Summer Music Festivals in Bulgaria 2018
July 2
Whatever your music tastes, Bulgaria showcases an eclectic mix of music festivals across the entire country over the summer months. From folk to jazz and hip hop, there’s something for most music lovers. Tickets are either free or are very cheap and camping facilities are usually provided. Many of the summer music festivals in Bulgaria take place amongst stunning mountainous backdrops, on the coast and in locals towns.
Click on the festival name below to link to their website details.
Kapana Festival, Plodiv: 1-3rd June
Expect a unique bazaar, breathtaking art installations, musical giants, street dancing, independent cinema, remarkable theatre, moving poetry, and overall 3 days that will fill your eyes, thoughts and hearts with uplifting emotion and amazing art! They will have 5 different stages and music which range from Bulgarian performers to street dancing crews. In addition, there’ll be 120 modern craftspeople selling their amazing products at the bazaar. You will be able to have a super cozy seat at a special outdoor cinema where you can watch some independent movies and hear some talented directors. They also promise special attention to activities for children.
Jumaya Stage Festival Blagoevgrad – 1-2nd June
The street festival is organized for the first year in Blagoevgrad. In addition to cool music, guests will have the opportunity to experience artists from literature, ceramics, fine art, fashion and design. The Art Zone will host artists and craftsmen from Blagoevgrad and other cities in Bulgaria. On the 2nd of the day, we have also prepared interesting workshops: vocal workshop for children and adults dealing with rock music, led by the vocal pedagogue, Evgeni Gospodinov; and a drum-driven workshop led by BunyVerse and Piero Epifania. Tickets can be purchased in advance by Stage Bar or on site during the festival days.
Meadows In the Mountains – Rhodope Mountains: 7-10th June
Set in the exceptionally beautiful surroundings of the Rhodope Mountains, 850m above sea level and a stones throw away from the Greek border, you’ll find two main stages: The Sunrise Slope and The Sunset Valley at this popular festival. Along with live music and DJs, other activities include horse & cart taxis, mountain zip line, downhill grass bobsleighing, death slide, horse riding, waterfalls, mountain walking, thermal spring, hammocks, local village life and locally sourced food.
A to JazZ Festival – Sofia: 6-8th July
In the days of 6th to 8th July one of the biggest and most anticipated musical events of the capital will traditionally be located in the beautiful South Park. This year’s venue will find some of the biggest names in the Bulgarian and European jazz scene as well as many new opportunities for an even more enjoyable jazz experience under the open sky. The A to JazZ program also included a children’s educational program, a special festival booth, a colorful art-bazaar, cocktail bars and baking, as well as crazy jam sessions by morning. Plus, entrance is free!
Dixie Jazz Festival – Veliko Tarnovo: 6-8th July
(Not sure if it’s on this year but they celebrated their 10th anniversary last year so hoping details will follow)
Named after the original Royal Dixie Band who inspired the event through creating this cultural event, held at The Asenevtsi Monument and Melon Bar. Performers come from all over Bulgaria and the Balkans to play an array of differing jazz music, and all for free too! You can also look forward to the extra events that are part of the festival this year: Jazz for kids, an exhibition of photos from the previous festivals, jam sessions and a Dixieland parade on the streets of the old capital
Wake Up! Bulgaria – Rhodope Mountains: 5-8th July
A mere 20km from Plovdiv, yet with the stunning backdrop of the Rhodope Mountains, is this family-friendly festival. Celerating its fifth year, it combines live music stages and DJs with spiritual, cultural and enriching lectures, workshops and activities. Take your pick from Laughter Yoga to watching the Nestinari (fire dancers), there’s a host of entertainment for both adults and kids. The Wake UP Bulgaria crew also organise other music events throughout the year and in the coming months so check out their Facebook page for updates.
WrongFest – Voynegovtsi, Sofia: 13/14th July
Mixing punk with hip-hop, indie with new-metal, hardcore with an alternative, the sixth edition of the sunniest festival near Sofia returns on July 13 and 14. With everything you do not expect from a festival in Bulgaria – camping in shade with running water, transportation to the center of Sofia, a variety of beer and food. Tickets are on sale here.
Mozart Festival – Pravets: 15-20th July
Fans of opera, ballet and classical music can head to the coastal town of Pravats for three days of Mozart-inspired performances. The XIVth Music Festival Mozart Feasts will host attractive and impressive concerts, unconventional performance of the classics – festival’s trademark, the best of the opera and operetta, programs for children and adults, music, dance and poetry, and many more pleasant surprises and unexpected provocations for the festival’s many fans in the Mozart days in July in Pravets.
Festival in the Nature – Maglizh, Stara Zagora: 19-22nd July
Maglizh is a small and beautiful town in the foothills of the Balkan Mountains near Stara Zagora. The place where Festival In The Nature will be held is located in a beautiful forest, not too far away from breathtaking sights, such as ‘Stone river’ and the ‘Maglizh Waterfalls’ where you can rave to techno and house music. Tickets are 50lv and can be bought here.
Hills of Rock – Plovdiv: 20-22nd July
The Hills of Rock 2018 will be the second edition in the park next to the Rowing Base in Plovdiv. Big names include Judas Priest on July 21 with all their hits and an amazing multimedia show, and Iron Maiden will be on an exclusive evening set just for them and extended set. fans of SABATON’s Swedish heavy metal band will have the opportunity to see and hear them opening the concert with a unique show including smashing sound, stage effects and pyrotechnics.
International Folklore Festival – Veliko Tarnovo: 21-28th July
One of the biggest in the Balkans, this Folklore festival has more than 120 bands from Bulgaria and many other countries. Take part in this folklore fiesta for traditional music, dancing and brightly coloured costumes which takes place on the Summer Theatre stage in Veliko Tarnovo, Marno Pole Park. Similar folklore festivals are also hosted in Varna, Burgas and Primorsko.
Stage of the Ages – Veliko Tarnovo: 7/7 – 5/9
You don’t have to be a huge opera or ballet fan to enjoy the atmosphere of one of these popular concert. Held every year at the Tsarevets Fortress in Veliko Tarnovo, the festival takes place outdoors over July and August. Tickets are priced between 10 and 40 leva and can be purchased from the Municipal Tourist Agency office.
Bass Sea Festival – Varvara, Black Sea: 16-18th August
Bulgaria’s drum and bass festival debuts this summer on the beach near Burgas and will be a new platform for more than 35 Bulgarian and international artists. Lots of fun is promised, including boat parties and when you’ve had enough of beach raving, the Strandja Nature Park, one of the biggest protected natural reserve areas in Bulgaria, is close by.
International Jazz Festival – Bankso, 4-11th August
Representing all genres of Jazz, this festival hosts a range of worldwide artists who all come together in Bankso and is the biggest of its kind in Bulgaria. Held on an open air stage in Nikola Vaptsarov Square, with smaller concerts being organised on smaller stages and local venues, attend this festival for free.
If you know of any more summer festivals in Bulgaria that are coming up, feel free to comment and add them at the bottom of the page. And if you’re looking for a different kind of festival check out 5 Unique Summer Festivals in Bulgaria 🙂