and a Bedouin tent with live music and lots of
fun.
Tourists and Israelis can book a Hotel, B&B (Tzimmer) or Apartment, in Eilat here. To book
a tour in Eilat or for a Petra extension, click here.
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February (continued)
Red Sea Jazz Festival (Eilat)
February 19-21, 2015
Thirteen groups from Israel and abroad will participate in this year's
festival, which will be the 5th annual winter Red Sea Jazz Sea
Festival in Eilat. The festival will include 19 musical performances
and. four master classes. The festival promises a weekend rich in
cultural experience.
Tourists and Israelis can book a Hotel, B&B (Tzimmer) or Apartment, in Eilat here. To book
a tour in Eilat or for a Petra extension, click here.
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March
Eilat Bird Festival
March 15-23, 2015
The Eilat Birds Festival is organized by the Israel Ornithological
Center of the Society for Protection of Nature in Israel (SPNI). The
festival has become one of most important international birding
events. The weeklong festival attracts birders from around the world
and includes day and night birding tours in addition to presentations
and many bird related activities. Also see, Champions Flyway International Bird Watching Competition (March 25, 2015) .
Tourists and Israelis can book a Hotel, B&B (Tzimmer) or Apartment, in Eilat here. To book
a tour in Eilat or for a Petra extension, click here.
Voice of Music - Kol Ha'Musica (Hebrew - Galilee)
March 12-14, 2015
This will be the 31st Voice of Music Festival in the Upper Galilee.
Tourists and Israelis can book a Hagoshrim Hotel, (site of the festival), or a hotel or B&B
(Tzimmer ) nearby here.
Sounds of the Old City (Jerusalem)
March 16-19, 2015
The Old City of Jerusalem will be hosting this festival for the fourth
time. The festival is produced by Ariel Municipal Company Ltd., and
was initiated by the Jerusalem Development Authority, the Ministry
for Jerusalem and Diaspora Affairs and the Jerusalem Municipality.
Musical ensembles and bands will feature music that is unique to
each of the Old City's quarters. The Muslim Quarter will feature
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March (continued)
traditional music, while the Armenian Quarter will host an authentic
Armenian celebration. In the Christian Quarter, patrons will be able to
listen to liturgical works.
Tourists and Israelis can book a Hotel, B&B (Tzimmer) or Apartment in Jerusalem here. To
book a tour in Jerusalem or the Judean Hills, click here.
The International Clown Festival (Netanya)
March 18-20, 2015
The International Clown Festival will take place in Netanya, for the
second time, this year. The festival includes artists from overseas as
well as Israel and will offer numerous events, performances,
workshops etc. with many clowns and artists. Performances are both
free and paid.
Tourists and Israelis can book a Hotel, B&B (Tzimmer) or Apartment in Netanya here.
Festival of Wine & Plenty (Zichron Ya'akov)
March 25-26, 2015
The 2nd annual Festival of Wine & Plenty features wine tastings from
local wineries in the region where the Baron Edmund de Rothschild
established Israel's modern winemaking industry in the late 1800s.
Some of Israel's finest grapes are grown in this area, and in recent
years many of the growers have opened their own boutique wineries.
Here's your chance to sample their wares alongside various local
produce. There will also be wine and cooking workshops.
Tourists and Israelis can book a Hotel, B&B (Tzimmer) or Apartment in Zichron Ya'akov
here.
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April
The AHAVA Dead Sea Festival
The Intermediate Days of Passover - Chol Ha'Moed
The AHAVA Dead Sea Festival has been produced by the Megilot
Regional Council for 19 consecutive years. It is the primary Rock
Festival in Israel, which incorporates musical performances, tours
and activities at historical sites. The festival's primary importance is
that it takes place in an outlying area. Past performers have included:
Berry Sakharof, Balkan Beat Box, Avraham Tal, Ehud Banai ,Ivri
Lider and many other greats. Performances take place at Kibbutz
Mitzpe Shalem.
Tourists and Israelis can book a Hotel, or B&B (Tzimmer) at the Dead Sea here.
Ein Gev Festival
Passover - April 6-9, 2015
This is one of Israel's longest running festivals. Established in 1943, it
is held during Passover week. While today the festival's focus is
Israeli music and choirs, in the past the festival featured noted artists
including Yehudi Menuhin; Isaac Stern, Frank Sinatra, Danny Kaye,
Rudolf Nureyev, and Marlene Dietrich to name just a few.
Tourists and Israelis can book a Hotel, or B&B (Tzimmer) at or near Ein Gev here. To book
a tour in the Galilee/Golan region, click here.
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April (continued)
Boombamela Festival (Ashdod)
April 21-24, 2015, tentative dates
If you're a hippie at heart then this three day festival is for you. It is a
transcendental, nature embracing celebration. In the past the festival
has taken place every year on Chol HaMoed Pesach (Intermediate
Days of Passover). The festival features bands from a variety of
genres including; alternative, reggae, indie, rock, and trance.
Tourists and Israelis can book a Hotel, B&B (Tzimmer) or Apartment in Ashdod here.
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May
The Felicja Blumental International Music Festival (Tel Aviv)
May 4 - 9, 2015 - At the Tel Aviv Museum of Art
This will be the 17th annual festival. This year's program brings
classical music in its chamber forms through 350 years with some
high points during that time. With Concerto de Cavaliero (Italy), Israel
Chamber Project, Fado Quintet (Portugal) as well as Multi Piano
Quartet and Percussion Duo, the repertoire includes works by Corelli,
Scarlatti, Sibelius, Scriabin, homage to Victor Hugo and Dubi Zeltzer
among others. All that and more in a week that will stay with you for a
whole year.
Tourists and Israelis can book a Hotel, B&B (Tzimmer) or Apartment in Tel Aviv here. To
book a tour in Tel Aviv, click here.
Open House Tel Aviv
May 14-16, 2015
The inspiration for Open House Tel Aviv came from Open House
London and Open House New York. During one weekend a year Tel
Aviv opens up its private places; unique synagogues, villas, designer
lofts and architecturally significant public buildings. Over the course
of the weekend the visiting public can explore these buildings.
Tourists and Israelis can book a Hotel, B&B (Tzimmer) or Apartment in Tel Aviv here. To
book a tour in Tel Aviv, click here.
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May (continued)
Jacob's Ladder Festival (Sea of Galilee)
May 14-16, 2015
Jacob's Ladder is a folk festival that features musical genres as
diverse as Bluegrass, Country, Rock, World Music and Blues and
Irish jigs to name a few. This annual festival begins on a Thursday
evening and runs through Saturday afternoon. Festival tickets include
entrance to all concerts, dance, music workshops, yoga, tai chi and a
Craft Fair. There is ample room for patrons to pitch tents on the
grounds. Most of the activities take place on the main stage and
concerts are held outside. It is recommended to bring low chairs and
blankets for outdoor activities.
Tourists and Israelis can book a Hotel, B&B (Tzimmer) or Apartment at Nof Ginosar (site of
the festival), or nearby, here. To book a tour in the Galilee/Golan area, click here.
The Israel Festival (Jerusalem)
May 28 - June18, 2015
Originally held in Caesarea, this festival was founded in 1961, and
was adopted by the nation's capital in 1982. Today it features
classical music, Israeli music, dance performances, and theater to
name just a few and includes both paid and free outdoor shows.
Tourists and Israelis can book a Hotel, B&B (Tzimmer) or Apartment in Jerusalem here. To
book a tour in Jerusalem or the Judean Hills, click here.
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May (continued)
Abu Gosh Festival
May 22-24, 2015
The Abu Gush Festival is Israel's leading vocal music event. The
festival, which has been in existence since 1992 is a twice yearly
event, which takes place during Succoth and Shavuot. The concerts
take place in the Crusader-Benedictine Church (which was built in
the 12th century). This church is situated in the heart of the village of
Abu Gosh. The other venue is the Kiryat Ye'arim Church, which sits
atop a hill, overlooking the village of Abu Gosh.
Tourists and Israelis can book a Hotel, B&B (Tzimmer) or Apartment in Jerusalem here. To
book a tour in Jerusalem or the Judean Hills, click here.
Dragon Boat Israel International Festival (Sea of Galilee)
May 28-29, 2015
This festival is the brainchild of a few members of a Canadian dragon
boat team. They wanted to combine their love of Israel with dragon
boat racing and thus Dragon Boat Israel (DBI) came about. Dragon
boat racing is a dynamic team sport - which is gaining in popularity
throughout the world. Dragon boat racing originated in China, it is an
exciting team sport that requires the drummer and steersperson to
move in unison.
Tourists and Israelis can book a Hotel, B&B (Tzimmer) or Apartment in the Sea of Galilee
area here . To book a tour in the Galilee/Golan area, click here.
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June
Light in Jerusalem
June 3-11, 2105
The Old City of Jerusalem comes to life in the evenings when the city
is illuminated. There are four illuminated routes, each one a different
color. Festival goers follow the routes and on the way experience
various performances. This will be the 7th annual festival, where the
Old City's ambience is combined with innovative artworks. The Light
Festival features breathtaking works of art from around the world
which include; huge video projections on landmark Old City buildings
and the Old City's Walls, delightful light shows, and three
dimensional artistic displays.
Tourists and Israelis can book a Hotel, B&B (Tzimmer) or Apartment in Jerusalem here. To
book a tour in Jerusalem, or the Judean Hills, click here.
Opera Festival at Masada
June 3-14, 2015
This will be the 5th annual Opera Festival at Masada. Previous
performances have included Nabucco, Aida, Carmen and La
Traviata. This year there will be two performances, La Tosca, which
is set in Rome in June 1800. This opera features some of Puccini'
best known lyrical operas. The second performance will be Carmina
Burana, a scenic cantata which was composed by Carl Orff. It is
based on 24 poems from the medieval collection Carmina Burana.
Orff's opus comes alive in a grand new open air production that
features a visual pyrotechnical display of colors and multimedia
presented by hundreds of artists.
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June (continued)
Tosca at Masada by Giacomo Puccini - New Production, sung in Italian
Conductor: Daniel Oren
Director: Nicolas Joel
The Israel Symphony Orchestra Rishon LeZion
Thursday June 4, at 21:30
Saturday June 6 at 21:30
Thursday June 11 at 21:30
Saturday June 13 at 21:30
Duration 2 hours and 45 minutes.
Carmina Burana at Masada by Carl Orloff - New Production| Sung in Latin & German New Production Sung in Latin and German
Conductor: Yves Abel
Soprano: Hila Baggio
Contra Tenor: Alon Harari
The Opera Orchestra – The Israel Symphony Orchestra Rishon LeZion
Friday June 5, at 22:00
Friday June 12, at 22:00
The Israeli Opera Chorus
Chorus Master: Ethan Schmeisser
For Opera Festival at Masada Packages (tickets and hotels), please contact us.
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June (continued)
White Night (Tel Aviv)
June - no firm date
White Night is an annual celebration of Tel Aviv's 'White City", which
was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003, due to its
large numbers of Bauhaus buildings. During White Night there are
dozens of events throughout the city, both at outdoor venues as well
as various cultural centers. Events begin in the early evening and last
until dawn. Events are open to the public and are either free or for a
nominal fee. You will be able to choose from musical and dance
performances, poetry readings as well as discussions about literature
and philosophy, to name a few.
Tourists and Israelis can book a Hotel, B&B (Tzimmer) or Apartment in Tel Aviv here. To
book a tour in Tel Aviv, click here.
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July
Jerusalem Film Festival
July 9-15, 2015
The Jerusalem International Film Festival is the annual highlight on
the Jerusalem Cinematheque calendar and serves as an important
platform for the presentation of Israel and international cinema.
Taking place over the course of ten days each year in the summer
months, the festival attracts cinema lovers, film industry professionals
and tourists from around Israel and abroad for a celebration of the
best cinematic offerings of the past year.
Tourists and Israelis can book a Hotel, B&B (Tzimmer) or Apartment Jerusalem/Judean
Hills area area here. To book a tour in Jerusalem/Judean Hills, click here.
Karmiel Dance Festival
July 28-30, 2015
The Karmiel Dance Festival is an annual event that has been held in
the city of Karmiel since 1988. It features many styles of dancing as
well as a dance completions.
Tourists and Israelis can book a Hotel, B&B (Tzimmer) or Apartment in Karmiel/Galilee
area here. To book a tour in Galilee, click here.
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July (continued)
Among the Vineyards Festival - Hebrew (Galilee)
July/August 2015
This festival is organized by the Merom HaGalil Regional Council and
KKL-JNF and other organizations. It is held on Tu B'Av (15th of Av),
the Hebrew 'Valentine's Day'. Among the Vineyards Festival is known
in Hebrew as Festival Bein HaKramim. The festival lasts 4-5 days in
the Upper Galilee and features tastings in Galilee vineyards, wineries
and farms. In addition there are musical performances and an
abundance of shows.
Tourists and Israelis can book a Hotel, B&B (Tzimmer) or Apartment in the Galilee area
here. To book a tour in Galilee, click here.
The International Puppet Theater & Film Festival (Holon)
Last week in July
Organized by Israel Puppet Center the International Puppet Festival
has been taking place since 1995.The festival hosts around 30
performances by resident and international artists. Additional
activities include; workshops for professionals and amateurs,
conferences, exhibitions, and an opening street procession, a oneday conference on Applying Puppets in Therapy to name just a few.
The festival also offers a special stage to puppets in the filmed
media: feature films with puppets, documentaries about puppeteers,
and television programs and advertisements using puppets.
Tourists and Israelis can book a Hotel, B&B (Tzimmer) or Apartment in the Tel Aviv area
here. To book a tour in Tel Aviv, click here.
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August
The International Art and Crafts Festival Jerusalem
August 3-15, 2015
This will be the 40th annual International Arts and Crafts Festival
Jerusalem. The festival is the highlight of the summer season in
Jerusalem. The festival is held at the Khutsot Hayotser Crafts Center,
Mitchell Gardens and the Merrill Hassenfeld Amphitheater in the
Sultan’s Pool, opposite the Tower of David at the foot of the Old City
Walls. The festival includes an International Pavilion, an Israeli
Pavilion, a children's compound, an International Food Fair and
musical events, including a central musical performance each
evening by the best of Israel's musicians and entertainers. Last year
craftsmen and performers from over 30 countries came to the
festival. They joined around 200 of the best of Israel's artists and
artisans .They came from the Far East, South American and Central
America, Europe, Asia and Africa.
Tourists and Israelis can book a Hotel, B&B (Tzimmer) or Apartment in the Jerusalem here.
To book a tour in Jerusalem, or the Judean Hills, click here.
Israeli Wine Tasting Festival (Jerusalem)
August 17–20, 2015
Held at the Israel Museum, which will be celebrating its 50th
anniversary in 2015, this is a celebration of wine tasting from Israel's
leading wineries. The festival takes place at the museum's Billy Rose
Art Garden and features live musical performances each night.
Tourists and Israelis can book a Hotel, B&B (Tzimmer) or Apartment in Jerusalem here. To
book a tour in Jerusalem, or the Judean Hills, click here.
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August (continued)
Arad Festival - A Song in the Air
August 17-20, 2015
The southern city of Arad takes on an air of celebration at the end of
each summer with a variety of Israeli musical performances from
different eras. The festival was first held 33 years ago and since then
Israeli Song and the city of Arad have become synonymous. In
recent years the festival's main focus has been of choirs and singing
groups (Havurot Zemer in Hebrew), from around the country. The
festival provides a stage both to promising new artists as well as
more established ones. All the performances are free.
Tourists and Israelis can book a Hotel, B&B (Tzimmer) or Apartment in Arad area here.
Klezmer Festival (Safed)
August 18-20, 2015
This will be the 28th annual Klezmer Festival. A variety of unique
performances will be featured. This is no doubt one of the biggest
events on the Israeli cultural calendar. Numerous unique musical
performances are held by the best Klezmer musicians from Israel
who perform with other well known international Klezmer musicians.
Tourists and Israelis can book a Hotel, B&B (Tzimmer) or Apartment in Safed or surrounding
area here. To book a tour in Safed, click here.
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September
The Rosh HaAyin Festival of Mediterranean Music
September 29- 30, 2015 (tentative dates)
This festival takes places during Succoth. At this festival you will be
able to enjoy Yemenite food, musical performances and a variety of
exhibitions. The festival also includes tours of Rosh HaAyin and
participation in traditional Hena ceremonies. Entrance is free.
Tourists and Israelis can book a Hotel, B&B (Tzimmer) or Apartment in or near Rosh
Ha'Ayin here.
Tamar Festival (Dead Sea)
September 29 - October 2, 2015
The festival highlights spectacular performances from some of
Israel’s greatest musicians and international artists. Performances
take place in natural surroundings around the Dead Sea. Some of the
events will be held at the Masada Hall, "natures best music venue".
Past performers have included Shlomo Arzi, Ehud Banai, Mosh Ben
Ari, Nurit Galron, Aviv Geffen, HaDag Nachash, Marina Maximilian,
Ariel Zilber feat. Shlomo Gronich and Mati Caspi, to name a few. The
four-day festival offers a multisensory experience of music, freedom,
nature and attractions and draws varied audiences.
Tourists and Israelis can book a Hotel, or B&B (Tzimmer) at the Dead Sea here.
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September/October
International Hot Air Balloon Festival (Hebrew)
Succoth: September 29 - October 1, 2015
The 5th annual International Hot Air Balloon Festival will take place
during Succoth at two locations, at Ma'ayan Harod National Park and
at Eshkol National Park in the Negev. The first two days will be held
in the Ma'ayan Harod location while the second two days will be at
Eshkol. In the north the backdrop for the festival is Mt. Gilboa and the
beautiful Harod Valley, which is dotted by many fish ponds. While in
the south the festival takes place in the Besor Region an area known
for its rural agricultural tourism. In past years participants have hailed
from as far away as New Zealand, Chile, United States, Germany,
Austria and Belgium to name a few.
Tourists and Israelis can book the Ein Harod B&B (Tzimmer) or another property in the area
here. Contact us about a Curator Tour of the Ein Harod Art Museum. To print a map of the
Gilboa area, click here. For accommodations in the Negev, click here.
The International Guitar Festival (Netanya)
September 29 – October 3, 2015
This year marks the 10th year of the festival. Concerts and
performances will include the best guitar players from Israel and
overseas. Performances will feature original productions for the
festival and will include a performances for guitars and other
instruments. Performances are both free and paid.
Tourists and Israelis can book a Hotel, B&B (Tzimmer) or Apartment in Netanya here.
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September/October (continued)
Haifa International Film Festival
Succoth: No firm dates
This will be the 31st Haifa International Film festival. Usually held
during Succoth (The Feast of the Tabernacles), the festival typically
lasts 10 days. Established in 1983, the festival attracts 300,000
visitors who attend 200 screenings from all over the world, including
Israel. The festival promotes pluralism, co-existence and peace.
Roughly 300 guests from the international as well as national industry
are hosted by the festival. Guests meet with colleagues and
audiences for talks between screenings. In addition there are master
classes, workshops, and receptions in the festival garden.
Tourists and Israelis can book a Hotel, B&B (Tzimmer) or Apartment in Haifa here. To book
a tour in Haifa or the Western Galilee, click here.
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November
Hula Bird Festival (Galilee)
No firm dates
This will be the 5th annual Hula Bird Festival. Explore northern
Israel's diverse avian wonders, from the alpine summits of Mt.
Hermon to the shores of the Sea of Galilee. Survey 200 species of
birds and at least 12 species of mammals. The Hula Valley Birds
Festival offers a full week birding program. The festival is an initiative
of the Israel Ornithological Center (Society for the Protection of
Nature in Israel).
Tourists and Israelis can book a, room at Pastoral Kfar Blum (base of the festival) or
elsewhere in the Galilee here.
Films in the Arava Desert (Negev)
No firm dates
This International Film Festival takes place in the Negev Desert,
midway between Dead Sea and the Red Sea. The location is next to
Zuqim, in the Ashush Natural Reserve which is located in the Arava
section of the Southern Negev. The Ashush Reserve is one the most
beautiful nature reserves in the south. This is a unique open air film
event. The films are screened with huge state of the art projection
equipment. Screenings are held in a valley which is surrounded on all
sides by the majestic landscape of the Negev. The festival is
produced by the Central Arava Regional Council.
Tourists and Israelis can book a Hotel, B&B (Tzimmer) in the Arava/Negev/Eilat area here.
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December
Jacobs's Ladder Winter Festival (Sea of Galilee)
December 4-5, 2015
Jacob's Ladder is a folk festival that features musical genres as
diverse as Bluegrass, Country, Rock, World Music and Blues to
name a few. The Winter Festival is more intimate than the Spring
Festival. Held at Nof Ginosar, the performances take place inside the
main building and the sport hall.
Tourists and Israelis can book a, room at Nof Ginosar (site of the festival) or elsewhere in
the Sea of Galilee here. To book a tour in the Galilee/Golan area, click here.
Taste of the Kinneret (Hebrew - Sea of Galilee)
During Hanukkah
This will be the 11th Taste of the Kinneret Festival, which features
events at local restaurants and various tourist and cultural sites.
Tourists and Israelis can book a room in the Sea of Galilee (site of the festival) here. To
book a tour in the Galilee/Golan, click here.
Jewish Film Festival (Jerusalem)
December 6-12, 2015
The Jerusalem Jewish Film Festival has been held at the Jerusalem
Cinematheque-Israel Film Archive, annually since1999. The festival
takes place during the month of December and lasts for six days.
Over 50 films from Israel and around the world are screened. Films
include; documentaries, feature films, animated, avant-garde films
and shorts. The films explore themes of Jewish faith and practice,
history, culture, music, the Holocaust, contemporary life in Israel and
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December (continued)
the Jewish Diaspora, the relationship between Judaism and other
world religions and the role of Jewish identity in the State of Israel.
Tourists and Israelis can book a Hotel, B&B (Tzimmer) or Apartment in Jerusalem here. To
book a tour in Jerusalem or the Judean Hills, click here.
Holiday of Holidays (Haifa)
Usually around Hanukkah - no firm dates
In 1993, the Holiday of Holiday was established in Haifa. The festival
which takes place during the winter and honors Hanukkah, Christmas
and Ramadan. It celebrates the good relations of the city's diverse
(Jewish -Arab) population .The event attracts 200,000 people
annually. The venue is Wadi Nisnas. Beit Hagefen Arab-Jewish
Cultural, Community & Youth Center and the many art galleries in the
heart of Wadi Nisnas participate. In keeping with this Mediterranean
city's open, outdoor way of life, the core event is a street fair offering
performing arts presentations, and exhibitions of antiques, folkloristic
arts and crafts, and local cuisine. The festival is free of charge.
Tourists and Israelis can book a Hotel, B&B (Tzimmer) or Apartment in Haifa here. To book
a tour in Haifa or the Western Galilee, click here.
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Miscellaneous
Scarlet South Festival (Darom Adom)
January-March - The Besor Regional Council
Every year carpets of bright red anemones crop up in the Northern
Negev. Israelis typically flock to view the multitude of flowers, but
most tourists are not aware of this gem. Residents of the region invite
you to enjoy the historical and leisure sites, in addition to natural
wonders, in a rural setting.
Tourists and Israelis can book a Hotel, B&B (Tzimmer) in the Negev here. To book a tour in
the area, click here.
Cinema South Festival (Sderot)
Date unknown
The beginnings of this festival, in 2002, were humble. The Film and
Television School of Sapir College has been coordinating the Cinema
South Festival, which is held at the Sderot Cinematheque, since the
festival's inception. Within a few years it became a well respected
international film festival. The festival showcases Israeli and world
cinema. In recent years the festival has garnered exposure in the
international press, including the British Independent and France’s Le
Monde.
Tourists and Israelis can book a Hotel, B&B (Tzimmer) or Apartment in Ashdod here.
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Miscellaneous (continued)
Docaviv International Documentary Film Festival (Tel Aviv)
Date unknown
This is Tel Aviv’s largest film festival and is the only film festival in
Israel dedicated exclusively to documentary cinema. At each festival
roughly 90 International and Israeli documentaries are screened. The
festival enjoys a Doc loving audience of 35,000 people. The festival
features a competitive section, which has become one of its main
focal points. Each year the festival runs an international competition
which presents recent innovative and compelling documentaries, an
Israeli competition that includes the finest vintage of local
Documentary filmmaking community. In conjunction with dozens of
screenings, the festival holds special events, artists’ master classes,
discussion panels, and workshops which are attended by the
festival’s international guests, members of the Israeli film industry,
and members of the public.
Tourists and Israelis can book a Hotel, B&B (Tzimmer) or Apartment in Tel Aviv here. To
book a tour in Tel Aviv, click here.
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Sports Events
ISRAMAN Eilat
January 30, 2015
This is a Full and Half Iron Distance Triathlon.
Dead Sea Half Marathon
February 13, 2015
One of the Dead Sea's most important events, this will be the 32nd
annual half marathon. The schedule includes a race to the top of
Masada, the Ein Gedi half marathon, a marathon prep weekend and
a sports VIP weekend. The events of the Ein Gedi half marathon also
include the Israel handicapped jet ski championship.
Tourists and Israelis can book a hotel at the Dead Sea here.
Tel Aviv SAMSUNG Marathon
February 27, 2015
With an expected 40,000 participants this marathon offers the
following courses: Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, and a Kids
Mini Marathon. The event will also include 42K Handcycle race for
people with special needs.
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Sports Events (continued)
Jerusalem Marathon
March 13, 2015
This event has a number of tracks, marathon, 42.195 km half
marathon, 21.1 km, 10 km, 5 km and a community race.
The Speedo Sea of Galilee Swim
September 19, 2015
The largest swimming event in Israel, with over 12,000 swimmers.
This will be the 62nd swim.
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Conclusion
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