A nine-day celebration honoring the life and legacy of the iconic Armenian-American writer
YEREVAN, August 31, 2026—William Saroyan’s 118th birthday
Next week, Saroyan Days returns to Yerevan. Presented by the William Saroyan Foundation in partnership with leading cultural, educational, and government institutions, Saroyan Days 2026 will run from September 4 through 12.
The nine-day celebration will introduce audiences to rare works and fresh perspectives on the life and influence of acclaimed Armenian-American writer William Saroyan, exploring his creative world through prose, theater, film, and art.
A high-tech multimedia presentation, The William Saroyan Immersive Experience, will run throughout Saroyan Days at the Museum of Literature and Arts. “It is a joy to have the genius, energy, and soul of William Saroyan filling our museum,” said Syuzanna Khojamiryan, the museum’s director.
“We are delighted to celebrate William Saroyan’s legacy in Armenia,” said Scott Setrakian, President of the William Saroyan Foundation. “We invite everyone to experience Saroyan’s timeless vision, humanity, and defiant optimism.”
Event Schedule
September 4–12
The William Saroyan Immersive Experience
A high-tech multimedia presentation featuring ten celebrated works by Saroyan.
Venue: Museum of Literature and Arts
Time: From 11:00 AM daily. Closed Monday.
Entrance: Tickets at the door or online.
September 4
William Saroyan: An Evening of Readings
Readings and discussion of newly discovered works, hosted by the American University of Armenia.
Venue: Akian Gallery, American University of Armenia
Time: 6:00 PM
Entrance: Free
September 5
Book Launch: Everything Is Hotsy-Totsy by William Saroyan
Compiled by Scott Setrakian and published in Armenian by Antares Press, this new volume brings together previously uncollected short stories by William Saroyan. Hosted by the Yerevan International Book Festival, Stanford University, the Ministry of Culture, the William Saroyan Foundation, and Antares Media Holdings
Venue: National Gallery of Armenia
Time: 3:00 PM
Entrance: Free
September 6
William Saroyan Prize for Short Fiction
The prize will be awarded during the closing ceremony of the Yerevan International Book Festival. Hosted by the festival and the Ministry of Culture.
Venue: National Gallery of Armenia
Time: 7:00 PM
Entrance: Free
September 7
William Saroyan and Film
An exploration of Saroyan’s film career, presented by Karen Avetisyan, Artistic Director of the Golden Apricot International Film Festival.
Venue: AGBU Headquarters, Yerevan Hall
Time: 6:30 PM
Entrance: Free
Stage Performance: Mama, I Love You
A dramatic adaptation presented by Theatre on the Roof.
Venue: Theatre on the Roof
Time: 8:00 PM
Entrance: Tickets at the door or online
September 8
Stage Performance: An Imaginary Character Named Saroyan
The world premiere of Saroyan’s imaginative play, presented by the Mher Mkrtchyan Artistic Theatre in partnership with the William Saroyan Foundation.
Venue: Mher Mkrtchyan Artistic Theatre
Time: 8:00 PM
Entrance: Sold Out
September 9
Fashion Reception
A celebration of a new Artuyt clothing collection featuring designs based on William Saroyan’s artwork. Meet the designers and preview the collection.
Venue: Artuyt Headquarters
Time: 7:00 PM
Entrance: Free
September 10
William Saroyan and Art
A series of presentations exploring the many dimensions of Saroyan’s work and life, featuring artists, scholars, and friends. Hosted by the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia.
Venue: National Academy of Sciences
Time: 11:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Entrance: Free
Stage Performance: The Rye Field
Presented by the Yerevan State Marionette Theatre.
Venue: Yerevan State Marionette Theatre
Time: 7:30 PM
Entrance: Tickets at the door or online
September 11
Stage Performance: Tracy’s Tiger
A new production of Saroyan’s classic play, presented by the Sos Sargsyan Hamazgayin State Theatre in partnership with the William Saroyan Foundation.
Venue: Sos Sargsyan Hamazgayin State Theatre
Time: 7:30 PM
Entrance: Tickets at the door or online
September 12
Stage Performance and Closing Reception: The Parsley Garden
Presented by HandArt Theatre. The performance will be followed by a reception celebrating the conclusion of Saroyan Days 2026.
Venue: Open Air Theatre, Byurakan
Time: 4:00 PM
Entrance: Tickets at the door or online
About the William Saroyan Foundation
The William Saroyan Foundation, established by Saroyan himself in 1966, preserves and promotes the work and legacy of William Saroyan—the Pulitzer Prize- and Academy Award-winning writer, playwright, and artist, and one of the great literary figures of the 20th century.
For further information contact:
Scott Setrakian
President, William Saroyan Foundation
scott@setrakian.com
Saroyan Days Partners
Yerevan International Book Festival; Museum of Literature and Arts; National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia; American University of Armenia; Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU); Golden Apricot International Film Festival; Central Bank of Armenia; Stanford University; Creative Armenia; National Library of Armenia; Yerevan State Institute of Theatre and Cinematography; U.S. Embassy Yerevan; Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of the Republic of Armenia; Office of the High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs; Fresno State University, Armenian Studies Department; Armenian Museum of Fresno; Children of Armenia Fund; Orran; Theatre on the Roof; Yerevan State Marionette Theatre; HandArt Theatre; Mher Mkrtchyan Artistic Theatre; Sos Sargsyan Hamazgayin State Theatre; Artuyt; ArmAs Wines; ARARAT Brandy; The Alexander Hotel; Antares Media Holdings; and Blue Wave Creative Agency
