14 Top Music Festivals & Events in Romania for Everyone

Welcome to the lively world of the best festivals of Romania where a mix of live music, culture, history, and good vibes will surprise and offer you an amazing experience and another good reason to visit our country!

In recent years, the Romanian festival scene has developed significantly. Currently, you have the opportunity to discover here some of the best cultural events for music lovers all over the world:

1. impressive electronic and alternative music at Untold festival and Electric Castle
2. the soothing classical melodies of George Enescu International Festival
3. the Transylvanian citadel medieval festival in Sighisoara

– to name a few, but there are many more!

I don’t know about you but I always check for local events, music, arts, or film festivals when I’m traveling to a new place. Attending one is one of the best things I can do to experience local culture, discover new places, and connect with people outside the typical tourist context.

So if you’re planning to visit Romania for your holiday, and wondering what cool festivals are happening during your visit, or maybe you’ve heard about a famous Romanian festival and want to find out more - this article will give you the best place to start.

Most of them take place in June - September which is also the best time to visit our country. So let’s see the 16 coolest Romanian festivals:

1. UNTOLD

• when: 8-11 August 2024
• where: Cluj-Napoca

UNTOLD festival is Romania’s largest electronic music festival taking place over 4 days with an impressive lineup of world-renowned artists, bands and DJs across 4 stages.

This electrifying experience takes place every year in early August in the picturesque city of Cluj-Napoca and attracts large crowds of people. Since its first edition in 2015, UNTOLD festival has become one of the most awaited European music festivals known for its impressive stages resembling the ones found at Tomorrowland.

The 2023 edition took place from the 3rd to the 6th of August and featured headliners such as David Guetta, Martin Garrix, Armin Van Buuren (considered by many Romanians the best DJ), Boris Breschja but also international artists from other music genres like Imagine Dragons, Ava Max, Bebe Rexha or Thievery Corporation. A record of over 300,000 participants from over 100 countries all over the world attended.

In the past years, the festival welcomed artists like Major Lazer, Don Diablo, G-Eazy, Jason Derulo, and Black Eyed Peas. Slowly but surely, UNTOLD has built a solid reputation in the European electronic music industry and the organizers have ambitious plans for the future.

The first artists announced for the 9th edition of the UNTOLD music festival, taking place in August 2024, are Sam Smith and the Swedish House Mafia.

The renowned publication DJ Mag ranked UNTOLD in the 9th position globally in its 2022 poll, overtaking more popular music festivals such as Burning Man, Lollapalooza, or Mysteryland.

Day tickets, full-festival tickets, and VIP packages are available starting at 99 Euro. The sooner you buy them, the better. For more info about the 2024 Untold festival, check their official website.

The festival takes place in Cluj-Napoca’s Central Park and the main stage is in Cluj Arena. Accommodation prices might get spicier as the festival approaches, so make sure you get one early.

While you’re here, you’ll be surprised to know that Cluj is Romania’s 2nd largest city and Transylvania’s unofficial capital. So there are many cool places to visit in Cluj.

2. Electric Castle at Banffy Castle

• when: 17-21 July 2024
• where: Bontida, Cluj-Napoca

Electric Castle (EC in short) is one of the unique music festivals in Romania thanks to its location: on the impressive and lush grounds of the 15th-century Banffy Castle. The ruins now restored are in the village of Bontida, 30-50 minutes away by car or train from Cluj Napoca.

Compared to the UNTOLD festival, Electric Castle has 9 stages hosting a variety of music genres and artists, from electronic music, rock, and reggae to hip hop, indie, drum’n’base, and minimal. It has many areas to chill, three huge food courts with plenty of choices, various activities, and special events, including book launches, to keep everyone busy during the day.

Named best medium-sized festival at the European festival awards several times, this 5-day event is the largest music festival by size and the perfect place to discover local talent and immerse in Romanian youth culture and energy. It attracts a more free-spirited crowd with laid-back vibes during the day and non-stop throughout the night. The vibe comes very close to - what I imagine - happens at the famous Burning Man.

That’s why it’s our favorite annual festival that we go to (almost) every year and wrote an Electric Castle guide that you’ll find very helpful since, as you’ll see, logistics need to be planned in advance.

The festival takes place in mid-July and a full-festival pass starts as low as 90 Euro and goes up as the festival approaches.

In 2023 big names such as Macklemore, Sigur Ros, Iggy Pop, the Chemical Brothers, Nothing but Thieves, Pendulum, Morcheeba and Tash Sultana went up on the main stage, and 130 artists on all the other stages. Previous editions hosted Florence + The Machine, Alt-J, Moderat, Damian Marley, Fatboy Slim, and Prodigy.

Electric Castle is now in its 10th edition, and the lineup is starting to take shape. In 2024, EC will host artists such as Massive Attack, Queens of the Stone Age, Bring Me The Horizon, and Chase & Status.

To check all the available ticket options, the full lineup, and its schedule, visit their official website.

Electric Castle has something unique among Romanian festivals: camping accommodation and pre-pitched tents next to the festival’s location for as little as 19€/night!

3. Summer Well

• when: 9-11 August 2024
• where: Domeniul Stirbey, Bucharest

Summer Well festival is known for offering special shows and experiences by blending technology, art and good music.

The festival takes place near Bucharest, Romania’s capital, on Domeniul Stirbey usually around mid-August. Besides the music concerts, this festival aims to place itself in the spotlight of modern Romanian cultural life with various decorative arts workshops, augmented reality studios, and alternative or futuristic expressions of art.

Big names such as Florence + The Machine, the Chemical Brothers, Tom Odell, Arctic Monkeys, the XX, and Röyksopp have delivered amazing concerts on the main stage, complemented by a list of DJs and bands representing local talent.

The lineup for the 2024 edition of Summer Well has not been revealed yet. We will come back with an update when the first artists are announced.

The total pass ticket is around €116 for all three days. What makes Summer Well one of the best music festivals in Romania is its burlesque location and alternative artists.

And if you’re considering coming to this festival you should also consider some of the many things to do in Bucharest going from the Old Town area to major communist landmarks or Little Paris neighborhoods.

Check our guide for Bucharest airport taxis when you fly in, and then you can take the train to the festival’s location.

Our capital is known for its many places to go out so if you want to keep the party going you’ve got a lots of options.

4. NeverSea, by the Black Sea

• when: 4-7 July 2024
• where: Constanta

NeverSea is the premier summer festival in Romania thanks to its location: on the beach by the Black Sea in Constanta.

This is mostly an electronic music festival and in previous editions hosted artists such as Lost Frequencies, Sean Paul, Steve Aoki, Rita Ora, Dua Lipa or Dimitri Vegas, so you can guess what it's about.

The NeverSea festival usually happens in early July. Day tickets for general access start from €49, while access for the entire festival is €139. Of course, special ticket passes for groups of four, five and six people will receive the most wanted friendship bracelet. Still, VIP passes can be purchased for those who want premium foods and drinks and exclusive hospitality services.

Although Neversea hasn't unveiled its lineup for the 2024 edition, rest assured that we'll promptly update this article once the first artists are confirmed.

5. Harvest Festival

• when: September - October
• where: various cities and villages

OK - now let’s change the tempo! If you're eager to delve into Romanian traditions and experience a more authentic festival than the usual electronic music events with foreign artists, attending a harvest festival is an ideal choice.

These festivals occur annually in numerous villages across Romania, showcasing how people celebrate their bountiful harvests. Since these are very local and typically announced 4-6 weeks in advance, the best way to find out about them is to ask a guide or locals.

At these events, you can immerse yourself in traditional Romanian music, partake in traditional dances, savor authentic dishes, and even purchase seasonal fruits, vegetables, or animals. Since they're very locals, knowing a few Romanian phrases will come in handy.

Obviously, you'll find the best Romanian souvenirs here made by local artisans and producers, so it will be a great way to support locals.

6. Rockstadt Extreme Fest

• when: 30 July - 4 August 2024
• where: Rasnov

Are you into rock music? Then you’ll be happy to find out about Rockstadt Extreme Fest which takes place on the grounds of Râșnov Fortress, close to the popular city of Brasov.

The Metalhead meeting festival usually starts in early August and lasts 5 days. More than 60 bands perform across three stages. Some of the best names of the rock community have participated at this event from Dimmu Borgir, Arch Enemy, Mayhem and While She Sleeps to Trivium, Obituary and Igorrr.

Day tickets are around €72, but the admission fee for the entire festival gets to €160. For rock music lovers with kids, know their tickets cost half the amount of regular passes. You can also camp at the site for €22 for the entire festival.

For this year's edition, Rockstadt Extreme Fest has already announced artists such as Amon Amarth, Pendulum, Dimmu Borgir, Opeth, and Kreator.

7. Artmania

• when: 26-28 July 2024
• where: Sibiu

Artmania is the first art festival in Romania in which art and entertainment blend beautifully. The three-day event explores different music genres, from psychedelic rock, neo-dark folk, and progressive rock.

One of the best-known moments from Artmania is when the band led by Steven Wilson, Porcupine Tree, sang at the 2022 edition.

The Artmania festival takes place around the end of July in the Great Square of Sibiu. This year’s edition line-up includes names like Satyricon, The Flower Kings, Borknagar, Monuments, Taine, Awake The Demons, and Alpha Q.

Artmania is one of the events that won the European Festival Awards for Excellence & Passion thanks to its unique combination of artistic expressions and how it promotes unusual cinematic language forms.

Even if you’re not going to the festival, there are many places to visit in Sibiu that will give you a taste of its bohemian atmosphere for which it is so well known in Romania.

8. Sighisoara Medieval Festival

• when: 26-28 July 2024
• where: Sighisoara

Sighisoara medieval festival is the most popular among the Transylvanian citadels music festivals and is reaching its 29th edition this year. It’s known for showcasing local talents through medieval dances, theatre, workshops, and, most importantly, parades of knights, ladies, warriors, and troubadours.

It includes traditional food, old music, and impressive shows. Sighisoara Citadel is a great location for a medieval festival, as the historic center itself is a medieval citadel that’s been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site list since 1999.

Sighișoara is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Transylvania and is easily accessible by car (or on a guided tour) from Sibiu, Cluj-Napoca or Brasov, or by train.

9. George Enescu International Festival

• when: 31 August - 22 September 2024
• where: Bucharest

The George Enescu music festival has its name from the famous Romanian composer and violinist George Enescu, a very important figure in contemporary European classical music, and is the biggest classical music festival in Romania.

The festival typically lasts one month, starting at the end of August until the end of September. Every day different philharmonic orchestras and classical music troupes will hold a concert in Bucharest.

Throughout the editions, big names from the European classical music scene such as the London Philharmonic Orchestra, the Vienna Philharmonic or the Royal Camerata Orchestra have been featured at the Romanian Atheneum, one of Bucharest’s iconic landmarks and most beautiful buildings in Romania.

There are many types of tickets available ― students can participate by paying only €15, but the prices can go up by as much as €40. Find more information about the festival’s program on the official website.

10. Jazz in the Park

• when: 30 August - 1 Septembre 2024
• where: Cluj-Napoca

Back in Transylvania, Jazz in the Park is one of the biggest festivals where jazz competitions are available to the public. The international competition takes place at the National Ethnographic Park “Romulus Vuia” in Cluj-Napoca.

Some jazz artists that will perform include the Cinematic Orchestra, Mulatu Astatke, and The Heliocentrics, but Romanian jazz artists will also be present.

Tickets for the whole festival are about 76 euros. Besides music in a natural setting, you’ll be surrounded by traditional Romanian village houses and get to know more about Romanian culture. So, attending Jazz in the Park can be a highlight of your culture trips through Romania.

Since jazz music goes well with good food, we also recommend pairing your visit to Cluj-Napoca with a tasty and very informative culinary experience. What better way to get a complete taste of the city? (*wink wink*)

11. SAGA Festival

• when: 5-7 July 2024
• where: Bucharest

Saga Festival is another Bucharest-based music festival with a special venue: the Romaero Airport.

This electronic music festival is younger than the others but has big ambitions. It took place in June and had no less than 150,000 ravers and seven stages.

For this year’s edition, SAGA confirmed artists such as Armin van Buuren, Loreen, Dennis Lloyd, Artbat, James Hype, and Nico Moreno. You can now buy tickets for the next year’s whole event for 60€ or you can wait until later to buy day tickets.

12. Photo Romania Festival in Cluj-Napoca

• when: To be announced
• where: Cluj-Napoca

We also have a festival that covers music, photography, and art. Its name is Photo Romania Festival and takes place - once again - in the city of Cluj-Napoca. Maybe you’ve noticed the many many events that take place here - which is why the city was informally nicknamed the biggest festival city in Europe.

The festival usually takes place in May allowing visitors to get through their first photography museum in Romania and see more than 70 exhibitions of Romanian famous artists, like Catalin Angel, but also foreign ones, like Sakis Dazanis.

The main attraction includes the appearance of foreign photographers, the photo stories conference, and, most importantly, the international meeting of the managers of photography festivals.

With the help of the Cluj-Napoca City Hall, this important festival brings the city into the spotlight of Romanian cultural life with a mix of current trends and international acts. If you have a passion for photography and art, the area around Cluj is perfect for a photo trip!

13. Transilvania International Film Festival (TIFF)

• when: 14 - 23 June 2024
• where: Cluj-Napoca

Held every year in Cluj-Napoca, TIFF is Romania's largest international film festival and a significant cultural event in Eastern Europe. Since its inception in 2002, the festival has become a hub for discovering new cinematic voices, showcasing over 250 film projections including feature fiction, documentaries, and contemporary Romanian movies, including the ones that went on to be critically-acclaimed.

TIFF offers a wide selection of events, from cine-concerts and art exhibitions to interactive sessions with filmmakers. With its diverse program and dedication to film education, TIFF not only entertains its audience but also educates them, making it a must-visit event for film enthusiasts and industry professionals alike.

So if you happen to be in Cluj during TIFF, it's worth checking it out even if only for a premiere in the city's main square.

14. Street Food Festival

• when: To be announced
• where: The main cities in Romania

Indulge your taste buds with a diverse culinary experience at the Street Food Festival, where an array of dishes, ranging from traditional specialties to those infused with international flavors, cater to all preferences. So, finding something to your taste won't be a matter of good luck.

This annual Romanian food festival unfolds in major cities across the country, typically spanning from May to October. Generally, the food trucks set up camp in a specific location for approximately four days, ensuring ample time for attendees to savor the culinary delights on offer.

If you want to find out more details about this tasty festival, we recommend you to access the official website of the Street Food Festival.

15. Dancing Bears Festival

• when: 24-30 December 2024
• where: Comanesti

The Dancing Bears Festival is the ultimate experience for embracing the essence of Romania's unique traditions and fostering a connection with the locals.

Held annually, as the holiday season approaches, from December 24 to 30 in Comanesti, this event sheds light on a millennia-old tradition in eastern Romania. People of all ages, donned in bear costumes, form packs and engage in rhythmic marches and dances, accompanied by the thunderous beats of drums, showcasing rows of open bear jaws and sharp claws, and giant red pompom decorations.

A full-sized bear fur could weigh up to 50 kilograms and the most expensive bear skins can cost around 2,000 euros.

This age-old tradition serves the purpose of warding off evil spirits for the new year, making it a one-of-a-kind event worldwide. Over time, it has attracted visitors from far-flung places like Japan, allowing them to immerse themselves in the enchantment of the winter holidays in an authentic Romanian manner while watching the bear-clad dancers.

After leaving for Western Europe in search of better jobs following the fall of communist rule, some of the dancers return to Romania specifically to participate in this event and preserve the tradition.

The festival is an opportunity for visitors to understand a unique part of Romanian history, showcasing traditions, customs, and cultural elements in a special way. It can easily be your highlight of this year.

Brown bears hold a significant place in Romania's traditions, as the country is home to 60% of Europe's brown bears. These wild animals are often spotted in forests or even on mountain roads. In response to excessive bear hunting, Romanian authorities imposed a ban in 2016.

16. Haferland Week

• when: 8-11 August 2024
• where: Saxon villages

If you're eager to immerse yourself in the vibe of a Transylvanian Saxons festival, look no further than Haferland Week, the largest event dedicated to promoting Saxon culture in Transylvania.

Thanks to this festival, you can step into the daily life of locals, and explore sturdy farmhouses resembling miniature fortresses, featuring austere rooms adorned with solid wood furniture hand-painted in traditional motifs and vibrant colors.

Haferland Week offers a rich array of experiences, including exhibitions, film screenings, traditional brunches, music performances, and crafts workshops, such as wood carvings.

The events unfold in some of the most picturesque Saxon villages, including Archita, Viscri, Homorod, Saschiz, Rupea, Criț, Bunești, Roadeș, Meșendorf, and Cloașterf. You can find more info on the official website dedicated to Haferland Week.

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So if you're still undecided about visiting Romania, why not time your visit with one of these unique music festivals or cultural events?

Romanians like to hang out, make friends, and party. And artistic expression is deeply ingrained in our everyday lives. So one of the best things to do if you really want to get a taste of Romanian culture is to come to one of these events.

You won't regret it :)

And don't hesitate to contact us if you need any help with planning your trip. That's what we're here for!

Your Romanian Friend,

Elena