Ruse, known as "Little Vienna", attracts thousands of visitors every year with its unique cultural, sports, and tourist events that are organized throughout the year. The city has something to offer for you, young and old, whether you love art, music, sports or just looking for fun. Ruse is your place for year-round challenges, entertainment, and surprises. And don't forget that when coming to Ruse, you have the chance to visit even just for a day the capital of Romania - Bucharest, which is only 70 km from "Little Vienna".
Here are ten of the most popular events that you should not miss:
1. March Music Days
- In March, Ruse becomes the music capital of Bulgaria. "March Music Days" is one of the oldest and most renowned festival stages in Bulgaria.
- The Forum is the holder of the prestigious international label "European Festival under the pilot project of the European Commission" and EFA "Europe for Festivals. Festivals for Europe" for 2020 and 2021.
- The festival brings together elite musicians from all over the world, who present both classical and previously unperformed works.
- The festival stage has been shared by eminent artists from all over the world - D. Shostakovich, S. Richter, K. Masur, G. Rozhdestvensky, V. Neumann, Y. Temirkanov, S. Sondeckis, S. Costa, M. Stockhausen, Sir N. Marriner, Y. Bashmet, G. Kremer, M. Maisky, K. Penderecki, D. Sitkovetsky, P. Galois, Jordi Saval, Sharon Kam and many others.
- World-famous conductors and instrumentalists visit Ruse, and several world premieres take place during the festival every year.
2. Ruse Carnival
- Bold imagination, bold creative vision, and traditional elegance. This is the Ruse Carnival, which is one of the most anticipated events in the city and is a celebration for hosts and guests!
- Hundreds parade in bright costumes, several parades pass through the city, and the streets become a scene of entertainment, dance and theater performances, unexpected improvisations, and unconventional solutions.
- Special prizes await you for thematic presentations of families, family groups, circles of friends, neighbors, and entire neighborhoods. The most attractive masks become the king and queen of the carnival!
- Artistic troupes from abroad surprise and amaze with the masquerade culture of their people.
- This colorful and cheerful carnival expresses the spirit of freedom and the joy of life of the people of Ruse.
%image2%
3. International Tourism Exhibition "Weekend Tourism" and Festival of Tourist Entertainment and Animations
- The two events are concurrent and offer a variety of entertainment in May
- If you love traveling and discovering new places, the International Tourism Exhibition "Weekend Tourism" is right for you. This event offers a variety of tours and excursions that will introduce you to the beauty and history of the region.
- Every year, over 250 participants from the country and abroad show their potential and tourist resources to the numerous visitors of "Little Vienna" at this time of year.
- "Weekend Tourism" is an event that combines cultural and tourist entertainment. Guests and residents of Ruse can enjoy a variety of demonstrations, craft presentations, attractions, concerts, and traditional Bulgarian games.
- Tastings of various wines, and local and international cuisine await you,
- The Festival of Tourist Entertainment and Animations is a real feast for the senses. With numerous activities, games, and workshops, it is ideal for families and friends. From culinary demonstrations to sports competitions, there is something for everyone. The festival also includes evening concerts and shows that continue until late.
4. Retro Car Parade
- For over 10 years, the Retro Car Parade has gathered hundreds of vehicles in Ruse that tell the world history of the automotive industry.
- Collectors from the country and Europe park cars and trucks, vans, campers, motorcycles, bicycles, pedal cars, etc. in the Youth Park. Brands and models made on several continents
- All participants and spectators of the parade can visit the Museum of Transport, which is located near the retro exhibition
- The most attractive vehicles receive awards from the mayor, the audience, the Municipal Foundation "Ruse - the City of the Free Spirit" and the Auto-Motoclub "Ruschuk"
- Attendees also have fun with a diverse program that accompanies the parade
%image4%
5. Garash Cake Festival
- This is the sweetest event, that attracts a record number of participants and spectators every year in September. It is dedicated to the iconic dessert for Ruse since this world-famous temptation was created in Ruse.
- Participants in both competitions compete for the most original cake recipe closest to the original recipe of Kosta Garash and the most interesting interpretation of the pastry. The most enjoyable part is at the end when all those present try the cakes on display.
- The festival includes culinary competitions and demonstrations that would inspire you to create your sweet masterpieces. Entertainment, meetings with artists, surprises, and creative workshops await you throughout the day. Anyone who loves sweets will be tempted by a variety of flavors, combined with a pleasant atmosphere and lots of fun.
6. MASKA Festival
- This is one of the largest and most innovative tuning festivals in Bulgaria.
- It offers amazing stunts, done with breathtaking precision. Get ready to hear screeching tires and see performances that raise the adrenaline.
- Obstacle course for drift enthusiasts; "Night Drift" - the only night drift show of its kind in Bulgaria; stunt show with motorcycles and acrobatic performances - these are just some of the attractions.
- High-energy music, electric atmosphere, and dance program during the festival, accompanied by special effects and surprises around every corner.
- The "MASKA" Festival is a fusion of speed, style, and spectacle!
%image6%
7. Ruse Jazz Festival
- The spirit of jazz has never left this city, regardless of the parting with beloved performers. In the birthplace of Petar Petrov-Parcheto, the improvisations of his colleagues will always sound.
- Every year, lovers of this music can hear some of the best jazz musicians from Bulgaria and abroad. The festival's musical director is now Teodosii Spasov, which guarantees quality, professionalism, and true enjoyment of the creative freedom of the performers.
- Music, mood, and exciting moments - this is the Ruse Jazz Festival!
%image7%
8. Green Rock Fest
- For lovers of rock music in all its varieties, Green Rock Fest is the ideal choice in the fall.
- The two-day festival brings together the best rock and alternative bands in the country, and every year offers an exciting experience with young performers and established names such as the group NAZARETH, Johnny Joely, Dougie White, etc.
9. World Dragon Boat Championship
- For the first time in Bulgaria, Ruse is hosting the World Dragon Boat Championship. In 2025, over 2,000 competitors from all over the world are expected to arrive in the city.
- Only on the lake in Lipnik Forest Park will you see such professional, spectacular, and exciting dragon boat competitions. The atmosphere will be charged with adrenaline and sports spirit.
- If you are a fan of water sports, this is a must-see event. For the rest, it will be an exceptional attraction.
- This championship promises to be a combination of traditions and incredible dynamics.
%image9%
10. Christmas Festival
- We are finishing the fun annual program with the Christmas Festival in Ruse. The city is transformed into a winter fairy tale with decorated streets, Christmas markets, and light installations.
- The festival includes daily concerts, exhibitions, theater performances, and special events for children, making it a perfect place for a festive mood and shared moments with the family.
- Part of the winter fairy tale is the ice rink and the Ice Park
- Since the beginning of December, there has been a mailbox in the city center for letters to Santa Claus, and the good old man welcomes obedient children in the square and gives them gifts
- Parents can reward themselves with mulled wine with cinnamon, barbecue, or dancing.
- Ruse now also has the most modern skate park in Bulgaria
- Ruse is the only city where you can visit Bucharest as a guest and become part of the Christmas fairy tale of "Little Paris".
- Music, dance, gifts, and many surprises - Christmas and New Year are a time for family moments and happiness, which you can only experience in Ruse.
Regardless of when you plan to visit Ruse, these events will make your experience unforgettable and unique. The river, the people, and the nature will surprise you and make you want to come back for more emotions. Lots of entertainment, culture, and opportunities for discoveries await you!
