Romanian summers are filled with vibrant, powerful emotions that are hard to put into words. The truest way to express these feelings is through… music. Romania’s most loved music festivals take place during the summer season when the weather is perfect for partying until morning by the seaside or in natural settings, to the rhythms set by beloved artists. Romania offers a broad and colorful range of such events, and many attract international tourists whose musical preferences align with the lineups at our festivals. Below, you’ll find a list of the best festivals, categorized by music style:
Electronic
UNTOLD
Held in Cluj-Napoca over four days, from July 30 to August 2, UNTOLD is the biggest electronic music festival in Romania and has won numerous awards attesting to its international recognition. In 2019, UNTOLD hosted 372,000 attendees – a testament to the festival’s success.
ELECTRIC CASTLE
Taking place in the fairy-tale setting of the Banffy Estate in Bonțida, Cluj County, Electric Castle runs from July 15-19. It combines various musical genres, offering diversity for attendees with electronic, hip-hop, reggae, rock, trap, and techno.
NEVERSEA
Happening from July 2-5, Neversea is the largest beach festival in Europe. Located in Constanța, on Neversea Beach south of Monden Beach, it features five stages for diverse artistic experiences.
SUNWAVES
Held twice a year – in spring, from April 30 to May 6, and in summer (with the August dates yet to be announced) – Sunwaves takes place in Mamaia, Constanța, featuring over 95 electronic music artists.
BEACH, PLEASE!
Held in Costinești, Romania, Beach, Please! runs from July 10 to July 14. Known as one of the biggest hip-hop and urban music events in Eastern Europe, this beachside festival quickly gained popularity due to its unique seaside location and impressive lineup. Over five days, multiple stages offer a mix of hip-hop, trap, and electronic music. This blend of international and local talent, paired with the unique coastal setting, has made Beach, Please! a landmark event on Romania’s festival scene.
Alternative
SUMMERWELL
Taking place from August 8-10 on the Știrbey Estate in Buftea, Summerwell is a major indie, pop, and alternative music festival. The event will celebrate its 13th edition in a storybook setting amid historic parklands with lakes and lush vegetation. With five stages, the festival will host international bands like Royal Blood, Nothing But Thieves, Keane, and Two Door Cinema Club, as well as emerging Romanian artists on the Sunset Stage. The atmosphere is enhanced by artistic installations, relaxation zones, and after-parties that run into the early hours.
Jazz
Jazz in The Park
Jazz in the Park is an annual contemporary jazz festival in Cluj-Napoca, becoming one of Romania’s most loved events of this type and recognized throughout Europe. In 2024, the festival will take place from August 30 to September 1 in the “Romulus Vuia” Ethnographic Park. Over three days, the festival will feature an eclectic lineup of international and local artists, including names like Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox, Cymande, Avishai Cohen Trio, and Jazzanova.
Alongside its vibrant concerts, the festival stands out for its relaxed atmosphere and numerous art activities and interactive experiences. Jazz in the Park is an inclusive event, open to all ages and pet-friendly. It encourages the community to enjoy music, art, and recreational activities in a natural setting, promoting positive values and sustainability.
Gărâna Jazz Festival
An international jazz festival held over four days, from July 11 to 14, Gărâna Jazz Festival is organized in the village of Gărâna in Caraș-Severin County. Held annually since its first edition in 1997, the festival has grown to become a favorite for jazz lovers.
Classic
EUROPAfest
This 10-day festival allows attendees to immerse themselves in jazz, blues, pop, and classical music. Taking place from May 9 to May 18, EUROPAfest is held in Bucharest.
GEORGE ENESCU
The largest classical music event in Romania, and one of the most important in Europe, the George Enescu International Competition takes place every two years in Bucharest. The competition unites artists from around the world, creating an enchanting atmosphere in honor of the composer after whom the festival is named.
Other
WAHA
This idyllic festival is organized in the heart of nature, in Bățanii Mari, a village in Covasna County. It features electronic, techno, psy, and ambient music, with art, social interaction, and entertainment as key elements of the event. WAHA will take place from July 11 to 15.