Tbilisoba: A day of Tbilisi

Tbilisoba: A Celebration of Tbilisi's Rich Heritage

Tbilisoba: Tbilisi’s Annual City Festival

Tbilisoba is Tbilisi’s biggest annual city festival and one of the most colorful public celebrations in Georgia.

For two days, central Tbilisi fills with live music, traditional dance, food stalls, wine, handmade crafts, exhibitions and activities for children. Producers and performers arrive from different regions of Georgia, allowing visitors to experience many parts of the country without leaving the capital.

For travelers visiting Tbilisi in autumn, Tbilisoba is an excellent opportunity to discover Georgian food, music, traditions and local city life.

When Is Tbilisoba Held?

Tbilisoba is normally celebrated during autumn, usually over a weekend in September or October.

However, there is no permanently fixed date. The exact weekend may change each year and is usually announced by Tbilisi City Hall closer to the event.

In 2026, Tbilisoba will take place on October 3–4. The main celebrations will be held across several central locations, including Rike Park, Orbeliani Square, Gudiashvili Square, Legvtakhevi, Europe Square and the Metekhi Bridge area. Visitors can expect concerts, food and wine areas, exhibitions, family activities and other cultural events throughout the weekend.

Before planning your visit, check the latest programme through the official website and social media pages of Tbilisi City Hall.

A Brief History of Tbilisoba

The first Tbilisoba festival was held in 1979.

It was created as a celebration of Tbilisi, its history, multicultural character, neighbourhood traditions and residents. The festival also incorporated elements of older Georgian folk celebrations and recreated scenes associated with nineteenth-century city life.

Tbilisoba was not held between 1991 and 1996 because of the difficult political and economic situation in Georgia. The celebration returned in 1997 and has since become one of the capital’s most popular annual events.

One of its important traditions is the awarding of the title of Honorary Citizen of Tbilisi to people who have made a significant contribution to the city or the country.

Where Does Tbilisoba Take Place?

Tbilisoba is not held at a single venue. Events are normally spread across several parts of central and historic Tbilisi.

The main festival locations often include:

Rike Park

Rike Park is usually one of the largest activity zones.

Visitors may find regional food and wine stalls, concerts, children’s entertainment, sports activities, performances, decorations and seasonal markets.

A traditional grape-pressing demonstration is also sometimes organised here. Grapes are placed inside a wooden wine press called a satsnakheli and pressed using a traditional method.

Orbeliani Square

Orbeliani Square and its surrounding streets often host food markets, local producers, street performances, open-air entertainment and evening concerts.

This area is particularly attractive for visitors interested in Georgian products, modern city culture and casual street food.

Abanotubani

The historic sulfur bath district often hosts exhibitions, craft stalls and cultural programmes representing Tbilisi’s diverse communities and traditions.

The neighbourhood’s historic architecture also makes it one of the most atmospheric parts of the festival.

Europe Square

Europe Square is frequently used for major concerts and evening performances.

The exact locations and activities may change each year, so always check the official programme before attending.

What Can You See and Do?

The programme varies annually, but Tbilisoba commonly includes the following activities.

Try Georgian Food

Food is one of the main attractions of Tbilisoba.

Visitors can usually find Georgian dishes, regional cheeses, bread, sweets, honey, fruit, churchkhela and other local products.

Some stands prepare food in front of visitors, while others represent small producers from different regions of Georgia.

Taste Georgian Wine

Wine producers from different Georgian regions often participate in Tbilisoba.

Visitors may have an opportunity to sample or buy wines made using both traditional qvevri methods and modern winemaking techniques.

Availability, prices and tasting conditions vary between stands.

Watch Music and Dance Performances

Tbilisoba features traditional Georgian folk music and dance alongside contemporary bands, children’s ensembles, theatre performances and popular Georgian singers.

Smaller performances usually take place throughout the day, while major concerts are often scheduled in the evening.

Buy Handmade Crafts

Craft markets commonly offer:

handmade jeweler;
ceramics;
wooden items;
enamel work;
textiles;
paintings;
souvenirs;
traditional decorative objects.

These markets are a good place to meet local artists and find gifts that are different from mass-produced souvenir-shop products.

Enjoy Family Activities

Tbilisoba normally includes programmes for children, such as theatre shows, games, performers, workshops, sports activities and themed entertainment zones.

Family activities are usually concentrated in specific festival areas and may have their own schedule.

Is Tbilisoba Free?

Entry to the main outdoor areas and public performances is generally free.

Visitors pay separately for food, drinks, crafts and other products. Some special activities or private events may also charge a fee.

Both cash and card payments are common in Tbilisi, but carrying some Georgian lari in cash is useful because smaller vendors may not always accept cards.

What Is the Best Time to Visit?

The festival normally becomes busiest during the afternoon and evening, especially near the main concert stages.

For a more relaxed experience, arrive in the morning or around midday. This gives you more space to explore the markets, take photographs and buy food before the largest crowds arrive.

Visit later in the evening if your main interest is live music and the festive atmosphere.

Allow at least three or four hours to explore several festival areas. Visitors who want to attend concerts and evening events can easily spend most of the day at Tbilisoba.

How to Get There

Public transport is the easiest way to reach the festival.

Depending on the programme, useful metro stations may include:

Avlabari, for Rike Park and Europe Square;
Liberty Square, for Orbeliani Square and central locations.

Many festival areas are within walking distance of each other, but the streets can become extremely crowded.

Driving is not recommended. Temporary road closures and parking restrictions are common during large public events.

Check the latest transport announcements before travelling, as bus routes and traffic arrangements may change during the festival weekend.

Useful Tips for Visitors

Wear comfortable shoes because you will spend a lot of time walking and standing. Some streets in Old Tbilisi have cobblestones, slopes and uneven surfaces.

Bring a light jacket. Autumn afternoons in Tbilisi can be pleasant, but temperatures usually fall after sunset.

Keep personal belongings secure in crowded areas and agree on a meeting point if you are visiting with friends or family.

Download an offline map or save the main festival locations before arriving.

Check the weather forecast and the official programme on the day of your visit.

Visitors with young children should consider arriving earlier, before the busiest evening period.

Accessibility varies between locations. Rike Park and major squares are generally easier to navigate, while parts of Abanotubani contain slopes, stairs and uneven streets.

Is Tbilisoba Worth Visiting?

Yes. Tbilisoba is one of the best opportunities to experience the culture and atmosphere of Tbilisi in a single event.

It combines Georgian food, wine, music, dance, crafts and local traditions in the historic centre of the city. It is especially enjoyable for first-time visitors who want to experience different aspects of Georgia but have limited time in the country.

The festival can be busy and noisy, but this is also part of its character. Arrive early, wear comfortable shoes and check the official programme in advance to make the most of your visit.