Varna is rightfully known as the "City of Festivals". Since the first "Bulgarian Folk Music Celebrations" were held in 1926, the city has been building a lasting tradition of an active and diverse cultural life, which continues today.
Varna offers one of the richest cultural calendars in Bulgaria - holding nearly 50 festivals of various genres and hundreds of events throughout the year. Music, cinema, dance, theatre and visual arts bring the city's scenes to life - from the Summer Theatre and the Sea Garden to the historic and urban outdoor spaces.
The most emblematic festival in the city is undoubtedly the International Music Festival "Varna Summer", dating back to 1926. Other major festivals in Varna are:
For many years, the International Film Festival Love Is Folly has been the only international film forum in Bulgaria with a competitive programme for feature films. It has now been established as a recognizable brand of Bulgarian culture.
The Golden Rose Festival of Bulgarian Feature Film is the most important annual event for Bulgarian cinema. It is held at the Festival and Congress Center in Varna, presenting the latest national film production. In September 2025, the 43rd edition of the festival took place, awarding the grand prize to Stefan Komandarev's film "Made in EU". The programme also featured notable titles such as "Lyubof" (the opening film) and "Gundi – A Legend of Love".
Founded in 1992, "Varna Summer" International Jazz Festival is held annually in late July and early August and brings together leading jazz artists and bands from Bulgaria and across Europe.
Established in 1992 at the initiative of the Municipality of Varna, the International Folklore Festival presents the richness of the world folklore, featuring over 300 ensembles and more than 20,000 performers from nearly 100 countries.
Pagur Festival brings together young chefs, bartenders, pastry chefs, and waiters in an international celebration of culinary arts and hospitality. During the event young talents will showcase their skills before an international jury, learn from the best through masterclasses, and take their first steps toward a successful professional career. Organisers are the Bulgarian Association for Culinary Culture with the support of Varna Municipality
Other popular festival events include the "Cinelibri" International book and movie festival, the World festival of animated film, the International May Choir Competition, the "Golden Dolphin" International Puppet Festival, etc.
This concentration of cultural events makes Varna not just a summer seaside destination, but a centre of attraction for festival tourism - a place where art, sea and the urban atmosphere meet in a lively, colourful and inspiring rhythm.
