Sofia Live Festival has quietly but resolutely carved its place as one of Europe’s most exciting boutique music gatherings. Anchored in the heart of Bulgaria’s capital, this annual celebration of sound transcends the confines of a traditional festival, blending a meticulously curated lineup with the cultural vibrancy of Sofia itself. It’s a rare fusion of global headliners and homegrown gems, where the boundary between artist and audience feels thrillingly porous.
From its first edition in 2021, Sofia Live Festival signaled a shift in the regional music scene. Its debut was a cultural earthquake, with local media crowning it the "Event of 2021," and it has since grown into a vital force, embracing forward-thinking programming and European festival standards. This year, the festival returns with its most ambitious iteration yet, promising a weekend that encapsulates the electric unpredictability of live music.
Set against the lush backdrop of King Boris III's garden and the historic Cycling Track, Sofia Live Festival thrives in its outdoor identity, while intimate performances at Sofia Live Club add a nuanced layer to its multifaceted personality. The lineup reflects the festival’s deft ability to balance genres and moods, uniting indie-rock anthems, genre-blurring electronic explorations, and soulful, contemplative performances.
GET THERE
The festival takes place at Arena Sofia, nestled in the heart of the Borisova Garden—one of Sofia’s most iconic green spaces. Please note: private car access is not permitted, as the venue is located within a pedestrian-only public park.
But don’t worry—there are plenty of convenient and sustainable ways to reach us!
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Metro: Vasil Levski Stadium Metro Station (Line M2)
Stop: Romanian Embassy (code 1489) – Buses 120, 305, 413
Stop: Graf Ignatiev Street (code 1913) – Buses 72, 204, 304, 604
Bike/Scooter Parking: Available near the main entrances
We encourage walking, cycling, or using public transportation to minimize environmental impact. Parking is limited in the area.
A detailed map and info on entrances, merch stands, first aid points, and accessibility services will be available soon.
KIDS ZONE
This year, Sofia Live Fest is once again welcoming our youngest visitors with a dedicated Kids Zone!
We’ve partnered with 0511.bg to host a Graffiti Workshop, where kids can safely explore their creativity and create their own street art masterpieces alongside professional artists.
For children with sensory sensitivities or special needs, we’re proud to offer free noise-canceling headphones, available at the merch stand against a small refundable deposit.
All children under the age of 10 enter for FREE, accompanied by an adult. Because music is for everyone—no matter how young!
STAY WITH US
We’re happy to announce Astoria Grand Hotel as the Official Hotel Partner of Sofia Live Festival 2025.
Located just 10 minutes from the festival site, Astoria Grand is offering special discounted rates for festival attendees between June 25–30, 2025.
Use promo code SOFIALIVEFEST2025 when booking directly through their website: www.astoriagrandhotel.bg
Enjoy premium comfort, breakfast included, and the possibility of shuttle service to the venue (subject to availability). Limited rooms—book early!
But Sofia Live isn’t just about big names—it’s also a platform for Bulgaria’s emerging voices. The festival has consistently championed young Bulgarian artists with global sensibilities, spotlighting their original sounds in front of an engaged and adventurous audience. This is more than a lineup; it’s a statement of intent, a reflection of a music scene that refuses to be hemmed in by geography or convention.
As a member of YOUROPE - The European Festival Association, Sofia Live Festival doesn’t merely embrace diversity; it thrives on it. The programming extends beyond music, with a focus on arts, audience development, and cultural innovation, creating an ecosystem that values connection as much as sound.
Sofia Live Festival 2025 isn’t just a music festival—it’s a cultural heartbeat, an ever-evolving experiment in what a festival can be. Whether you’re a crate-digger, a casual listener, or someone chasing that elusive live-music high, this is where you’ll find it. It’s not just about the summer heat or the artists onstage; it’s about the moments in between, where music and memory collide.
INCLUSIVITY
Sofia Live Festival is for everyone. Regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, physical ability, or cultural background – all are welcome. Our mission is to create a safe, inclusive, and inspiring environment where people can freely be themselves.
We believe music has the power to bring people together, and we are committed to building a festival that reflects the diversity of our society.
SUSTAINABILITY
At Sofia Live Festival, sustainability isn’t a trend—it’s a responsibility.
We are committed to reducing our environmental impact and promoting conscious choices at every level of the festival experience. From the materials we use to the partners we work with, our goal is to host a festival that respects the planet and inspires action
EDUCATIONAL PARTNERSHIP
We believe in nurturing the next generation of music professionals by connecting them with real-world experience and career opportunities. Through our educational partnerships with institutions like Berklee College of Music, NATFIZ, and several high schools across Sofia, we create hands-on learning environments where students can gain practical knowledge in event production, artist management, and music industry dynamics.
Through the Lens: Analog Echoes of Sofia Live Fest
Take a walk down memory lane with photos from our previous editions
