Tbilisoba Festival

Each autumn, the Georgian capital of Tbilisi bursts into vibrant life with the celebration of Tbilisoba—a festival that honors both the city’s birthday and the abundant harvest season. During this time, the streets of both Old and New Tbilisi are wrapped in the fragrant haze rising from countless grills sizzling with authentic Georgian mtsvadi (shashlik).

Food stalls line the roads and squares, overflowing with freshly baked bread, sweets, ripe fruits, vegetables, and other regional delicacies. Visitors are invited to taste an array of Georgian wines, often leaving with bottles of their favorites tucked away as souvenirs of this festive gathering.

Artisans from across the country make their way to the capital, bringing with them exquisite handmade crafts. On festival grounds, visitors can browse and purchase works fashioned from carved stone, wood, ceramics, and metal. As the sun dips below the horizon, the air fills with the rhythm of live music and the sweeping movements of traditional Georgian dances.

The inaugural Tbilisoba dates back to 1979, when journalist Gvandzha Mania initiated what would become one of the city’s most beloved traditions. The festival has since evolved into an annual spectacle that draws thousands of tourists and locals alike.

In previous years, festival dates were often announced in late summer—too late for many visitors from neighboring countries to plan accordingly. To address this, the Tbilisi City Hall decided to establish fixed dates for the celebration. Now, Tbilisoba takes place each year on the first weekend of October.

By longstanding tradition, the main festivities unfold in the central districts of the city: Avlabari, Abanotubani, Vera, Mtatsminda, and Sololaki. The heart of the festival—the main concert stage and the bustling “City of Masters” market—is typically set up in Rike Park, a scenic venue on the banks of the Kura River.

For both locals and visitors, the park offers a wealth of entertainment, from street performers to organized shows. The cable car system, whose lower station borders the park, is free to ride during the festival weekend, whisking guests to a panoramic view of the cityscape.

From Rike Park, you can embark on a leisurely walk through nearby neighborhoods, where music spills from doorways and courtyards, and festival games and performances animate the narrow alleyways. Small concerts pop up around nearly every corner. These spontaneous performances might include soulful Georgian ballads or lively renditions of popular Western hits.

One of the most colorful scenes of Tbilisoba is the procession of decorative wooden rafts drifting along the Kura River. These floating tables, laden with food and surrounded by guests, create a floating feast often accompanied by folk instruments or the harmonies of a Georgian choir.

The harvest festival offers a rich spread of Georgia’s most mouthwatering cuisine. Many dishes are cooked right on the streets in open-air kitchens. Nearly everywhere, you’ll find fresh cheeses from local farms, young wine, just-picked fruit, natural honey, and homemade sweets—all available for sampling.

Children are never forgotten on Tbilisi’s special day. For them, dedicated areas are set up featuring clowns, theatrical performances, hands-on games, and engaging workshops.

While each year’s program brings something fresh and new, several cherished traditions remain fixtures of the Tbilisoba celebration.

One of the signature moments is the presentation of honorary citizenship. This accolade is not reserved solely for native Tbilisians—it is also awarded to individuals who have made a positive impact on the development of the city. Among the honorees are outstanding contributors in the realms of culture, science, politics, business, and sport.

Another beloved tradition is the communal grape-stomping ritual, held in giant satsnakheli (wooden wine presses). Teams of ten—adults and children alike—step into the tubs and, taking turns, crush the grapes with their bare feet. Over the course of several days, these festive efforts yield dozens of liters of grape juice, which are then sent to local wineries for fermentation into wine.

For lovers of more cerebral pursuits, Tbilisoba also includes chess and backgammon tournaments—games long favored by Georgia’s elder generations and cherished symbols of social tradition.

The main evening event takes place in Europe Square, adjacent to Rike Park. Beginning at 8:00 p.m., the concert brings together a dazzling lineup of performers, including musicians, vocalists, orchestras, and dance ensembles. On the final night, the stage hosts the official closing ceremony of the festival, a grand finale filled with music, light, and gratitude.

While events are scattered throughout Tbilisi, the most dazzling celebrations are centered in Rike Park, located on the eastern bank of the Kura River, where the historic neighborhoods of Avlabari and Abanotubani meet.

Rike Park is easily accessible on foot or by public transportation. Since festival stages are concentrated in Tbilisi’s most tourist-friendly districts, many guests find it most convenient to walk. Several roads are closed to vehicle traffic during the celebration, creating a pedestrian-friendly atmosphere. From Freedom Square, it’s just a ten-minute walk to the main site. Follow Kote Abkhazi Street, Anton Catalicosi Street, and Irakli II Street until you reach the iconic Bridge of Peace. Crossing it brings you straight into the heart of Tbilisoba.

Tbilisi’s metro is among the most efficient and budget-friendly options for reaching the center. The nearest station, Avlabari, lies on the red Akhmeteli–Varketili line. After emerging from the underground, simply cross Avlabari Square and make your way along Baratashvili Street and Wine Rise. No need to cross the river again—you’re already on the festival side.