Babylon hosted its arts festival from 8 to 16 October
Published on 10/18/2026 at 07:50 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS
Babylon (Babil) hosted the 13th Babylon Festival for World Cultures and Arts from 8 to 16 October 2026 at the archaeological site near Hillah, Iraq. The programme brought music, theatre, cinema, poetry, visual art, book exhibitions and discussion events to the ancient setting.
The festival ended on 16 October 2026, so travellers arriving after that date will not find its scheduled programme. The archaeological site itself remains the place connected with the event, including the Babylonian Theatre where the opening and closing activities were held.
Babylon's 2026 festival brought culture to the theatre
The festival opened on 9 October 2026, according to the reported programme, with the 13th edition presented under the theme We are all Babylonians. The opening took place at the Grand Babylonian Theatre and included a book exhibition, a visual art exhibition, a short theatre performance, a music presentation and the signing of a book marking a century of Iraqi creativity.
The wider programme continued through 16 October 2026. It included music, poetry, visual art, theatre, cinema and intellectual seminars, alongside a book fair and a special commemoration of Iraqi cultural figures. the festival programme and a separate report describing the 8 to 16 October run place the event at the archaeological site itself.
The site links a 2026 festival to ancient ruins
The ancient city was once the capital of the Babylonian Empire. Its remains lie about 85 km (53 miles) south of Baghdad in Babil Governorate, close to Hillah, and the property covers about 9 square kilometres. The location includes archaeological remains as well as later architectural and landscaping additions.
UNESCO added the site to the World Heritage List in 2019. That status gives the festival setting a specific historical frame: contemporary performances and exhibitions were staged beside the remains of a city associated with the Neo-Babylonian period. UNESCO's Babylon listing places the property 85 km south of Baghdad and identifies the remains of the ancient city, its walls and temples.
Visiting Babylon: what travellers from Western Europe should know
- The 13th Babylon Festival ran from 8 to 16 October 2026 at the archaeological site, with major activities at the Babylonian Theatre.
- The festival programme ended on 16 October 2026. A visit after that date should not be planned around festival performances, exhibitions or seminars.
- The site is near Hillah in Iraq, about 85 km (53 miles) south of Baghdad, in Babil Governorate.
- Entry requirements depend on your nationality; UK travellers can check the FCDO travel advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice, Irish travellers the Department of Foreign Affairs at ireland.ie.
Searching for Babylon on social platforms
These links open searches for Babylon on each platform.
Frequently asked questions about Babylon
When did the Babylon Festival take place?
The 13th Babylon Festival for World Cultures and Arts took place from 8 to 16 October 2026. Its main activities were held at the archaeological site near Hillah.
Where is Babylon and how do you get there?
The archaeological site is in Babil Governorate near Hillah, about 85 km (53 miles) south of Baghdad. The site is in Iraq.
What is Babylon?
Babylon is an ancient city and archaeological site associated with the Babylonian Empire. UNESCO added it to the World Heritage List in 2019.
