Good to know
Good to Know
- Novruz is one of Azerbaijan's most cherished celebrations—plan travel accordingly as the city becomes crowded and hotels book quickly in March.
- Pomegranate Festival (Nar Bayrami) is held in the Goychay region, not central Baku; allow time for a day trip or overnight stay.
- Many cultural events and public celebrations in Baku are free and held in parks, squares, and the Old City (Icherisheher).
- Festival dates for October/November events (Pomegranate, Jazz) may shift year to year; confirm exact dates with local tourism offices before planning.
- During Novruz, traditional family visits are central to the celebration—visitors may find some businesses closed or operating shortened hours as locals prioritize family time.
Events
Novruz (Novruz Bayramı)
- Month
- March
- Admission
- Free (public celebrations in parks and squares)
- Typical Date
- March 20–21
- Cultural Significance
- Symbolizes renewal, harmony, and the beginning of spring. Central to Azerbaijani identity and traditions.
- Description
- Azerbaijan's most significant spring festival, marking the vernal equinox and the Persian New Year. UNESCO-listed Intangible Cultural Heritage. Celebrations span the four Tuesdays before Novruz (Charshanba), each representing water, fire, wind, and earth. Public celebrations include concerts, parades, traditional dances, bonfires, family gatherings, and street fairs in parks and squares across Baku.
International Carpet Festival
- Month
- May
- Location
- Old City (Icherisheher), Baku
- Admission
- Free
- Typical Date
- May 3–4
- Description
- Annual celebration honoring Azerbaijan's rich carpet-weaving traditions. Features master weavers, handwoven carpets and textiles from across the region, artisan exhibitions, performances, and cultural displays.
Nar Bayrami (Pomegranate Festival)
- Month
- October–November
- Location
- Goychay region (outside Baku, ~1.5–2 hours drive)
- Admission
- Free (public festival)
- Typical Date
- October or November (exact date varies with harvest season)
- Notes
- Attracts 5,000–7,000 visitors annually. UNESCO-inscribed in 2020 as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
- Description
- UNESCO-listed festival celebrating pomegranate culture, traditions, and harvesting. Features parades with traditional Azerbaijani music and dance, competitions (largest pomegranate, pomegranate eating contests), juice-squeezing competitions, concerts, fireworks, and local food showcasing pomegranate-based dishes and regional crafts.
Maiden Tower Art Festival
- Month
- Year-round (ongoing contemporary)
- Location
- Maiden Tower, Old City (Icherisheher), Baku
- Admission
- Free (outdoor projections and performances)
- Description
- Launched in 2010 at the historic Maiden Tower in Baku's Old City. Features contemporary art, digital mapping projections on the tower, cultural performances, and art installations celebrating cultural diversity and artistic innovation.
AI-generated estimateData refreshed September 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this signature annual events research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
More About Baku
Data last updated September 2026 · Verify anything important.