With the support of the Government of the Republic of Armenia, the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport is launching Varchafest 2026 (the festival’s name combines the Armenian word varchapet (“prime minister”) with “fest”), a youth summer music festival that will serve as a new platform bringing together young musicians, creative ideas, and the community built around music.

According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, participating bands will have the opportunity to present their original works and performances to a wide audience, while the top performers will receive prizes from a total prize fund of AMD 10 million.

Prize fund

• Grand Prize – AMD 4,000,000
• First Prize – AMD 3,000,000
• Second Prize – AMD 2,000,000
• Third Prize – AMD 1,000,000

Eligibility requirements

Applications are open exclusively to musical bands whose members are between 13 and 35 years of age. Each band must consist of at least three members.

To participate in the preliminary selection round, applicants must submit a video recording by email to varchafest@gov.am.

Performances must be presented live, and participating groups must perform as vocal-instrumental ensembles.

Applications are accepted from all musical genres.

The festival programme must consist of up to three compositions, with a total duration of 10–12 minutes.

Applications are also open to foreign participants.

Musical groups based and operating outside the Republic of Armenia are also eligible to apply. (The programme does not provide reimbursement of participation-related expenses.)

Applications will be accepted from July 1 through July 20, 2026.

The festival final will take place on August 22, 2026, on the shores of Lake Sevan.

The winners will be selected based on a 50/50 combined evaluation by a professional jury and the audience, ensuring a balanced combination of professional assessment and public vote.

Varchafest 2026 aims to become not only a music competition but also an annual platform for youth, culture and creativity, promoting the discovery of new talent, expanding creative collaboration, fostering domestic tourism, and enhancing Armenia’s cultural profile.