Gabala International Music Festival

Qabala Beynəlxalq Musiqi Festivalı

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MusicGabala
DatesDates TBA · Usually FebruaryCheck locally before booking
Duration4 daysListed event span
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forLive music, late nightsConcerts are staged outdoors against
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: AZN
CategoryMusicFestival type
The story

Gabala International Music Festival in Gabala

Since 2009, the Gabala International Music Festival has turned this Caucasus foothill city into a summer classical music destination each July and August. Founded by Baku Academy of Music rector Farhad Badalbeyli and conductor Dmitri Yablonski, it draws internationally acclaimed musicians for open-air orchestral, chamber, jazz, and flamenco performances against a mountain backdrop.

Gabala's open-air amphitheater setting, ringed by the forested foothills of the Caucasus, has hosted a summer classical music festival every year since 2009.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

Concerts are staged outdoors against Gabala's forested Caucasus foothills, giving performances a natural amphitheater setting rare among comparable European summer festivals

02

The mystery stays covered

Programming ranges beyond strict classical repertoire to include jazz, flamenco, and contemporary chamber works alongside symphonic and philharmonic concerts

03

The city starts moving

Past performers have included violist Yuri Bashmet, pianist Denis Matsuev, and violinist Chloe Hanslip, drawn from a dozen countries including Turkey, Russia, Israel, Italy, and the United States, making the festival a genuinely international gathering rather than a regional showcase

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

The festival blends Western classical orchestral tradition with jazz

Water and renewal

Living ritual

and contemporary chamber music

The sacred route

Living ritual

reflecting founder Farhad Badalbeyli's ambition to make Gabala an international music destination

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually February

Getting around

Use Gabala transport around the venue or route first; event-day controls can change normal timing.

What to wear

Smart-casual attire works for evening concerts; bring a light jacket or shawl, as open-air performances in the Gabala foothills cool noticeably after sunset.

Safety

Gabala International Music Festival is easier with a small bag, charged phone and group plan that survives poor signal.

Where to stay

Stay near workable transport in Gabala, especially if the event runs late or streets close.

Tickets/cost

Ticketing varies by venue and stage. Confirm official passes before booking travel.

Language/currency

AZN

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map40.98 N, 47.85 EOpen in Google Maps

Gabala, Gabala, Azerbaijan

Nearest airportGNJ — Ganja
TransportUse Gabala transport around the venue or route first; event-day controls can change normal timing.
Stay areaStay near workable transport in Gabala, especially if the event runs late or streets close.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Gabala via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Gabala, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for February.Compare faresFestival gearSmart-casual attire works for evening concerts; bring a light jacket or shawl, as open-air performances in the Gabala foothills cool noticeably after sunset.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for Azerbaijan and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Gabala International Music Festival?

Gabala International Music Festival is listed for Past edition: 5–8 February 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Gabala International Music Festival take place?

The festival is listed in Gabala, Azerbaijan. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

4 days is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Gabala, Gabala, Azerbaijan

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLqebele-ih.gov.az
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually February
Source statusOfficial source linked
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