10 annual events in Bansko and the surrounding area
Bansko is known throughout Bulgaria as an important tourist destination. This is accompanied by many events that combine modern times with tradition. Folklore festivals are not uncommon in Bansko, nor are jazz and rock music.
From centuries-old traditions to modern festivals, the region is bustling with life and shows how rich Bulgarian culture still is. Read on to discover the best recurring events in Bansko and the region!
1. FIS Bansko World Cup
The FIS Bansko World Cup is organised almost every year in January or February. During this world championship, the best skiers and snowboarders in the world take to the slopes. Every year, this is a true spectacle with more than 20,000 spectators!
During this event, the competition slope is closed. This is the Tomba slope.
You too can be there, as a spectator or as a volunteer. The World Cup is a big and important event where extra hands are always needed. So, would you like to see the world championship up close, get to know people and help run the event smoothly? Sign up as a volunteer!
Admission: free
Location: Bunderishka Polyana
2. Dobrinishte Summer Folklore
Dobrinishte is located about 6 km east of Bansko. It is a quiet but touristy town with plenty to do.
What about the folklore festival in the summer? This cultural gem is organised every year in July, August and September.
During the summer months, you can enjoy typical Bulgarian folklore. Music, dance and traditional costumes: it's all part of the experience.
This festival takes place every Saturday evening at 7 p.m. and attracts many residents of Dobrinishte.
Admission: free
Location: central square of Dobrinishte
3. Dobrinishte Day
22 September is Dobrinishte Day. On this day, Dobrinishte celebrates its liberation from Ottoman rule in 1908. Every year, this is celebrated in style with music, dance and folklore.
22 September is also Bulgarian Independence Day. 22 September is therefore an important day and is celebrated in style.
It's a wonderful experience to be here!
Admission: free
Location: Dobrinishte central square
4. Bansko Day
A few weeks after Dobrinishte, the celebration of the liberation of Bansko follows on 5 October. This is also celebrated with music, dancing and many other fun activities.
On this day, just like in Dobrinishte, the liberation of Bansko from Ottoman rule is celebrated.
The programme is different every year. It is announced in good time by the municipality.
Admission: free
Location: centre of Bansko
5. Kukeri festival on New Year's Day
New Year's Eve is always a big celebration, of course. But in Bulgaria, New Year's Day is also celebrated in style with centuries-old traditions.
In Bansko, the Kukeri take to the streets on New Year's Day. These are men dressed in costumes with bells to chase away evil spirits for a prosperous new year. It is a beautiful tradition that involves the entire town.
But in Razlog, this event is even more fun. Whereas in Bansko it is more geared towards tourists (New Year's Day falls in the middle of the ski season), this tradition in Razlog is more authentic and traditional.
Admission: free
Location: central squares of Bansko and Razlog
6. Bansko Jazz Festival
The Bansko Jazz Festival is a world-renowned festival and the largest jazz festival in Bulgaria. Every year in August, you can enjoy the most beautiful jazz music from great artists in the central square.
The Bansko Jazz Festival lasts a week and always attracts many spectators. There is also always a market, food trucks, lots of beer and a great atmosphere.
You can buy tickets to sit in a premium spot in front of the stage, but you can also enjoy the music for free behind the fences. Here, too, you have a good view of the stage.
Admission: free or paid for a seat
Location: central square in Bansko
7. Bansko Rock Evenings
Just before the Jazz Festival, there is also a rock festival. This usually takes place at the end of July and, although it is somewhat smaller than the Jazz Festival, the Bansko Rock Evenings event is also a real spectacle, featuring excellent rock bands.
This event takes place in the square near the town hall, just like the Bansko Jazz Festival.
Admission: free or paid for a seat
Location: central square in Bansko
8. Pirin Ultra Marathon
Pirin Ultra is an ultra-marathon that takes place every year in September in the beautiful Pirin Mountains in Bulgaria. Anyone can register, and it involves running across the Pirin Mountains, over the ridges and peaks. So this is definitely not for everyone.
There are four routes, ranging from 25 km to no less than 160 km. An event for the real diehards.
For more information, visit the Pirin Ultra website.
Participation: small registration fee + food and drink
Location: transport to the starting location in the Pirin Mountains
9. Summer festivals
The jazz and rock festivals have already been mentioned, but there are even more festivals taking place in Bansko during the summer. Balkan music, Bulgarian music, opera and folklore festivals. Bansko is a real cultural gem!
Admission: free
Location: central square in Bansko
10. Culinary Festival 'Unique Bansko'
The town is renowned for its traditions, architecture and local cuisine. You can sample the local fare during the Unique Bansko event in September. Many restaurants offer unique regional dishes during this time, and there are prizes and a wonderful folklore festival awaiting you!
Admission: free
Location: central square and restaurants in Bansko
Discover the best of Bansko
Whether you are planning a (short) holiday or live here, Bansko's events bring people together in a unique blend of tradition, hospitality and fun. Each season has its own charm, and every celebration tells a story about the soul of Bulgaria.
Come and experience it for yourself in the cultural heart of the region!
