Rtveli (Wine Harvest), September–October
The grape harvest in Kakheti is Georgia's most atmospheric seasonal event. Families and friends gather in vineyards to pick grapes and press them into qvevri — the ancient clay vessels buried underground for fermentation. Many wineries in the Telavi and Sighnaghi areas welcome visitors during harvest season, and informal tastings are everywhere. No fixed date: it follows the ripening of the grapes, usually late September to mid-October.
Tbilisoba, October
Tbilisi's main city festival, held on the last weekend of October. The streets of the old town fill with folk music, dance performances, craft stalls, and food from across Georgia's regions. A good moment to be in the capital.
New Year (Akhali Tseli), 1 January
Georgians celebrate New Year more enthusiastically than Christmas (which falls on 7 January in the Orthodox calendar). The streets of Tbilisi are busy on New Year's Eve. The period from 31 December through Orthodox Christmas and Epiphany (19 January) is one long festive stretch.
Easter (Aghdgoma)
Easter is the most important religious festival of the year. Midnight services at churches across the country are crowded and moving — Tbilisi's Sameba Cathedral draws thousands. The weeks before Easter see the streets fill with churchili (walnut sweets) and painted eggs.
Black Sea Jazz Festival, July
Held annually in Batumi, this multi-day festival brings international jazz musicians to the city's seafront and stages. The festival has grown significantly in recent years and is the biggest music event on the Georgian summer calendar.