Bulgarian Festivals
Bulgaria comes alive with festivals all summer long, especially in the mountains and historic towns across the country.
One of the most authentic and nature-immersed celebrations is the Uzana Festival, held in the scenic Uzana resort area.
To get there, you drive about 25 minutes from Gabrovo, along a winding mountain road that climbs steeply into the forest.
It is a demanding drive, but it is absolutely worth it once you arrive: the setting, the traditional music, and the atmosphere make it one of my favorite Bulgarian traditions.
I actually make a short appearance in the Uzana video below, around the 50-second mark. Click the photo to watch it on YouTube.
More About These Festivals
Belogratchik Opera Festival
Every summer, experience a magical opera in Belogratchik rocks, where striking red sandstone formations become an unforgettable outdoor stage in northwestern Bulgaria.
Performers sing classical arias right in front of the ancient Kaleto fortress, with towering rock silhouettes lit up behind them.
The 2024 edition was held in August, and the 2026 season features main performances in late July with ballet productions like Carmen and Countess Maritza, followed by events through early September.
Sozopol, Apollonia Arts Festival
Named after Apollonia Pontica, the ancient Greek name for the town, this festival takes over the old seaside streets of Sozopol on the Black Sea coast.
It is one of Bulgaria's oldest and most respected arts festivals, bringing together theatre, music, film, and visual art for several days by the water as the sun goes down.
The 2026 edition runs from August 27 to September 6. Check the full programme on the official Apollonia Arts Festival website.