Last updated July 4, 2020
The summer holidays allow many families to visit and experience Jerusalem in a way they never have.
With international tourism at a standstill because of Corona, we hope to still have events to share that locals can enjoy. We will keep you posted on upcoming festivals and if they have become virtual or restricted in any way.
City Festivals
The main city event will be Midrachov, an initiative started by the Mayor of Jerusalem Moshe Lion to turn popular streets into pedestrian walkways with live music and entertainment. Each night it will be a different street in Town, Rechavia and the German Colony. The beauty of the event is it is a great night out for locals to support the local restaurants and be entertained by Jerusalem entertainers.
Rose Garden Food Trucks are open everyday till 5pm with special late hours & entertainment on Thursdays.
Summer Museum Events & Activities
BANAI: A Musical Journey from Persia to Jerusalem – Follow the personal story of the Banai family and the influence they have had on arts and culture in Israel. The most well known Banai family members in todays musical scene are Ehud & Evyatar Banai. The family preserved their traditions and customs from Persia while creating a new language and artistic style which became a symbol of modern Hebrew culture in Israel.
Leonardo Da Vinci 500 – set at the First Station, this unique exhibit is the brainchild of producer Yaniv Cohen. Learn about the life of Leonardo Da Vinci and his art. In this exhibition, dozens of giant machines inspired by Da Vinci’s plans and sketches will be exhibited in Israel for the first time, alongside new technologies that will create a fascinating and mesmerizing visual experience. Drawings, sketches, giant figures, moving physical models, holograms, screenings, and activities – all in a fascinating and interactive atmosphere suitable for the entire family – both young and old. July 2020 – October 2020
Fairy Tale Festival at the Botanical Gardens – Enjoy an evening out at the Botanical Gardens where you will meet fairies and dwarves and characters from some of your favorite stories. Live actors, activities and beautiful fairy lights.
Escape Room at the Museum of Islamic Art – Circles of Destiny.
Special Events
Camping in the City – The City of david has set up a secure gated campsite in the Peace Forest for families to enjoy an evening of camping. Bring your own tent, rent a tent or reserve a small guest house with beds. The site is also open on Shabbat and has an eruv and prayer services.
The city is still hopeful that they will be able to celebrate the Wine Festival, Beer Festival and Hutzot Hayotzer but the details are still up in the air. We will update you here as soon as we know.
Where to stay?
If you don’t live in Jerusalem then come and spend a few days here with our family. Check out the special offers for Sweet Inn furnished apartment rentals. Gives you a chance to feel like a local in a spotlessly clean, air conditioned, centrally located apartment with concierge services – yet maintain social distancing and privacy for your family.
If you prefer a small boutique hotel then find request a quote form the Templer Inn – located just off emek refaim the hotel has 4 family suites and is located in a historic Templer building. Revaya & Alon the original owner’s family will make you feel right at home. Reasonable prices for large family suites.
JERUSALEM – Travel Abroad in Israel – Special Offer
This summer the Jerusalem Development Authority & the Mayor have a special offer for you.
👉You book at least one night in a participating Jerusalem Hotel between July 10-August 31.
🧳When you arrive you receive an exciting booklet of fun activities in Jerusalem
🎟You also receive a voucher (1 per person) which you can use towards a fun list of activities, museums and events.
All the instructions on how to redeem the voucher will be in the booklet or ask the concierge.
Heritage Tours – Culinary Tours – Historical Sites – Museums – Wildlife Parks – Markets – Restaurants and Attractions
All of the activities participating in the campaign will adhere to the Ministry of Health’s current standards for avoiding Corona.
Some of our favorite yearly events that we will need to wait to enjoy next year…
- The International Puppet Festival run by the Train Theater – who knew puppet theater could be fun for kids and adults!
- At the Ein Yael Summer Festival costumed actors will greet you and welcome you to the ancient Roman marketplace. Visitors can walk down the market street and meet different craftsmen as they work.
- The End of Summer Festival is an interdisciplinary festival, an original production of the Jerusalem Theater featuring a variety of works from the performance and screen arts.
- Hutzot Hayotzer/ Arts & Crafts fair is a yearly treat. Local artists as well as International visiting artists share their latets creations and you get to enjoy a live Israeli concert each night with incredible food trucks. Not to be missed.
- The Jerusalem Film Festival has been postponed.
- Food Truck Festival usually takes place in Gei Ben Hinom below the Cinemateque.
