Festivals & Events in Ramallah
From summer festivals and international performances to village heritage weeks and Oktoberfest, Ramallah’s events showcase creativity, tradition, and community spirit.
Ramallah Festivals
Ramallah is not only Palestine’s political and cultural hub — it is also alive with festivals that bring together music, art, heritage, and community. From the Ramallah Summer Festival and the Palestine International Festival to nearby village celebrations such as Birzeit Heritage Week and Taybeh Oktoberfest, the region offers a lively calendar of events throughout the year.
These gatherings celebrate everything from traditional crafts and cuisine to contemporary dance, film, and global music. Whether watching a performance at the Ramallah Cultural Palace, joining a street festival filled with food and song, or sharing in the festive spirit of Christmas and Easter in the city’s churches, visitors will find that Ramallah’s events are more than entertainment — they are expressions of identity, resilience, and cultural pride.
Each occasion offers an unforgettable experience and a window into the creative heartbeat of Palestine.
Taybeh Oktoberfest – Beer, Music, and Celebration
Held in the nearby Christian village of Taybeh, Oktoberfest has become one of the most popular cultural events in Palestine. Founded by the Taybeh Brewing Company, the festival celebrates Palestine’s first craft beer with two days of live music, traditional dance, artisan stalls, and food stands. The event attracts thousands of visitors, from local families to international travelers, turning Taybeh into a lively gathering place each autumn.
More than a beer festival, Taybeh Oktoberfest is a celebration of Palestinian entrepreneurship and community pride. It combines local hospitality with global traditions, making it a joyful and unexpected highlight of the Ramallah region’s cultural calendar.
When: Early October (annual, two days)
Organizers: Taybeh Brewing Company and Taybeh Municipality
More Info: Taybeh Beer official site (taybehbeer.com)
Birzeit Heritage Week – Preserving Traditions
Each summer, the town of Birzeit near Ramallah hosts Heritage Week, a festival dedicated to showcasing Palestinian traditions and crafts. The event features artisans presenting embroidery, ceramics, woodwork, and other handmade goods alongside food stalls serving traditional dishes. Music and dance performances, children’s activities, and cultural talks create a lively and authentic atmosphere that connects visitors to the roots of Palestinian life.
The festival plays a vital role in preserving and promoting Palestinian folk heritage while supporting local artisans and producers. For travelers, Birzeit Heritage Week is a chance to step into a living cultural landscape and experience Palestinian creativity up close.
When: July or August (annual, one week)
Organizers: Birzeit Heritage Center and local community associations
More Info: Birzeit Heritage Center
Wein a Ramallah Festival – Music, Art, and Community
Wein a Ramallah is one of the city’s signature cultural festivals, held each summer in public spaces across Ramallah. From Rashed Al-Hadadeen Square to neighborhood courtyards and parks, the festival transforms the city into an open stage for concerts, dance performances, art exhibitions, and workshops. Its name, meaning “Where is Ramallah?”, reflects its mission to spark dialogue about the city’s identity and future while celebrating its role as Palestine’s cultural capital.
What makes Wein a Ramallah unique is its inclusive spirit. By moving cultural events out of traditional venues and into the heart of the city, it reaches audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Alongside music and performances, the festival also hosts seminars, children’s activities, and community workshops, ensuring that culture is accessible, participatory, and linked to civic life.
When: Annually in summer (July–August)
Organizers: Ramallah Municipality
More Info: wein.ramallah.ps
Ramallah Contemporary Dance Festival – Movement and Expression
The Ramallah Contemporary Dance Festival, held each spring, is one of the most dynamic cultural events in Palestine. It hosts dance troupes from across the world alongside Palestinian performers, bringing together classical, modern, and experimental dance styles. Performances take place in theaters, cultural centers, and public spaces across the city, offering audiences an exciting mix of artistry and innovation.
The festival is more than entertainment — it is a platform for cultural dialogue, where international and Palestinian artists exchange ideas and push creative boundaries. For visitors, it is a chance to see Ramallah at its most cosmopolitan, alive with energy and artistic expression.
When: April–May (annual, dates vary)
Organizers: Sareyyet Ramallah – First Ramallah Group
More Info: Sareyyet Ramallah official site (sareyyet.ps)
Ramallah Doc Film Festival – Stories on Screen
The Ramallah Doc Film Festival is a growing event dedicated to documentary filmmaking. It brings together Palestinian, regional, and international filmmakers to present works that highlight human rights, culture, identity, and social issues. Screenings are often held at the Ramallah Cultural Palace and other venues, creating spaces for both art and dialogue.
The festival encourages young Palestinian filmmakers to share their stories while also connecting them with global trends in documentary cinema. For audiences, it is an opportunity to watch films rarely seen in mainstream theaters and to engage directly with directors through discussions and workshops.
When: Autumn (annual, dates vary)
Organizers: Ramallah Cultural Palace and independent film associations
More Info: Ramallah Cultural Palace
Christmas in Ramallah and Al-Bireh – A Season of Light and Celebration
While Bethlehem is the global focal point for Christmas, Ramallah and the neighboring city of Al-Bireh also host joyful celebrations each December. Festivities begin with tree-lighting ceremonies in city squares and continue with parades, concerts, and community gatherings. Churches in Ramallah hold liturgies and Christmas services that bring together local families and visitors.
The celebrations highlight the strong Christian presence in the city and its role in Palestine’s diverse cultural fabric. Streets are decorated with lights, cafés serve holiday sweets, and music fills the air. For visitors unable to reach Bethlehem, Christmas in Ramallah offers a warm and festive alternative.
When: December (culminating on Christmas Eve, December 24)
Organizers: Ramallah Municipality, Al-Bireh Municipality, and local churches
More Info: Municipality of Ramallah
Mahmoud Darwish Memorial Events – Honoring the Poet of Palestine
Every August, the Mahmoud Darwish Museum and Cultural Park in Ramallah hosts events commemorating the life and work of Palestine’s national poet. Poetry readings, musical performances, lectures, and cultural gatherings take place in the amphitheater and gardens surrounding his tomb. The events attract writers, artists, and audiences from across Palestine and beyond.
The memorials celebrate Darwish’s enduring influence on Palestinian identity, literature, and cultural memory. They also provide a platform for new voices in poetry and art, ensuring that his legacy continues to inspire future generations. For visitors, attending the memorial is both a cultural and deeply moving experience.
When: August (annual, around the anniversary of his death on August 9)
Organizers: Mahmoud Darwish Foundation and Mahmoud Darwish Museum
More Info: Mahmoud Darwish Museum official site
