Arts events in Kandy

Kandy's arts scene is anchored by traditional performance rather than gallery culture. Kandyan dance, drumming and the associated ritual forms are taught, practised and performed here continuously, with nightly cultural shows in town and far larger displays through the Esala season in July or August, when the whole city gives its streets over to the perahera. Around that, the town's halls and the university at Peradeniya carry drama, recitals, exhibitions and film screenings in both Sinhala and English. Most exhibitions and campus events are free; the nightly cultural shows sell at the door.