As autumn paints Yerevan’s streets in golden hues, the city buzzes with the energy of performers from around the world. HIGH FEST, Armenia’s flagship celebration of performing arts, returns for its 23rd edition from October 1 to 8, 2025. This eight-day event gathers theatre troupes, dancers, musicians, and circus artists to share stories that cross borders and touch hearts. Held in the vibrant capital of Armenia, HIGH FEST invites everyone, from local families to international visitors, to dive into a rich mix of drama, movement, and music. It’s more than a festival, it’s a bridge between cultures, fostering creativity and understanding in a city known for its ancient roots and modern spirit.
A Celebration of Global Stories and Local Talent
Since its start in 2003, HIGH FEST has grown from a small gathering of theatre lovers into a major international event. Organized by the Armenian Actors Union NGO, it began as a way to bring fresh ideas to Armenian stages. Over the years, more than 500 foreign companies and 5,000 guests have joined, turning Yerevan into a hub for innovation. The festival’s mission is simple yet powerful: to grow Armenian performing arts, promote cultural rights, and connect Armenia with the world. It supports democratic values through art, helping artists from Europe, Asia, and beyond integrate and inspire.
In 2025, HIGH FEST builds on this legacy while staying true to its heart. Past editions, like the 22nd in 2024, drew crowds to sold-out shows and workshops, ending with a sense of unity after a week of shared applause. The 2023 event highlighted immersive theatre and folk music fusions, leaving audiences talking about bold new works for months. This year’s theme, yet to be announced, promises to blend tradition with cutting-edge expression, drawing thousands to Yerevan’s cosy venues. It’s a space where laughter, tears, and gasps fill the air, reminding us that stories unite us all.
The Site: Yerevan’s Theatres, Streets, and Hidden Gems
Yerevan, with its mix of Soviet-era buildings and lively cafes, serves as the perfect canvas for HIGH FEST. The festival spreads across the city’s heart, using grand theatres like the Gabriel Sundukyan State Academic Theatre and the Paronyan Musical Comedy Theatre. Smaller spots, such as the Yerevan State Puppet Theatre and the Modern Art Museum, host intimate shows. Street performances pop up in Republic Square, where crowds gather under the singing fountains for free circus acts and mime routines.
One highlight is the Fringe section, where emerging artists take over parks and cafes for surprise events. Imagine wandering Sundukyan Street and stumbling into a shadow puppet tale or a dance flash mob. The layout keeps things walkable and welcoming, with venues just minutes apart by foot or tram. Local vendors line the paths, selling warm lavash bread, dolma, and fresh pomegranate juice to fuel your festival days. Yerevan’s mild October weather adds to the charm, with crisp evenings perfect for post-show chats under starry skies.
A Line-up of Bold Voices and Diverse Forms
HIGH FEST shines by showcasing a wide palette of performing arts, from classic drama to experimental multimedia. The 2025 line-up, with applications open until March 15, will feature troupes from over 20 countries, including neighbors like Georgia and Iran, as well as far-flung spots in Europe and Asia. Expect a balance of big names and fresh talents: think powerful one-woman plays on resilience, high-energy circus flips, and jazz-infused contemporary dance.
Past festivals set the bar high. In 2024, highlights included a Georgian mime troupe’s silent comedy on city life and an Iranian puppet show blending folklore with modern twists. The 2023 edition wowed with a Belgian immersive theatre piece where audiences wandered through dreamlike sets, and a Polish movement ensemble that turned a stage into a living sculpture. Armenian showcases, like works from the Gyumri Drama Theatre, always steal hearts with tales of heritage and hope. Workshops with global experts, such as master classes on visual theatre, round out the program, giving attendees tools to create their own magic.
Days and Nights of Laughter, Movement, and Song
A typical day at HIGH FEST starts slow and builds to a crescendo. Mornings bring seminars in sunlit halls, where directors share tips on directing diverse casts. By noon, the streets come alive with free performances: kids giggle at finger puppet shows, while adults ponder a street mime’s take on freedom. Afternoons shift indoors for deeper dives, like a full-length opera at the Chamber Theatre or a bluesy folk concert echoing through the Small Theatre.
As dusk falls, Yerevan’s lights flicker on, and the energy peaks. Main stages host grand finales, such as a multi-media ballet fusing lights and live strings. The vibe is electric yet intimate, no massive crowds or barriers, just shared space for applause and awe. Late nights spill into after-parties at fringe venues, where musicians jam with dancers and strangers bond over wine. The 2024 closing night ended with a collaborative finale, artists from ten countries weaving a tapestry of song and step, leaving everyone humming into the dawn.
A Festival Built on Connection and Growth
HIGH FEST goes beyond shows, it’s a platform for learning and exchange. Educational programs include conferences on cultural policy and seminars on inclusive arts. The Armenian Showcase spotlights local talent, helping them reach global eyes, while the special Iranian program strengthens regional ties. Sustainability matters too, the festival partners with eco-friendly venues and promotes low-waste practices, like digital tickets and reusable cups.
At its core, HIGH FEST champions open society. By joining networks like ASSITEJ for youth theatre and IETM for contemporary arts, it pushes Armenia toward European cultural integration. It’s earned nods like the EFFE Award in 2023, landing among Europe’s top 24 festivals from 715 contenders. These efforts create ripples, inspiring young artists and fostering dialogue in a region rich with history.
Planning Your Visit
Getting to HIGH FEST is straightforward. Fly into Zvartnots International Airport, just 15 minutes from Yerevan’s center, with direct flights from major European hubs. Taxis or the affordable metro whisk you to your hotel in no time. Tickets range from free street shows to affordable passes for main events, around 5,000-15,000 AMD (about $13-38 USD) per show. Buy early online via the festival site, as popular slots fill fast.
Stay options abound: budget hostels near Republic Square for backpackers, or boutique hotels like the Europe Hotel for comfort. Many venues are central, so walking is easy, but download a tram app for longer jaunts. October’s cool days mean pack layers, comfortable shoes for strolling, and a notebook for workshop notes. Families love the puppet and circus acts, while couples enjoy romantic evening plays.
Why HIGH FEST Stands Out
In a world of quick videos and virtual shows, HIGH FEST feels alive and real. No flashy ads or VIP walls, just pure art that challenges and heals. It’s where a Russian clown might make you cry laughing, or a Korean dancer leaves you breathless with grace. The festival’s focus on diversity, from shadow theatre to jazz fusion, celebrates every voice. Past attendees rave about the warmth, the unexpected friendships formed in queues, and the way a single mime can spark deep talks.
What sets it apart is its role as a cultural lifeline. In Armenia, a land of poets and survivors, HIGH FEST honors resilience through performance. It’s not just entertainment, it’s a reminder that art builds bridges, especially in tough times. Whether you’re a performer applying to join or a fan seeking inspiration, it leaves you changed, carrying stories like souvenirs.
Explore the Surroundings
Yerevan offers endless charms beyond the stages. Stroll Cascade Complex for views of Mount Ararat and street art murals. Visit Vernissage Market for handmade crafts, or sip coffee in a 19th-century cafe. Day trips to Garni Temple or Lake Sevan add adventure, with easy buses from the city. Foodies, try khorVirap barbecue or gata pastries at local spots. These outings weave into the festival rhythm, turning your trip into a full cultural immersion.
HIGH FEST 23rd International Performing Arts Festival delivers more than applause, it sparks connection in a divided world. With Yerevan’s welcoming arms, diverse stages, and endless creativity, it calls you to laugh, move, listen, and belong. Mark your calendar for October 1-8, 2025, and let the arts light your path.
Follow HIGH FEST online for updates on line-ups, tickets, and workshops:
Instagram: @highfest_official