OCTOBER
NOVEMBER
DECEMBER
2011
2012
SEPTEMBER
International Chamber Music Festival in Jerusalem
All concerts at the YMCA Concert Hall in Jerusalem
August 31 - September 11, 2010
Works by Wolf, Schumann, Brahms, Chopin, Stravinsky and others. The program includes a world premiere of a work by Matan Porat, a veteran member of the festival family
www.jcmf.org.il
The Cross Kinneret Swim
2010-10-09
A traditional swimming competition for the wide public, held annually for the past 56 years. 2 races will take place – one is 1.5 km long and the other of 3.5 km long. Prizes will be awarded by the Israel Swimming Association, which also supervises the event. It appears among the 100 major open-water swimming events in the world.
www.ekinnert.co.il
tour@j-v.org.il
04-6757630
Haifa International Film Festival
23-30/9/2010
An important cinematic festival that includes movie screenings, workshops, cinema discussions as well as colorful outdoor events that are open to the public, creating a general festive atmosphere around the city.
www.haifaff.co.il/index.php
info@tour-haifa.co.il
1-800-30-50-90
Ha'tamar Festival
25-30/9/2010
A music festival in nature: the desert and its mesmerizing scenery and ever changing colors, the mountains, valleys and oases, will host a wide variety of musical shows. This year the festival celebrates a decade and it will be the biggest event in the country.
www.tamarfestival.co.il
ofra@ma-tamar.co.il
08-6584410
regional information center: 08-9975010
Bat Yam International Street Theatre Festival
26-28/9/2010
This year will mark the 14th anniversary of this festival, which is always a main attraction. Outdoor events and street theatre will be held as part of the festival.
www.batyamfest.co.il
batyamfest@gmail.com
31st Acco Theater Festival
September 26 – 29, 2010
Plays and various theatrical performances, combining Israeli and international theater
www.accofestival.co.il
Abu Gosh Festival
Succoth
September – October
The 37th vocal music festival held in the Kiryat Yearim Chuch
www.agfestival.co.il
OCTOBER
Sde Boker 100 Festival
15-16/10/2010
The festival includes a road biking trip (non comptitive), guided groups of adventurous bicycle rides into the desert, a short and simple family ride to a breathtaking vantage point over Nahal Zin (suitable for children), and of course - the relay race, in which every group of four bikers will ride an overall distance of 100km!
www.rng.org.il
08-6564184
Wheels of Love
24-28/10/2010
Annual international cycling trip to raise money for the children of Alyn Hospital. The journey has four route options – on road, on road challenge, off road and touring route. Hundreds of cyclists and volunteers from Israel and the world participate.
www.alynride.org.il
hbali@alyn.org
02-6494231
Wine Festival in Yoav Yehuda
The end of the wine grape harvest season. An ethnic traditional event.
www.touryoav.co.il
tour@yoav.org.il
08-8502240
08-8500777
Gush Ezyon Festival
A festival of theatre and Jewish music - Ehud Banai wirh Eti Ankri, Yonathan Raziel and the Raanana Symphonette Orchestra, Shlomo Bar concert in Tekoa, and a variety of performance for the whole family
www.batisraeli.co.il
02-9410124
Israel Games Fair
Sukkoth
A first of its kind games festival held in Israel.
www.israelgamesfair.co.il
Abu Gosh Festival
Sukkoth
The 36th vocal music festival
www.agfestival.co.il
agf@agfestival.co.il
Autumn Nights at the Old City
Experiential theatre tours, musical performances and a culinary celebration in the cafes and restaurants in the magical alleys of the old city of Jerusalem.
www.jerusalem.muni.il
iky.baryosef@gmail.com
077-3322717
Jewish Music Festival
The finest contemporary and Hasidic Jewish bands and singers
www.netanyatourism.org.il
ednasp@netanya.muni.il
09-8603115
Buba Shel Sipur – Puppet and Theatre Festival
mini festival for puppet shows and theatre - Heichal Hatrbut in Netanya
www.netanyatourism.org.il
ednasp@netanya.muni.il
09-8603115
Olive Branch Festival in the Galilee
End of October - Beginning of November
This multicultural festival is held at the start of the olive harvest season and includes a wide variety of activities in the oil press facilities, groves, villages and Hananya Farm – Israel’s National Olive Council center. Held for the 15th year, this festival is hosted in many places throughout Israel, under the theme "remedy for a long life".
www.galil.gov.il
talia@galil.gov.il
04-9552426/7
Wine Vintage Celebrations
Interim days of Sukkoth
A delightful journey through the vineyard country, with historic aromas of wine and a sensation reminiscent of rural provinces. Gathering grapes in the vineyards, stepping on grapes in the ancient wine press, visiting the homes of artists, touring the vineyards and additional varied activities for the whole family.
www.carmelim.org.il
info@tour-haifa.co.il
04-8146239
The Jerusalem March
Interim days of Sukkoth 2010
Thousands of Israelis, tourists and pilgrims from Israel and abroad participate in this traditional march wearing colorful outfits. The route follows the major tourist attractions of the city. A huge celebration for families in Saker Park.
www.jerusalem.muni.il
naheli@jerusalem.muni.il
02-6298048
17th Renaissance Festival
Interim days of Sukkoth
Ancient crafts market, displays, story tellers, concerts and music performances, in a magical atmosphers, inspired by the Renaissance era.
www.lagalil.com
Abu Gosh Festival
Succoth
September – October
The 37th vocal music festival held in the Kiryat Yearim Chuch
www.agfestival.co.il
"Guitar Pearls" Festival
This international guitar festival hosts every year the finest Israeli and foreign guitar players.
www.netanyatourism.org.il
ednasp@netanya.muni.il
09-8603115
Tel Aviv Dance
International dance festival. A classic and innovative contemporary celebration of Israeli and international dance, at its best.
www.suzannedellal.org.il
03-5105657
"Sea Treasures" 3
A spectacular photo exhibition, displaying the underwater animal kingdom - free dive.
052-7202708
Shepherds Festival
A festival for the entire family held in Binyamina and in Shuni Fort. A variety of activities inspired by agriculture and shepherds.
www.shuni.co.il
04-6181200
Indy-Negev Festival
End of October - Mid Novembet
A festival of independent music and are in the Negev.
www.gonegev.co.il
054-7919410
Shaar International Poetry Festival
Poetry readings by Israel's finest poets and poets from all over the world; tributes of senior to young poets; meerings with foreign magazine editors; poets panel, etc.
www.helicon.org.il
03-5600122
"Good Wheel 2010"
An international bicycle journey, in which both bicycle and hand-bicycle riders participate, in order to raise donations for the rehabilitation and advancement of the disabled children that are active in the "Good Wheel 2008" sports center. Organized by the Sports Center of the Israeli Association for Disabled Children ("Ilan") in Ramat Gan.
http://bikeride.iscd.com
info@iscd.com
03-6005484
NOVEMBER
32nd Cycling Around the Kinneret Event
2010-11-06
A bicycle event around the Kinneret that became a tradition for the cyclist community. 63 kilometers of challenge, colorful sceneries, happy faces and lots and lots of wheels.
www.ekinneret.co.il
tour@j-v.org.il
04-6757659
Epson Red Sea 2010
9-13 Nov Eilat
World of Underwater Images
Photos competition
www.eilatredsea.com
Ben Gurion March, Sde Boker
19-20/11/2010
Athletic march and a huge happening.
www.negev-tour.co.il
negev_mi@netvision.net.il
08-6564109
Chamber Dance Festival in Jerusalem
22-25/11/2010
A festival for chamber dances performed by single dancers or small ensembles in a small hall, thus, similarly to chamber music performances, an intimate connection is created between the dancers and audience. The festival focuses on new ways of connecting and promotes dancers that have an individual form of expression.
02-6251139
Jazz Globus International Festival
25/11 - 3/12/2010
A festival that brings together musicians from Israel and the world in the genre of jazz and alternative music.
www.jazzglobus.com
contact@jazzglobus.com
052-2634444
Hamshushalaim in Jerusalem
A wide variety of events that held on weekends, including discounted admissions to various sites.
www.jerusalem.muni.il
naheli@jerusalem.muni.il
02-6297685
International Oud Festival
A festival that is a tribute to the cultural heritage of classical and artistic Arab music and its influences on western and Mediterranean music. Participants are from Israel and abroad.
www.confederationhouse.org
02-6245206
The Israel - Aviv Ride
The Arava Institute for Environmental Studies and Hazon Organization hold the 6th annual bicycle ride from Jerusalem to Eilat, themed "Riding together for cooperation and for the environment". A group of 150 Israel-supporters from abroad (mainly from the U.S.A) will ride together for 7 days, covering a distance of about 450 km. En-route education program will focus on various subjects that are related to environmental protection and regional cooperation. All the funds that will be raised during the ride shall be addressed to projects in the fields of environmental education (scholarships) and environmental protection activity in Israel.
www.israelride.org
saritmr@arava.org
052-8022067
Bird-watching festival
Bird-migration and ecology festival, in the Aravah
www.gonegev.co.il/arava
08-6326555
Dead Sea Bicycle Ride
Road-biking trip, aimed to raise awareness about the conservation of the Dead Sea
www.triathlon.org.il
03-6764008
DECEMBER
Music on the Mountains Festival
2-9/12/2010
Music Festival in the Hotels of the Judea Mountain. A feast of attractive and festive concerts in the Hotels, in celebration of Hanukkah and the new year's eve. Spoiling brunch meals will be served in the hotels, followed by free of charge KKL tours, bicycle and ATV trips, different activities for children and much more.
www.touryoav.org.il/
04-8502240
Music in the Desert
8-11/12/2010
www.rng.org.il
negev_mi@netvision.net.il
08-6564147
Jacob’s Ladder Festival
10-11/12/2010
Unique folk music festival, Irish music, rock and blues. The festival includes musical performances, dance and a happening for all ages. Held in the courtyard of the Ginosar Hotel.
www.jlfestival.com
contact@jlfestival.com
04-6962231
Shalem Dance Festival
22-23/12/2010
An encounter with some of the finest Israeli performers and choreographies of contemporary dance. The festival features a unique collage – a taste of the choreographies of various dance groups, some of which are performed for the first time.
www.jerusalem.muni.il
02-6251139
Orange Festival in Eshkol Park
TBA
Guided tours in orange groves and other activities.
www.negev-tour.co.il
Negev_mi@netvision.net.il
08-6209720
"Salt of the Earth" Convention
Lectures about the Dead Sea
www.deadsea.co.il
ofra@ma-tamar.co.il
regional information center:
08-6688829/12
Mountain Bike Festival in Sodom Mountain
Each year, for two days, the mountain bike celebrations take place on the slopes and at the foot of Sodom Mountain. The bike festivities include an international UCI (Union Cycliste International) race, in which the top local mountain cyclists compete against international cyclists. In addition, there are races in different categories of bike routes for the general public - extreme and armature, for men and women. Please check specific race dates.
www.deadsea.co.il
ofra@ma-tamar.co.il
regional information center:
08-6688829/12
5th Taste of the Kinneret Festival
The culinary festival Taste of the Kinneret spreads over three weekends. It is based on the many restaurants and dining sites across the Jordan Valley, Tiberias and the Kinneret. In addition to dining, the general public can enjoy a variety of cooking workshops and other food-related activities.
www.ekinneret.co.il/site
tour@j-v.org.il
04-6757659
Jewish Culture "Mosaic" Festival in Jerusalem
An international Jewish culture event, a first of a kind combination of theatre, music and dance performances, film, symposiums and debates all relating to the artistic aspect of Jerusalem: Jerusalem-related art pieces, a musical show of biblical songs in contemporary arrangements, Jewish humor and a Yiddish theatre.
Hamshushalaim in Jerusalem
The Hamshushalayim festival offers you a chance to discover Jerusalem during the fall and beginning of winter and take part in dozens of intimate, varied cultural events.
http://tour.jerusalem.muni.il
naheli@jerusalem.muni.il
02-6297685
Oil, Olives and Cool Artists Festival
End of the olive harvest season - workshops in the artists' studios.
www.touryoav.org.il
tour@j-v.org.il
04-6757659
The "Holiday of Holidays" Festival
This year marks the 16th year of the Holiday of Holidays Festival in Haifa that brings thousands of visitors to Wadi Nisnas neighborhood each year. ETOS and Beit Hagefen - the Jewish-Arabic center in Haifa produce the festival for Haifa City Council, with the cooperation of the committee representing the residents of the Wadi Nisnas neighborhood.
www.haifahag.co.il
04-8525252
Musical Winter in Abu Gosh
The "Musical Winter" concert series presents 7 concerts, some of which are traditional and some unique to this specific winter. Chol Hamoed Succot and the Shavuot holiday concerts will take place at the Kiryat Yearim Church which has amazing acoustics and overlooks the colorful Abu Ghosh Village
www.agfestival.co.il
Children Theatre Plays' Festival
The festival is held each year on Hannukkah holiday. Excellent children plays and a cheerful event in the Givataim Theatre.
www.t-g.co.il
Jewish Cinema Festival in the Jerusalem Cinemateque
A range of movies on different themes. Movie screenings are accompanied by contests, lectures and music performances.
www.jjff.org.il
02-5654357
2011
Musical Winter in Abu Gosh
The "Musical Winter" concert series presents 7 concerts, some of which are traditional and some unique to this specific winter. Chol Hamoed Succot and the Shavuot holiday concerts will take place at the Kiryat Yearim Church which has amazing acoustics and overlooks the colorful Abu Ghosh Village
www.agfestival.co.il
34th International Tiberius Marathon, at the Sea of Galilee
January 6, 2011
An unforgettable experience for all participants in this unique race- the "lowest" Marathon in the world, some 200meters below sea level in the Jordan Valley.
The officially measured 42.195km asphalt course is flat and fast.
The Marathon course follows the shoreline of the Sea of Galilee set against breathtaking rustic landscape, and winding through ancient historical landmarks in the Jordan Valley. It is an out and back course, from the main streets of Tiberius along the Sea of Galilee, crossing the Jordan River up to the turning point at Kibbutz Ein- Gev and back to Tiberius.
Finishing line is at the Golden Tulip Club Hotel.
Average weather conditions - 15C at 9am.
www.tiberias-marathon.co.il
The 9th Red Sea International Musical Festival
January 6-9, 2011
International Musical Festival, with international orchestras conducted by the well known Valery Gergiev
www.redseaclassicalfestival.com
"Tour d'Israel 2011"
March 7-10, 2011
"Tour d'Israel" a four stages cycling event and experience you are sure to never forget. Pedal across the Land of the Bible, from snow-capped Mt. Hermon in the North to sunny Eilat on the shores of the Red Sea - a 615 km cycling challenge passing through regions, cities and sites that evoke memories of biblical history and the topography of Old & New Testament lands.The Galilee hills and their magnificent vistas, legendary Masada, Negev Desert expanses, the Sea of Galilee; Jerusalem and Beersheba; the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea. History, religion, archeology and current events all play their part in telling the timeless story of one of the world's most awe-inspiring and vital regions, and now you too can share in the experience, taking part in the inaugural "Tour d'Israel" challenge for four days of memorable cycling scenic and often inspiring views!www.tourtheisrael.com
The 18th International Jerusalem Half-Marathon + Marathon
March 25, 2011
Half-Marathon for professionals and amateurs from Israel and worldwide taking part in the traditional Jerusalem half-marathon. In 2011, there will be a full 42 km international marathon, as well.
http://www.jerusalem.muni.il
5th Eilat Spring Migration Festival
March 20-27, 2011
The weeklong event includes day and night guided birding tours to all the best sites in southern Israel, bird related activities, presentations, talks and more.
http://www.wix.com/lironziv/eilatspringfestival2011
Aida at Masada
June 1 – 11, 2011
The second opera festival in the Masada / Dead Sea area will feature a new production of Verdi's grandiose and most popular opera, Aida, replete with a triumph march featuring hundreds of participants. Daniel Oren conducts the production which is produced in cooperation with the opera festival in Orange, France. The festival will also feature a gala opera concert with the orchestra and soloists of the Arena di Verona
www.israel-opera.co.il
Opera Week – Jerusalem
June 2 – 6, 2011
Verdi’s “Jerusalem” performed at Sultan’s Pool in Jerusalem and concerts at various churches
www.israel-opera.co.il/eng
Gay Parade
June 10, 2011
Varied activities
2012
Tel Aviv Marathon
May 14, 2012
43-kilometre flat course through the city, flanked by the deep blue sea.
www.whatsonwhen.com
Eilat Triathlon
November 2012
Eilat Triathlon was selected as the host for the 2012 Triathlon European Championships. Elite and Age groups. EL AL's special benefit – free transport of bikes, will help promote EL AL traffic to Eilat.
www.triathlon.org.il