Khutsot Hayotser: The Jerusalem Arts and Crafts Fair

While Jerusalem summer days are hot and dry, evenings bring lovely cool air so summertime is a popular time for outdoor festivals that begin at twilight time. If you are looking for something to do in the evenings check out the 38th International Arts and Crafts Fair, which is one of the most popular annual Jerusalem festivals that combines art and music in a carnival-like atmosphere and attracts thousands and thousands of people.

This year the Festival will be held in three different scenic places:

1. the Khutsot Hayotzer Arts and Crafts Center and Studios at the entrance to the Hinnoam Valley,
2. the Mitchell Gardens within full view of Mount Zion, and
3. the Merrill Hassenfield Amphitheater in the Sultan’s Pool opposite the Tower of David.

Not only is there a chance to view and purchase all kinds of art work, but there are also live performances by professional singers and musicians.

Israeli and International Pavilions

Two pavilions, one for Israeli and the other for foreign artists from over 40 countries will house artistic works such as paintings, ceramics, prints, jewelry, woven textiles, metal work, wood work, toys, ethnic folk art, Judaica and more.

Children’s Compound

Children in tow? There is plenty of activity for them as well. The Arts and Crafts Festival Children’s Compound (permanent), located across from Cafe Tav will offer Children’s workshops that will be open from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Another new children’s compound will host circus and street performances for the kids. Performances will be held every night except Friday and Saturday from 7:00 p.m.-7:45 p.m. near the stage by Gate No. 1.

Here is a schedule in English of the performances for children.

Musical Performances

Every night except for Fridays at 9:00 p.m. on the stage at Sultan’s Pool the best of Israel’s singers and musicians will perform, including Yehudit Ravitz, Moshe Peretz, Shlomi Shabat, Mosh ben Ari, Ehud Banai, Eviatar Banai, Amir Benayoun, Shalom Hanoch, Ivri Lider, Berry Sakharof, Mati Caspi and Rikki Gal.

As if this is not enough, there will also be performances of Afro-American, Greek, Gospel, South American, Jewish, Israeli and American folk music. Even more will be a Tribute to Simon and Garfunkle and a Flamenco performance.  Here is a complete schedule in English of the performances.

Hours are every day until August 17 (except Fridays), from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. and Saturday nights from 9:00 p.m. until midnight. Tickets are:

• NIS 60 for adults,
• NIS 35 for children age 5 to 12,
• NIS 50 for teen, student, soldier, senior citizen and police officer,
• NIS 50 for an adult with a Yerushalmi Card

For further information about tickets phone: (02) 623-7000. Other discounts and family passes are available. For more information: www.jerusalem.muni.il/yotzer/2013/ho me_eng.asp

Did You Know?

There is also a culinary artist here in the person of Yaniv Abergel who will teach you how to make your own real authentic home-made Italian ice-cream. Large screens will flash out delicious recipes!