Amman Summer Festival

About

The Amman Summer Festival transforms Jordan's capital into a vibrant cultural playground each summer, offering families an authentic Middle Eastern festival experience with concerts, traditional performances, art exhibitions, and children's activities spread across the city's historic and modern venues. This beloved annual event provides a wonderful opportunity for international families to immerse their children in Jordanian culture while enjoying entertainment that bridges traditional and contemporary art forms. The festival's diverse programming ensures there's something captivating for every family member, from puppet shows and storytelling to music performances under the stars.

What to Expect

Families will experience a multi-venue festival atmosphere with events ranging from outdoor concerts in Roman amphitheaters to children's theater performances in cultural centers. The festival typically features a mix of free and ticketed events, including traditional Jordanian folk dance performances, contemporary music concerts, art workshops for children, storytelling sessions in Arabic and sometimes English, and street performances in downtown areas. Expect warm summer evenings filled with families, a welcoming atmosphere toward children, and opportunities to sample local street food while exploring Amman's historic neighborhoods. Events are spread throughout the day and evening, with many family-friendly activities scheduled earlier in the day before temperatures peak.

Highlights for Kids

• Watching performances at the ancient Roman Theater, where kids are amazed to experience live shows in a 2,000-year-old venue
• Interactive art workshops where children create crafts using traditional Jordanian techniques and materials
• Traditional dabke dance performances with colorful costumes that often invite children to join and learn basic steps
• Evening street performances and markets in downtown Amman where families can stroll, eat, and enjoy impromptu entertainment
• Storytelling sessions featuring tales from Arabian folklore, sometimes performed with puppets or shadow theater

Pro Tips for Families

1. Download the festival program in advance (usually available on Amman municipality websites and local tourism pages) as events are spread across multiple venues and some popular shows require advance booking or have limited seating
2. Dress modestly and in layers—while Jordan is relatively liberal, respectful attire is appreciated, and temperatures can drop significantly in the evening despite hot summer days
3. Many performances run on 'Amman time' and may start 15-30 minutes late; arrive early to secure good seats but bring activities to keep kids occupied during potential delays
4. The Roman Theater downtown hosts spectacular evening performances with stunning acoustics—this is a must-see venue, but bring cushions or blankets as the ancient stone seating can be uncomfortable for little ones

Best Time to Visit

Plan to attend events in early evening (around 6-8 PM) when temperatures cool down and the festival atmosphere comes alive, making it comfortable for children while avoiding the intense midday heat. Weekends typically feature the most family-oriented programming and larger crowds, while weekday evenings offer a more relaxed experience. If visiting for multiple days, start with the opening weekend to catch headline performances, then explore smaller cultural center events during the week for more intimate, kid-focused activities. Late July typically offers the fullest schedule of events.

Food & Drinks

Street food vendors proliferate during the festival, offering kid-friendly options like falafel wraps, fresh fruit juices, kanafeh (sweet cheese pastry), and grilled corn. Downtown Amman features numerous family restaurants serving shawarma, hummus plates, and pizza that appeal to less adventurous young eaters. Bring bottled water as summer heat requires constant hydration, and note that many festival venues don't have concessions inside. For adventurous families, try mansaf (Jordan's national dish) at nearby restaurants before or after events, though many children prefer simpler mezze options like bread with labneh or cucumber and tomato salads.

Parking & Access

Parking in downtown Amman during festival season is extremely challenging; strongly consider using taxis or ride-sharing apps (Uber and Careem operate in Amman) to reach venues. If driving, arrive very early or use paid parking lots several blocks away and walk. Most cultural centers have limited accessibility for strollers due to historic architecture and crowded conditions—baby carriers are recommended for younger children. Public transportation is limited for international visitors unfamiliar with routes, so pre-arranging transportation through your hotel or booking taxis is advisable. Many venues involve stairs and uneven ancient stonework, so be prepared for limited wheelchair/stroller access at historic sites like the Roman Theater.