Фестивал на сливата (Bulgarian Plum Festival) is a colorful celebration of the plum harvest and its many culinary and cultural uses, held each September in the town of Troyan, Bulgaria. Famous for producing the country’s iconic Troyan plum brandy (rakia), the festival features lively folk performances, craft markets, and hands-on workshops where visitors can see traditional distilling techniques. From plum-based dishes and desserts to vibrant parades and concerts, the event blends local heritage, gastronomy, and community spirit, making it one of Bulgaria’s most cherished autumn festivals.
DATES & TIMES
• Festival dates: 19–22 September 2025. Official dates.
• Closing day (Mon 22 Sep): Festival tombola at 12:00, then closing concert at 13:00 on Vazrazhdane Square. Programme update · Municipal calendar.
• For day-by-day stage times, check the Troyan and Oreshak programme pages as they’re updated. Troyan programme · Oreshak programme.
LOCATION
• Troyan town centre — Vazrazhdane Square (main stage, crafts and food). Festival site.
• Oreshak — National Exhibition of Arts & Crafts (NEAC) lawns and halls (workshops, folk shows, stalls). About NEAC · Municipal calendar note.
TICKETS & ENTRY
• Entry: Free across public areas; tastings and some activities are pay-as-you-go. Festival overview.
• Distillery tours (Vinprom-Troyan “Open Bottle Days”): Guided tours Fri–Sun 09:00–17:00; Mon 09:00–15:00; BGN 5 per adult, under-18s free. Shuttle buses from Troyan centre on Sat/Sun at 09:45, 11:45, 13:45, 15:45; Mon 09:45, 11:45, 13:45. Tour details.
GOOD TO KNOW
• Crowds: Expect peak crowds on weekend evenings in the square and around NEAC Oreshak during daytime shows and workshops. Programme pages.
• Family-friendly: Daytime crafts, workshops, and demos cater to kids as well as adults. Festival info.
• Local flavour: Look for rakia distillation demonstrations, artisan markets, and live folklore concerts tied to the plum harvest tradition. Visit Troyan overview.
Planning a harvest-festival getaway to Troyan? We’ll build your custom itinerary around the celebrations—stays near the square or Oreshak, tastings, and timed activities. Hire Tripologiste.