Music has long been part of everyday life in Bahrain. Long before concert halls and ticketed shows, songs carried the rhythm of work at sea, as pearl divers and their crews sang fijiri to get through long days on the water. On land, traditional music houses kept that heritage going, passing melodies, rhythms and stories from one generation to the next. Today, that history sits alongside a lively contemporary scene, from oud recitals and orchestral evenings to jazz nights and open-air concerts. Each year, much of that range comes together in a single programme that celebrates both the old and the new.
The 35th Bahrain International Music Festival opens on Friday 2 October, bringing two months of concerts and live performances to stages across the Kingdom.
Organised by the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA), this year’s edition runs through October and November. The programme mixes contemporary and traditional music with a selection of other performing arts shows, and follows on from a busy start to Bahrain’s music season in September.
Opening Night at Bahrain National Theatre
Bahraini singer and composer Khalid Alshaikh opens the festival with “Tithakernai” at the Bahrain National Theatre. It sets the tone for a line-up that leans heavily on regional talent while making room for international acts.
Who Else Is on the Line-Up
Alongside Alshaikh, the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities [BACA] has named Ahmed Al Jumairi, Khalid Abdulrahman and Dr Abadi Al Johar among the performers, together with several Bahraini traditional music groups.
The international side of the programme is supported by the embassies of Italy, South Korea, Germany, France, China and India.
Where the Concerts Will Take Place
Rather than sticking to one stage, the festival spreads across a mix of cultural spaces:
- Bahrain National Theatre
- Terminal 4 by Beyon
- The Cultural Hall
- Several traditional music houses
- The Desert Garden
The range of venues means audiences can move between formal theatre concerts, more intimate settings in the music houses and outdoor evenings in the Desert Garden.
A Long-Running Fixture
First held in 1992, the Bahrain International Music Festival has become a regular part of the Kingdom’s autumn calendar. Each edition brings together Bahraini, Gulf and international musicians, with a focus on both heritage and modern styles.
Tickets and Timings
The full schedule, performance times and ticket details will be published over time. We will update this space once BACA releases the complete programme.
READ MORE: Bahrain International Film Festival 2026 Goes Global for Its Sixth Edition
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