Surprising Bulgaria – Part 3: Festivals & Fun

When it comes to Bulgaria the first thing many people think of is its stretches of beautiful golden beaches, sparkling lakes and lush mountains sweeping the countryside. But if you scratch beneath the surface you’ll find there’s even more to this special country than first meets the eye.

During the summer months the resorts, cities and towns of Bulgaria come alive with a host of festivals and events to suit almost every type of visitor. In this article we’ll introduce you to some of the most popular summer events across Bulgaria and some of our personal favourites!

Bourgas Sand Sculpture Festival:
The thought of memorable moments from our childhood will always bring a smile to our faces and it’s here at the Bourgas Sand Sculpture Festival where visitors are given the opportunity to immerse themselves in another world where time stops and everything is carefree, joyful and spontaneous.



Having welcomed its first visitors back in 2008, the festival has grown into a firm favourite amongst visitors to Bulgaria who pay just 3.5 Leva (approx. £1.50) for a day ticket during July and August each year to explore and admire the talents of over 200 sculptures from across the world. Free entry is available for children under 7 years old making the festival a must for families.

Cacao Beach, Sunny Beach:
For anyone who loves a good party, Cacao Beach is a must when visiting Sunny Beach resort. Having played host to some of the world’s top DJ’s over the years such as Basshunter, Tiësto, Carl Cox and Adam Beyer the night comes alive with thumping tunes and beats that will keep you on your toes until the early hours of the morning.



Located on the beach with views across the bay, Cacao Beach offers amazing music, tasty cocktails and food, all at great value non-euro prices.

International Jazz Festival Bansko:
As the biggest summer musical event in Bulgaria, the Bansko International Jazz Festival is hugely popular. Ever since its foundation in 1998, the quaint old town of Bansko becomes a meeting place for emblematic figures of today’s music world. The concerts are free to the public and held every year from August 8th to 13th.



Traditionally, the programme features styles and groups representing almost all jazz trends. The evening concerts draw huge crowds to the open-air stage on Nikola Vaptsarov Square in downtown Bansko. Throughout the festival week jazz is also played during the day and late at night on various smaller stages in the large resort bars and restaurants.

The Sozopol Apollonia Festival:
The Apollonia Arts Festival is a major Bulgarian event held every year at the end of the summer in the seaside city of Sozopol. Lasting for 10 days, visitors enjoy over 70 events including plays, open-air concerts, chamber music, jazz concerts, and films. The art gallery in Sozopol’s Old Town organizes exhibits and literary evenings as part of the festival. There are also master classes in various disciplines – singing, piano, jazz improvisation, and acting. There are activities and performances for children at all of the events.



Usually held from late August into early September, ticket prices cost 20-25 Leva (approx. £8 - £10).

Check back next week for Week 4 of Surprising Bulgaria – all about the beaches. Savings of up to £240 per couple are available online now.