Looking for something different from the usual music festivals?
Look no further! For an extraordinary experience steeped in local traditions, immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of the Balkans and Caucasus through music festivals.
Here are the ten best festivals in the Balkans and Caucasus that deserve a spot on your radar.
- Ohrid Summer Festival in North Macedonia: mid-July – mid-August
- Tbilisi Open Air music festival in Georgia: June 21–23
- Sunny Hill Festival in Kosovo: July 25–28
- ION Festival in Albania: September 4–11
- SAGA Festival in Romania: July 5–7
- Dubrovnik Summer Festival in Croatia: July 10 – August 25
- Ljubljana Festival in Slovenia: June 20 – September 3
- EXIT Festival in Serbia: July 10–14
- Split Summer Festival in Croatia: mid-July – mid-August
- Gabala International Festival in Azerbaijan
From the electrifying beats of electronic music festivals to the enchanting charm of folk festivals, these events not only showcase the regions’ diverse musical heritage, but also offer vibrant atmospheres set against breathtaking landscapes as well as delicious food and warm hospitality.
Ohrid Summer Festival in North Macedonia
Set in the historic city of Ohrid in North Macedonia, the Ohrid Summer Festival is an exciting celebration of art, music and culture that takes place every year from mid-July to mid-August.
Since its inception on August 4, 1961, the festival has grown into a prestigious event that has been recognised by the European Festivals Association since 1994.
Photo source: Ohrid Summer Festival
Expect everything from art and folklore to music and traditional performances during the month-long event, which is a perfect opportunity to visit North Macedonia.
Ohrid itself is one of the country’s most beautiful gems. Situated on the shores of Lake Ohrid, the tranquil town boasts a storied old town, historic churches, and traditional restaurants and lakeside cafes.
Photo source: Unsplash
The summer festival also takes advantage of this fantastic location, and you can catch performances in the beautiful St. Sophia Church or the city’s Ancient Theatre.
Tbilisi Open Air music festival in Georgia
The Tbilisi Open Air music festival, Georgia’s largest open-air event, electrifies the capital every year at the beginning of summer (scheduled for June 21–23 this year).
With a line-up of international sensations and up-and-coming talent, the festival offers a unique blend of musical genres while also providing visitors with interesting art exhibitions and workshops.
Photo source: Facebook
Tbilisi, the festival’s host city, is a vibrant mix of history and modern life. Must-see attractions include the ancient Narikala fortress, the Holy Trinity Cathedral, and the bustling streets of the Old Town.
It’s also a trendy destination for nature lovers, with some spectacular scenery on the city’s doorstep, including Mount Mtatsminda, the Jinvali Water Reservoir, and the National Botanical Garden of Georgia.
Photo source: Unsplash
Finally, the city’s love of food, coffee and wine makes it a great choice for foodies looking for an Eastern European festival this summer.
Sunny Hill Festival in Kosovo
The Sunny Hill Festival, a vibrant music event organised by Kosovar superstar Dua Lipa to promote peace and unity, takes place each summer in Kosovo, the latest country to join the European Union.
This year, the festival makes a grand comeback to the capital, Pristina, from July 25–28, offering travellers the chance to discover one of Europe’s most fascinating destinations amidst performances by some of the world’s most famous artists.
Photo source: Sunny Hill Festival
From Dua Lipa and Miley Cyrus to the electrifying sounds of Calvin Harris, the festival has attracted some of the world’s biggest artists over the years and has even been nominated for the European Festival Awards.
Attendees will also be delighted to explore Pristina, a dynamic city with plenty of Balkan charm and warm, welcoming smiles from the locals.
Meanwhile, the surrounding mountains, dotted with traditional villages, are perfect for hiking and discovering the country’s stunning 13th-century Serbian monasteries.
Photo source: Tripadvisor
ION Festival in Albania
One of Europe’s biggest music festivals, ION Festival brings the summer season to a close with an exciting line-up of the season’s best electronic music artists, from deep house to techno.
Taking place this year from September 4–11, the seven-day extravaganza promises an unforgettable time in one of the Balkans’ emerging destinations: the Albanian Riviera.
Beyond the music, the ION Festival is committed to sustainability and offers various programmes to minimise its environmental impact.
Photo source: Facebook
Set against the backdrop of the golden sands and turquoise waters of Dhërmi Beach, this is a festival that also allows you to discover the breathtaking beauty of Albania’s coastline, which has still largely been untouched by tourism.
Photo source: Unsplash
Elsewhere in the country, a wealth of historical and natural wonders await, from ancient ruins to picturesque villages seemingly frozen in time.
The country’s capital, Tirana, is also a colourful and chaotic place to explore, making this festival a must for music lovers and cultural explorers alike.
SAGA Festival in Romania
Next up is Romania’s SAGA Festival, one of Europe’s most famous summer electronic music festivals.
Held over three days at Romaero Airport in the capital city of Bucharest, the festival covers all types of electronic music, from trance and EDM to heavy techno and house.
With over 150 artists performing across six stages from July 5–7, the festival promises a diverse musical experience by inviting you to seamlessly jump between genres and artists. There are also stunning light installations and immersive art installations to keep you busy between sets.
Photo source: SAGA Festival
This is the largest music festival held in Bucharest, Romania’s vibrant capital city.
Perplexingly underrated, Bucharest offers a wealth of attractions, from architectural gems such as the magnificent Palace of Parliament and the charming Old Town, to art and cultural attractions.
Photo source: Unsplash
Best of all, the city’s trendy cafes, leafy parks and drinking gardens offer places to slow down and soak up the city’s dynamic atmosphere.
Dubrovnik Summer Festival in Croatia
The Dubrovnik Summer Festival, from July 10 to August 25, is one of the finest cultural festivals in Europe – it offers a splendid mix of theatre, classical music, ballet, dance and art, all set in the stunning city of Dubrovnik.
Photo source: Croatia Full Of Life
The setting couldn’t be more picturesque; a trip to Dubrovnik promises to immerse you in a world of medieval splendour, with the city’s ancient walls, beautiful promenades and rich architecture providing the perfect backdrop for the festival’s performances.
Some of the venue highlights include the majestic atrium of the Rector’s Palace, the imposing Fort Lovrijenac, and the tranquil Gradac Park – historic sites that will only enhance the performances.
Photo source: Unsplash
Dubrovnik needs little introduction – it is one of the most popular destinations in Europe. Its charming streets are packed with visitors during the warm summer months, while the tranquil islands off the coast are just a ferry ride away.
There are also some fine golden beaches on either side of the city, while a major highlight is the Velika and Mala Petka Forest Park, which acts as the green lungs of the city providing a cool and shady place to escape the heat of the sun.
Ljubljana Festival in Slovenia
The Ljubljana Festival is a huge summer festival that this year will run from June 20 to September 3.
This prestigious event offers an incredibly diverse range of performances, including symphonic and chamber music, opera, ballet and much more.
The festival kicks off with a spectacular gala concert entitled Summer Night featuring the popular singers Ditka Haberl, Alenka Pinterič and Neca Falk, as well as the RTV Slovenia Symphony Orchestra, Big Band and Youth Choir.
Photo source: Ljubljana Festival
Taking place throughout most of the summer, the Ljubljana Festival is as easy to experience as a city break.
This is one of Europe’s greenest and most liveable capitals, with a pedestrianised city centre and major sustainable initiatives throughout the city.
The emerald-green Ljubljanica river runs through the city centre, with cafes setting up outdoor terraces along its banks, thereby creating a lively street party atmosphere throughout the sunny season.
Photo source: Unsplash
Non-festival attractions include Ljubljana Castle, the National and University Library, and the Triple Bridge, while outside the city, famous sights such as Lake Bled and the Postojna Cave make for memorable day trips.
EXIT Festival in Serbia
EXIT Festival, scheduled this year from July 10–14, is arguably the most famous festival in the Balkans, a mesmerising musical event that showcases an incredibly diverse range of music, from techno and house to ska and rock and everything in between.
As such, it attracts an eclectic crowd, from ravers to punk rockers, and has fostered such a fantastic culture over its lifetime that it has received the ‘Best Major European Festival’ award several times.
With its origins linked to rebellious student movements protesting wars and promoting unity in the Balkans, it’s the perfect event to experience Belgrade.
Photo by EXIT photo team on Flickr
This is a destination that’s outspoken, adventurous and daring. It’s not as pretty as some of the other capitals in the region, but what it lacks in beauty it makes up for in grit and excitement.
The local population is racing towards the future, while the city offers a glimpse of the past, with socialist apartment blocks, Art Nouveau architecture and Ottoman relics juxtaposed.
Whether you’re a seasoned festival-goer or a first-time visitor, EXIT promises an unforgettable blend of music, culture and scenic urban beauty, making it a must-see on your festival calendar.
Photo source: EXIT Festival
Split Summer Festival in Croatia
Like Dubrovnik, Split has its own summer festival – another great opportunity to immerse yourself in some cultural events from mid-July to mid-August each year.
It’s an easy excuse to explore the coastal city’s rich Roman history, with the festival’s performances taking place in the Croatian National Theater, in the historic squares of the city, and elsewhere.
Photo source: Facebook
While Dubrovnik is Croatia’s most popular destination, Split is quieter, more affordable, and offers easy access to the nearby islands.
With its winning combination of dynamic city life and a slower pace, you can spend your days strolling along the waterfront, stopping at charming restaurants to sample Dalmatian specialities, and visiting the beautiful beaches nearby.
Photo source: Unsplash
For music and culture lovers, the Split Summer Festival offers top-notch performances while immersing you in the soul of Croatian culture.
Gabala International Festival in Azerbaijan
Every year, the picturesque city of Gabala in Azerbaijan becomes the bustling stage for the Gabala International Festival. This prestigious gathering brings together acclaimed jazz, world and classical music artists from around the world.
The highlight of the festival is the performance of Azerbaijani musicians dressed in traditional costumes and performing mugham – a cherished form of Azerbaijani music and poetry.
Held during the balmy summer months, this multi-day festival typically graces Gabala’s stages from late July to early August.
The Gabala International Festival is a wonderful opportunity to discover Gabala, a unique city nestled on the slopes of the Greater Caucasus Mountains. Known for its stunning scenery, historical sites and tourist attractions, Gabala is a must-visit destination.
Photo source: Tripadvisor
Don’t miss Baku, too, the vibrant capital of Azerbaijan. Explore the UNESCO-listed Old City with its intricate maze of streets and alleyways.
Discover modern wonders like the Flame Towers skyscrapers, symbols of the city’s progress. Relax with a stroll along tranquil Baku Boulevard, where the Caspian Sea provides a picturesque backdrop.
Photo source: Unsplash
A perfect blend of Eastern and Western influences, Baku captures the essence of the Caucasus region.