Ankawa Summer Festival 2026 kicks Off

03/09/2026

ANKAWA, Arba’ilo (Erbil) — Following the conclusion of the Grape Basket Festival about two weeks ago, the 2026 Ankawa Summer Festival has kicked off amid a festive atmosphere in the gardens of the Academic Social Center in Ankawa District, Arba’ilo (Erbil). The festival runs from 1 to 10 September, drawing large crowds and widespread participation from families and young people from across the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI).

Among the many and diverse festivals held in Ankawa throughout the year, including the Syriac Theater Festival, Syriac Heritage Festival, Feast of the Cross and others, the Summer Festival is considered the area’s most prominent event. It is open free of charge to all visitors from different communities, including the Suraye (Chaldean-Syriac-Assyrian) people, offering a comprehensive cultural and entertainment experience that brings together art, heritage and support for local businesses.

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The festival is not limited to groups, artists, entrepreneurs and small business owners from Ankawa or the KRI. It also attracts participants and performers from neighboring countries each year, including the Barmaya Syriac Heritage Troupe, affiliated with the Urhoy Artistic Committee in Zalin (Qamishli).

The festival program includes daily musical evenings featuring a selection of artists and stars, alongside live musical performances.The venue also features dozens of stalls dedicated to small businesses and innovative projects, allowing entrepreneurs and artisans to showcase handmade crafts, cosmetics and clothing. Several well-known restaurants and cafés in Ankawa are also participating, offering visitors a diverse selection of traditional Iraqi and Suraye foods, as well as hot and cold beverages.

Read also: Ankawa’s Grape Basket Festival celebrates agricultural heritage and cultural traditions

Alongside the artistic performances, the festival will feature family activities organized by the “Saifna Ghair” Club, which has prepared an interactive program for children featuring entertaining dances, contests, competitive games and on-stage challenges, with special prizes and gifts distributed to children and provided by sponsoring organizations and companies. The festival will also feature major prize draws, giving attendees the chance to win valuable prizes.

Like other festivals held in Ankawa, which has a predominantly Suraye and Christian population, the festival embodies the spirit of coexistence and the cultural and social diversity that characterize the city.