Events & Festivals in Sofia

Massive public celebrations centered around the National Palace of Culture (NDK) and the city center. Expect live music stages, DJs, food stalls, fireworks at midnight, and a jubilant crowd. It's the biggest party of the year.

A spectacular celebration of traditional Bulgarian Kukeri and masquerade rituals from across the Balkans and Europe. Features parades with elaborate, often fearsome costumes, bells, dancing, and rituals meant to chase away evil spirits.

A traditional Bulgarian holiday celebrating Saint Trifon, the patron saint of vine-growers and wine. Wine producers open their new wine, people wear vine twigs, and there are folk celebrations and wine tastings in restaurants and cultural centers.

Bulgaria's premier and longest-running film festival. Showcases a diverse selection of contemporary world cinema, Bulgarian premieres, retrospectives, and competition sections. A major event for cinephiles.

Bulgaria's National Day, commemorating the liberation from Ottoman rule in 1878. Official ceremonies include a military parade, flag-raising, wreath-laying at monuments, and a cannon salute. The city is adorned with national flags.

A major running event attracting thousands of local and international participants. Features a half-marathon, 10K, 5K, and kids' runs. The route passes many of Sofia's iconic landmarks.

The most important Orthodox Christian holiday. Highlights include the midnight Resurrection service on Holy Saturday, where people carry candles from churches, and the festive Easter meal with dyed eggs and 'kozunak' (sweet bread).

A public holiday celebrated with outdoor gatherings, picnics, and political demonstrations. Many Sofians head to the nearby Vitosha Mountain or the city parks for barbecues and relaxation.

An international festival celebrating contemporary design in all its forms: graphic, product, fashion, and architecture. Features exhibitions, workshops, lectures, and parties, transforming various spaces across the city.

Bulgaria's leading international jazz festival, attracting top names from around the world. It's not just jazz; it blends funk, soul, world music, and electronica in a relaxed, open-air setting.

A lively march and festival advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and equality. Includes a colorful parade through the city center, followed by a concert and party. A celebration of diversity and love.

A prestigious open-air festival presenting high-quality opera, ballet, classical music, and theater performances. Stages are set in iconic historical locations, creating a particular atmosphere.

A thrilling aerial spectacle held at Sofia Airport. Features breathtaking displays by the Bulgarian Air Force, aerobatic teams, historic aircraft flyovers, and static exhibitions of planes and military hardware.

A series of free, open-air concerts held in parks and squares throughout the summer. Features a wide range of music from pop and rock to folk and jazz, showcasing popular Bulgarian and international artists.

A trendy open-air market featuring local designers, artisans, vintage sellers, and food producers. More than just shopping, it's a social event with live DJ sets, street food, and craft beer bars.

One of the biggest rock and metal festivals in Southeast Europe, attracting major international headliners and regional acts. A multi-day camping festival with a dedicated, passionate crowd.

A major platform for contemporary Bulgarian and international theatre. Features innovative performances, including drama, physical theatre, and dance, in various theatres across the city.

A celebration of Bulgarian wine and cuisine. Dozens of wineries offer tastings alongside gourmet food stalls from top restaurants. Includes masterclasses, live cooking shows, and music.

The official holiday of the city, celebrating its patron saint, St. Sophia. The day is marked by a ceremonial raising of the city flag, concerts, exhibitions, guided tours, and a festive atmosphere throughout the center.

A colorful spectacle where hot air balloons fill the sky over Sofia. Includes morning and evening launches (glows), tethered rides for the public, and a festive ground program with music and food.

Focuses on independent, arthouse, and avant-garde cinema from Bulgaria and abroad. A platform for emerging filmmakers and unconventional storytelling, often followed by Q&A sessions.

A day to honor the departed. Bulgarians visit cemeteries to clean graves, light candles, and leave flowers and ritual bread. The main Sofia cemetery, Orlandovtsi, sees a solemn, respectful procession of people.

The largest book event in Bulgaria, held in December. Features hundreds of publishers, authors, book signings, discussions, and presentations. A paradise for book lovers just before the holidays.

The main Christmas market in Sofia, set against the backdrop of the stunning cathedral. Features wooden chalets selling crafts, gifts, and traditional food like kebapche and mulled wine. Includes a carousel, ice rink, and daily performances.

A beloved Sofia tradition. The Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra performs a festive program of classical masterpieces, often featuring works by Bulgarian composers, to ring in the New Year with elegance.