OPEN BUZLUDZHA 2025
15 TO 17 AUGUST 2025
A rich cultural program, a breathtaking 3D mapping show, stunning scenery, and a vibrant community awaits you right in front of the monument—with free entry to celebrate 10 years of the Buzludzha Project.
For the fifth consecutive year, the Buzludzha Project Foundation invites all lovers of unforgettable experiences, beautiful nature, and meaningful causes to a unique three-day event in the heart of the Balkan Mountains.
The festival brings people together in support of preserving and opening the Buzludzha Monument as a space for art, culture, and history. The cause is non-political and does not aim for full restoration, but rather for conservation and adaptive reuse for educational and touristic purposes.
„A STORY TO SHARE“
10 YEARS BUZLUDZHA PROJECT FOUNDATION
This year's edition celebrates the 10th anniversary of the "Buzludzha Project" —a transformative decade during which thousands of volunteers and supporters have united to preserve one of Bulgaria's most iconic architectural landmarks.On-site, visitors will find information about the progress made so far and the next steps:construction of a new roof and windows, as well as the creation of the building’s first exhibition.
Under the motto "A Story to Share",this year's festival invites visitors to share their personal stories, reflections, and visions for Buzludzha while learning about the experiences of people connected to the site. The festival itself is a story of shared experience and a shared cause. It becomes a stage where stories and visions meet—past and future, here and now.
3D MAPPING SHOW
The impressive 3D mapping show at Buzludzha is a one-of-a-kind experience – in the evening, after sunset, the monument's facade comes to life and the visual spectacle transports viewers into a world of fantasy, reinterpreting the building in a new and exciting way.
The show is created by MP-STUDIO – pioneers in the field of light art in Europe. Over its seventeen years of existence, the studio has ranked among the most successful in the field, with over 700 projects in 27 countries worldwide. MP-STUDIO creates original content for the facades and interiors of some of the most iconic buildings in Europe and around the globe: the Brandenburg Gate (Berlin), the Bolshoi Theatre (Moscow), the Berlin TV Tower, the Emir of Kuwait’s operetta, Palazzo Senatorio (Rome), the Brussels Stock Exchange, the Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Cultural Center (Kuwait), Palais Homburg (Vienna), Al Wasl Plaza (Dubai), Maraya (Saudi Arabia), the Noorderkerk Church in Amsterdam, the Mimara Museum in Zagreb, and more. They are also the organizers of the LUNAR Festival of Lights in Sofia.
3D mapping show on Friday and Saturday from 21:00, 22:00, 00:00, 2:00
21:00 & 0:00: Шоу “Shadow Diffusion”
22:00 & 2:00: Шоу “Signal”
Mapping (VJ loops) on Friday and Saturday from 21:00 до 2:00 ч.
SUNSET STAGE
At OPEN BUZLUDZHA 2025 three magical evenings await youin which we will send off the sunset to the sounds of music. While the sun hides behind the peaks of the Balkan Mountains, we will be able to enjoy four skilled DJs at the Sunset Stage.
On August 15th, we will start with Closeup Northwho arrives specially from Budapest and will create his live music in the Ambient Downtempo style. After that, the famous Sofia DJ Algorithm will captivate us with his selection to send off the sun.
On August 16th, our resident Fey – Blagovest Fey Peshev and Mr. X – Hristo Vladimirovwho was the winner of last year's DJ contest, will immerse us in the moment with deeptech/organic B2B.
On August 17th Fey will close the festival with a sunset deep tech set.
Friday
15.08.25
SUNSET SESSIONS
17:00 Closeup North (HU)
19:00 Algorithm
SATURDAY
16.08.25
SUNSET SESSIONS
17:00 Fey & Mr. X (B2B)
SUNDAY
17.08.25
SUNSET SESSIONS
18:00 Fey
MONUMENT STAGE
The Monument stage is located right in front of Buzludzha, set against the backdrop of a 3D mapping show that transforms it into one of the most unconventional, otherworldly, and breathtaking stages you have ever seen. It will transport you to a whole new universe with an exciting blend of styles.
This year for the first time, the Monument stage will host live music bands,combining live concerts with a mapping spectacle. The 3D mapping show meets the power of electric guitars:
On Friday (August 15), the stage will open with "Samuel Manuelyan Project". Vocalist Samuel Loris Manuelyan blends influences from Southern rock, blues, classic, and progressive rock. He is known to the Bulgarian audience as a semifinalist in the latest season of The Voice of Bulgaria. The musical experience will continue with Grupa Scarlet delivering an energetic presence and a fresh sound that combines post-punk, alternative rock, new wave, and electronic elements. The Burgas-based band won first place in the latest edition of the “Youth Contest for a New Song.” After midnight, the good vibes will carry on with DJ duo Zhivica, throwing a 90s-inspired party.
Friday
15.08.25
NIGHT PROGRAM
20:30 Festival Opening
21:10 Samuel Manuelyan Project
22:20 Scarlet
0:00 – 2:00 90’s hits party – DJ Duo Zhivica
SATURDAY
16.08.25
NIGHT PROGRAM
21:10 Mono and the Stereos
22:20 Innerglow
0:00 – 2:00 Funk Rock Jams party – DJ Medo
SUNDAY
17.08.25
MONUMENT STAGE
17:00 Classical Concert by “Ars Nova” Chamber Foundation
DAILY PROGRAM
FESTIVAL GAME "A STORY TO SHARE"
- Each activity reveals an aspect of the cause in an intriguing and interactive way
- If you collect more than 5 experiences, you can win special prizes.
Workshop: «Mosaic»
Workshop: “Roof Structure”
Workshop: “Concrete Forms” with Baumit
Tour: “Park and nature” (1 hour)
Tour: “History and Symbols” (1 hour)
Lectures: "Project Buzludzha" (2 hours)
Quiz: "Unravel Buzludzha" (1 hour)
Screenings: “Unwritten Stories” (1.5 hours)
Video: “A Story to Share”
Survey: "My Buzludzha experience" (15 min.)
AND MORE FESTIVAL EXPERIENCES...
«Kites in the Sky»:
“Discover Bulgaria”
“Virtual walk in Buzludzha”
Exhibition: “10 Years of the Buzludzha Project"
“Stories from the Future” (1 hour)
KIDS PROGRAM
Festival mandala with Bogi fromthe Children's Palace in Ruse"
Mandala Workshop – With the help of wooden sticks, kids will create their own mandala. To give it volume and color, they will use yarn and a huge dose of imagination.
Workshop Zone: Fri, Sat & Sun 11:00 – 13:00
Launching a Spaceship with Bogi from "the Children's Palace in Ruse"
Cosmic Adventure – Kids will craft a paper-and-straw spaceship. The laws of physics will help with the launch.
Workshop Zone: Fri & Sat: 14:00 – 16:00
Buzludzha Clay Art with Bogi from "the Children's Palace in Ruse"
Clay in Hand – Kids will make a clay plaque with a relief of the Buzludzha Monument. Perfect for storytelling.
Workshop Zone: Fri: 16:00 – 18:00
Treasure Hunt: “Little Explorers of Buzludzha” with Miss Tony
An adventure of discovery for little explorers
Workshops zone: Sat.: 5 pm to 7:30 pm
Fun games: “Mission: Safe Internet!” with Pavel
Games that develop understanding of internet safety
Workshops zone: Fri. & Sat. & Sun.: 1 pm to 2 pm
Workshop: "The adventures of Mishi and Mashiwith Maria
We will draw, color, and read about Buzludzha and Bulgaria
Workshops zone: Sat.: 4 pm to 6 pm; Sun.: 2 pm to 4 pm
FREE EDITION
Entry to the festival is free in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the “Buzludzha Project” Foundation.
FESTIVAL MAP
The full program – both daytime and nighttime – will take place in front of the Buzludzha monument, turning the space into a vibrant cultural hub already this summer.
ACCOMMODATION
The region offers accommodation options for every taste – from camping in the meadow to five-star hotels at the foot of the mountain.
- Free camping
- If you prefer to find your tent already pitched and ready with sleeping bags and air mattresses, our friends from Rent-A-Tent.bg are here for you again this year. Spaces are limited, so we recommend booking in advance here.
- Accommodation next to the Buzludzha Monument Hut Stara Buzludzha, Hut Nova Buzludzha (currently not operating – stay tuned for updates), Hotel Edelweiss (+359 888 372 444), Hotel Tonzos (+359 889 518 808).
- Five-star SPA hotel with mineral water King’s Valley Medical & Spa Hotel ***** next to Kazanlak.
Get 20% discount on festival days with promo code buzludzha2025. You can book directly at www.kingsvalleyhotel.bg, via email reservations@kingsvalleyhotel.bg or by phone +359883244544.
- Other accommodation options are available in the towns of Kazanlak, Shipka, Krun, and the surrounding region (approximately 20 km from the festival = a 20-minute driving).
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I get to the festival?
By car. Vehicle access to the festival area is restricted beyond the exit for the Buzludzha ski area and the “Vetrokom” wind park. Parking is free and organized at the large lot by the junction (about a 10-minute walk to the Buzludzha Monument) and along the road leading toward the ski area.
How is camping organized?
This year, the event and camping area are free of charge. You can camp in the meadow near Buzludzha Hut, a 15-minute walk from the monument. The meadow will be mowed and pest-controlled, chemical toilets will be available, there is access to running water, and showers are available at the hut for a fee. Visitors can drive to Buzludzha Hut and the campsite.
Suitable areas where you can park your campers are:
At the turnout on the right before Villa Diana (the ABC turnoff), approximate Google Maps coordinates: 42°43’49.3″N 25°23’53.2″E
On the road to the Buzludzha ski area, approximate Google Maps coordinates: 42°44’20.4″N 25°24’07.0″E
For safe and unobstructed traffic during the festival, please do not stop or park in a way that blocks the road.
Will there be organized transport from Kazanlak to the monument?
This year, the event is free, and no organized transport from Kazanlak to the monument is provided during the festival days. We recommend the Open Buzludzha carpooling group on Facebook, where visitors have successfully organized shared rides in previous years.
What else do I need to know?
During the day, the meadow is pleasantly cool, but nights get chilly. Temperatures can vary between 5°C and 25°C, so we recommend bringing a warm jacket and closed shoes.
Four-legged pets are welcome at the festival
GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE FESTIVAL
- It is strictly forbidden to light fires. It is forbidden to bring in fire-starting equipment and liquids.
The event is being documented through photography and video recording. Footage may be used for promotional purposes by the festival and the foundation.
We have arranged for delicious food and beverages at the festival. Bringing your own food and drinks is prohibited.
To avoid long queues, all payments in the festival area will be made by card only.
- All minors attending the festival must be accompanied by a guardian and have a completed declaration if the accompanying person is not their parent. In such cases, please complete this declaration and show it at the entrance.
CALL TO VOLUNTEER
For more information about the options to join the festival as a volunteer, you can contact us at: festival@buzludzha-project.com
INSTITUTIONAL PARTNERS
Thanks for the support of our institutional partners:
Regional Administration Stara Zagora
Kazanlak Municipality
Shipka-Buzludzha National Park-Museum
MAIN PARTNERS
Thanks for the support of our main partners:
Ministry of Tourism – #DiscoverBulgaria and share its beauty.
MP-STUDIO - the pioneers in the field of light art in Europe.
Kings’ Valley Medical & Spa Hotel - the kingdom of luxury and tranquility in the heart of Bulgaria.
PARTNERS
Thanks for the support of our partners:
The Philip Morris campaign #ChangeThePicture which informs about the problem of cigarette butt pollution.
MyPos and Mastercard – the festival's cashless payments experts.
Peri Bulgaria – a leading scaffolding manufacturer, provides the festival's 3D mapping towers.
X3M Productions - the professionals who provide the festival’s sound.
JCDecaux Image – a leader among outdoor advertising operators on the Bulgarian market.
Balkansko – 132 years of brewing tradition in the Old Capital.
Baumit - a leading European manufacturer of dry building mixes and construction products.
ReBrand – leaders in the production of materials for outdoor advertising and branding
The forum is implemented with financial support from the European Union under the international project “Developing an Inclusive Process for Communicating Contested Heritage,” CERV-2023-CITIZENS-REM program
Funded by the European Union. However, the views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
Realised with the financial support of the National Culture Fund of Bulgaria.
