August is Jerusalem!
The Hutzot HaYotzer festival celebrates its 50th anniversary. New in the capital: the “Arena Park” water park and the “Ice Box” skating complex at the Malha Sports Center. Guests from outside the city enjoy 20% hotel discounts and a 100-shekel digital wallet per person. The city hosts hundreds of cultural and sports events, including Auto Ochel, the Israel Festival, and the International Puppet Festival.
Jerusalem in summer is a city of contrasts: the sun remains high, but the evening air softens, streets fill with visitors, stages light up, and every corner of the city offers a reason to head out. This August brings a blend of new attractions alongside beloved summer traditions—from water parks and ice skating to festivals, performances, culinary delights, and family-friendly activities.
New attractions this summer are joining the Jerusalem entertainment map: two new complexes at the Malha Sports Center, opened in July by the municipal company Ariel. The first is “Arena Park,” a new water park for the whole family featuring inflatable slides, pools, and interactive water attractions. Adjacent to it is “Ice Box,” an ice-skating complex spanning approximately 1,300 sq.m. of real ice. Both venues will be open throughout August, offering significant discounts to “Yerushalmi” benefits club members.
Alongside these new additions, staples of the Jerusalem summer are returning. The “Auto Ochel” complex at the Armon HaNatziv promenade will once again host dishes from top chefs from across the country, accompanied by a spectacular laser show. At the Botanical Garden, the “Magic in the Forest” program begins in early August, offering family encounters with nature in a magical summer atmosphere.
Festivals are everywhere: the “Hutzot HaYotzer” festival, which marks its 50th anniversary this year, remains the symbol of the Jerusalem summer. Held at the Sultan’s Pool, the festival will feature major Israeli music stars, including Eden Hasson, Shlomi Shabbat, Yehuda Poliker, Nesrin Kadri, Idan Raichel, and many others.
The Israel Festival will also offer a diverse program in the capital and beyond. It opens in the Valley of Ben-Hinnom, paying tribute to French tightrope walker Philippe Petit, who crossed the valley in 1987. The season continues with the International Puppet Festival, the Moon Festival in Kfar Shaul, the “Agada” festival in the Bell Garden, the Opera Festival, the “On the Roof” festival at Mishkenot Sha’ananim, and the Lotus Bloom and Indian Culture Festival at the Botanical Garden.
Summer for Everyone
Jerusalem’s summer extends beyond tourist hubs. Neighborhoods and community centers will be bustling with fairs and family events. The Beit Ha’am Culture Hall will host stand-up shows all summer long, while local centers bring celebrations closer to home. Jerusalem traditions are also returning, including the “AfiPoniada” at Bloomfield Park and “Camping in the Garden” events.
Youth can look forward to “Birt Hnuar” events featuring performances and activities, while young adults can enjoy popular street parties in the city center.
For visitors arriving from outside Jerusalem, special benefits await. The Ministry of Jerusalem and Heritage, the Jerusalem Development Authority, the Jerusalem Hotels Association, and the Municipality have launched the “This is Jerusalem Summer” campaign. Guests booking a stay of at least two nights at participating hotels receive a lodging discount starting at 20%, plus a digital wallet worth 100 shekels per guest (aged two and up) to use for city events.
For information on all summer events, a list of participating hotels, and the digital wallet registration form, search Google for “This is Jerusalem Summer.”
