A Midsummer Night's Dream

A Midsummer Night’s Dream returns to the Citadel – with all-new activities!
Free entry for children ✨

As the golden hours of summer sunset approach, the ancient citadel awakens… Enchanted fairies, mischievous forest elves, and glowing fireflies appear in every corner. Come enjoy a family late afternoon full of wonder!

Guided tours of the new museum for all ages, story time and marshmallows by the fire, a wishing tree and guided imagination journey in the herb garden, a magical creative workshop, a special Indie-Yeled performance featuring the songs of Yehoram Gaon and friends, the breathtaking sound-and-light show projected on the citadel walls – all included in one ticket!
✬ Please note: The price is fixed. This activity is not available through membership clubs ✬

Schedule

4:30-7:15pm – Workshops, tours, and activity stations throughout the Citadel
7:30pm – Indie-Yeled live show
8:00-8:30pm – Nighttime sound-and-light show

Overview:

Creative Workshop
Create a magical wand and a special charm using macramé threads.
Location: Ronny Hall | For the whole family, ages 4+

Magnet Photo Booth
Dress up as fairies, knights, princesses, and wizards, pose with the festival’s stunning set, and take home a fun souvenir magnet!
Location: Under the large olive tree | Open 4:30–7:00 PM

Story Time & Marshmallows by the Fire
Join us by the bonfire for toasted marshmallows and magical story time:

• “There’s No Such Thing as a Dragon” – A playful puppet performance about Billy the Dragon, based on the book by Jack Kent. Created by Yael Gidoni, performed by Daniel Ovadia.
• “The Little Tale of the Gnome” – A magical tale with gnomes and animals, inspired by the books of Tova Hershkowitz. Created and performed by Osher Gilad.

Location: Citadel moat
Story times: 5:30pm, 6:30pm
Marshmallows: Available throughout the festival until 7:00pm
Performances alternate. Recommended for ages 3-8. Marshmallows – for everyone!

Guided Family Tours of the New Tower of David Museum
Our guides will take you on a short, engaging tour through the museum’s fascinating galleries.
Hours: 4:30-7:00pm, every 30 minutes. Last tour at 6:30pm.
Departure point: Near the main stage | For the whole family, ages 6+

The Wishing Tree
Visit our herb garden, breathe in the scents of mint and lemon verbena, and enjoy live music, and guided meditation. At the end, express your wish and hang it on our magical Wishing Tree – creating a collective tree full of hope.
Led by: Danielle Kolben – musician and art therapist
Location: Herb garden | 4:30-7:00pm | For all ages

Visit: “Yehoram Gaon The Exhibition”
A touching journey through 70 years of Yehoram Gaon’s artistic legacy. Through interactive displays, rare memorabilia, videos, and an audio guide narrated by Gaon himself, explore the life of this Jerusalem-born cultural icon.
Tour start point: Entrance pavilion | 4:30–8:30pm

Dreamlike Movement
A guided movement workshop for children inspired by magical summer nights. Move, dance, and play using your body and imagination in a creative session full of energy.
Location: Lower lawn
Times: 4:50, 5:30, 6:10, 6:50pm | Duration – 20 minutes
Recommended for ages 5-9, but open to all

Climb the Tower (Additional 15 NIS)
A rare chance to climb the Citadel’s minaret, usually closed to the public, offering an extraordinary view of both the Old and New City.
To purchase tower entry, click here or scan the code:

Special Indie-Yeled Performance
Indie-Yeled brings rock ‘n’ roll for the whole family to “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” – with a special performance featuring the iconic songs of Yehoram Gaon.
Location: Main stage

The Nighttime Sound-and-Light Show
End your evening with a breathtaking audiovisual journey across Jerusalem’s history, projected onto the ancient walls of the Citadel.

Free entry for children!
Recommended for ages 4-12. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Advance registration required | One ticket grants access to all activities | Entry to each activity is based on available space | Not available through membership clubs