Tens of thousands of international and local visitors are expected to attend this year's 27th International Klezmer Festival in Safed from August 18-20, the ancient mystical town perched 900m high up in the hills of the Galillee, Northern Israel. The biggest festival of Jewish soul music in the world, the Klezmer Festival features numerous, free musical performances by the leading Klezmer musicians from Israel and around the world. Stages are set up in the old historical alleys of Safed which lend a special atmosphere to the festival.

Among the artists appearing this year - David D'Or, Mirel Reznik, Aharon Razel, Eyal Shiluah, Golan Azulai, Hamadregot, Ben Snof, Daniel Zamir, Musa Berlin, Jimmy Lloyd, Womens group "Klezmiriot", groups and special artists from around the world, Bimat Karliback and many others.

In addition to the many performances, there will also be many other activities in the city. They will include "Klezmerim for Kids" in which kids will be encouraged to try the Klezmer instruments, a magic show and storytelling, demonstrations of unusual instruments, plays and many more. Musical tours will be given accompanied by Klezmer musicians in cooperation with the JNF. There will also be tours and workshops in the spirit of the Kabala and the city of Safed.

Entrance is free to all the activities for the duration of the festival including all the performances spread around the city and Klezmer Jam sessions that will go on into the small hours as well as lots of other activities for the whole family.

During the festival, the roads into Safed are closed to non-city residents at approximately 17:00 and visitors park outside the city and take local buses into the city (paid parking and paid buses). Once in the city, visitors can walk around the picturesque lanes of the Old City/Artist Quarter and wander from stage to stage.

During the week preceding the festival, five days of master classes are held. Students from all over the world study with great Klezmer musicians and each evening a performance is held featuring the students and the teachers.