Katuv, the written-word festival at Beit Ariela, returns November 19-21, 2026, with performances, literary conversations, comics and writing workshops. Opening night is Thursday, November 19, from 7 to 11 p.m. at 25 Shaul HaMelech Boulevard. Regular opening-night tickets cost NIS 80.
Examples from opening night include “Be’al Peh,” a spoken recitation event with Etgar Keret, Naomi Levov and other performers at 8:45 p.m., alongside a live edition of “Ma SheKaruch” with Maya Sela, Yaara Shehori, Matan Hermoni and Dror Mishani at the same time. At 10 p.m., Yedidia Vital hosts poet Stav Atlan for a live recording of “HaMenifa.” Comics, calligraphy and an exhibition of entries to the Dozen Books design competition run throughout the evening.
Friday, November 20, runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Selected sessions include Rina Matzliach’s book club with Shaul Olmert and his book “Gutfreund” at 11 a.m., Shaked Bashan’s graphic novel workshop at the same time, and a comedy master class with Guri Alfi, hosted by Asaf Liberman, at 1 p.m.
Saturday’s adult program, November 21, runs from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. At 11 a.m., Jason Danino Holt leads a three-hour stage-writing lab. Participants must bring a monologue or dialogue they have written in advance. At 2 p.m., Yehu Yaron introduces his “Chronotope” writing club in a two-and-a-half-hour session.
A new children’s program runs Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Yarden Bar Kochva and Didi Shahar record “Yarden and Didi” at 10 a.m. and noon for ages 4-8, with each session lasting about an hour. Tomash (Tomer Sharon) leads story sessions at 10:30 and 11:15 a.m. for ages 3-6, about 40 minutes each. An interactive exhibition revisits “Mitz Petel” with new and original illustrations, marking author Haya Shenhav’s 90th year.
A three-activity package costs NIS 150, and opening night can count as one of the three choices. Children’s activities are not included. An opening-night ticket admits you to the overall event but does not guarantee a seat at a particular session.
The “Shtuyot BeMitz” show at 8:30 and 10 p.m. on opening night requires an additional ticket as well as festival entry. It is for DigiTel holders, with tickets going on sale November 1.
