After weeks of national emergency, Jerusalem is stepping into the light with a summer full of emotion, rhythm and renewal. From major concerts under the stars to kite-flying festivals and family camping nights, this city is not just offering events – it’s offering resilience. The summer of 2025 is a celebration of everything that makes Jerusalem alive
Hutzot Hayotzer Festival – at full power
The iconic Hutzot Hayotzer Festival returns to Sultan’s Pool from August 4 to 16, marking its 49th year with Israel’s top performers: Benaia Barabi, Nasrin Kadri, Yehuda Poliker, Ehud Banai, Itzik Kala, Idan Amedi and more. This open-air cultural landmark will once again become a magnet for thousands from across Israel
Yaffo Street turns into a summer zone
In response to ongoing light rail construction, the municipality is transforming Jaffa Street into a celebration space. The highlight: a giant street party on July 11, with techno and trance music featuring Jos & Eli, Bubble, and Kobi Nomolos. The “Front Stage” youth line also returns with August-long live shows and street events for local teens
(Jerusalem’s Food Trucks Meet Rothschild-Style Urban Vibe)
For kids: tents, bubbles and bedtime under stars
The city is investing in family happiness
-
Kite Festival (July 8–10) at Bloomfield Garden
-
Camping in the Park (August 7 and 14) – with public singing, moonlight movies and cocoa in tents
-
End-of-Summer Festival at Liberty Bell Park (August 18–28) with inflatables, water play and shows
-
Dozens of children’s performances in libraries, cultural centers and museums throughout the city.
National and global sports competitions
Jerusalem hosts a strong lineup of major sports events this summer
-
Israeli Gymnastics Championships (July 6–11, free entry)
-
Streetball Jerusalem (July 22–23)
-
Israeli Athletics Championships (July 30–31)
-
Grand Slam Jerusalem (August 14) – a SILVER-level athletics competition with Olympic ranking points for top Israeli athletes
Art, literature and identity
Jerusalem’s soul is expressed in dozens of cultural highlights
-
Jerusalem East and West Festival (July 2–3)
-
Jerusalem Film Festival (July 17–26)
-
Israel Festival (starting July 16)
-
Premiere Festival for young artists (July 15–16)
-
Comedy Festival honoring Ephraim Kishon (August 17–21)
-
International Puppet Festival (August 17–21)
-
Yehoram Gaon exhibition opens at the Tower of David Museum (starting July 11)
-
Summer Nights at the National Library (August 26 – September 10) with live shows by Rita, Evyatar Banai, David D’Or and more.
For the full list of activities and tickets:
👉 https://www.jerusalem.muni.il/summer/?display=gallery
