Planning a trip to Bucharest but not sure when’s the best time to visit? From April to September, Bucharest becomes a stomping ground for the creative arts, contemporary design, and street art, with specialty coffee and Romanian wine thrown in for good measure. Add to that a generous dose of music and the popular Night of Museums, and you’re all set for some unforgettable experiences. Here’s a rundown of the top events to watch out for.
Spotlight Bucharest International Light Festival
Warm up with the Spotlight Festival in spring. Besides its mesmerizing video projections on Bucharest’s landmarks and captivating light installations on Calea Victoriei (between the Romanian Athenaeum and the United Nations Square), this year’s edition honors Romania’s role in Europe during this period – the Romanian Presidency of the Council of the EU and the opening of the Romania–France Season.
In line with this year’s theme, ‘Europe Lights’, famed French house music DJ Bob Sinclar kicks off with a concert on George Enescu Square, in an event curated by Jean-François Zurawik, director and producer of the acclaimed Fête des Lumières Lyon. Throughout this fifth edition, local and international artists will transform the capital into a veritable digital art exhibition.
Dates: 18–21 April 2019
ReVino Bucharest Wine Fair
Romania ranks 13th in the world for vineyard coverage and fifth in the EU (following Spain, France, Italy, and Portugal), making it an excellent destination for wine lovers. The fourth edition of the ReVino Bucharest Wine Fair showcases the best wines emerging from Romania’s diverse wine regions. Here, small and medium-sized wineries offer a meet-and-greet—or rather, a meet-and-taste opportunity with the public.
Centring on local wine tourism and unique grape varieties, connoisseurs can meet innovative craft producers who are reshaping the winemaking industry with limited high-quality production. Experience the passion and skill of the people behind each vineyard, with over 230 Romanian and international wines from 36 exhibitors. Master classes are available for those wishing to dive deeper into the nuances of Romanian wine.
Dates: 11–13 May 2019
Bucharest Coffee Week
Bucharest is increasingly becoming a hotspot for specialty coffee, and the first Bucharest Coffee Week aims to gather the thriving coffee community for a week-long celebration. Over 30 events held at various locations will provide visitors with unique coffee-related experiences while they explore the city’s many coffee shops.
Events will feature coffee cuppings, pairings with food, innovative brewing methods, and even quirky Latte Art throwdowns for amateurs. Local organizations like Zece La Rece and Bucharest Made By People are also participating. Join in, mingle with Bucharest’s Coffee Champions, and see why the city is becoming a leading destination for coffee enthusiasts.
Dates: 14–19 May 2019
Romanian Design Week
In its seventh edition, Romanian Design Week plays a vital role in promoting Bucharest’s creative communities and their contributions to reinventing the capital. Over ten days, 200 of the best projects in product and graphic design, architecture, fashion, and interior design will be spotlighted in a central exhibition that changes location annually to showcase Bucharest’s unique landmarks.
This year’s guest country is France, celebrating the Romania–France Season, emphasizing the vibrant cultural connections between the two nations. Expect around 60 special events, including creative quarter block parties, neighborhood bazaars, and open studio tours.
Dates: 17–25 May 2019
Street Delivery
The annual Street Delivery festival, now in its 14th year, transforms Painter Arthur Verona Street into a cultural hub for live mural painting, handmade crafts, workshops, and NGOs promoting sustainable living. This festival not only revitalizes the artistic spirit of the area—the epicenter of street art in Bucharest—but also focuses on themes of urbanism and architecture.
With previous topics like ‘Smart Cities’ and this year’s theme, ‘Poetry in the Street’, the event features concerts and theatre performances in the evening, providing free entry throughout this car-free weekend celebration.
Dates: 14–16 June 2019
Summer Well
Proudly proclaiming itself as ‘a festival like a holiday’, Summer Well is the epitome of a great summer festival. Set in the historic Ştirbey Estate in Buftea, approximately 40 minutes from Bucharest, the event promises an invigorating weekend getaway filled with activities for all ages.
Discover the historical grounds featuring the Ştirbey Palace, Water Tower, and the stunning Holy Trinity Chapel. Whether enjoying a family picnic around Buftea Lake or attending the evening performances featuring renowned bands, there’s an experience waiting for everyone.
Dates: 10–11 August 2019
George Enescu Festival
The George Enescu Festival is one of the most anticipated classical music events in the region, dedicated to the renowned Romanian composer George Enescu. Established in 1958, this biennial festival marks the beginning of autumn, filling the streets with music and performances across various venues, including the majestic Romanian Athenaeum.
With ‘The World in Harmony’ as this year’s theme, concertgoers will experience 32 of Enescu’s pieces, performed by international orchestras representing around 50 nationalities. The festival will also feature special guest Marion Cotillard in a theatrical performance at the Romanian Athenaeum.
Dates: 31 August–22 September 2019
Art Safari
Now in its sixth edition, the annual Art Safari is Romania’s largest art event and one of the leading shows in central and eastern Europe. With more than 100,000 visitors expected, the festival showcases Romanian masterpieces alongside international works in both the Central and Museum Pavilions.
Curated by renowned experts, visitors can admire pieces from iconic artists like Nicolae Tonitza and Nicolae Grigorescu, as well as modern-day artists. This event highlights the architectural richness of Bucharest while celebrating its cultural heritage and contemporary artistic expressions.
Dates: September 2019
