Get closer to the Bulgarian music and art scene at Hisarlaka Experience Festival
When
Dates: 11, 12, 13 July 2025 (Fri, Sat, Sun)
The Festival
This year is the 5th edition of Hisarlaka Experience. The festival is organized by Collective Crew in partnership with the Kyustendil Association of Tourism and the support of Kyustendil Municipality.
Tickets
The entrance for the Hisarlaka Music and Art festival is free of charge.
Location
The festival itself traditionally takes place 2 km away from the center of the beautiful town of Kyustendil at a historical area at the Hisarlaka ancient fortress that was built at the end of 4th and in the beginning of the 5th century. With time the archaeological excavations have revealed that the Hisarlaka fortress was built in several stages, showing its long and uninterrupted use from ancient times through the Middle Ages.
Why to go
If you search for alternatives outside Sofia during the upcoming weekend this festival could be for you. On the other side only 103 km away from the Bulgarian capital direction west, the town of Kyustendil is always a good idea for a perfect weekend getaway. Famous for its history background, its mineral waters, picturesque views, cherry gardens and the strong local communities you could easily be mesmerised by the beauty of this part of the country.
The program
Under the summer night skies the headliner of the music program this year the Turkish band Baba Zula will hit the stage and will be followed by Bulgarian bands like the Soul Weapons, Animacionerite and many more.
What else you could expect from the art program of Hisarlaka experience festival during the day – explore the art installations and exhibitions by local and guest artists. Check for gift ideas and summer inspiration at the art bazaar with handcrafted goods and designs. Charge your senses with culinary delights with traditional and modern flavours right at the spot.
How to get there
Getting to Kyustendil – I would suggest two options for getting to the town of Kyustendil.
The first one is getting there by train. You could book your ticket via the online platform of the Bulgarian Railway Network. Just you have to be sure that you will book your online ticket no later than three hours before the departure of the specific scheduled train. Otherwise you could also buy your ticket at some of the Sofia train station ticket desks. If you opt for this option once in Kyustendil there will be a scheduled bus from the center of the town to the Hisarlaka festival area. For the relevant schedule of the festival bus just follow Hisarlaka Experience.
The second option for getting to Kyustendil from Sofia or from any other corner of Bulgaria doesn’t stick to a certain schedule except yours. You could rent a car just before that, choose your car from the fleet and head to your desired destination and travel freely.
Insider tips when in Kyustendil
- While in Kyustendil you should definitely check the Vladimir Dimitrov-Maistora Art Gallery. The permanent exhibition is built out of the memorable and vibrant paintings of the famous Bulgarian artist Vladimir Dimitrov-Maistora himself.
- At the Regional historical museum in Kyustendil, considered as one of the oldest museums in Europe you will find historical artefacts and a rich archaeological exhibition that will take you back to the ancient times.
- Don’t miss also checking the Saturday local market in the very center of Kyustendil where you can choose and taste local and traditional seasonal products.
Keep an eye on the TRIPSTOTAKE. blog section for more updates on upcoming local festivals and cultural events in Bulgaria.
Until then let’s travel, discover, repeat!