Bucharest is a city that can be visited at any time of the year, but the overall experience varies significantly depending on the season. In 2026, the Romanian capital offers a consistent calendar of sporting events, cultural festivals, film screenings and major concerts, complemented by recurring urban activities and open-air attractions.

For tourists and expats, these events are useful reference points when planning a trip, especially as many of them involve temporary traffic restrictions, pedestrian areas or seasonal attractions that shape the atmosphere of the city.

Spring: sports events, open streets and the start of the festival season

Spring marks the beginning of Bucharest’s most active period. During March and April, the city gains momentum with major sporting events and the return of outdoor cultural activities.

One of the most important highlights is the Bucharest International Half Marathon, usually held in April. The race attracts thousands of runners from Romania and abroad and takes place on central routes, leading to large pedestrian areas and traffic restrictions over the race weekend. For visitors, it is an opportunity to see the city centre animated by sporting and cultural side events.

Spring also marks the start of the Open Streets – Bucharest programme, which transforms central arteries such as Calea Victoriei into pedestrian zones during weekends. These days include street concerts, exhibitions, dance performances, workshops and family-friendly activities, making them particularly attractive for tourists.

Summer: concerts, festivals and open-air events

Summer is the busiest season for events in Bucharest. The city hosts large-scale concerts, music festivals and numerous open-air cultural activities.

Each year, Bucharest is included in the touring schedules of well-known international artists, especially in classical music, pop and rock. In recent years, performers such as Andre Rieu and Goran Bregović have returned regularly to the capital, appearing at venues like Sala Palatului or outdoor stages in Piața Constituției and Arenele Romane. While the full list of artists for 2026 is announced progressively, Bucharest remains a frequent stop on major European tours.

The summer months also feature jazz festivals, open-air classical concerts and popular street-food festivals held in parks or wide boulevards, offering an accessible and relaxed atmosphere for visitors.

Autumn: film festivals, urban culture and running events

Autumn is traditionally dedicated to culture and cinema in Bucharest. The city hosts several film festivals, including events focused on animation, European cinema and independent productions. These festivals feature screenings in cinemas and alternative venues, as well as meetings with directors and actors and public discussions.

At the same time, autumn is a favourable season for urban running events, with races organised in major parks or on central routes. These competitions attract both amateur athletes and spectators interested in the city’s active lifestyle.

Winter: Christmas markets and the New Year’s Eve concert

The end of the year brings a festive atmosphere to Bucharest. From late November through December, Christmas markets are set up in central areas, featuring decorative lights, live music, traditional food, crafts and activities for families.

A key moment of the winter season is the New Year’s Eve concert in Piața Constituției, traditionally organised to welcome the new year. The event draws tens of thousands of people and features Romanian artists alongside special guests, making it one of the largest public celebrations in the city.

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Permanent attractions that complement the events calendar

Beyond scheduled events, Bucharest also offers permanent attractions that become major highlights during certain periods of the year. The fountains in Piața Unirii are well known for their choreographed water, light and music shows, which are especially popular during the warmer months. These evening shows are a frequent stop for visitors and fit easily into a city sightseeing itinerary.

By combining annual events with permanent urban attractions, Bucharest presents itself as a dynamic city where each season offers a different experience for tourists and expats alike.