Culture Breathes: Festival Transforms Israeli Parks into Open-Air Theaters

The "Breathe Culture" project, a joint initiative by Mifal HaPayis and the Israel Nature and Parks Authority, will transform national parks across Israel into cultural venues from September 28-30, 2026. This marks the 13th year of the event, which coincides with the Sukkot holiday.

The festival will feature a wide array of performances, including street theater, music, dance, circus acts, and drama, presented to visitors along hiking trails. The project aims to foster a connection between culture, art, and nature, making Israeli creativity accessible to families in open spaces.

This year's "Breathe Culture" will take place in six national parks, with five located in the northern region: Yechiam Fortress National Park, Kochav HaYarden National Park, Tzipori National Park, Tel Megiddo National Park, Tel Hatzor National Park, and Mamsheet National Park in the south. The initiative, which began in 2020, seeks to support Israeli artists and creators while promoting cultural engagement.

Over three days, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, 54 artists and musicians will perform at various points within the parks. The project has an estimated budget of 500,000 shekels, funded equally by Mifal HaPayis and the Nature and Parks Authority. The cost of the activities is included in the park entrance fees.

Drorit Melnik, Director of the Culture Department at Mifal HaPayis, stated that the project highlights the unique link between culture, art, and nature, offering families a chance to experience Israeli creativity during their holiday outings. Shlomit Shvavit, Head of Media, Public, and Community at the Nature and Parks Authority, added that the collaboration allows visitors to experience the sites in a new way, connecting them with the locations' stories and history.