The ultimate melodic summer:
The best music festivals in Bulgaria!

All-Year-Round The Best Music Festivals In Bulgaria

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No matter your taste in music, there is undoubtedly a music festival in Bulgaria for you. From festivals with a cause to artistic gatherings to week-long parties, we’ve gathered the most comprehensive list of ongoing music festivals in Bulgaria. Many of the music festivals on this list take place in spring and summer. This is also when people travel, take vacations, and attend events. Luckily, this is also the high season for tourism, so if you’re in Bulgaria in the summer, you can catch more than one of these music festivals.

Whether you’re an avid festival-goer or are looking for more activities during your stay, there’s sure to be a music festival on our list for you

"A big plus of Bulgarian music festivals is the pricing"

Many run for multiple days, and tickets start at about 50 EUR, which is pretty affordable for a two- or three-day event. At the bottom of this list, we’ve even included some free music festivals you can attend if you’re on a tight budget but still want to enjoy Bulgaria’s music scene.

Varna Summer Festival

City of Varna
June through September
Price varies.

It’s only right to start this list with the oldest known official music festival in Bulgaria.

Founded in Varna in 1926, this music festival has been going strong for almost 100 years. IMF Varna Summer celebrates the craft of music, featuring a variety of classical, symphonic, and chamber music from various countries.

Over the four months of the program, you can enjoy concerts and symposia at different locations in Varna, Bulgaria’s marine capital. The program also includes events featuring 3D projects and sound sculptures alongside the musical program.

The music festival program also includes a series of master classes by renowned Bulgarian musicians. These include lectures, seminars, and classes where young musicians under 35 can hone their performance skills and musical craft.

Beglika Fest

Golyam Beglik Reservoir
August
Eight-day tickets start at 25€

If you are looking for a more grounding, spiritual gathering, Beglika Fest is the music festival for you.

Beglika Fest is built around community. Environmentalists and nature-lovers come together for a full eight-day experience on the shores of the Golyam Beglik reservoir. Unwind and recharge surrounded by the lush lake oasis and the forests of the Rhodope region.

The festival offers a diverse program of practices and discussions centred on spirituality, ecology, and well-being. Take your first steps in herbalism, get your body flowing at one of the yoga, tai chi, and dance classes, or get your hands dirty in a pottery class. If you want to completely revel in nature, you can rent a kayak and cruise through the small islands of the reservoir.

Phil Good Festival

Plovdiv
16-18 July 2027
Three-day tickets start at 199€

Get ready to experience Plovdiv like never before! PhillGood Festival brings world-class music, incredible energy, and unforgettable summer nights to one of Bulgaria’s most captivating cities. Set against the beautiful backdrop of Plovdiv’s Rowing Canal, this three-day celebration brings together internationally acclaimed artists, exciting new talent, and music lovers from across Europe.

From alternative rock and indie sounds to electronic beats that keep you dancing long after sunset, PhillGood promises something for every musical taste. But it’s more than just a festival. It’s a chance to discover Plovdiv’s vibrant cultural scene, wander its historic streets, enjoy its lively bars and restaurants, and experience Bulgaria’s welcoming spirit.

Whether you’re travelling for the music or the adventure, PhillGood is the perfect excuse to discover Plovdiv this summer!

Bass Sea Festival

Wake-up Beach, Varvara Village
Middle of August
TBD

Drum and bass music took over Bulgaria in the early 2000s and hasn’t left since. One of the biggest formations and pioneers in the drum and bass movement in Bulgaria is Hard Music and Sounds United, or HMSU for short.

For the seventh year in a row, in 2022, HMSU is hosting Bass Sea festival with the help of the British label Formation Records. The four-day music festival is a summer jungle party on the beach with over 20 international and local artists. You can party and dance from sunset to sunrise on the beach, or take the vibe into the water and hop on one of the private boat parties.

You can camp on the beach itself, or stay in one of the nearby towns, like Ahtopol, Tsarevo, or Sinemorets.

Useful Tips for Music Festivals when in Bulgaria:

We’ve outlined some essential items to bring to Bulgarian music festivals. Most of the events are in the summer, so sun protection and hydration are a must. Also, for festivals that offer camping, you might want to buy a tent or rent one from the organisers if that’s an option.

As with any crowded space, watch your belongings! Bring a small bag you can carry with your ID, phone, and other valuables. Some festivals take cards, but bring cash just in case. You might also want to bring a portable charger so you can keep your phone charged.

Depending on the festival, you might be allowed to bring cameras, so if you want to document the experience in HD, pack your camera, too!

Portable charger
Comfortable shoes
Cash
Trash bag
Wet wipes

Water bottle
Sunscreen
Earplugs
Hammock
Hand-held fan

Open Buzluzha Festival

Buzludzha Monument
End of August
Three-day tickets are 25€

A festival with a cause, Open Buzludzha is a Bulgarian music festival and fundraiser aimed at the restoration of the endangered Buzludzha monument.

Chances are, you’ve probably heard of this abandoned former soviet monument in Bulgaria. Its impressive brutalist build and controversial history attract visitors and history buffs from around the world. In 2021 alone, over 50,000 people visited Buzludzha but were denied access because of the high risks posed by the structure’s crumbling interior.

The Buzludzha Project Foundation is working to change that. The non-profit organisation has been actively engaged in restoring and protecting this cultural heritage site from turning into a ruin since 2015.

At Open Buzludzha, you can spend three days near Bulgaria’s Rose Valley, exploring the region through cultural workshops, lectures, and tours, all while listening to a diverse lineup of Bulgarian artists. Catch an outdoor play, or submit your best festival shots to the annual photography contest. Best of all, you’ll support the preservation of a Bulgarian heritage site while having fun!

Hills of Rock

Sofia and Plovdiv
July
Prices vary based on location

Originally based in Plovdiv, the festival has grown beyond a single city and now takes place in both Sofia and Plovdiv. This event is for rock and metal lovers, featuring 50+ bands each year from around the world. The Bulgarian metal and rock fan base is substantial, so expect a big event with fans of all ages. Headliners in 2022 for the Sofia festival are Placebo and Five Finger Death Punch and for Plovdiv, Slipknot.

If you choose to attend Hills of Rock in Plovdiv and want the full experience, you can camp at the festival. That way, you can meet fellow fans, keep the party going, and the beer flowing through the night.

The Sofia edition takes place over two days, while the Plovdiv edition runs for three days. You can also buy daily passes for each location if you prefer. Parking and camping tickets are sold separately from the festival, but you can easily buy all of these on the festival website.

Midalidare Rock Festival

Mogilovo Village
Middle of July
Four-day tickets are 80€

If you are a rock fan in Bulgaria in July, you’re in luck!

Midalidare Rock is another rock festival in midsummer, and what’s better than a music festival held at a winery? On the 2022 program, you’ll find rock legends Whitesnake and Judas Priest, along with about 30 other rock bands.

Of course, there will be wine at this festival. You can try local wines from Midalidare Estate Winery, as well as many other drinks at the festival Gastro Pub. If you need some time to unwind and recharge during the festival, you can also go fishing at the nearby reservoir, or even enjoy a spa treatment at the Midalidare hotel. For accommodation, you have two options: reserve a hotel room or camp near the festival.

There are multiple camping spots, and you can choose whether you want to be close to the stage or 2 kilometres away at the serene Mogilovo lake. If you don’t have a tent but want to camp at the festival, the organisers will have tents for sale at the event that you can keep after the festival. Keep in mind that you need to reserve a camping spot using the number listed on the event website, whether you bring your own tent or purchase one.

If you prefer to sleep in a hotel, you can book your accommodation in the city of Stara Zagora. Festival-goers who book a hotel in the city can also take advantage of the free transport to and from the festival on all days.

Wake Up Festival

Remote Location, close to Plovdiv
July
Six-day tickets are 55€

While Wake Up is not explicitly a music festival, the whole experience is guided by music, mostly from Bulgarian acoustic artists.

The organisers of Wake Up refer to each edition of the festival as an “experiment”, and the main pillars that drive this event are self-growth, connection to nature, creativity and community.

At Wake Up, you can find over 600 activities spanning over 6 days. Take part in gardening, meditations, DIY workshops, community talks, yoga, reiki, interactive games, and much more. There are so many individual events and workshops that it’d be impossible to list them all here, but you can find something to suit your taste if the festival’s philosophy resonates with you.

Located far from city life and stress, Wake Up is a chance to immerse yourself in nature and take part in some self-care rituals along with like-minded people from around the world.

International Bagpipe Festival

Gela Village
Beginnnig of August
Free Entrance

If big parties and concerts aren’t your thing and you prefer a more modest, instrumental music setting, the International Bagpipe Contest and Festival is for you.

The bagpipe is one of Bulgaria’s most significant and treasured instruments. Unlike the Scottish bagpipes, the bagpipes create a more resonant sound that evokes a truly mystical emotion. As the name suggests, bagpipe players from Bulgaria and beyond come together to play and compete in the contest.

Local legends suggest that the small village of Gela is the birthplace of Orpheus, the famous Greek mythological figure. This charming village offers 300 days of sunshine a year, lush meadows, and unique traditions.

Held in the Ilinden Meadows of the picturesque Rhodope mountain region, the International Bagpipe Contest and Festival aims to preserve Rhodope folklore and tradition.

The magical sound of the Bulgarian bagpipe echoing through the mountains will leave you speechless.

A to Jazz Festival

City of Sofia
Beginnnig of July
Free Entrance

No summer in Sofia is complete without the A to JazZ festival.

The July sunshine and this wonderful open air festival brings out all jazz lovers to one of Sofia’s most underrated parks – the field behind the Park Center shopping mall, or as locals call it “the small South Park.”

The A to JazZ festival gathers local, as well as international, talents to share their love for brass. The festival begins in the early evening and goes into the night when the magic truly comes to life as the park buzzes with people, music, and dance.

Of course, to keep the party going, multiple drink vendors are on hand. You can choose from chilled wine, beer, or a craft cocktail to match the festival’s lively mood. Multiple food vendors will also keep you going after hours of dancing.

To learn more about Sofia, check out our city guide.

July Morning

Black Sea Coast
1st of July
Free Entrance

As an honourable mention, we can’t miss the unique Bulgarian festival of July Morning. While this festival doesn’t have a strict meeting point, it’s a tradition that takes place every year at the same time.

The day before July 1st, people from around the country flock to the Black Sea coast to welcome the first rays of the July sunshine. As the tradition goes, the first day of July is welcomed by the song by Uriah Heep, “July Morning.”

Rumour has it this tradition began in the 1980s when the song became wildly popular in Bulgaria. The gathering is believed to have begun as an informal protest against the communist regime of Bulgaria at the time, an act of freedom, a new beginning and a warm salute to the beginning of summer.

Even though there is no official gathering point for this festival, if you are at the Black Sea coast in the beginning of July: go out to the seaside and feel the magic of the July sunrise for yourself.

A final word

You see, we told you there’s a festival on this list for everyone!

We did our best to capture the diversity of music festivals in Bulgaria, hoping you will find at least one that draws you in. While Bulgarians’ consumption of Western music and art was once banned, it is now a bustling sonic scene with dozens of music festivals across the country. From city festivals to remote locations, there are festivities taking place in each corner of Bulgaria – as long as you know where to look. Lucky for you, you did know where to look!

It’s worth noting that during our research, we found a couple of festival websites that are either outdated or don’t offer accessible information in English. If this is the case with a fest you want to attend, please reach out to us – we’ll help you out!

Festival location map