Sofia

Top Annual Events & Festivals in Sofia

16 May 2023
Here is a shortlist of some of the most popular and anticipated annual events to keep a look out for.
Please check the websites or facebook pages for further details nearer the time.


Sofia International Film Festival
www.siff.bg
When:  March
SIFF is the biggest film festival in Bulgaria. It has a 20+ year history dating back to 1997 and manages to attract more than 85,000 attendees annually. One of the main objectives of the festival is to present the best of contemporary cinema to local audiences and likewise regional Bulgarian and Balkan cinema to international audiences. SIFF is the only cinema festival in Bulgaria that is accredited by the FIAPF (Fédération Internationale des Associations de Producteurs de Films).

Antistatic
www.antistaticfestival.org
International Festival for Contemporary Dance and Performance
When:May
Fabulous opportunity to see contemporary dance performances from all over the world as well as providing professionals a platform to attend workshops.


Sofia Music Weeks
www.sofiaweeks.com
When: May
50 years since the festival began, it is now well and truly established in the calendars of classical music overs in the capital. Concerts, opera and ballet – the best of Bulgaria's stars and also many a big name from around the world.

Broken Balkanz
www.facebook.com/BrokenBalkanz
When: May
One of the longest music festivals in Bulgaria devoted to the Drum & Bass, Jungle and Dub music. Every year the festival gathers an interesting collection of artists from the Balkans working in the sphere of electronic music.


100 Chairs
https://www.facebook.com/100stola
When: Mid May
Outdoor street art festival on Budapest street, startedin 2022.

Lunar Festival of Lights
https://www.facebook.com/Lunarlightsfestival
When: Mid May
Spectacular new addition to Sofia's annual festivals. Started 2022 the festival features spectacular sound and light shows, 3-D mapping across the city on major public buildings. Includes workshops and competitions.
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Sofia Underground Performance Art Festival
sofiaunderground.com
When: Usually in May
A contemporary art event, which was founded by the art critic and activist Ruen Ruenov (1958-2011) in 1997. Despite having a few brief disruptions over the years this unusual art event has gathered a prominent audience and a good reputation.

Sofia Live Festival
facebook.com/sofialivefestival
When: June
Open air live music festival featuring contemporary music in the Borissova Park.

Sofia Restaurant Week 
restaurantweek.bg
When: Usually May and September
Twice a year, SRW offers you the chance to dine out and try out new restaurants in Sofia for fixed price set menu. The specially selected participating restaurants offer a broad spectrum of cuisine styles and dining experiences to be had across Sofia. First started in 2016, the event has become a hugely popular among locals and foreigners alike.

Opera in the Park
www.operasofia.bg
When: Mid June – Mid July
The national opera takes some of its productions outdoors into the park of the Military Academy. Opera and Ballet, premieres and favourite productions as well as children adaptations.

AtoZ Jazz Festival 
www.atojazz.bg
When: July
There is no better start to summer than enjoying the magical sound of jazz in the outdoor setting of the South Park in the city centre. 

KvARTal Festival
www.facebook.com/kvARTal.kolektiv/
When: Closest weekend to 17th September
KvARTal Festival celebrates the culture of Sofia. Organised in support of the initiative bearing the same name, whose aim is to show the cultural potential of the zone enclosed by four of the main boulevards in Sofia - Maria Louisa, Vasil Levski, Slivnitsa and Dondukov. Held on the weekend closest to The Day of Sofia, the rich programme, has something for everyone, young and old; art exhibitions, musical performances, dance competitions, food and drink, workshops, handmade products and more.

Cinelibri: Book and Movie Festival
https://www.cinelibri.com/
When: Usually in October for 10-15 days
Sofia residents have proven more than once that they love a good movie. Cinelibri isn’t the first movie event in this list and won’t be the last, however what makes Cinelibri so unique is that it is the first international book & movie festival, which focuses on the interaction between two of the most beloved arts - cinema and literature. This festival has to date been held for 5 consecutive years during the month of October and shows the best examples of movie adaptations based on literary works.


Kinomania Film Festival
www.kinomania.bg
When: Usually in November
For 30+ years Kinomania carefully curates the program to present viewers some of the greatest movies of the year, many not be found on general release in Bulgarian cinemas.


New Year's Music Festival
www.ndk.bg
When: December until 1st January
Inspired by the traditional Viennese New Year's concert, there is a build up to the main classical concert on New Year's Day. Concerts, opera, ballet – live and on screen.
 

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