Yanna N.
Attending music festivals is a great way to load up on some summer adventures while enjoying live music. Bulgarian grounds happen to be abundant on music festivals in summertime and here’s what you can expect from June, July and August.
Hills Of Rock
What started back in 2017 soon became one of the most popular festivals in Bulgaria for alternative music. With acts like Evanescence, Guano Apes, Iron Maiden and Sabaton under its belt, Hills Of Rock definitely has a promising future. This year’s lineup includes the notorious Children Of Bodom, Whitesnake, Amaranthe and many local rock legends.
When: 28.06 – 30.06.2019
Where: Plovdiv
Opera Of The Peaks
Ballet, opera and live musicals – that’s what Opera Of The Peaks is all about. With worldwide acclaimed performances such as Carmina Burana and Mamma Mia this music festival is simply a gem for every fan of classical music, theater and ballet. Held annually at the panoramic Belogradchik Rocks near one of Bulgaria’s natural wonders, the festival hints unforgettable thrills.
When: 20.07 – 4.08.2019
Where: Belogradchik
MTV Varna Beach
Some of MTV’s biggest names in the pop and dance scene like Rita Ora, Bebe Rexha and Gorgon City have hit Varna’s South Beach in previous years and by the looks of it, MTV Presents Varna Beach 2019 is going to be an epic event for lovers of electronic music. The date is yet to be announced, as is the upcoming lineup, but the festival will most likely be once again held in August.
When: TBA
Where: Varna
Varna Rock Fest
Fans of oldschool rock and metal bands will be pleased to know that the new Varna Rock Fest is welcoming W.A.S.P., Sonata Artica, Destruction and many others over the course of 3 days. The marine “capital” isn’t new to gathering flocks of metalheads as this year’s festival succeeds the Varna Mega Rock 2018, which saw tycoons like Nightwish and Apocalyptica.
When: 16.08 – 18.08.2019
Where: Varna
Meadows In The Mountains
Contrary to popular belief, Bulgaria isn’t short on hipster events and one of the biggest gatherings of the sort is called Meadows In The Mountains – a festival that combines music, workshops, camping and colorful sceneries in the tranquil Rhodope mountains. Focusing mainly on alternative and electronic music, the festival is a miniature version of the worldwide famous Coachella that spans over a total of four days.
When: 6.06 – 9.06.2019
Where: Polkovnik Serafimovo
A To Jazz Festival
Jazz is still hip and the most significant jazz event on Bulgarian soil is the A To Jazz Festival held in the capital city on annual basis ever since 2011. Apart from a vast variety of bands and solo artists the festival grounds offer bars, workshops and a vivid art bazaar where you can even buy vinyl records! If that alone isn’t enough of a reason to attend the festival, the local and foreign musicians are absolutely worth the trip.
When: 5.07 – 7.07.2019
Where: Sofia
Spice Music Festival ‘90s
Here comes another unique summer music festival in Bulgaria – the Spice Music Festival ‘90s held for the very first time this year. Packed with local and foreign stars from the 1990s, the event is a grand opportunity to see some of your favorite acts from the previous century performing live on the beach.
When: 9.08 – 10.08.2019
Where: Burgas
WakeUp! Open Air
Music, culture and arts are the focal points of the annual WakeUp! Open Air festival. Apart from the music, attendants can enjoy a diverse selection of activities, including circus performances, massages, LARP games, archery courses and seminars on history, business, literature, sports and so forth. It’s a one of a kind festival that attracts thousands of visitors from near and far for several days filled various with once in a lifetime opportunities all in one place.
When: 2.07 – 7.07.2019
Where: Kuklen
I have only been to Hills of rock. It is kinda tradition of mine as I can go see relatives in Plovdiv during the day and rock on to 12:00 😀