Events & Festivals in Tehran

A major gathering for Iran's dynamic theater community, featuring performances from Iranian and international troupes. Includes street theater, classic plays, experimental works, and workshops.

Iran's premier and most prestigious film festival, marking the anniversary of the Islamic Revolution. Features competitive sections for Iranian and international films, premieres, workshops, and retrospectives held across multiple cinemas in the city.

A government-sponsored festival showcasing traditional Iranian music (both classical and regional), as well as contemporary and symphonic compositions. Features renowned masters and emerging talents.

A national holiday commemorating the victory of the Islamic Revolution in 1979. Marked by official rallies, speeches, and marches, particularly at Azadi Square. Government offices and many businesses are closed.

The two-week celebration of the Persian New Year, marking the spring equinox. Expect city-wide decorations, family gatherings, the 'Haft-Sin' table display, and public festivities. The 13th day (Sizdah Bedar) sees parks packed with picnickers.

A biennial festival showcasing the best of Iranian and international animation. Includes competitive screenings, workshops with renowned animators, exhibitions of concept art, and forums for industry professionals.

An ancient fire-jumping festival held on the eve of the last Wednesday before Nowruz. People build small bonfires in streets and alleys and jump over them, singing for health and happiness. Accompanied by fireworks and noise-making.

A major international sporting event attracting runners from across Iran and the globe. Features full marathon, half-marathon, and 10K routes, often starting at Azadi Square and passing key city landmarks.

A major religious holiday celebrating the end of the holy month of Ramadan. Marked by communal prayers at dawn (often in large open spaces like Mosalla), visiting family, gift-giving, and enjoying special sweets and meals.

A colorful celebration of spring with elaborate displays of seasonal flowers, especially roses (the national flower) and tulips. Features landscaped gardens, floral art installations, and photography competitions.

A prestigious international competition for the recitation and memorization of the Quran, attracting participants from Muslim countries worldwide. Features beautiful and skilled recitations (Tilawat).

One of the largest and most significant book fairs in Asia and the Middle East. Publishers from around the world showcase titles, with a strong focus on Farsi literature, academic texts, and religious books. Includes author signings and discussions.

A traditional festival celebrating the harvest of damask roses and the distillation of rose water (Golab), a key ingredient in Persian cuisine and perfumery. While more famous in Kashan, some Tehran parks and cultural centers host demonstrations and sales.

A major exhibition and market showcasing Iran's rich heritage of handicrafts. Features live demonstrations of carpet weaving, miniature painting, pottery, engraving (Khatam-kari), and enamel work (Mina-kari) by master artisans.

A profound day of mourning for Shia Muslims, commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussein. Processions with rhythmic chest-beating (Sineh Zani), passion plays (Ta'zieh), and free food/water distribution (Nazri) occur in neighborhoods.

Informal night markets spring up in various neighborhoods during the hot summer months when people prefer to shop and socialize after sunset. Features clothing, accessories, street food, and household goods.

The top-tier professional football league in Iran. Tehran is home to several major clubs (Esteghlal, Persepolis, etc.). Matches, especially the intense 'Tehran Derby', are events of massive passion and energy.

An important platform for emerging filmmakers and short film enthusiasts. Screens international and domestic short films across genres, with competitions, networking events, and industry talks.

A city-wide series of cultural events celebrating the arts in autumn. Includes open-air concerts in parks, photography exhibitions, poetry readings, and street performances, taking advantage of the mild weather.

Celebrating Iran's most famous and valuable spice. Some upscale Tehran restaurants and hotels host special events, tasting menus, and workshops highlighting saffron's use in Persian sweets, rice dishes, and teas.

A specialized exhibition and competition showcasing contemporary and traditional Iranian ceramics. Features works from established and emerging artists, highlighting both artistic innovation and deep-rooted craft traditions.

An ancient Persian festival celebrating the winter solstice, the longest night of the year. Families gather to eat red fruits (pomegranates, watermelon), nuts, read poetry (especially Hafez), and stay up late to welcome the dawn.