From classical music and contemporary arts to wine, theatre and experiences in the sky, Armenia offers a vibrant line-up of festivals and events this autumn. Across Yerevan and beyond, travellers can experience international performances, discover Armenia’s wine culture, explore its artistic heritage and take to the skies by balloon or light aircraft. For travellers from the Gulf, the autumn programme is within easy reach, with direct flights to Yerevan from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Kuwait City and Doha, alongside visa-free access for GCC nationals and eligible GCC residents.

“Armenia” International Music Festival

9 September – 15 October 2026 – Yerevan

The Armenian State Symphony Orchestra opens the tenth “Armenia” International Music Festival on 9 September, when pianist Behzod Abduraimov performs Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1 alongside Stravinsky’s The Firebird Suite, conducted by Sergey Smbatyan. Over the following five weeks, the Aram Khachaturian Concert Hall hosts conductors and soloists from outside Armenia performing alongside the resident orchestra.

Further information

IV International Watercolour Festival “Colors of Armenia”

14–21 September 2026

Visiting watercolourists spend a week painting outdoors across different locations in Armenia, capturing the country’s landscapes in the fourth edition of a festival that closes with a public exhibition in Gyumri, Armenia’s cultural capital. The city’s Kumayri historic district contains more than 1,200 historic buildings and monuments, with much of the city’s distinctive architecture characterised by black and red volcanic tuff.

Further information

Air Fest

26 September 2026 – Yeghvard, Kotayk Province

Now in its seventh edition, Air Fest fills Sky Club Airfield with light aircraft, helicopters and paragliders through the day, with live music and family activities alongside air displays.

Further information

“Theatron” International Francophone Performing Arts Festival

28 September 2026 (closing event) – Yerevan

The Théâtron festival, organised by the Art-Image Cultural NGO with France’s Saté-Âtre theatre association, tours Francophone dance, performance art and dramaturgy through the regions before its Yerevan closing on 28 September.

Further information

Areni Wine Festival

3 October 2026 – Areni, Vayots Dzor Province

Areni, the Vayots Dzor village that lends the festival its name, sits beside the Areni-1 Cave, home to the world’s oldest known winery, dating back more than 6,100 years. On festival day, the village itself becomes the tasting room, giving visitors a chance to discover local wines, meet producers and experience the traditions that continue to shape the region’s wine culture. Entry is free, while wine tasting packages are available to purchase at the festival.

Further information

“Discover Armenia from the Sky” International Ballooning Festival

6–11 October 2026 – Yerevan, Garni and Aparan

Now in its eighth edition, the festival brings hot air balloons from Armenia and abroad. Flights and displays take place over Yerevan’s urban landscape, the dramatic terrain surrounding Garni and the wide-open mountain scenery around Aparan, giving visitors a different perspective on Armenia from the air. The programme includes public demonstration flights as well as a competitive programme for visiting crews.

Further information

At a Glance