The weather is wonderful, the kids are out of school and there’s something for everyone to enjoy during Sukkot, the biblical harvest festival that runs this year from nightfall on October 8 through nightfall on October16.
Here’s a sampling:
- Sukkot Dance Festival, Mitzpeh Ramon
Oct. 8-10
Right next to this Negev town’s famous crater, the Adama Dance Center will feature workshops, yoga, contemporary dance, martial-arts, acrobatics, choreography and relaxation classes, master classes, evening performances and quiet dance parties into the night. Performers include the Czech Company ProART and the Polish Amareya Theatre. For details, click here.
- 21st annual International Storytelling Festival, Givatayim
Oct. 9-18
More than 100 storytelling shows will be performed (mostly in English) on stage by more than 800 performers from around the world, including Japan, Holland, Romania, the Netherlands, Iran, Poland and Portugal.
- Green Sukkah, Motza
Oct. 10, 10-1
The Koreh Theater presents “Green Sukkah” for the kids (in Hebrew), after which they can build a sukkah of plastic bottles, listen to story time and enjoy “green” art workshops. Details: *3639.
- Sukkot tour at Safra Square, Jerusalem
Oct. 12, 13, 14
Free guided tours of the Jerusalem municipality’s giant, colorful sukkah – purportedly the largest in Israel — will take place each day at 11 and 1. Included is a tour of the municipal complex. Meet at the Concrete Pillow outdoor exhibition.
- Bethlehem Road Festival, Jerusalem
Oct. 12, 5-11pm in the Baka neighborhood
Bethlehem Road will be closed to traffic for this street fair featuring bread, wine, art, street theater, musical performances, crafts workshops, food stalls, cartoonists and dancing.
- Guitar Gems, Netanya Concert Hall
Oct. 11-14
The ninth annual International Classical Guitar Festival includes performances of flamenco, Latin jazz and classical music as well as international competitions for adults and youth, master classes, a sing-along, an excursion program and a special exhibition. Information: 972-52-263-5857
- The Jerusalem March
Oct. 14
This annual international parade through the city, led by Mayor Nir Barkat, is expected to draw 60,000 participants – including 7,000 visitors from more than 35 countries. There are 15-kilometer, 9k and 5k routes to choose from. Between 10 and 4, marchers (and anyone else) are invited to Sacher Park for barbecues, arts and crafts, dancing, clowns, inflatable play areas, an obstacle course, clowns and giant puppets. Information: +972-531-4600
- 17th International Puppet Theater & Film Festival, Holon Puppet Center
Oct. 11-16
The festival hosts high-quality performances by Israeli and international artists as well as international movie screenings for the entire family. Exhibitions, street parades, workshops and performances also are planned. Tickets: 972-3-651-6848
Oct. 11-15
This music festival at one of Israel’s most picturesque locales features many of Israel’s top performers, such as Shlomo Artzi, Balkan Beat Box, Ehud Banai, Mosh Ben Ari, Aviv Geffen, Beit Habubot, Hadag Nahash, Avraham Tal, Amir Lev, Moki, Shlomi Shaban, Shlomi Shabat, and Barry Sacharov. It takes place at three venues: Kikar Sdom Villages, Masada National Park and Kibbutz Ein Gedi. Tickets: 972-2-623-7000 or *6226.
10. Exhibition of miniature sukkot, The International Center for Safed Kabbalah
Oct. 12-15
The exhibition will show models of sukkot built according to different customs and ecological sukkot made from recycled materials. During these days, concerts and cultural activities will be offered at the nearby Khan of the White Donkey in the Safed Artists Quarter. Information: 972-77-234-5719
11. Fourth annual Batzir Chadash Festival for Young Contemporary Art, Yavne Cultural Center
Oct. 12-14
This annual festival provides a platform for new works in art and theater. The popular Israeli singer Shlomi Shabat will open the festivities on October 12, ushering in three days of dance, theater, street theater, acrobatic performances, workshops and many more activities from international and Israeli artists suitable for the entire family. Call 972-8932-0000.
12. Sovev Tel Aviv Cycling Festival
Oct. 15
The Tel Aviv Crosstown Bike Ride is a mega-cycling event that takes over the city streets (which are closed to traffic). Four cycling routes, from 8k to 41k. For registration assistance in English, call 972-3-941-1277, Sunday-Thursday, 9-5.
Oct. 15-18
Concerts are performed in the 12th century Crusader-Benedictine Church and the Kiryat Ye’arim Church in this Christian Arab village just west of Jerusalem.
14. Israeli Harp Festival, Jaffa
Oct. 16-19
Classic harp, Celtic harps, jazz, Spanish, Paraguayan, Klezmer and even African harps will take the stage at this first-ever harp festival at the Tel Aviv Yafo Music Center every evening at 8:30. There will also be a harp competition and master classes. Information: Galit, 972-52-675-5585.
15. Acco Fringe Theater Festival
October 16-19
This alternative theater festival has been going strong for more than 30 years amid the old Crusader buildings of the Old City. Local and international theater groups are on the bill. Tickets available at the box office or 972-4-838-4777.
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