Save the date
With so much happening in the coming months, here are some cool events to mark on your calendar
Exciting events coming up
NOVEMBER
OLIVE OIL TOUR IN BAINO Where: Baino, Akkar When: Throughout November until late December
Visit the home of House of Zejd to handpick your own olives and learn all about the extraction of olive oil. You can also enjoy a walk around Baino’s nature reserve and lake. 01 338003, olivetrade.com
BEIRUT ART FILM FESTIVAL
Where: Metropolis Empire Sofil Cinemas, Achrafieh When: 6-25 For its third edition, the Beirut Art Film Festival will host screenings of over 50 films and documentaries about all things art. Some of the films feature Jérôme Bosch, Bach, Oum Kalthoum and The Beatles.
01 999666, bafflebanon.org
GOURMET WEEK
Where: In and around Beirut When: 13-17 Gourmet Week celebrates food culture in Beirut. With over 30 of the leading restaurants to choose from, guests can take advantage of promotions including discounts and special set menus. The event is open to everyone, but booking is essential as tables at the participating restaurants are limited. gourmetweek.org
SALON DU CHOCOLAT BEIRUT Where: BIEL, Beirut When: 16-18
A must for chocolate lovers, the Salon du Chocolat Beirut returns for its fourth edition bringing with it over 60 stands
showcasing the latest in chocolate, pastry and confectionery.
The amazing chocolate Fashion Show brings Lebanese designers and renowned pastry chefs together for a one-of-a-kind catwalk with dresses made of chocolate. This year’s show welcomes designer to the stars Jean Louis Sabaji, who will be collaborating with Lebanese master consultant chef Charles Azar to create the Fashion Show’s masterpiece.
There will also be an incredible chocolate sculpture on display, created by the Lebanese artist Rudy Rahme and chef Charles Azar.
Visitors to the event can watch more than 30 of Lebanon’s top pastry chefs and consultants in live demonstrations at the Choco Demo, and kids can get involved at the Salon du Chocolat Junior, a special kids’ tasting area. salonduchocolatbeirut.com
BEIRUT COOKING FESTIVAL Where: BIEL, Beirut When: 16-18
Spotlighting the very best in food, wine, spirits, kitchen equipment and more, the Beirut Cooking Festival this year celebrates its seventh edition. Visitors will be able to discover a whole range of items, from bigger brands to artisanal goods, and browse more than 100 stands. In addition, over 30 of the finest chefs and beverage and lifestyle experts will be present to share with the public their passion for food, drink, health and wellbeing through a series of live demonstrations and workshops at the Chefs’ Theater.
Furthermore, the Librairie Gourmande will have a large selection of cookbooks available for purchase as well as book signings with well-known authors. beirutcookingfestival.com
STOMP
Where: Casino du Liban When: 17-18 The unstoppable smash-hit STOMP heads to the Casino du Liban. Inspired by the commotion of everyday life, the show mixes sound, dance, theatre and comedy using ordinary objects such as trash lids, Zippo lighters and kitchen sinks. ticketingboxoffice.com
BLACK FRIDAY MARKET LEBANON Where: BIEL, Beirut When: 23-26
The Urban Group and Lebanese Cultural Festivals Association will be hosting Lebanon’s first Black Friday Market. The market will deliver a unique shopping experience full of bargains.
Black Friday Market Lebanon
DECEMBER
BEIRUT CHANTS FESTIVAL Where: Multiple locations around Beirut When: 1-23 The 10th edition of the Beirut Chants Festival brings more than 20 concerts to the capital in celebration of the festive season. The concerts include Christmas carol singing, classical music and ethnic songs. Beirut Chants acts as a platform for local and international performers and orchestras, and spreads a message of peace, hope and tolerance. Entrance is free. beirutchants.com
BEIRUT AND BEYOND INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL Where: The Grand Factory When: 7-10
Promoting music from around the region, Beirut & Beyond will be hosting a series of concerts featuring Lebanese and international artists. An exciting line-up of DJS will follow the performances. beirutandbeyond.net
CHRISTMAS AT THE VILLA Where: Villa Linda Sursock, Achrafieh When: 8-10
Enjoy the Christmas spirit and festivities, and participate in daily fundraising events to support local NGOS.
Christmas at the Villa 2017
ELTON JOHN IN CONCERT Where: Forum De Beyrouth When: 10
Sir Elton John and his band will perform in Beirut as part of the “Wonderful Crazy Night” tour. The legendary singer, who has sold over 250 million albums and has won five Grammy awards, is among the most popular and acclaimed artists of modern times. ticketingboxoffice.com
CHRISTMAS IN ACTION Where: Trainstation, Mar Mikhael When: 13-17
Ideal for adults and kids, with festive treats, shopping and entertainment, Christmas in Action celebrates its sixth edition this year.
Christmas in Action 2017
THE NEW YORK METROPOLITAN OPERA & THE BOLSHOI BALLET LIVE SCREENINGS Where: Empire Premiere, Sodeco Square When: 18 (other dates throughout January to May 2018)
Empire Cinemas exclusively presents the latest season of the New York Metropolitan Opera (seven live broadcasts) as well as the Russian Bolshoi Ballet (five live broadcasts) to its screens. Catch the first screening of the classic Christmas story “The Nutcracker” and book for other favorites throughout 2018. 01 616707/6, empirepremiere.com
FEBRUARY
AL BUSTAN FESTIVAL Where: Al Bustan Hotel When: February 13-March 21 Al Bustan Festival celebrates international music and performing arts, including opera and classical concerts as well as dance and theatre performances. albustanfestival.com
APRIL
LMTA THRU-WALK Where: From Andqet to Marjayoun When: 1
Discover over 75 towns and villages by joining the yearly Thru-walk with the Lebanon Mountain Trail Association. The long-distance hiking trail extends 470km from Andqet in the north to Marjayoun in the south. lebanontrail.org
BIPOD
Where: Around Beirut When: 11-22
The annual contemporary dance platform will celebrate its 14th edition, bringing to the stage a large number of local and international dance companies. BIPOD is considered one of the most important dance festivals in the region. maqamat.org
TRIPOLI FILM FESTIVAL Where: Tripoli When: 19-26
The fifth edition of the festival will honor the late Lebanese filmmaker Randa