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On August 1, the town of Stepanavan in Armenia’s picturesque Lori Province will host one of the country’s most delicious annual events — the Armenian Barbecue (Khorovats) Festival 2026. Now in its thirteenth edition, the festival attracts thousands of visitors from across Armenia as well as international travelers eager to experience the country’s rich culinary traditions.
Khorovats is much more than barbecue. For Armenians, it is an essential part of family gatherings, celebrations, and the country’s famous hospitality. During the festival, skilled chefs and barbecue masters from all over Armenia compete to prepare the finest traditional khorovats while sharing their unique grilling techniques and secret marinades. Visitors can enjoy delicious tastings, cooking competitions, local food markets, traditional folk music, cultural performances, and vibrant Armenian dances.
The festival is also an excellent opportunity to discover the beauty of northern Armenia. A trip to Stepanavan can easily be combined with exploring the breathtaking Lori region, home to the UNESCO World Heritage monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin, dramatic river canyons, dense forests, scenic mountain roads, and charming villages. Many travelers choose to turn the festival into a multi-day culinary and sightseeing adventure.
If you’re planning to visit Armenia in early August, be sure to include the Armenian Barbecue Festival in your itinerary. It is the perfect opportunity to taste authentic Armenian khorovats, experience local traditions, and enjoy the warm hospitality for which Armenia is renowned.
Travel Armenia offers comfortable festival tours with private transfers, professional English-speaking guides, and carefully designed sightseeing programs throughout Lori Province, allowing you to combine unforgettable gastronomy, ancient history, and spectacular mountain landscapes in one remarkable journey.