Israel's Golan Heights to Host 'Sounds of Basalt' Festival Celebrating Anniversaries

The "Sounds of Basalt 2026" festival will take place throughout October at the renewed Amphitheater in Katzrin, the capital of the Golan Heights. The event will feature five evenings of Israeli music, with performances by prominent artists including Ehud Banai, Avihu Pinhasov, Dudu Tassa, Rinat Bar, and Agam Buhbut.

This year's festival holds special significance as it will launch the 50th-anniversary celebrations for Katzrin and the 60th-anniversary of the renewal of settlement in the Golan. Organizers aim to attract audiences from across Israel by combining Israeli music, local beer, cuisine, and the Golan experience.

The festival is intended to boost local tourism, culture, and economy. It is led by the Katzrin Local Council and the Golan Regional Council, with support from the Ministry of Culture and Sport, the Ministry of the Negev, Galilee and National Resilience, Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael (JNF), and Mifal HaPayis (The National Lottery).

Ticket prices are set at an affordable 50 shekels per show. The festival is part of a partnership between Katzrin and the Golan Regional Council to strengthen culture, tourism, and develop attractions for residents and visitors.

Katzrin Mayor Yehuda Dua stated that "Sounds of Basalt" is integral to the cultural identity of Katzrin and the Golan and opens their year of celebrations, highlighting Katzrin's development and growth. Golan Regional Council head Uri Kelner emphasized celebrating the 60 years of settlement and 50 years of Katzrin as significant milestones in their shared story.

The schedule includes Ehud Banai on October 14, Avihu Pinhasov on October 15, Dudu Tassa on October 22, Rina Bar on October 26, and Agam Buhbut on October 27. Gates open at 7:30 PM and shows begin at 9:00 PM each night.