Bansko Jazz Fest: August under the open sky

Every August Bansko becomes the jazz capital of the Balkans. The main square — 50 meters from the Hotel Pirin garden — turns into an open-air stage, and entry is free.

How to make the most of it

• Stay close. After the final encore you are back in your room in two minutes, no car and no parking.
• Have dinner first. Dinner at the hotel is included in your rate — you walk to the square without fighting for a table in packed restaurants.
• Pair it with the mountain. The gondola lifts you into the Pirin range in the morning, the pool wakes you up in the afternoon, the jazz sends you off at night.

A tip from your hosts

August evenings in Bansko run cool even in a heatwave — bring a light jacket. And book early: festival week is one of the busiest of the year.