October brings a packed cultural calendar to Plovdiv, featuring performances by Papi Hans, Capella, C+C Music Factory, and Magic Affair, alongside premieres at the State Opera and various festivals across the city, as reported.
Station Street Festival ends as touring acts arrive
Station Street Festival 2026 concludes its final evening on Sunday, October 4, at the festival zone on Central Square. The venue opens at 16:00, with music starting at 19:00 with free admission.
The month’s music schedule brings several touring acts to local stages. Papi Hans performs his “Dark Concert” at the Plovdiv Event Center “Antrakt” on October 24 and 25 at 21:30. Disco Music Fest: Back to the ’80s (’90s) takes over Kolodruma Hall on October 10 with Capella and C+C Music Factory, following a Black Box and Magic Affair performance at the same venue on October 9.
The State Opera – Plovdiv opened its symphonic season on October 8 under conductor Dian Chobanov, featuring piano duo Genova and Dimitrov. Additional musical events include Ivan Donchev performing Beethoven on October 6, the Italian duo Reverie at Radio Plovdiv’s First Studio on October 28, and an “All-Bach Concert” at Balabanov House on October 18.
State Opera and Drama Theatre schedule October premieres
State Opera – Plovdiv has scheduled two major stage premieres for October. The ballet production “Son of the Apes,” based on Edgar Rice Burroughs, premieres on October 17, followed by a concert performance of “Turandot” on October 22.
The Drama Theatre hosts “Same Time, Next Year” with Aleksandra Sarchadzhieva and Nencho Ilchev on October 4, and Kamen Donchev presents “Lecture No. 1 on Folk Art” on October 9. The theater’s repertoire also includes Diana Dobreva’s direction of Alessandro Baricco’s “Silk” and “Without Blood,” alongside “Berlin, Berlin,” “The Thessaloniki Conspirators,” and “Oedipus and the Prophets” on October 28.
The State Puppet Theatre runs performances for children and adults, including “Am I a Crocodile?”, “Winnie-the-Pooh,” and “The Canterville Ghost,” alongside baby theatre productions like “Flight” and “Who Am I?”.
Outdoor festivals occupy central city locations
Outdoor events occupy several central city locations during the month. The Crafts Fair operates on the Small Main street under the motto “From the hands of the master – an instrument with a soul,” featuring artisan demonstrations and workshops.
Kapana Fest runs from October 3 to 11 in the space above Gladstone Street near the Post Office. Simultaneously, the Old Town’s Lapidarium hosts the “Gourmet under the Hills” festival from October 9 to 11.
Photography events include the 13th International Photo Salon Plovdiv 2026, which opened on October 3, and the International Photographic Meetings under the theme “Memory and Identity” beginning October 16 across venues including Balabanov House and the Drama Theatre.
The Comedy Festival schedules stand-up events, featuring a Night of Laughter with eight comedians on October 11, Ivan Kirkov’s show “Because I Care” on October 15, and the annual comedy awards on October 18.
Where festivals and opera premieres take place?
Where do the outdoor festivals take place in Plovdiv?
Kapana Fest is located in the space above Gladstone Street near the Post Office from October 3 to 11. The “Gourmet under the Hills” festival runs from October 9 to 11 in the Old Town’s Lapidarium, while the Crafts Fair is held on the Small Main street.
When are the State Opera premieres scheduled?
State Opera – Plovdiv premieres the ballet “Son of the Apes” on October 17. A concert performance of “Turandot” follows on October 22.
Where can visitors view the photography exhibitions?
International Photographic Meetings begin on October 16 with exhibitions displayed at multiple locations, including Balabanov House and the Drama Theatre.
The full October program includes additional literary readings continuing at the Alley of the Book on Central Square and exhibitions at the 2019 Exhibition Hall and the City Art Gallery.
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