The highly anticipated Spring of Culture (SOC) festival returns for its 19th edition, promising an extraordinary celebration of art, music and heritage.

Since 2006, Spring of Culture has celebrated Bahrain’s heritage through art, music and literature. Organised by the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, Beyon Al Dana Amphitheatre and the Shaikh Ebrahim Center, SOC collaborates with galleries and embassies to present a rich cultural programme, cementing Bahrain’s reputation as a hub for creativity and global cultural exchange.

What: The Palm Leaf
When: January 8 to 18 | 7pm (opening), 9am to 8pm
Where: Art Centre
Tickets: Free
The Children and Mothers Welfare Society, in collaboration with Makan Art Gallery, will host this charity exhibition. The event aims to support and promote the society’s Women’s Training Centre for Paper Crafts and will showcase artwork on paper handcrafted from palm fronds. The exhibition will feature a lineup of remarkable artists, with all proceeds going towards supporting the society.

What: Twilight – Fatema Aljameaa
When: January 8 to 29 | 7pm (opening), Saturday to Thursday, 9.30am to 2pm and 4pm to 8pm
Where: Albareh Art Gallery
Tickets: Free
In this exhibition, Fatema Aljameaa explores the aweinspiring moments at the brink of dawn and the gradual transition from shadow to soft light across the sky. Her artworks reflect the gentle colours and quiet moments of this transformation, celebrating the start of a new day.

What: Ebrahim Habib Night
When: January 9 | 8pm
Where: Bahrain National Theatre
Tickets: From BD5.5
Renowned singer-songwriter, Ebrahim Habib, returns to the stage after more than two decades for a night to remember. Accompanied by singers Mohamed Abdulrahim and Mohamed Rabee’a, the event will celebrate Ebrahim’s artistic journey and honour his rich heritage as a symbol of culture and art. The concert will also feature the Bahrain Music Band led by Maestro Zeyad Zaiman.

What: The Bubble Man
When: January 9 to 11 | Various Times
Where: January 9 (Al Liwan, 7pm) | January 10 (Bahrain Bay – North Wharf, 5.30pm and The Avenues – Bahrain, 7.30pm) | January 11 (Bahraini Farmers’ Market, Budaiya, 11am)
Tickets: Free
Maxwell The Bubble Man will delight young audiences by turning everyday soap bubbles into floating works of art. From bubbles inside bubbles to colourful shapes that float as if defying gravity, Maxwell’s show is full of wonder and joy, making it a perfect experience for the whole family.

What: Kadim Al Sahir
When: January 10 | 8.30pm
Where: Beyon Al Dana Amphitheatre
Tickets: From BD20
Prepare for a mesmerising evening as the legendary Kadim Al Sahir takes the stage at Beyon Al Dana Amphitheatre. Enjoy a musical journey through beloved classics and the enchanting melodies of his latest album, Maa Al Hob, in a performance to remember.

What: Ismaeel Dawas Band
When: January 11 | 8pm
Where: Dar Al Muharraq
Tickets: Free
The Ismaeel Dawas Band, one of the oldest and most prominent musical groups from Muharraq, will present an evening of folk arts. The band will showcase Ashouri art, a celebratory performance accompanying wedding rituals; Khamari art, named after dancers’ cloaks; and the Bista dance, a traditional performance held after the Daza (gifts) and wedding ceremonies.

What: New Works – Khalid Farhan
When: January 12 to February 12 | 7pm (opening), Saturday to Thursday: 9am to 1pm and 4pm to 7pm
Where: Kurar House, Muharraq
Tickets: Free
Artist, Khalid Farhan, presents his latest sculptural works inspired by the local flora of his native Bahrain.

What: In The Realm Of The Sultanate
When: January 12 | 8pm
Where: Shaikh Ebrahim bin Mohammed Al Khalifa Center for Culture and Research
Tickets: Free
Known for her powerful voice and unique style, Tunisian artist Aya Dagnooj has gained recognition from various prominent artists. Having joined the Carthage Malouf Association at a young age, Aya has been performing at festivals since she was 13, bringing her unique blend of traditional and contemporary styles to both Tunisian and Arab music.

What: Application 004 Residency Exhibitions
When: January 14 to February 20 | 7pm (opening), daily: 10am to 8pm
Where: Al Riwaq Art Space
Tickets: Free
Al Riwaq Art Space showcases the projects and final artworks from the Application 004 art residency programme. These pieces, shaped by the artists’ ideas, invite viewers to reflect, spark deep discussions and explore shared human experiences.

What: Fayoum Portraits by Ahmed Emam
When: January 14 to February 11 | 6pm (opening), Tuesday to Sunday: 11am to 6pm
Where: Art Concept Gallery
Tickets: Free
This exhibition by Ahmed Emam showcases 33 portraits inspired by ancient Fayoum mummy paintings but with a modern touch. Blending the past and the present, it explores identity and memory, reflecting the soul’s journey and evoking nostalgia, heritage and the harmony of spirit, matter and energy.

What: Harmonies Of Strings
When: January 16 | 8pm
Where: Cultural Hall
Tickets: Free
In collaboration with the British Embassy, this evening with the English Chamber Orchestra’s Duo promises a captivating musical journey. Enjoy the remarkable talents of Caroline Dale, Principal Cellist, and renowned Violinist, John Mills, as they perform an exquisite selection of arrangements. This intimate concert will immerse you in the emotive world of string music, leaving you spellbound and deeply moved.

What: Dancing Brass Band
When: January 16 to 18
Where: January 16 (Nakheel Centre, 3.30pm; El Balcón, 7pm) | January 17 (Qal’at Al Bahrain Site Museum, 5pm; The Avenues – Bahrain, 7.30pm) | January 18 (Bahrain National Museum, 10am; Pearling Path Visitor and Experience Centre, 12pm)
Tickets: Free
The Dancing Brass Band will enthral audiences with an infectious mix of live brass instruments and dynamic choreography. Their performances blend bold, rhythmic melodies with energetic dance moves and entertaining visual effects, turning each show into a lively celebration.

What: Dar Al Budaiya Al Janoubiya Band
When: January 18 | 8pm
Where: Dar Al Riffa
Tickets: Free
Named after its location in the south of Budaiya village, the Dar Al Budaiya Al Janoubiya Band will perform at Dar Al Riffa, located near Shaikh Salman bin Ahmad Al Fateh Fort in Riffa. The folk evening will feature three traditional art forms, starting with Sout, one of Bahrain’s most famous and unique arts; Samri, known for its slow rhythm; and AlMarowba, a lively dance characterised by its fast-paced beat.

What: Rouh Al Sharq Choir
When: January 21 and 22 | 8pm Where: Cultural Hall
Tickets: From BD5.5
Having received rave reviews on their first performance in Bahrain, Rouh Al Sharq return for a highly anticipated second visit, ready to dazzle once again with their extraordinary sound. This dynamic choir was founded in 2020 by the visionary Maestro Mahmoud Mohsen. What began as a group of 30 talented students from Ain Shams University in Cairo has since grown into a sensation, captivating audiences with their stunning blend of classical and contemporary music.

What: Surprise Effect (Street Theatre)
When: January 23 to 25
Where: January 23 (Al Liwan, 5pm; Al A’ali Mall, 8pm) | January 24 (Marassi Galleria, 4pm; Souq Al Baraha, 7.30pm) | January 25 (Bahraini Farmers’ Market, Budaiya, 11am; Bab Al Bahrain, 4.30pm)
Tickets: Free
The highly energetic, award-winning French troupe will take you by surprise! This interactive performance combines breakdance, acrobatics and humour, creating unforgettable experiences for audiences of all ages.

What: Breeze Of Tarantella – A Journey To The South Of Italy
When: January 29 | 8pm
Where: Cultural Hall
Tickets: Free
This concert-dance show will take you on a journey through the richness of the dance and musical heritage of Southern Italy, mainly Puglia, with incursions into Campania, Calabria and Basilicata. The performance by Sara Colonna, Mariangela Recchia, Giuseppe delle Donne and Tommaso Massarelli will feature popular instruments used in the traditional tarantella dance.

What: Don Quixote
When: January 30 and 31 | 8pm
Where: Bahrain National Theatre
Tickets: From BD10
Step into a world of passion, adventure and elegance with Don Quixote, a celebrated ballet presented by the Yacobson Ballet Theatre. It tells the tale of a noble knight and his squire, Sancho Panza. This iconic production will feature more than 80 dancers, including Mariinsky Theatre soloists, blending dazzling choreography and enchanting music.

What: The Very Hungry Caterpillar
When: January 31, 11.30am and 4.30pm | February 1, 11am and 4.30pm | February 2, 9am and 10.45am | February 3, 9am and 10.45am
Where: Cultural Hall
Tickets: TBC
Dive into Eric Carle’s vibrant world, where timeless stories come to life with 75 charming puppets and delightful music. Featuring four beloved tales – Brown Bear, Brown Bear; 10 Little Rubber Ducks; The Very Lonely Firefly and The Very Hungry Caterpillar – this acclaimed production by Jonathan Rockefeller is a perfect introduction to live theatre, celebrating Eric Carle’s magic in an unforgettable way. ✤

GO: VISIT WWW.SPRINGOFCULTURE.ORG FOR TICKET PURCHASES AND MORE INFORMATION.