SuliFest 2026 commences on Friday in Sulaymaniyah, marking the launch of the Kurdistan Region and Iraq's largest national public and cultural gathering. Expected to draw hundreds of thousands of citizens and guests, the event features extensive cultural, health, sports, and educational programs, alongside dedicated family activities and widespread business participation. 

The eight-day event, which was organized by iTalk, will take place in Hawary Shar Park, a massive public recreational space in the city and one of the largest urban park in Kurdistan.

The festival's official name originates from "Suli," the standard and affectionate shorthand nickname for the city of Sulaymaniyah.

The opening ceremony is scheduled to begin at 8:00 PM.

Channel8 Serves as Official Media Partner 

Serving as the official media partner, Channel8 aims to leverage professional coverage, creative storytelling, outdoor promotion, and a robust on-site presence to project the celebration's spirit, energy, and cultural identity to a broader audience.

SuliFest Expected to Surpass Half a Million

Attendance is projected to surpass 500,000 visitors, with the event's digital and media footprint expected to generate more than 500 million views globally.

Over 100 Activities Featured

More than 100 diverse activities spanning health, sports, culture, education, and family entertainment will be featured, with six days explicitly tailored for various segments of society.

SuliFest Layout Organized into Four Main Zones 

The event footprint is organized into four main zones: the Main Zone, which includes 170 businesses, the Roman Theatre (Small Roman Amphitheater), the Children's Zone, and the Handicraft Zone, bringing the total corporate participation to more than 200 brands.

Massive Light Show Set to Debut 

The festival is scheduled to host a massive aerial light display, offering SuliFest guests a firsthand view of the largest light show.

Organizer Outlines SuliFest’s Mission 

Dastan Tofiq, an organizer of the gathering, told Channel8 yesterday that reflecting how Sulaymaniyah is known for its diverse cultures and hospitality, the initiative aims to bring all communities together.

Tofiq added that they decided to organize a festival that is inclusive of everyone, adding that the project also carries a youth-focused vision designed to connect young people.