A Guide to Bucharest’s Seasonal Festivals and Events

Romania’s beating heart is a city that throbs with life: Bucharest. A rich history and grand architecture are just the beginning of its calendar of seasonal celebrations.

Whether you’re a music fanatic, a festive fanatic or a curious explorer, Bucharest has something special in store for you around every corner, whether it’s Christmas time or not.

Therefore, get ready and pack your dancing shoes, unleash your inner foodie, and enjoy partially the magic of Bucharest’s seasonal delights!

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Spring: A Renewal and Celebration Time

Midway through winter, Bucharest is waking up again. The Traditional Crafts Fair is ushered in by May, a visual treat by skilled artisans who display mastery of woodworking, pottery, textiles and more.

Dive into the colours and detailed patterns, and hey, maybe you'll pick up a more unique souvenir from your trip.

Spring also means the prestigious George Enescu Festival, held biennially, for the music lovers. This classical music extravaganza, which takes its name from Romania's most famous composer, brings world renowned orchestras, conductors and soloists.

Think about yourself huddled in the sudden melodies that sustain in the impressive halls of the Romanian Athenaeum, an ambiance like no other.

Summer: A Season of Outdoor Revelry

The summer months really bring the Bucharest alive. That becomes a stage for open air concerts, street festivals, and the premier Summer in the City extravaganza.

The mega event is held in Constitution Square with international musical superstars and local talents. Get ready to sing under the warm Bucharest sky to your favourite tunes!

Nor will foodies be disappointed. Street Delivery Festival is a street takeover by the delectable variety of food trucks and stalls that offer up an explosion of flavours from around the world.

Juicy burgers and steaming pad thai, decadent churros and refreshing lemonade — hopefully there’s something that will tickle every taste bud.

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Autumn: A Culture and Cozy Delights Time

Bucharest gets sleepy as the leaves start to turn golden. Improv sounds have soul, and the city of Bucharest's concert halls and jazz clubs are bursting with them during the Bucharest International Jazz Festival.

Let the music permeate your ears, blow some smoke, and unwind with smooth melody and toe tapping rhythms.

The Bucharest Music Film Festival offers a very special chance for film buffs to see how music is captured in the cinema. You can expect documentaries, biopics and classic musicals — all of which take you to a world of rhythm and emotion.

Winter: A Season of Warmth and Wonder

The festive season is a good time for Bucharest to shine. Now it becomes a wonderland of twinkling lights and festive cheer. The Christmas Markets are the highlight of the season.

These markets are held in various locations across the city and are a feast for the senses.

Handcrafted ornaments, warm woollen scarves and an unbeatable selection of local goodies like steaming mugs of mulled wine, "cozonac" (sweet bread with raisins, poppy seeds and chopped walnuts), fill wooden stalls that overflow.

Bring on the cool winter breeze, the festive music echoing in your soul, the spirit of the season.

Beyond the Festivals

Bucharest has so much more than just seasonal events, of course. There are art exhibitions, theatrical performances and cultural events all year round, and you can find something for everyone.

Be sure to do a bit of digging in local publications and friendly locals will usually be able to give you a list of hidden gems.

How to get the most out of your Bucharest experience

Planning your Bucharest trip, take seasonal offerings into consideration to make your itinerary a bit sparklier. Tickets for major events, like the George Enescu Festival, go fast and sell out, so book in advance.