10 Best Festivals In Georgia You Must Visit
10 Best Festivals In Georgia You Must Visit
Georgia, a captivating country at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, is a treasure trove of ancient traditions, breathtaking landscapes, and unmatched hospitality. Its vibrant culture comes alive through its extraordinary festivals, offering travellers a unique window into its rich heritage. Whether you’re intrigued by ancient pagan rituals, tempted by culinary delights, or drawn to contemporary musical celebrations, Georgia’s 2025 festival lineup has something for everyone. Dive into this guide to discover the top 10 best festivals in Georgia for 2025, along with practical tips to enhance your journey and festival experience.
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Georgian festivals typically follow a traditional schedule, but the exact dates can vary slightly each year. The timing of festivals depends on factors like seasonal activities, religious calendars, and local traditions. For travelers, the best time to visit Georgia often aligns with these festivals, particularly in spring and autumn, when the weather is pleasant, and cultural celebrations are in full swing.
Here is the list of the most popular festivals in Georgia
Tbilisoba
Art-Gene Festival
Rtveli
Cheese Festival
Tsinandali Festival
Black Sea Jazz Festival
Tbilisi International Film Festival
Tbilisi Photo Festival
Gemo Fest
Tushetoba
1. Tbilisoba: A Grand Celebration of Tbilisi
Tbilisoba, celebrated every October, is one of Georgia's most cherished festivals. It honours the founding and cultural legacy of Tbilisi, the nation’s vibrant capital. Established in 1979 during Soviet times, Tbilisoba was introduced to celebrate the city’s rich history and multicultural identity. Over the years, the festival has become a beloved tradition, drawing locals and international visitors to partake in its lively festivities.
Visitors to Tbilisoba can enjoy an array of activities, including traditional music and dance performances, craft markets, and food stalls offering iconic Georgian dishes like khinkali, mtsvadi (grilled meat), and churchkhela (nutty sweets). Outdoor concerts, street parades, and even grape-stomping sessions add to the festival’s charm. Key venues like Rike Park, Old Tbilisi, and Freedom Square transform into bustling hubs of celebration, offering something for everyone.
When: October
Where: Open Air Museum of Ethnography, Rike Park and Orbeliani Square in Tbilisi.
Theme: Cultural
How to attend:
Getting there: Fly to Tbilisi International Airport (TBS), just 17 km from the city centre. Then, use a taxi, bus, or train to access the festival venues quickly.
Festival musts:
Try this: Sample khinkali (dumplings) and churchkhela (candied nuts on a string).
Don’t miss Traditional music and dance performances showcasing regional diversity.
Safety tips:
Beware of pickpockets in crowded areas.
Wear comfortable shoes for walking on cobblestone streets.
2. Art-Gene Festival: A Tapestry of Folk Traditions
The Art-Gene Festival, held every July, is a vibrant celebration of Georgia’s folk traditions and artistic heritage. Established in 2004, it preserves and promotes the country’s intangible cultural treasures, from music and dance to traditional crafts. What began as a grassroots initiative became a nationwide event showcasing Georgia's diverse regional identities.
This festival is a vital platform for local artists and artisans to share their talents, fostering pride and economic opportunities for rural communities. It inspires younger generations to connect with their heritage, ensuring these age-old traditions endure. With an annual attendance of 25,000–30,000, Art-Gene has become a cultural cornerstone and a dynamic celebration of Georgia’s rich legacy.
When: July
Where: The Open Air Museum of Ethnography in Tbilisi
Theme: Cultural
How to attend:
Getting There: Attend the main events at the Ethnographic Museum in Tbilisi.
Regional Events: Satellite events take place in other cities and villages.
Festival musts:
Buy this: Handmade crafts like felt hats and traditional jewellery.
Listen to this: Performances by Georgian polyphonic choirs.
Additional tips:
Carry a hat and sunscreen for outdoor venues.
Stay hydrated during hot summer days.
3. Rtveli: Georgia’s Grape Harvest Extravaganza
Rtveli fosters intergenerational connections as families work together in the vineyards, ensuring that both the skills and values of winemaking are passed down. The festival has also gained international attention, drawing wine enthusiasts from around the globe and further enhancing Georgia’s reputation as a world-class wine destination.
When: Late September and early October.
Where: Kakheti, Georgia’s wine region
Theme: Cultural and Seasonal
How to attend:
Getting there: From Tbilisi International Airport, drive 90 minutes or take a marshrutka (minibus) to Kakheti.
Festival sites: Various vineyards across Telavi and Signagi.
Festival musts:
Join this: Participate in grape picking and stomping grapes in a traditional qvevri.
Sip on this: Taste local wines like Saperavi and Rkatsiteli.
Safety tips:
Drink responsibly, as Georgian wine is strong!
Watch your step in vineyards, as the terrain can be uneven.
4. Cheese Festival: Say “Cheese” to Georgian Gastronomy
The Cheese Festival is a delightful event that showcases Georgia’s rich cheese-making traditions, bringing together locals and visitors to celebrate this staple of Georgian cuisine. Cheese has been an integral part of Georgian culinary heritage for centuries, with some techniques dating back to ancient times. Regions like Imereti, Tusheti, and Samtskhe-Javakheti each boast their own cheese-making traditions, perfected through generations. The festival was established to preserve and promote these artisanal practices, as well as to ensure the survival of unique cheeses like Tenili, which UNESCO has recognised for its cultural significance.
When: October
Where: The festival often takes place in Tbilisi, with Rike Park serving as one of its prominent locations.
Theme: Food and Culture
Please note: Hosting rights for the Cheese festival rotate annually among different regions, determined through a competition held during the previous event. This rotation ensures that diverse regional cheese-making traditions are celebrated and showcased.
How to attend:
Getting there: Central locations in Tbilisi like Mtatsminda Park or ExpoGeorgia.
Tickets: Available at the venue.
Festival musts:
Must taste: Tushetian Chogi, Kalti, Kobi from Khevi, Ajarian and Meskhetian Chechili, Guda, Karkhnuli, Meskhetian Tenili, Imeruli
Learn this: Cheese-making workshops hosted by local artisans.
Safety tips:
If lactose intolerant, inquire about non-dairy options beforehand.
Bring cash; not all vendors accept cards.
Did you know? Dambalkhacho, Tenili, and Guda cheeses are recognized as part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage, highlighting their profound historical and cultural significance.
5. Tsinandali Festival: A Symphony in the Heart of Georgia
The Tsinandali Festival is a world-class classical music event held at the historic Tsinandali Estate in Kakheti. Since its inception in 2019, the festival has become a global hub for artistic exchange, combining breathtaking performances, educational programs, and wine culture.
Once the home of Georgian aristocrat and poet Alexander Chavchavadze, the 19th-century Tsinandali Estate was a cultural bridge between European influences and Georgian traditions. Today, the festival honours this legacy, inspiring young Georgian musicians and fostering cultural pride while showcasing the estate as a symbol of art, history, and creativity.
When: 4-14 September 2025
Where: Tsinandali Estate, Kakheti
Theme: Music festival
How to attend:
Getting there: From Tbilisi International Airport, a 2-hour drive via the Kakheti Highway, or book a direct transfer to Tsinandali.
Tickets: Purchase tickets in advance from the official Tsinandali Festival website or authorised vendors.
Festival musts:
Don’t miss: Evening concerts in the amphitheatre for a magical experience under the stars.
Taste this: Sample local wines and try traditional Kakhetian cuisine, including mtsvadi (grilled meat) and churchkhela (nutty sweets).
Safety tips:
Arrange transport and accommodations early, as the festival attracts large crowds.
Keep your valuables safe during busy festival events.
6. Black Sea Jazz Festival: Coastal Vibes and World-Class Music
The Black Sea Jazz Festival, held annually in the vibrant city of Batumi, is one of Georgia’s most iconic music events. Known for its stunning seaside backdrop and electrifying performances, the festival has gained international recognition as a hub for jazz enthusiasts and music lovers. Each summer, renowned global artists and local talent come together to deliver unforgettable experiences, making it a highlight of Georgia’s cultural calendar.
When: July
Where: Batumi, Adjara region
Theme: Music festival
How to attend:
Getting there: Fly into Batumi International Airport or take a train from Tbilisi (6 hours).
Venue: Multiple venues around Batumi, including Seaside Boulevard.
Festival musts:
Groove to this: Performances by globally acclaimed artists.
Explore this: Stroll through Batumi’s botanical gardens or Europe Square.
Safety tips:
Book Black Sea Jazz tickets in advance; the festival is extremely popular.
Avoid swimming late at night in the Black Sea.
7. Tbilisi International Film Festival: A Cinematic Feast
The festival has been instrumental in promoting Georgian cinema internationally, nurturing local talent through workshops, screenings, and networking opportunities. It also boosts tourism, drawing visitors to Tbilisi’s rich cultural scene. For locals, TIFF is a point of pride, celebrating Georgia’s creative potential and offering audiences access to diverse narratives and innovative filmmaking.
When: October 2025
Where: Tbilisi
Theme: Art
How to attend:
Getting there: Held at various cinemas in Tbilisi, including Amirani Cinema.
Tickets: Purchase online or at the venue.
Visit the Tbilisi International Film Festival official website for more information.
Festival musts:
Watch this: Georgian independent films alongside international entries.
Attend this: Filmmakers will be present during panel discussions and Q&A sessions.
Safety tips:
Plan screenings ahead of time; some films sell out quickly.
Avoid bringing large bags to venues for security reasons.
The Tbilisi Photo Festival, founded in 2010, has become one of the most prestigious photography events in the South Caucasus. Co-founded by Georgian journalist and curator Nestan Nijaradze and French photographer Lionel Charrier, the festival was inspired by the renowned Les Rencontres d’Arles in France. It serves as a platform to highlight contemporary photography from Georgia, the South Caucasus, and beyond, bringing together established and emerging talents.
Known for its dynamic programming, the festival features exhibitions, workshops, and panel discussions that explore the evolving art of photography. A highlight of the event is the "Night of Photography," where outdoor screenings transform iconic Tbilisi locations into immersive visual galleries.
When: September
Where: Various venues in Tbilisi, including historic parks and old neighbourhoods.
Theme: Art
How to attend:
Getting There: Fly into Tbilisi International Airport (TBS). Festival events are spread across key locations in the city, easily accessible by public transport or taxi.
Tickets: Entry to many exhibitions and events is free, while some require tickets, which can be purchased online or at the venues.
Website: Visit the official Tbilisi Photo Festival website for schedules and ticketing information.
Festival musts:
Experience this
See this: Exhibitions showcasing the works of South Caucasian and international photographers.
Learn this: Participate in workshops and masterclasses hosted by acclaimed photographers.
Safety Tips
Stay aware of your surroundings, especially during outdoor nighttime events.
Dress comfortably for walking between venues, as many events occur in open and historic areas.
9. Gemo Fest: A Culinary Journey Through Georgia's Regions
Gemo Fest is an annual gastronomic festival celebrating Georgia's rich and diverse culinary heritage. Each year, the festival is hosted in different regions, highlighting local dishes, traditional cooking methods, and regional specialities. The event aims to promote gastrotourism, support local entrepreneurs, and introduce both locals and visitors to the unique flavours of Georgian cuisine.
When: Dates vary annually; typically held during the summer months.
Where: Rotates among various regions of Georgia, including cities like Kutaisi, Zugdidi, and Mestia.
Theme: Food and Culture
How to attend:
Getting There: Depending on the host city, attendees can fly into the nearest major airport (e.g., Tbilisi International Airport for eastern regions or Kutaisi International Airport for western regions) and then travel by car or public transport to the festival location.
Tickets: Entry is often free, but some activities or workshops may require tickets.
Festival musts:
Taste this: Sample traditional dishes unique to the host region, such as Megrelian elargi (cheese cornmeal) or Svanetian kubdari (meat-filled bread).
Attend this: Live cooking demonstrations by local chefs showcasing traditional recipes and techniques.
Buy this: Artisanal products like regional cheeses, spices, and handmade crafts are available at the festival market.
Safety tips:
Stay informed: Check the festival's official channels for any updates or changes in schedule.
Health precautions: Practice standard health and safety measures, especially when sampling various foods.
10. Tushetoba: Highlands Heritage and Horse Racing
Tushetoba is an annual festival held in the breathtaking mountainous region of Tusheti, Georgia, celebrating the rich culture and traditions of the Tushetian people. The festival starts with an exhilarating horse race, honouring Tusheti’s equestrian heritage, where the winner receives a symbolic prize of a flag and a sheep. Visitors can savour local dishes, including the famous Tushetian khinkali, and enjoy traditional music and dance. Tushetoba also features craft displays, cheese-making demonstrations, and guided tours of Tusheti’s historic towers. More than a celebration, Tushetoba offers a unique glimpse into the life and traditions of this remote highland community.
When: August
Where: Tusheti region
Theme: Culture and sports
How to attend:
Getting there: Fly into Tbilisi and hire a 4WD vehicle to navigate the challenging roads to Tusheti.
Venue: Villages like Omalo and Dartlo.
Festival musts:
See this: Watch thrilling horse races, a staple of Tushetoba.
Try this: Enjoy Tushetian guda cheese and khinkali.
Safety tips:
Prepare for cold nights; bring warm clothing.
Be cautious on winding mountain roads.
Final Thoughts: A Journey Through Time and Tradition
Georgia’s 2025 festivals offer an unparalleled blend of history, culture, and celebration. Each event provides a unique lens into the country’s soul, from the rugged highlands of Tusheti to the vibrant streets of Tbilisi. These festivals are more than just events. They're a testament to Georgia’s enduring spirit and hospitality.
Whether you’re a cultural enthusiast, a foodie, or an adventurer, Georgia’s festival scene will leave you with unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation for this extraordinary land. So, pack your bags and get ready to experience the heart and soul.