Last updated on July 26, 2026
49 events and festivals in Bulgaria this August
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Plan your Bulgaria trip without overthinking it:
- Flights: I usually compare prices on Kiwi, Skyscanner, and Omio – they often show different deals for the same routes.
- Accommodation: For apartments and hotels, Booking and HostelWorld cover pretty much every budget and city in Bulgaria.
- Tours & activities: If you don’t want to book on the spot, GetYourGuide and Viator are the easiest options.
- Transfers: For airport pickups and long-distance transfers, Welcome Pickups save time and negotiation.
- Car rental: I compare prices on DiscoverCars and LocalRent – especially useful outside Sofia.
- Mobile internet: For eSIMs, Saily is simple and cheaper than roaming.
- Travel insurance: I usually check HeyMondo (5% discount available) or SafetyWing, depending on trip length.
Map of August 2026 events across Bulgaria
From music festivals and folklore celebrations to mountain races and seaside parties, August is one of the busiest months in Bulgaria. Tap any pin to discover what's happening nearby.
Find August events in Bulgaria by date or type
August is festival season across Bulgaria. Use the calendar to spot the busiest dates, then filter by the type of event you're interested in.
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Zoom out to find available places to stay near your chosen events in August.
Bulgaria events in August
- 27.06-05.09.2026
- Tsarevets Fortress, Veliko Tarnovo
- 43.083836745009485, 25.65250922434298
- One of Bulgaria’s best-known open-air opera festivals, Stage of the Centuries transforms the historic Tsarevets Fortress into a spectacular venue for opera, ballet, and musicals. Even if you’re not a huge opera fan, the setting alone makes it worth considering if you’re visiting Veliko Tarnovo during the summer.
- 03.07-05.09.2026
- Belogradchik Rocks
- 43.62134042714014, 22.684890899408515
- Opera of the Peaks and Stage of the Peaks is a summer festival that brings opera, ballet, and musicals to an open-air stage among the spectacular Belogradchik Rocks. If you’re already planning to visit one of Bulgaria’s most famous natural landmarks, catching a performance here makes the experience even more memorable.
- 22.07-13.09.2026
- South Park II, Sofia
- 42.6801069047686, 23.320687297342214
- Sofia Summer Fest is the city’s biggest outdoor summer festival, with a packed programme of concerts, theatre, stand-up comedy, films, and family events. If you’re visiting Sofia in August, it’s an easy way to spend a relaxed evening with plenty happening under one roof – well, technically a giant tent.
- 24.07-02.08.2026 (Fri-Sun)
- Ahtopol
- 42.10017128858304, 27.943931023805614
- This small seaside fair brings together local farmers, food producers, and artisans selling handmade crafts and regional products. If you’re spending a few days in Ahtopol, it’s a nice place to pick up local treats or a souvenir that wasn’t made in a factory half a world away.
- 31.07-02.08.2026 (Fri-Sun)
- St. Anastasia Island (ferries depart from Burgas Port)
- 42.468719775531824, 27.553055958689388
- Bass That Island is a three-day electronic music festival with DnB, techno, trance, and reggae spread across two main stages and a daytime party area. Between the music and the island setting, it’s easily one of Bulgaria’s most unique summer festival experiences.
- 31.07-02.08.2026 (Fri-Sun)
- Golyam Beglik Dam, Rhodope Mountains
- 41.797812850368565, 24.11647902833927
- Agnon Fest is a laid-back gathering in the heart of the Rhodope Mountains, combining fire spinning, workshops, music, and camping in nature. If you’re after something more alternative than the usual summer festivals, this is a fun excuse to escape the crowds and spend a weekend by the lake.
- 31.07-02.08.2026 (Fri-Sun)
- Ilindenski Meadows, Gela
- 41.663201609259694, 24.562753357400386
- One of Bulgaria’s most iconic folklore festivals, this event celebrates the Rhodope bagpipe with live performances, competitions, traditional food, crafts, and plenty of horo dancing. If you want to experience Bulgarian traditions at their liveliest, this is one of the best festivals to add to your itinerary.
- 31.07-02.08.2026 (Fri-Sun)
- Lake of Starozagorski Bani, Stara Zagora
- 42.44984711754166, 25.49121887425361
- Motorcyclists from across Bulgaria gather in Stara Zagora for a weekend of live music, games, and community events. Even if you don’t own a bike, it’s a fun event to stop by if you enjoy rock music, custom motorcycles, and a lively atmosphere.
- 31.07-03.08.2026 (Fri-Mon)
- Varna Free University, Varna
- 43.25801825576683, 28.02753888147159
- Summer Salsa Fest is a four-day outdoor dance festival packed with salsa, bachata, kizomba, workshops, performances, and beach parties. Whether you’re an experienced dancer or just curious to give it a go, expect plenty of energy and very little sleep.
- 31.07-09.08.2026 (Fri-Sun)
- Nikola Vaptsarov Square, Bansko
- 41.83813502471242, 23.488642139641602
- One of Bulgaria’s biggest summer music festivals, Bansko Jazz Festival fills the mountain town with free concerts, jam sessions, workshops, and international jazz artists. Even if jazz isn’t usually your thing, the lively atmosphere makes Bansko a great place to be in early August.
- 01.08.2026 (Sat)
- Aleko Konstantinov Street, Burgas
- 42.496536108647234, 27.47207738264169
- This community festival is all about bringing people together through food, music, conversations, and shared experiences. Expect live performances, homemade dishes, swap markets, workshops, and a welcoming atmosphere where everyone – locals and visitors alike – has a seat at the table.
- 01.08.2026 (Sat)
- Olimpyiski Square, Chepelare
- 41.725727984427145, 24.685847359278817
- Green Heart Half Ultra is a mountain sports event featuring trail running, mountain biking, and children’s races through the beautiful Rhodope Mountains. Even if you’re not competing, it’s a great excuse to visit Chepelare and soak up the energetic atmosphere.
- 01-02.08.2026 (Sat-Sun)
- Park-museum of the Rhodopes mountain spring water, Dospat
- 41.648517310837335, 24.16170588381304
- Slaveevi Planini Ultra is one of Bulgaria’s biggest trail running events, with races ranging from beginner-friendly routes to a challenging 56 km ultramarathon, plus MTB and duathlon competitions. If you love mountain sports, Dospat is the place to be on the first weekend of August.
- 07-08.08.2026 (Fri-Sat)
- Burgas Port
- 42.48499931188432, 27.48260299733538
- SPICE Music Festival is Bulgaria’s biggest celebration of ’90s music, bringing international pop legends to the waterfront in Burgas. If you grew up with the decade’s biggest hits – or just love a good nostalgia trip – this is one of the highlights of the summer festival season.
- 07-09.08.2026 (Fri-Sun)
- Wake Up Varvara, Varvara
- 42.127749140765985, 27.906781497322804
- Camp Sessions on the Beach is a barefoot seaside festival combining camping with two nights of bass-heavy electronic music. Expect UK garage, breakbeat, dubstep, jungle, and a full drum & bass takeover on Saturday – all just steps from the beach.
- 07-09.08.2026 (Fri-Sun)
- Belogradchik Rocks
- 43.6217673964567, 22.684668682636893
- This folklore festival brings traditional Bulgarian music, dancing, and costumes to the foot of the spectacular Belogradchik Rocks. It’s a great chance to experience local culture while visiting one of Bulgaria’s most impressive natural landmarks.
- 08.08.2026 (Sat)
- Kozichino
- 42.83778590981886, 27.572734263475798
- This one-day folklore festival celebrates Bulgarian traditions with folk music, dancing, and performances in the village of Kozichino, also known by its old name, Erkech. It’s a lovely stop if you want to experience authentic village celebrations away from the bigger tourist crowds.
- 08-09.08.2026 (Sat-Sun)
- Breze Village (near Devin)
- 41.72117488015076, 24.511407736014185
- This wellness festival combines nature, hiking, health talks, breathing practices, massages, and traditional Rhodope food in a peaceful mountain setting. If you’re looking to slow down for a couple of days, it’s a refreshing break from Bulgaria’s busy summer festival scene.
- 09-16.08.2026 (Sun-Sun)
- Koprivshtitsa
- 42.636284688738996, 24.36119680062989
- This week-long folklore school offers workshops in Bulgarian folk singing, traditional instruments, and horo dancing, led by some of the country’s best performers and teachers. There’s no better place for this than the folklore capital of Bulgaria.
- 12-16.08.2026 (Wed-Sun)
- Golyam Beglik Dam
- 41.79754293621459, 24.11621108196895
- Beglika Fest is one of Bulgaria’s best-known alternative festivals, blending live music, workshops, art, sustainability, and community life in the heart of the Rhodope Mountains. Expect camping, thought-provoking talks, and plenty of opportunities to disconnect from the digital world for a few days.
- 13.08.2026 (Thur)
- Vidas Art Arena, Sofia
- 42.683673434648966, 23.34135486241054
- Legendary electronic group Faithless returns to Sofia for an open-air concert featuring classics like Insomnia and God Is a DJ. If you’re an electronic music fan, this is easily one of the biggest one-night concerts in Bulgaria this summer.
- 13-16.08.2026 (Thur-Sun)
- Lopushnya Village (near Godech)
- 42.98146730304782, 23.061930617708004
- Rancho Fest is an immersive camping festival inspired by Slavic mythology, blending live performances, music, workshops, and storytelling in a forest setting. If fantasy themes, nature, and alternative festivals are your thing, this is one of the most unusual events of the summer.
- 14-16.08.2026 (Fri-Sun)
- Buzludzha Monument
- 42.73569640674579, 25.391502721042773
- Open Buzludzha transforms Bulgaria’s most iconic abandoned communist monument into a stage for music, 3D projection mapping, art, and daytime activities. The festival also supports the preservation of the Buzludzha Monument, making it a unique mix of culture, history, and one seriously surreal setting.
- 14-16.08.2026 (Fri-Sun)
- Krakra Fortress, Pernik
- 42.594627026963316, 23.017972304736052
- Krakra Jazz & Friends brings together musicians from around the world for a weekend of jazz, funk, soul, and Latin rhythms inside the historic Krakra Fortress. Great music and a medieval setting? That’s a combination you don’t come across every day.
- 14-16.08.2026 (Fri-Sun)
- Tazha Gorge (Balkan Mountains)
- 42.665234398360916, 25.053076402889413
- No Signal Festival is a three-day gathering in the heart of the Balkan Mountains, combining electronic music, art, workshops, talks, and camping in nature. Come for the music, stay because your phone reception disappeared hours ago – the name isn’t a coincidence.
- 14-17.08.2026 (Fri-Mon)
- Wake Up Varvara, Varvara
- 42.12772526960413, 27.9067600396516
- BLVKCAT Beach Festival is a boutique camping festival focused on electronic music, nature, and a laid-back beach atmosphere. If you prefer intimate festivals over massive crowds, this is the perfect excuse to spend a long weekend by the Black Sea.
- 15.08.2026 (Sat)
- Velbazhd Square, Kyustendil
- 42.28092048929309, 22.688672950752277
- Held on Kyustendil’s official town holiday, this cultural festival celebrates local traditions through the symbolic bread-raising ceremony, folk music, church choirs, exhibitions, and artisan displays. It’s a great way to experience the town’s spiritual and cultural heritage in one place.
- 15.08.2026 (Sat)
- Borovets
- 42.264304666871745, 23.60772253950312
- This mountain race takes runners towards Musala, the highest peak in the Balkans, with challenging 16 km and 38 km trail routes. Even if you’re not racing, it’s a great day to be in Borovets and cheer on some seriously impressive athletes.
- 19.08.2026 (Wed)
- Hladilnika, Sofia
- 42.65662578674354, 23.322758081999066
- This outdoor cooking event lets you pick fresh herbs, make your own pesto and pasta, and enjoy a shared dinner surrounded by greenery. It’s a relaxed summer evening that’s just as fun for families as it is for food lovers.
- 19-23.08.2026 (Wed-Sun)
- Pamporovo Ski Resort
- 41.65840251645747, 24.697569045854785
- Pamporovo Summer Fest brings live music, outdoor activities, and a lively mountain atmosphere to one of Bulgaria’s top ski resorts. If you’re escaping the summer heat, this is a great excuse to swap the beach for the Rhodope Mountains.
- 19-23.08.2026 (Wed-Sun)
- Pamporovo Ski Resort
- 41.65840251645747, 24.697569045854785
- Persenk Ultra is one of Bulgaria’s premier trail running festivals, offering races for every level through the stunning Rhodope Mountains. Whether you’re chasing a podium finish or your first mountain race, expect breathtaking views and plenty of elevation along the way.
- 21-23.08.2026 (Fri-Sun)
- Zheravna
- 42.830610273106196, 26.471348027160897
- One of Bulgaria’s biggest folklore festivals, this event recreates the atmosphere of the Bulgarian National Revival with traditional costumes, folk music, dancing, wrestling, and performances from across the country. If you go, bring or rent a traditional costume – modern clothing isn’t part of the experience.
- 21.08-06.09.2026
- Sinemorets, Varvara, Primorsko, Varna, Shabla
- 42.06865422201756, 27.969510844676872 (21-22.08)
- 42.12772871889845, 27.907439827746888 (23-24.08)
- 42.25214863386718, 27.7522322814362 (26-27.08)
- 43.17784881866533, 27.912450891263557 (29-30.08)
- 43.52201042048729, 28.601767093125208 (05-06.09)
- Air Wonders is a travelling kite festival that stops at several Black Sea towns before finishing in Shabla in early September. Expect giant kites flown by international teams, stunt kite demonstrations, competitions, and family-friendly workshops where kids can build and fly their own kites.
- 22-23.08.2026 (Sat-Sun)
- Ostrova Park, Devin
- 41.74145426307914, 24.397400897309407
- Festival of Wonders is a free family event packed with games, craft workshops, music, and educational activities for children and parents. It also supports a charitable cause, making it an easy addition to your itinerary if you’re visiting Devin with kids.
- 22-23.08.2026 (Sat-Sun)
- Pomorie Port
- 42.5534380157848, 27.649841615021835
- Sunset Port Festival brings two evenings of live music to Pomorie’s waterfront, with everything from Bulgarian pop and hip-hop to house and Afro house. If you’re on the Black Sea coast, it’s a great excuse to catch a concert with a sea view.
- 26-30.08.2026 (Wed-Sun)
- Nessebar, Sunny Beach, Sveti Vlas & Pomorie
- 42.659329542990136, 27.736440057588176
- 42.69533918803595, 27.708078294997097
- 42.70836552941591, 27.77162853967206
- 42.56844774076973, 27.616565469788977
- World Folk 2026 is an international folklore championship that brings together performers from around the globe for several days of music, dance, and traditional costumes. If you’re on the southern Black Sea coast, you’ll have plenty of chances to catch performances across multiple towns.
- 27-29.08.2026 (Thur-Sat)
- Nikola Vaptsarov Square, Bansko
- 41.838119038053996, 23.4886528684772
- Bansko Opera Fest brings three evenings of opera, operetta, and musical theatre to the mountain town, with additional classical performances taking place around the town centre. If you’re visiting Bansko in late August, it’s an easy way to add a touch of culture to your mountain getaway.
- 27.08-06.09.2026 (Thur-Sun)
- Different locations in Sozopol
- 42.417271774413344, 27.696340377975947
- Apollonia is Bulgaria’s biggest arts festival, bringing together concerts, theatre, films, exhibitions, and literary events across the charming seaside town of Sozopol. With dozens of events every day, it’s well worth planning your Black Sea trip around if you enjoy culture.
- 28-29.08.2026 (Fri-Sat)
- Hotalich Fortress, Sevlievo
- 43.058148701782905, 25.064754013998737
- Hotalich Rock Fest brings rock legends and up-and-coming bands to the medieval Hotalich Fortress for two nights of live music. Entry is free, and with free camping and shuttle buses, it’s one of the best-value music festivals of the summer.
- 28-30.08.2026 (Fri-Sun)
- Camping Strinava, Dryanovo
- 42.954001720259555, 25.43116356611844
- Running Free Festival is a camping festival for metal fans, featuring live performances by Bulgarian and international bands in a scenic Balkan Mountains setting. Loud guitars, camping, and cliffs echoing back the riffs – that’s pretty much the whole point.
- 28-29.08.2026 (Fri-Sat)
- Kraimorska Street, Lozenets
- 42.20908300797771, 27.808258571639715
- This seaside folklore festival fills Lozenets with traditional Bulgarian music, dancing, and colourful costumes for two days of performances. It’s a lovely way to combine a beach holiday with a taste of Bulgarian culture and traditions.
- 28-30.08.2026 (Fri-Sun)
- Summer Theatre, Sandanski
- 41.57277302562755, 23.28344645072778
- Pirin Folk is Bulgaria’s best-known festival dedicated to Macedonian folk music, featuring new songs, live performances, and competition evenings. If you enjoy traditional music, Sandanski is the place to be at the end of August.
- 28-30.08.2026 (Fri-Sun)
- South Park, Sofia
- 42.66788428692442, 23.306325131485607
- Rivers of Sofia is a family-friendly festival filled with live music, light installations, performances, and interactive activities in one of the city’s favourite parks. It’s a fun way to spend a summer evening in the capital, whether you’re travelling with kids or not.
- 28-30.08.2026 (Fri-Sun)
- Youth Hill, Plovdiv
- 42.13388463136399, 24.730378303791653
- Eldoria is an immersive open-air festival that transforms Plovdiv’s Youth Hill into a fantasy world with six themed stages, art installations, performances, and more than 150 artists. Expect over 48 hours of music, creative spaces, food, and plenty of reasons to lose track of time.
- 28-30.08.2026 (Fri-Sun)
- Beli Iskar Village
- 42.26634709645371, 23.53752109957302
- Moon Festival is a mountain music and camping festival featuring live bands, DJs, yoga, hiking, horseback riding, and a diverse international lineup. Set near Rila National Park, it’s the perfect mix of nature, music, and late-summer festival vibes – especially with this year’s full moon and lunar eclipse.
- 29.08.2026 (Sat)
- Borovets Ski Resort
- 42.259053319955854, 23.598586510820624
- Adventure Sky Run is a skyrunning race through some of the most spectacular scenery in the Rila Mountains, with routes passing landmarks like Musala, Malyovitsa, and the Seven Rila Lakes area. Whether you’re racing or cheering from the sidelines, expect incredible mountain views throughout the day.
- 29.08.2026 (Sat)
- Berkovitsa
- 43.23735986278578, 23.124785683868975
- Kom Epic Half Ultra is a mountain sports event featuring trail running, mountain biking, and kids’ races, with routes climbing to Kom Peak – the westernmost 2,000-metre summit in the Balkan Mountains. Expect steep climbs, rewarding views, and a fantastic excuse to explore northwestern Bulgaria.
- 29-30.08.2026 (Sat-Sun)
- Starozagorski Bani, Stara Zagora
- 42.45085126235486, 25.499377853923367
- This national folklore festival brings together singers, dancers, musicians, and folk ensembles from across Bulgaria to celebrate Thracian traditions. If you enjoy authentic Bulgarian music and customs, it’s a great excuse to visit the peaceful spa area just outside Stara Zagora.
- 30.08.2026
- Bdintsi Square, Vidin
- 43.98601966428899, 22.877529213293023
- Danube Ultra is a long-distance cycling adventure following Bulgaria’s Danube route, completed at your own pace with no racing or rankings. Ride solo or with friends, collect checkpoint stamps along the way, and earn a certificate once you finish your chosen route.
Stef’s local tips
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Stefani Gospodinova
Founder and Content Creator
Stefani is a travel blogger born and raised in Bulgaria, and the founder of Kiss My Backpack. Having explored the country since childhood, she shares practical tips, local insights, and her own photography to help visitors plan their trip.
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