Nestled at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Georgia is a gateway to ancient traditions, profound hospitality and a spirit of joyful celebration. Forget the usual tourist trails and immerse yourself in the heart of Georgian culture by experiencing its most vibrant festivals. These events are living, breathing expressions of Georgia’s proud heritage, offering culture seekers, experiential travellers, food and wine enthusiasts and history buffs an unparalleled journey into the soul of this enchanting nation. Read the blog to discover the most vibrant festivals in Georgia and everything else that makes each celebration unmissable!
Georgia's Top Festivals to Experience in 2026
Georgian festivals are not just celebrations but windows into the country’s enduring identity. Each celebration is steeped in history, reflecting centuries of resilience, creativity and community spirit. Here’s a look at some of the most vibrant Georgian festivals anticipated for 2026, showcasing the best of Georgian culture and traditions:
1. Gemo Fest
A culinary festival designed to spotlight regional Georgian cuisines. In 2026, the first edition will be held in Mestia on February 21 to 22, coinciding with the Freeride World Tour ski competition. Other editions are typically held in various regions throughout the year. Visitors can taste traditional dishes, meet local chefs and food producers, and enjoy a festive atmosphere with food stalls, markets, and entertainment.
Date: 21 February to 22 February 2026
Where to Celebrate: Mestia
2. Lamproba
Lamproba is a traditional Svanetian festival celebrated in Svaneti to mark the transition from winter to spring. It also honours the ancestors through processions to cemeteries at night, which are believed to bring warmth and peace to the deceased souls. It typically takes place in the month of February, often around the second or third weekend.
Date: 12 February to 15 February 2026
Where to Celebrate: Mestia and Ushguli
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3. Savannah Music Festival
The Savannah Music Festival is an annual music event held in Savannah, Georgia, usually taking place in the spring season. The festival is known for presenting a wide range of music styles, including jazz, classical, blues, folk, roots, and global music. Performances are hosted at various theatres and venues across the city’s historic downtown area. In 2026, the Savannah Music Festival is expected to continue its tradition of featuring well-known artists along with emerging performers, attracting music lovers from Georgia and beyond. The festival is recognized for its high-quality programming and strong connection to Savannah’s cultural scene.
Date: 25 March to 5 April 2026
4. Art-Gene Festival
The Art-Gene Festival is an annual community event held in Waynesboro, Georgia. The festival focuses on arts, genealogy, local history, and culture, bringing together artists, historians, and visitors from the region. It typically features art displays, craft vendors, historical exhibits, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities in the downtown area. In 2026, the Art-Gene Festival is expected to continue celebrating Waynesboro’s heritage and creative spirit, offering a relaxed and educational experience that highlights local talent and the area’s historical roots.
Date: 7 July to 14 July 2026 (Tentative)
Where to Celebrate: Tbilisi Open Air Museum of Ethnography
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5. Black Sea Jazz Festival
The Black Sea Jazz Festival is a well-known annual music festival held in Batumi, Georgia (the country), on the coast of the Black Sea. The festival usually takes place in the summer and features performances by international and local jazz, soul, funk, and pop artists. Concerts are held at outdoor venues near the seaside, creating a relaxed and lively atmosphere. In 2026, the Black Sea Jazz Festival is expected to continue its tradition of bringing world-class musicians to Batumi and attracting music fans from Georgia and around the world.
Date: 11 July to 13 July 2026
Where to Celebrate: Batumi
6. Georgian Cheese Festival
The Georgian Cheese Festival is an annual food and cultural event held in Georgia. The festival celebrates traditional Georgian cheeses and the country’s long history of cheese making. Local farmers and producers present many types of cheese made using regional methods. Visitors can enjoy tastings, food stalls, folk music, and cultural activities. The event is often hosted in Tbilisi or nearby areas, though locations may vary. In 2026, the Georgian Cheese Festival is expected to continue promoting local dairy traditions and supporting small producers while offering an enjoyable experience for locals and tourists.
Date: July 2026 (Dates to be announced)
Where to Celebrate: Tbilisi or Mtskheta
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7. New Wine Festival
The New Wine Festival is an annual event held in Calhoun, Georgia. The festival celebrates wine, craft beverages, food, and live music, attracting visitors from the local community and surrounding areas. It typically features wine tastings, vendor booths, entertainment, and outdoor activities in a relaxed setting. The event is designed for adults and focuses on social enjoyment and local flavours. In 2026, the New Wine Festival is expected to continue this tradition, offering a fun and welcoming experience for those interested in wine culture and community gatherings in North Georgia.
Date: 28 July to 2 August 2026
Where to Celebrate: Mtatsminda Park (Tbilisi)
8. Rtveli
Rtveli is the ancient Georgian grape harvest festival that celebrates the country’s winemaking heritage. It typically takes place from mid-September to mid-October, when families, friends and entire communities gather in vineyards, particularly in the fertile Kakheti region, to hand-pick grapes. This ancient custom is accompanied by joyous feasting, music and dance. It’s a truly hands-on and heartfelt experience, embodying the communal values of Georgia.
Date: 24 August 2026 to 18 October 2026
Where to Celebrate: Kakheti, Kartli, Imereti, Racha-Lechkhumi
Top Things to Do:
- Take part in the tradition of grape harvesting
- Learn about traditional qvevri (clay vessel) winemaking dating 8,000 years
- Savour copious amounts of freshly made wine and a lavish Supra
- Explore popular wineries like Shumi, Mosmieri or Schuchmann
- Enjoy traditional foods like khachapuri (cheese bread) and churchkhela (grape juice and walnut candy)
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9. Atlanta Food & Wine Festival (AFWF)
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The Atlanta Food & Wine Festival (AFWF) is an annual culinary event held in Atlanta, Georgia. The festival celebrates Southern food and drinks, bringing together chefs, restaurateurs, beverage experts, and food lovers. It typically features tastings, cooking demonstrations, panel discussions, and special dining events hosted at different venues across the city. In 2026, the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival is expected to continue its focus on Southern cuisine and culinary traditions, offering visitors a chance to explore regional flavours while learning from experienced professionals in the food and beverage industry.
Date: Mid-September 2026
10. Tbilisoba
Tbilisoba is the biggest event in Tbilisi that honours its rich history, diversity and cultural richness. Held during the first weekend of October, this multi-day celebration transforms the capital city into a grand stage of colours, sounds and flavours that lets you experience the urban heart of Georgian traditions. The festivities feature open-air concerts, traditional dance performances, street fairs, artisan craft exhibitions and gastronomic tastings. Farmers from different parts of Georgia bring their regional produce, cheeses and wines to sell, turning the squares into bustling markets.
Date: 2 October to 3 October 2026
Where to Celebrate: Throughout Tbilisi, especially in Old Town, Rike Park and Orbeliani Square
Top Things to Do:
- Watch the Grand Parade, cultural performances and live concerts
- Witness the traditional grape pressing (satznakheli) in Gorgasali Square
- Explore street fairs and pop-up markets for local cuisine and souvenirs
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11. Georgia National Fair
The Georgia National Fair is a large annual fair held in Perry, Georgia, usually taking place in October. It is known for its agricultural exhibits, livestock shows, carnival rides, concerts, and family-friendly attractions. The fair highlights Georgia’s farming heritage while also offering entertainment for all ages. Events are hosted at the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter. In 2026, the Georgia National Fair is expected to continue this long-standing tradition, attracting visitors from across the state to enjoy education, entertainment, and community activities.
Date: 8 October to 18 October 2026
12. Svetitskhovloba
Popularly known as Mtskhetoba, Svetitskhovloba (or Svetitskhovelioba) is one of the most significant religious festivals in Georgia and a tribute to the ancient capital city of Mtskheta. Observed annually on 14 October, the festival commemorates the UNESCO-listed Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, the first Christian church established in Georgia. Also known as the Living Pillar Cathedral, Svetitskhoveli is believed to house the chiton (robe) of Christ. On this occasion, pilgrims and visitors gather for special religious services, followed by traditional feasting and public walks. In 2026, the feast of Svetitskhovloba will hold special significance, as it marks the 1,700th anniversary of Christianity’s adoption as Georgia’s state religion.
Date: 14 October 2026
Where to Celebrate: Mtskheta, particularly around the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral
Top Things to Do:
- Join the major solemn prayer service at Svetitskhoveli Cathedral
- Attend events honouring King Mirian and Queen Nana who adopted Christianity in the 4th century
- Take part in special liturgies led by the Patriarch of Georgia
- Visit the nearby 6th-century Jvari Monastery for panoramic views
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Travel Tips for Festival-Goers in Georgia
- Always verify exact dates closer to your travel period
- Book accommodations and flights well ahead of time
- Consider private transfers or rental cars to explore multiple festival locations
- Use marshrutkas (minibuses) for intercity travels and ride-sharing apps within the cities
- Learn a few basic Georgian phrases for interaction with locals
- Dress modestly for religious festivals or when visiting churches and monasteries
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be walking and standing for extended periods
- When at a Supra, wait for the Tamada (toastmaster) to finish their toast before drinking
- Carry some cash in local currency (Georgian Lari/GEL)
- Exercise normal precautions as you would in any new destination
Festivals in Georgia offer an incredible opportunity for profound cultural exploration, rich history and exquisite flavours of regional cuisine and wine. Whether you are drawn to ancient rituals, vibrant festivities or contemporary musical delights, Georgia's festival calendar invites you to participate, celebrate and create memories that will last a lifetime. Plan your 2026 trip with one of our expertly crafted Georgia tour packages and prepare to be enchanted by the timeless traditions of this extraordinary country!
FAQs - Festivals in Georgia
Georgia hosts a wide range of festivals, including music, food, film, cultural heritage and seasonal events. Popular themes include peaches, barbecue, jazz, film and Southern history.
Festival season in Georgia runs year-round, but it’s busiest from spring through fall. Spring brings outdoor arts and music festivals, summer features food and cultural events, and fall is packed with harvest and heritage celebrations.
Top festivals to attend in Georgia in 2026 include the Savannah Music Festival, Atlanta Film Festival, Georgia National Fair, Rtveli, Macon Cherry Blossom Festival and Atlanta Food & Wine Festival (AFWF).
Yes, many festivals in Georgia are great for families, offering kids’ zones, games, live entertainment and food vendors. Events like the Georgia National Fair and local county festivals are especially family-friendly.
Yes, many Georgian festivals celebrate Southern traditions, African American heritage, coastal Gullah-Geechee culture, Appalachian roots, and local crafts, food and music.
Costs for attending festivals in Georgia vary. Many festivals are free or low-cost, especially community events. Larger festivals may charge for entry, concerts or special experiences, but free activities are usually available.
Festivals in Georgia take place all over the state, from major cities like Atlanta, Savannah and Macon to small towns and rural communities, parks, fairgrounds and historic districts.
You can check local tourism websites, city event calendars, social media pages and Georgia travel guides for updated festival listings and schedules.
