Major Events & Festivals in Beirut, Beyrouth, Lebanon

Beirut, Lebanon, Beirut, Culture & Entertainment, Major Events & Festivals

Major Events & Festivals in Beirut, Beyrouth, Lebanon

1. Beirut Marathon International Race

Annual event attracting thousands of runners, offering a unique blend of modern sports with Lebanese culture.
  • Variety of Routes: Offers multiple course options, including a full marathon, half marathon, and fun run.
  • Lebanese Hospitality: Experience warm Lebanese hospitality along the running routes with food, music, and cheering crowds.
  • City Exploration: Runners have the opportunity to explore Beirut's iconic landmarks during the event.

2. Beirut International Film Festival

Celebration of global cinema showcasing a diverse range of films and hosting filmmakers from around the world.
  • Film Competitions: Competitive categories include Best Feature Film, Best Documentary, and Best Short Film.
  • Networking Opportunities: Provides a platform for filmmakers to network, collaborate, and share their work with industry professionals.
  • Cultural Exchange: Fosters cultural exchange through the sharing of stories from various countries and perspectives.

3. Beirut Jazz Festival

Annual music festival featuring an eclectic mix of international jazz artists and local talents.
  • Outdoor Venues: Concerts take place in beautiful outdoor venues, such as Byblos International Festival and Beirut's Corniche.
  • Workshops and Masterclasses: Offers workshops and masterclasses for aspiring musicians to learn from industry professionals.
  • Jazz-Fusion Performances: Features a variety of jazz styles, including modern jazz-fusion performances that appeal to diverse audiences.

4. Beirut Art Week

A city-wide celebration of contemporary art with exhibitions, auctions, and artist talks.
  • Art Galleries: Participating galleries showcase works from local and international artists.
  • Art Auctions: Features high-profile art auctions offering the opportunity to purchase unique pieces.
  • Artist Talks: Provides opportunities for artists and art enthusiasts to engage in discussions about contemporary art trends.

5. Gourmet Beirut Food Festival

Culinary event showcasing the diverse flavors of Lebanese cuisine and international delicacies.
  • Pop-Up Restaurants: Features pop-up restaurants serving a variety of dishes from well-known chefs.
  • Cooking Demonstrations: Offers cooking demonstrations by renowned chefs sharing their secrets and techniques.
  • Wine Tastings: Includes wine tastings showcasing Lebanon's rich wine-making history and regional varietals.

6. Beirut Pride

Annual LGBTQ+ celebration promoting unity, acceptance, and human rights.
  • Pride Parade: Highlighted by a colorful pride parade through downtown Beirut.
  • Workshops and Talks: Offers workshops, talks, and discussions on LGBTQ+ topics and issues.
  • Networking Opportunities: Provides a platform for networking, collaboration, and fostering community among LGBTQ+ individuals.

7. Beirut International Women's Film Festival

Annual event showcasing films by women directors and highlighting gender equality issues.
  • Film Competitions: Competitive categories include Best Feature Film, Best Documentary, and Best Short Film directed by women.
  • Networking Opportunities: Provides a platform for female filmmakers to network, collaborate, and share their work with industry professionals.
  • Gender Equality Discussions: Fosters discussions about gender equality in the film industry and society at large.

8. Beirut Design Week

Celebration of local and international design showcasing innovative concepts and products.
  • Design Exhibitions: Features exhibitions displaying cutting-edge designs and product innovations.
  • Workshops and Talks: Offers workshops and talks with leading designers, sharing their insights and techniques.
  • Design Competitions: Hosts design competitions for emerging talent to showcase their work and win industry recognition.

9. Beirut Comic Con

Annual event celebrating comic books, pop culture, and cosplay with guests, exhibitions, and workshops.
  • Guest Appearances: Invites renowned comic book creators, actors, and artists for meet-and-greet sessions.
  • Exhibitions and Panels: Features exhibitions showcasing comic book art, merchandise, and collectibles.
  • Cosplay Competitions: Hosts cosplay competitions for participants to showcase their creative costumes and skills.

10. Beirut International Horse Show

Annual equestrian event featuring show jumping competitions, horse exhibitions, and live entertainment.
  • Competitive Events: Offers international show jumping competitions for both amateurs and professionals.
  • Horse Exhibitions: Features horse exhibitions showcasing various breeds and equine-related products.
  • Entertainment and Activities: Includes live music, food vendors, and interactive activities for the whole family.

11. Beirut International Book Fair

Annual event showcasing a wide variety of books, authors, and literary discussions.
  • Book Exhibitions: Features exhibitions displaying works from local and international publishers.
  • Author Meet-and-Greets: Offers opportunities to meet authors, ask questions, and get signed copies of their books.
  • Literary Discussions: Hosts literary discussions on various topics, including writing techniques, current literature trends, and social issues.

12. Beirut International Music Awards

Annual event honoring musical achievements in the Middle East with performances, awards ceremonies, and networking opportunities.
  • Performances by Local and International Artists: Features live performances by local and international artists.
  • Awards Ceremony: Honors musical achievements in various categories, such as Best Album, Best Song, and Best New Artist.
  • Networking Opportunities: Provides a platform for musicians to network, collaborate, and share their work with industry professionals.

13. Beirut International Fashion Week

Annual event showcasing the latest fashion trends, designs, and innovative ideas.
  • Fashion Shows: Features runway shows displaying collections from local and international designers.
  • Designer Workshops and Talks: Offers workshops and talks with leading fashion designers, sharing their insights and techniques.
  • Fashion Trade Shows: Hosts fashion trade shows for buyers, retailers, and industry professionals to discover new collections.

14. Beirut International Dance Festival

Annual event showcasing various dance styles and techniques with performances, workshops, and competitions.
  • Dance Performances: Features performances by local and international dancers representing various dance styles.
  • Workshops and Masterclasses: Offers workshops and masterclasses for aspiring dancers to learn from industry professionals.
  • Dance Competitions: Hosts dance competitions in various categories, allowing participants to showcase their skills and win recognition.

15. Beirut International Games Festival

Annual event celebrating the world of video games with tournaments, workshops, and industry talks.
  • Tournaments and Competitions: Hosts tournaments for various popular video games, allowing players to compete against each other.
  • Industry Talks and Workshops: Offers talks and workshops with game developers, sharing insights into the gaming industry and development techniques.
  • Exhibitions and Game Demos: Features exhibitions showcasing new video games, game design concepts, and developer studios.