The 10 Events You Absolutely Must Attend in Lebanon This Summer
Lebanon is internationally famous for its vibrant summer days and long, untamed nights. Once more this year, the country is buzzing with contagious energy – there’s so much stuff going on, it might feel overwhelming to keep track of it all.
Fret not – we’ve thoroughly rummaged through the country in search of the absolute best events – and we’ve kept it down to ten because we are well aware of the horror of under eye-bags and disconsolate wallets. Take a look.
Jim Beam Rocks Music Festival
What: Jim Beam Rocks Music Festival When: Friday, June 27 starting at 10:00 p.m. Where: La Marina Joseph Khoury Cost: 45,000 LL
Long story short – if you miss this, you’re crazy. Nine of Lebanon’s best local bands – we’re talking Pindoll, Who Killed Bruce Lee, The Wanton Bishops, and more – combined with internationally renowned rock band The Rasmus will be taking over the stage for a night like no other.
Night Hike and Treehouse Dinner with Vamos Todos (Image via 4th Seven Oak)
This full-moon hike will take place in Bmohrei, a beautiful area in the Shouf region. Nothing beats hiking through cherry orchards and fragrant cedar trees under the striking moonlight. Even better, the hikers will be met by villagers from the Shouf at the end of this 5 km trail in a treehouse with fresh, hot manakeesh waiting. Yummmm.
What: Ellie Goulding Live When: Wednesday, July 23 Where: BIEL Cost: $60 (for general admission)
Chart-topping, award winning pop star Elie Goulding is making her way through to let it burn in Beirut. And burn she will, with her catchy lyrics, dynamic lyrics and pulsating energy.
What: Forestronika Festival 2014 When: From Aug 7, 2014 to Aug 10 Where: EcoVillage Cost: Tickets range in price from $25 to $80
Forestronika is known to host the best parties of the year – and in case you previously missed their festivals, this year is a MUST GO. Camp out with fellow music lovers, listen to alternative/electronic local and international music by live bands and DJs, watch a crazy art installation project, join yoga and meditation activities, enjoy face painting followed by herbal tea, and be part of an intense holographic experiment about sounds of the universe.
Kadim Saher at the Beiteddine Art Festival (Image via Beiruting)
Kadim Saher is an Iraqi artist who has continuously wowed the Arab world with his powerful lyrics and touching rhythms. He’s back after a long hiatus to sing in the beautiful palace of Beiteddine, built by none other than Emir Bashir Shehab. Here’s your excuse to finally visit an event at the annual festival in tge Shouf and watch this legendary artist.
What: The Anfeh Festival When: August 8, 9, 10 Where: Sehet Anfeh Cost: Free entrance
Anfeh is a lovely village located five minutes away from Chekka, in the Northern district of Lebanon. The vibrant spirit and warm people of the town host a festival every year since 2012, and it is worth visiting if only to discover a new area and to acquaint yourself with this Santorini-inspired town (which, undoubtedly, is not only influenced by Santorini’s blue and white design but also by its lazy, summery ambiance). Embark on your journey during the earlier hours of the day in order to dip yourself in the free beach, Ta7t l Ree7, before the sun sets and the festival begins. The festival includes various artists, games, shops and one too many dabke dancers.
Beirut Performs Live at the Byblos Festival
What: Beirut When: Tuesday, August 19 Where: Byblos Port Cost: Ranges from 60,000 LL to 120,000 LL
Every indie-rock Lebanese fan has been restlessly waiting for this occasion (perhaps ever since curiosity got the better of them and they decided to find out which American band had named themselves ‘Beirut’). With their transcendental music and powerful lyrics, this band is sure to blow away the anxious crowd of Byblos with their daring, melancholic mix of Balkan folk, Western pop and Mexican marching-band percussion. It feels a little too surreal.
Bonus note: if you ever wondered why the band named itself Beirut, it’s because the band leader, Zach Condon, has always had a fascination with city names (and his songs, namely ‘Santa Fe’ and ‘Nantes’ are a testament to that.
Condon has stated, “One of the reasons I named the band after that city was the fact that it’s seen a lot of conflict. It’s not a political position. I worried about that from the beginning. But it was such a catchy name. I mean, if things go down that are truly horrible, I’ll change it. But not now. It’s still a good analogy for my music. I haven’t been to Beirut, but I imagine it as this chic urban city surrounded by the ancient Muslim world. The place where things collide.” (Edward Said-ists, calm down now. Condon meant no harm.)
Stromae
What: Stromae When: Tuesday, August 30 starting at 10:30 p.m. Where: Byblos port Cost: 90,000 LL (for regular seating)
Just because “outai, papa outaaaai”. (And also because he’s a lively singer with some pretty fantastic songs.)
The beautiful town of Batroun opens the doors of all its pubs for one wild night of fun with international DJs and a surprise guest, as per usual. This annual celebration never fails to disappoint.
What: London Grammar When: Saturday, September 20 starting at 8:00 p.m. Where: BIEL Cost: Ranges from $70 to $200
A night full of soulful, moving music by none other than the beautiful London Grammar – why the hell not? You’ll be “wasting [your] young years” if you miss this beautiful band.
