Jerash Festival Jordan

Jerash Festival Jordan: Complete Visitor Guide

The Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts, known in Arabic as مهرجان جرش للثقافة والفنون, brings music, theatre, poetry, dance and cultural performances to one of Jordan’s most important historical destinations.

Held in Jerash, north of Amman, the festival combines contemporary Jordanian and Arab culture with the dramatic setting of the ancient city of Gerasa. This guide explains the festival, its current dates, official ticket information, how to reach Jerash and how to plan the rest of your visit.

Information checked: 22 July 2026
Festival dates, performers, venues, ticket prices and entry rules can change. Always recheck the linked official sources before travelling.

Jerash Festival at a Glance

The 2026 dates above were listed by Jordan’s official events calendar when this guide was updated. Individual concerts and performances may have separate dates, venues, ticket categories and booking pages.

For the detailed program, use our Jerash Festival dates, schedule and tickets guide.

What Is the Jerash Festival?

The Jerash Festival is an annual Jordanian cultural event presenting a broad program of music, theatre, poetry, traditional performance, dance, handicrafts and other artistic activities.

The festival was established in 1981 and has hosted Jordanian, Arab and international artists across different editions. Its identity is broader than a concert series: it provides a platform for cultural performance and brings visitors into contact with Jordanian creative traditions, heritage and contemporary arts.

The historic setting is central to the experience. Performances take place in and around Jerash, where the remains of ancient Gerasa include theatres, colonnaded streets, temples, public squares and monumental gateways.

Visitors interested in the festival’s development and cultural role can read the history and cultural significance of Jerash Festival.

When Is Jerash Festival 2026?

Jordan’s official tourism events calendar currently lists the 2026 Jerash Festival from 23 July to 2 August 2026.

This overall period does not mean every performance runs daily. Each concert, play or cultural activity may have its own:

• Date and starting time
• Stage or venue
• Ticket price
• Seating category
• Entry conditions
• Official booking link

Do not rely on old social-media posts or programs from previous editions. Check the current Jerash Festival schedule and ticket information before making transport or accommodation arrangements.

What Can Visitors Expect?

The program changes every year, but the Jerash Festival has traditionally included several forms of cultural and artistic expression.

Music and Concerts

Music is one of the festival’s main attractions. Different editions have featured Jordanian performers, established Arab singers, musical groups and international participants.

Because performers and performance dates change each year, WowJordan lists artists only after they appear on an official festival or ticketing source.

Theatre and Poetry

The festival’s cultural program can extend beyond headline concerts to include theatrical performances, poetry, literary activities and discussions.

These events can provide a better understanding of Jordanian and wider Arab cultural life, especially for visitors whose knowledge of the festival is limited to its major musical evenings.

Folk Dance and Traditional Performance

Jordanian dabkeh, folk music and performances representing local or regional traditions may form part of the program.

The exact groups, performance times and locations must be confirmed against the current edition’s official schedule.

Handicrafts and Local Culture

Some festival editions have included opportunities to discover Jordanian crafts, products and cultural traditions.

Visitors should treat published vendor lists and exhibition details as edition-specific. Participation in a previous year does not confirm participation in 2026.

Where Does the Jerash Festival Take Place?

Jerash is located approximately 45 kilometres north of Amman. The city is known internationally for the archaeological remains of ancient Gerasa, one of the Decapolis cities that flourished during the Roman period.

The archaeological area contains paved streets, theatres, temples, plazas, gates and colonnades. The setting allows visitors to experience cultural performances against the background of one of Jordan’s most significant historical sites.

The official Visit Jordan guide to Jerash provides information about the archaeological city, visitor centre and historical context.

Specific performances may be assigned to different stages or venues. Confirm the exact venue shown on your ticket rather than assuming that every event uses the same entrance or theatre.

How to Buy Jerash Festival Tickets

Ticket arrangements can differ between performances. Some cultural activities may be open to the public, while major concerts or limited-capacity performances may require advance booking.

Before paying:

1. Find the performance on the official Jordan events calendar.
2. Confirm the correct date, performer and venue.
3. Follow the official ticket link provided for that event.
4. Check the seating category and final price.
5. Review any cancellation, refund or entry conditions.
6. Keep a digital and, where practical, printed copy of your confirmation.

Start with Jordan’s official events calendar or use WowJordan’s verified Jerash Festival schedule to locate the correct event.

WowJordan does not recommend purchasing tickets from an unofficial social-media account or an unverified reseller.

How to Get to Jerash Festival from Amman

Jerash is commonly visited from Amman by private car, taxi, private driver or organised tour.

Travel time depends on your starting point, traffic, road conditions and festival arrangements. Evening traffic near popular performances may be heavier than during a normal daytime visit.

Before travelling, confirm:

• Your performance venue
• The correct festival entrance
• Parking arrangements
• Expected arrival time
• Your return transport after the performance
• Whether transport will still be available late in the evening

The return journey is particularly important for visitors attending evening concerts. Do not assume that the same public transport options available during the day will operate after the performance ends.

Use our guide to visiting Jerash Festival from Amman for transport options, arrival planning, parking information and practical visitor advice.

Visitors who prefer professional assistance can also learn about licensed local guides in Jordan.

What to Wear and Bring

Jerash is a historical destination with stone paths, steps and potentially uneven surfaces. Comfortable walking shoes are more useful than formal footwear, even when attending an evening performance.

Consider bringing:

• Comfortable shoes with reliable grip
• Light, respectful summer clothing
• A light layer for later in the evening
• Sun protection for a daytime visit
• Water, subject to current security rules
• Your ticket and identification if required
• A charged mobile phone
• Any essential personal medication

Do not publish fixed bag, camera, food or water policies unless they have been confirmed for the current festival edition.

Can You Visit the Jerash Ruins and Festival on the Same Day?

It may be possible to visit the archaeological site during the day and attend a festival performance in the evening, but opening hours, festival access arrangements and entry requirements must be checked separately.

The archaeological-site entrance and a concert ticket should not automatically be treated as the same admission.

A practical plan should allow enough time for:

• Exploring the archaeological site
• Resting before the evening program
• Eating before the performance
• Reaching the correct entrance
• Passing any security or ticket checks

See our recommended things to do in Jerash during the festival for a realistic morning-to-evening itinerary.

You can also explore the wider museums in Jordan guide when planning a culture-focused trip.

Is Jerash Festival Suitable for Families?

Some festival activities may be suitable for families, but suitability depends on the individual event, starting time, seating arrangements, crowd levels and entry rules.

Families should verify:

• Whether children require separate tickets
• Any minimum-age conditions
• Performance duration
• Availability of suitable facilities
• Walking distances and steps
• Expected finishing time
• Return transport

Avoid describing the entire festival as family-friendly unless the current organisers make that clear. A late concert and a daytime cultural activity may have very different conditions.

Accessibility Considerations

Because parts of the festival may use an archaeological setting, visitors with reduced mobility should not assume that every route, seat or venue is fully accessible.

Before booking, ask the official ticket seller or organiser about:

• Step-free entrance routes
• Accessible seating
• Distance from parking or drop-off areas
• Accessible toilets
• Assistance for visitors with disabilities
• Conditions on stone or uneven paths

WowJordan should add firsthand accessibility notes only after physically checking the current festival setup or receiving confirmation from an authorised festival representative.

Where to Stay for Jerash Festival

Visitors can consider staying in Jerash or using Amman as their base.

Staying in Jerash

Staying near Jerash may reduce the need for a late return to Amman. However, accommodation availability can be limited during major festival dates, and the quality, exact location and transport arrangements should be checked before booking.

Staying in Amman

Amman provides a wider range of accommodation, restaurants and transport services. It may be the more practical base for visitors including Jerash in a wider Jordan itinerary.

The disadvantage is the need to arrange reliable return transport after an evening performance.

Any hotel or accommodation included on this page should have a verified WowJordan listing. Commercial placement should be labelled clearly.

What Else Can You Do in Jerash?

The festival can form part of a broader visit to northern Jordan.

Depending on available time, visitors may consider:

• Exploring the archaeological city of Jerash
• Visiting museums and visitor facilities
• Discovering local food in modern Jerash
• Booking a licensed local guide
• Combining Jerash with Ajloun
• Returning to Amman for a wider city stay

For wider planning, see the complete travel to Jordan guide and WowJordan’s guide to Jordan’s major attractions.

Visitors comparing cultural events across the country can explore our festivals in Jordan guide.

Responsible Festival Visits

Jerash is both a living Jordanian city and an important archaeological destination. Visitors should respect barriers, follow staff instructions and avoid climbing, sitting or placing objects on protected structures.

Responsible behaviour includes:

• Using designated paths and seating areas
• Disposing of waste properly
• Respecting local residents
• Following photography restrictions
• Supporting legitimate local businesses
• Avoiding damage to archaeological surfaces
• Following festival security and heritage-protection instructions

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Jerash Festival 2026?

Jordan’s official events calendar currently lists the 2026 Jerash Festival from 23 July to 2 August 2026. Individual performances have separate dates and should be checked before travelling.

Where is Jerash Festival held?

The festival is held in Jerash, Jordan, with cultural performances associated with the city and its historic archaeological setting. The exact stage and entrance depend on the individual event.

How far is Jerash from Amman?

The official Visit Jordan guide places Jerash approximately 45 kilometres north of Amman. Journey time varies according to traffic, starting point and festival arrangements.

How can I buy official tickets?

Use the official Jordan Tourism Board events calendar and follow the authorised ticket link shown for the individual performance. Avoid unverified resellers.

Is every Jerash Festival event ticketed?

Not necessarily. Ticket requirements can vary between concerts, performances and cultural activities. Verify each event separately.

Can I visit the ruins and attend a concert on the same day?

Potentially, but archaeological-site opening hours, festival entrances and admission requirements must be checked separately. Allow time to rest and reach the correct venue.

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable shoes suitable for stone and uneven surfaces. Choose light, respectful clothing for summer and consider carrying a light layer for the evening.

Is Jerash Festival suitable for international visitors?

International visitors can attend, but some performances or announcements may primarily be presented in Arabic. Check event descriptions, entry requirements and transport arrangements in advance.

Recommended

Planning to attend Jerash Festival?

Check the latest Jerash Festival schedule and official ticket links, then use our transport guide from Amman to plan your visit.