Beirut
Beirut Fashion Week
Beirut International Exhibition & Leisure Centre, Mar 2010 (annual)
Touted as the first fashion show in the Middle East, Beirut Fashion Week brings fashionistas to Beirut International Exhibition & Leisure Centre. See the latest styles in the ready-to-wear collections, bridal gowns and footwear.
Al Bustan Festival
Hotel Al Bustan, Feb - Mar 2010 (annual)
Immerse yourself in music, opera, dance and theatre during the Al Bustan Festival, which smooths the way from winter towards spring. There are 30 events to choose from over five weeks at Emile Bustani Auditorium in Beirut's Hotel Al Bustan.
Beirut International Tango Festival
American University of Beirut, Apr 2010 (annual)
The Beirut International Tango Festival brings the Argentine dance genre to the American University of Beirut. Take a dance class, catch a typical tango quartet concert and head to El Derwendi restaurant for the nightly milonga club nights and shows.
The Garden Show & Spring Festival
Beirut Hippodrome, May 2010 (annual)
Beirut Hippodrome is transformed into a green oasis during The Garden Show & Spring Festival. Among the sweet-scented flowers and exotic plants are stalls selling garden accessories, local crafts and healthy food. You can also attend courses, masterclasses and concerts.
The Lebanese National Orchestra for Oriental-Arabic Music
Saint Joseph University, Apr - Jun 2010 (annual)
For concerts with a local flavour, book tickets for The Lebanese National Orchestra for Oriental-Arabic Music. Led by Lebanese Conservatory director Walid Gholmieh, they perform a season of concerts in the Pierre Y Aboukhater Amphitheatre at Saint Joseph University, Beirut.
The Lebanese National Symphony Orchestra
St Joseph's Church, Apr - Jun 2010 (annual)
Catch the Lebanese National Symphony Orchestra during their season of classical concerts at St Joseph's Church in Beirut. The concerts are led by Lebanese Conservatory director and orchestra founder Walid Gholmieh, conductors Wojciech Czepiel, Harout Fazlian and Michel Khairallah.
DocuDays
Al Madina Theater, Jul 2010 (annual)
Beirut's documentary festival, DocuDays, aims to raise awareness of non-fictional film as both entertainment and information. It screens international documentaries at Al-Madina Theater and other venues, as well as local films, providing an insight into Lebanese culture and current affairs.
Ramadan
Beirut, Aug - Sep 2010 (annual)
Visit Beirut during the holy month of Ramadan for a moving and exuberant evocation of Islamic culture. The addan call to prayer echoes from Beirut's mosque minarets and evening fireworks or bangs signal the breaking of the fast (iftar).
Eid al-Fitr
Beirut, Sep 2010 (annual)
The feast days of Eid al-Fitr come at the end of Ramadan and last for three days. Beirut especially comes alive during this time with joyous celebrations, music and fireworks.
Beirut International Film Festival
Empire Sofil, Sep - Oct 2010 (annual)
Middle-Eastern film students exhibit their artistic and political vision in the competitive Beirut International Film Festival. Catch a screening at the Empire Sofil and Concorde Planete cinemas or the opening and closing ceremonies at the UNESCO Palace.