Summer in Yerevan means more than just sunshine, warmth, and activity—it also brings dozens of festivals that blend food, music, art, and culture into a vibrant celebratory atmosphere. These summer festivals have become a signature of the city, attracting thousands of locals and tourists each year.

The festivals stand out with their diversity: culinary festivals in Yerevan, wine, cheese, street food, and tea festivals, along with events dedicated to folk culture, music, and visual arts. They can truly be described as a feast for all the senses.

Festivals also become a crossroads of cultures: by tasting dishes like Lori’s borscht or Syunik’s tanapur (a yogurt-based soup), visitors simultaneously discover local history and traditions. At these events, one can eat, listen, see, feel, learn, and experience. In summer, Yerevan transforms into a hub of sensations and delicious experiences that are not to be missed.

Yerevan’s Most Famous Festivals

While Yerevan hosts many festivals, some have become traditions, drawing crowds from across Armenia and abroad. Here are some of the city’s most well-known festivals you won’t want to miss:

Yerevan Wine Days-For wine lovers, this is the most anticipated event of the year. Held in late May and early June in the city center, it features wine tastings from Armenia’s top winemakers. The wine is paired with traditional Armenian dishes and live music—an unforgettable evening that will stay with you all year.

Yerevan Food Fest-Entirely dedicated to culinary delights, this festival showcases regional Armenian cuisine as well as international dishes. You can sample everything from traditional dolma to Thai pad thai—all in one place.

Street Music Days
A true celebration for music lovers. Street performers, bands, and DJs take to open-air stages from the Cascade to Northern Avenue. Genres range from rock, jazz, folk, and electronic to traditional Armenian music.

Taraz Fest-A festival dedicated to Armenian traditional dress and handmade arts. Taraz Fest not only displays traditional garments but also tells their stories, shows how they’re made, and blends these traditions with modern styling and fashion approaches.

Yerevan Color Festival-A burst of color, music, and youthful energy—this is one of the most vibrant events of the summer. Participants throw colorful powder on each other, dance to DJ beats, and enjoy a sense of pure freedom.

Gastro Yerevan / BBQ Festival-No Armenian summer festival would be complete without barbecue. The BBQ Festival features a wide variety of meat dishes—from Armenian classics to Caucasian and Middle Eastern flavors.

In summer, Yerevan becomes not just Armenia’s cultural and gastronomic capital but a central destination for the entire Caucasus. The city’s summer festivals unite the best of Armenian hospitality, cuisine, culture, art, and creativity.

Advantages of Being in Yerevan During Festival Season

When summer festivals are happening, Yerevan pulses with a new rhythm—more lively, colorful, and open to all. If you’re wondering when the best time to visit Yerevan is, festival season is your answer. 

Here are some of the top reasons to visit during this time:

• See Yerevan at its best: During festivals, the city’s main squares, parks, and streets turn into stages and stalls, showcasing local culture in its most vivid form. These events allow you to stroll through the city while enjoying live music, delicious food, and meeting interesting people.
• Take part in masterclasses and cultural activities: Many festivals offer educational segments such as cooking masterclasses, painting, and artisan workshops—particularly appealing to young people and families.
• Discover Armenian traditional cuisine and wines: If you’re looking for culinary festivals in Yerevan, summer is your chance. Try everything from homemade gata to innovative barbecue dishes prepared as part of performance cooking events. Events like “Yerevan Gastro Day” reveal the true potential of gastronomic tourism.
• Relax without leaving the city: Festival-season Yerevan offers the full package of entertainment and relaxation without the need for long trips. Just take a walk through the city and find yourself in the heart of a cultural celebration.

  These festivals are not only a chance to relax and have fun but also an opportunity to explore Armenia’s past and present. If you want to truly feel the city—its flavors and colors—there’s no substitute for being in Yerevan during its summer festivals.