Come July, August and September the weather isn’t the only thing hot about Jerusalem. There are plenty of festivals and special events that are sizzling throughout the summer months. Breaking Bread Journeys has compiled a list of some of the most exciting activities that are coming up over the next two months. Mark your calendars now and start planning your long weekend in Jerusalem.

1. Israel Museum – Exhibition Big Bambu
When: June 6 – October 1, 2014
What: An incredible 16 meter high installation by two American artists and twin brothers, Doug and Mike Starn, featuring over 10,000 bamboo poles, 80 kilometers of rope. A specially selected team of rock climbers created this exiting exhibit which allows visitors to explore by climbing through a ‘bamboo forest’. Additional fee of 10NIS per adult and 5 NIS per child (in addition to museum entrance ticket).

Doug adn Mike Starns bamboo installation at the Israel Museum

2. Israel Museum – Contact Point
When – July 10, 2014
What – Artists from different disciplines gather at the museum to create a special contact point between themselves and an artwork.

3. In House Festival
When: July 7 – 11, 2014
What: Several of Jerusalem’s intriguing artist homes will open their doors to the public and provides visitors with an opportunity to learn from the artists about the many stories behind these homes. Several unique productions will take place during the festival

4. Israel Camerata Jerusalem – The Tempest
When: July 8, 2014
What: Israel Camerata orchestra performance of The Tempest with Avner Biron conductor and Itamar Zorman violinist. Jerusalem Theater, Henry Crown Hall. 02-560-5755

5. 31st Annual Jerusalem Film Festival
When: July 10- 20
What: This 10 day Jerusalem festival some of the best Israeli and world cinema as well as panels, workshops and more.

6. Jerusalem Beer Festival
When: August 7 – 8, 2014
What: – If you like beer than this is the festival for you. In its 9th year, this two day festival takes place at Independence Park, in the center of Jerusalem, and showcases over 120 types of local beers.

7. Jerusalem Wine Festival – Israel Museum
When: August 11 – 14, 2014
What: A wine lovers dream – this exceptional festival features wines from over 60 large and small boutique wineries throughout the region and is complimented by live evening entertainment in the museum’s beautiful Rose Garden.

8. Jerusalem International Puppet Theatre
When: August 10 – 14, 2014
What: An exciting week of visual entertainment from exceptional artists. Geared for children and adults alike.

9. Jerusalem Arts & Crafts Festival (Hutzot Hayotzer)
When: August 11 – 23, 2014
What: This 12 day cultural festival (now in its 39th year) features over 200 artisans as well as open air concerts from some of Israel’s most celebrated entertainers. Fun for the entire family!

10. Between Fork and Knife Culinary Festival
When: August 20 – September 7, 2014
What: First time ever – two renowned local Jerusalem chefs, Kamel Hashlamon and Assaf Granit one Jewish, one Arab, both born in Jerusalem come together in a unique culinary dialogue experience every evening in a stunning, quirky building on Mount Zion, adjacent to the site of the last supper, King David’s tomb, the village of Silwan, the Temple Mount and the Western Wall.

11. Formula 1 Race
When: August 28 – 29, 2014
What: An exciting two days watching race cars speed through the Holy City

12. Sacred Music Festival
When: September 9 – 12, 2014
What: An unprecedented program filled with dozens of artists and musicians from all over the world with rich performances that echo Jerusalem’s profound diversity. A unique experience to be found only in Jerusalem.

13. The Book of Books – at the Bible Lands Museum
When: Ongoing through October 25, 2014
What: A historic exhibition that traces over 2000 years of the Bible by displaying examples of the most extraordinary and important biblical texts ever seen, including texts from the Septuagint, the Cairo Geniza and the Gutenberg Bible.

Google