Seasonal sounds – Georgia’s favorite summer festivals are back

Three years on, Georgia is finally enjoying its first summer free from Covid-19 restrictions. Whether you’re planning to spend your summer sweating it out in Tbilisi or have set your sights on the seaside, we’ve got a roundup of the major festivals around the country that you won’t want to miss.

JULY

Art-Gene Festival
Taking place from July 15-17 and July 22-24, the Art-Gene Festival will take place this year at the Open Air Museum of Ethnography in Tbilisi. This wonderful outdoor museum consists of traditional houses relocated from around Georgia – come festival time, it bursts to life with folk music, traditional crafts, culinary demonstrations, and winemaking displays from various regions. This year, visitors will also enjoy performances by the Sukhishvili National Ballet.

Rokva Musical Festival
Feeling the call of the mountains? Then make your way to the breathtaking resort town of Shovi in Racha for the 2022 Rokva Festival. After being forced to cancel last year due to Covid-19 restrictions, the festival is back on and will run from July 29 – 31, featuring 50 Georgian and international artists playing a variety of genres, including alternative and electronic music. Head to the festival’s Facebook page to see the full lineup and more information on tickets.

AUGUST

Swing Festival 2022
Need a break from the bustle of Batumi? Then head up the coast an hour to Poti, where the second edition of Swing Festival will kick off on August 5 at Golden Lake. Lasting three days, the festival will feature an array of local and international artists performing on three stages.

Black Sea Jazz Festival
If you missed the Tbilisi Jazz Festival that took place in early July, have no fear! You can boogie on down to the Black Sea Jazz Festival, taking place in Batumi from August 12 – 14. One of Georgia’s biggest music festivals, Black Sea Jazz brings together local and international acts from a range of genres, including jazz, hip-hop, and soul.

Kefal Fest 2022
Looking for a festival fit for the whole family? Then look no further than Kefal Fest, which will be taking place at Maltavka Beach in Poti on August 20. Activities include a fishing competition, family sports games, and a Megrelian picnic. Head to kefalfest.com for more information.

SEPTEMBER

Tsinandali Festival
For those wishing to soak up the last bit of summer, look no further than the annual Tsinandali Festival, which will take place this year from September 2 -11. A classical music lover’s paradise, the festival will take place at the historic Chavchavadze Estate in Tsinandali and include performances by the Pan-Caucasian Youth Orchestra as well as a number of wine-themed events.