A curated guide to concerts, festivals, exhibitions and cultural events in Damascus, Aleppo and beyond—selected for travellers and updated daily as new programmes are announced.
Maaloula tradition
Each September, Maaloula marks the Feast of the Cross with church bells, processions, illuminated crosses and fires glowing on the surrounding mountains. The celebration brings residents and visitors together and offers a memorable glimpse into the town’s living Christian traditions.
Confirmed highlights across Syria
A public evening combining contemporary poetry with a musical performance by Syrian artist Ziad Zaitouni. It offers visitors a small-scale, local cultural experience away from the larger festival venues and a chance to see how poetry and music meet in today’s Damascus.Arab Cultural Centre, Abu Rummaneh · 6:00 pm
A week-long programme bringing together fourteen theatre productions from across Syria, with two performances scheduled each day. Alongside the stage programme, visitors can expect conversations around Syrian theatre and an opportunity to experience Aleppo’s contemporary cultural scene.Artists Syndicate Theatre
A lively city festival combining nightly folklore performances, cultural activities, local food and entertainment for families. The area around the citadel also hosts numerous market stalls, making it a relaxed place to experience Hama’s community atmosphere after sightseeing.Near Hama Citadel
The first edition presents work by 47 Syrian artists and explores different generations and directions within the country’s visual arts. The programme extends beyond the exhibition with live music, film screenings, discussions and a lecture devoted to the architecture of Damascus.Masar Rose
A weekly evening of classic Arabic tarab performed inside one of Old Damascus’s best-known courtyard houses. The music, intimate atmosphere and historic setting make this an especially rewarding local experience for visitors, who can enjoy traditional songs while dining beneath the house’s ornate Ottoman-era architecture.Beit Jabri, Bab Touma · 7:00–9:00 pm · Reservation and same-day confirmation recommended
A shared walking tour through the essential layers of Damascus, bringing international and local guests together with a licensed Syrian guide. The route explores major monuments, traditional markets, historic quarters and everyday city life, with departures scheduled every Saturday.National Museum meeting point · 09:00 am–5:00 pm
An international trade exhibition focused on construction, building materials, infrastructure and the industries supporting Syria’s development. It is primarily a professional event, bringing companies, specialists and potential partners together to present products and explore new projects.Damascus Fairgrounds
The celebrated Syrian singer returns to perform in Damascus after an absence of nearly fifteen years. Two concert dates are planned at Al-Fayhaa Sports Hall, making this one of the month’s most anticipated music events; visitors should confirm ticket availability in advance.Al-Fayhaa Sports Hall
The inaugural three-day gathering presents destinations, hospitality brands, travel services and cultural institutions from across Syria. Alongside its professional exhibition and conference programme, it includes cultural showcases and is especially relevant to travel professionals, creators and visitors curious about the future of Syrian tourism.Dama Rose Hotel · Al Moutanbi Hall
A major city race designed around the heritage and neighbourhoods of Damascus, with a full marathon, half marathon and shorter family distances. International visitors can participate or watch the city come together along a route passing historic gates, markets and landmarks.Damascus · Registration available online
From live music and theatre in Damascus and Aleppo to traditional festivals in historic towns, this page brings together selected events worth knowing about. Dates, venues and public access can change, so always confirm the programme before travelling.
Last reviewed: 9 September 2026