16TH INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF POP AND ROCK MUSIC “SOFIA” 2026
16TH INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF POP AND ROCK MUSIC “SOFIA” 2026
SOFIA - NDK, HALL 1 , "Bulgaria" №1, 1000
SOFIA - NDK, HALL 1 , "Bulgaria" №1, 1000
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SOFIA WILL ONCE AGAIN BECOME THE CAPITAL OF NEW BULGARIAN MUSIC
XVI INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF POP AND ROCK MUSIC “SOFIA” 2026
Dedicated to Sofia Day – 17 September
Sixteen Years in Support of New Bulgarian Music
On 16 September 2026 at 7:00 p.m., Hall 1 of the National Palace of Culture will host the Gala Concert of the XVI International Festival of Pop and Rock Music “Sofia” 2026—one of the most prestigious and well-established musical events in the cultural calendar of the Bulgarian capital.
For sixteen years, the festival has pursued its mission of discovering, encouraging and promoting new Bulgarian songs. Over the years, it has become a respected platform bringing together composers, poets, lyricists, arrangers and performers whose work shapes the contemporary identity of Bulgarian pop and rock music.
Traditionally held on the eve of Sofia Day—the feast day of Faith, Hope, Love and their mother Sophia—the festival will once again transform the capital into a home for new Bulgarian music. It is an integral part of Sofia’s cultural life and attracts audiences, artists, representatives of the music industry and media from across the country every year.
The music forum brings together different generations of artists—legendary performers, established songwriters and young talents who collectively create the future of Bulgarian music. It is precisely this continuity between generations that has made the festival one of the most recognisable music events in Bulgaria.
According to the Festival Director, Peyo Peev:
“Sixteen years after the first edition, our mission remains unchanged—to provide a stage for new Bulgarian songs and to bring together generations of artists and audiences. We believe that this year’s festival will once again be a true celebration of Bulgarian music and a worthy event dedicated to Sofia Day.
Every new song performed on the festival stage contributes to the development of contemporary Bulgarian musical culture and proves that Bulgarian music has both a present and a future. I am delighted that so many colleagues are looking forward to the event and to meeting once again in their beloved Hall 1 of the National Palace of Culture.”
SPECIAL GUESTS
The festive Gala Evening of the XVI International Festival of Pop and Rock Music “Sofia” 2026 will feature some of the most beloved names on the Bulgarian music scene:
Margarita Hranova, Petya Buyuklieva, Neli Rangelova, Rositsa Ganeva, Kristina Dimitrova, Iskren Petsov, Iliya Angelov, Kalki & Martina, Mimi Nikolova, Deyan Nedelchev, Antonia Markova, Stefan Mitrov, Sprint, Medicus, Konkurent, Rock Session, Mayskite Brambari, the duo Mania, Alexandra – ALI, Zvezdi Keremedchiev, Gergana Stoyanova, Miroslav Naydenov, the duo S Kauza, Sirma Stoyanova and Zhestim.
The audience will have the opportunity to enjoy performances by established stars, as well as brand-new original songs that will be presented to the general public for the first time.
In addition to the extensive concert programme, the audience will also witness the final of the “New Bulgarian Song – Sofia” 2026 competition—the most eagerly anticipated part of the festival evening. Fourteen new original works will compete for the awards of the Festival Jury, the Media Jury and the prestigious “Song of the Audience” Award.
MUSIC WITH A CAUSE
For another consecutive year, the XVI International Festival of Pop and Rock Music “Sofia” 2026 brings together the power of music and an important social mission.
The festival supports the national information campaign “Let Us Check Our Biological Clock in Time”, organised by the Women with a Cause Association. The campaign aims to raise awareness of reproductive health and the importance of timely preventive care.
Its purpose is to encourage young people to pay attention to their reproductive health and to make informed decisions in good time. Just a few minutes are enough to undergo a test that could become the first decisive step towards fulfilling the dream of having a child.
The organisers believe that culture and art not only inspire but also carry a social responsibility. For this reason, the festival continues to support causes that have a genuine impact on individuals and society.
“NEW BULGARIAN SONG – SOFIA” 2026 COMPETITION
One of the most exciting parts of the festival evening will be the final of the “New Bulgarian Song – Sofia” 2026 competition.
Following a selection process carried out by an expert jury, fourteen new original Bulgarian songs have reached the final stage of the competition. They will compete for the awards of the Festival Jury, the Media Jury and the most emotional distinction—the “Song of the Audience” Award.
Each finalist will present a new original work created especially for the competition. The songs will receive their premiere performances before the audience, accompanied by the Sofia Festival Orchestra, conducted by Asen Dragnev, and will compete for the recognition of the professional jury, the media and the audience.
The finalist songs are listed in the official competition order.
No. 1 – “SUMMER MIRAGE”
Music, lyrics, arrangement and performance: Miroslav Borisov Naydenov
Vote by SMS to 17 777 with the text: DMS SKAUZA1
No. 2 – “AS IF I’M DREAMING”
Music, lyrics, arrangement and performance: Medicus
Vote by SMS to 17 777 with the text: DMS SKAUZA2
No. 3 – “IMPOSSIBLE”
Music and arrangement: Dimitar Getov
Lyrics: Elitsa Getova
Performed by: Gergana Stoyanova
Vote by SMS to 17 777 with the text: DMS SKAUZA3
No. 4 – “THE BEST IS YET TO COME”
Music, lyrics and arrangement: Krasimir Nikolov
Performed by: Mayskite Brambari
Vote by SMS to 17 777 with the text: DMS SKAUZA4
No. 5 – “JUST TO BE WITH YOU”
Music, lyrics and arrangement: Ivaylo Terziev
Performed by: Antonia Markova
Vote by SMS to 17 777 with the text: DMS SKAUZA5
No. 6 – “BROTHER OF THE WIND”
Music and arrangement: Raffi Jamarcozyan
Lyrics: Zhivko Kolev
Performed by: Zvezdi Keremedchiev
Vote by SMS to 17 777 with the text: DMS SKAUZA6
No. 7 – “I’VE HAD ENOUGH”
Music and lyrics: Nikolay Alexandrov
Arrangement: Svetoslav Loboshki
Performed by: Sirma Stoyanova
Vote by SMS to 17 777 with the text: DMS SKAUZA7
No. 8 – “SOMEWHERE OUT THERE”
Music, lyrics, arrangement and performance: Emil Anchev of Konkurent
Vote by SMS to 17 777 with the text: DMS SKAUZA8
No. 9 – “RAINY JAZZ”
Music, lyrics, arrangement and performance: Alexandra Polezhanova – ALI
Vote by SMS to 17 777 with the text: DMS SKAUZA9
No. 10 – “ONLY YOU STAND BEFORE ME”
Music, lyrics and arrangement:
Maksim Goranov, Antoaneta Vladimirova and Borislav Golemanov
Performed by: Borislav Golemanov
Vote by SMS to 17 777 with the text: DMS SKAUZA10
No. 11 – “HOW CAN I TURN BACK TIME”
Music, lyrics, arrangement and performance: Kalki and Martina Tabakova
Vote by SMS to 17 777 with the text: DMS SKAUZA11
No. 12 – “MORNING GIRLS”
Music and arrangement: Iliya Angelov
Lyrics: Simeon Manolov
Performed by: Iliya Angelov
Vote by SMS to 17 777 with the text: DMS SKAUZA12
No. 13 – “THAT’S HOW I LIVED!”
Music and arrangement: Vasil Stoev
Lyrics: Zhivko Kolev
Performed by: Stefan Mitrov
Vote by SMS to 17 777 with the text: DMS SKAUZA13
No. 14 – “SOMEONE”
Music and lyrics: Ivan Krastev
Arrangement: Petar Pesev
Performed by: Margarita Hranova
Vote by SMS to 17 777 with the text: DMS SKAUZA14
“SONG OF THE AUDIENCE” AWARD
Once again this year, the audience will have the opportunity to choose its favourite from among the fourteen finalist songs.
Voting will take place by SMS to 17 777. Each song has its own individual DMS code, published as part of the competition programme.
The price of one SMS is EUR 1.08, including VAT, for customers of all mobile operators.
The campaign is implemented with the support of the Bulgarian Donors’ Forum.
With every SMS they send, audience members will not only support their favourite song but will also stand behind an important social cause, transforming their vote into a gesture of solidarity.
The organisers would like to express their sincere gratitude to all composers, poets, lyricists, arrangers and performers whose talent, professionalism and inspiration brought the new songs in the festival’s competition programme to life.
Special thanks are extended to all institutions, partners, sponsors, media representatives and friends of the festival for their trust and support over the years. It is thanks to these partnerships that the International Festival of Pop and Rock Music “Sofia” has established itself as one of the most respected platforms for presenting new Bulgarian music.
The organisers express their particular gratitude to the audience, which has been an indispensable part of the festival’s history for sixteen years. Through their presence, trust and support, audience members continue to demonstrate that Bulgarian music has a worthy place in the country’s cultural life.
While the Festival Jury and the Media Jury are processing their scores, the audience will enjoy a special festive recital featuring popular Bulgarian performers, organised by the Association of Independent Artists, Musicians and Singers (SNAMP).
The festival will also feature a special appearance by Zhestim. Through the group’s unique artistic language, the event will be made accessible to people with hearing impairments—further proof that music has no boundaries and belongs to everyone.
ORGANISERS
The XVI International Festival of Pop and Rock Music “Sofia” 2026 is included in the 2026 Cultural Calendar of the Ministry of Culture and the Cultural Calendar of Sofia Municipality.
Organisers:
Sprint Production Association
Association of Independent Artists, Musicians and Singers (SNAMP)
Let us celebrate Sofia Day together with an evening dedicated to new Bulgarian songs, Bulgarian artists and the music that brings us together.
The audience will have the opportunity to witness the premieres of fourteen new Bulgarian songs, meet some of the most beloved performers on the Bulgarian music scene and personally choose the winner of the “Song of the Audience” Award.
For sixteen years, SOFIA SONG has been the place where tradition meets contemporary sound, established names meet emerging talent, and every edition leaves its mark on the history of Bulgarian pop and rock music.
Tickets are available at kupibileti.bg and throughout our partner network.
Organiser: STUDIO SPRINT PROJECT EOOD
kupibileti.bg sells tickets on behalf and for the account of the organiser and bears no responsibility for the organisation and/or delivery of the event.
XVI INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF POP AND ROCK MUSIC “SOFIA” 2026
Dedicated to Sofia Day – 17 September
Sixteen Years in Support of New Bulgarian Music
On 16 September 2026 at 7:00 p.m., Hall 1 of the National Palace of Culture will host the Gala Concert of the XVI International Festival of Pop and Rock Music “Sofia” 2026—one of the most prestigious and well-established musical events in the cultural calendar of the Bulgarian capital.
For sixteen years, the festival has pursued its mission of discovering, encouraging and promoting new Bulgarian songs. Over the years, it has become a respected platform bringing together composers, poets, lyricists, arrangers and performers whose work shapes the contemporary identity of Bulgarian pop and rock music.
Traditionally held on the eve of Sofia Day—the feast day of Faith, Hope, Love and their mother Sophia—the festival will once again transform the capital into a home for new Bulgarian music. It is an integral part of Sofia’s cultural life and attracts audiences, artists, representatives of the music industry and media from across the country every year.
The music forum brings together different generations of artists—legendary performers, established songwriters and young talents who collectively create the future of Bulgarian music. It is precisely this continuity between generations that has made the festival one of the most recognisable music events in Bulgaria.
According to the Festival Director, Peyo Peev:
“Sixteen years after the first edition, our mission remains unchanged—to provide a stage for new Bulgarian songs and to bring together generations of artists and audiences. We believe that this year’s festival will once again be a true celebration of Bulgarian music and a worthy event dedicated to Sofia Day.
Every new song performed on the festival stage contributes to the development of contemporary Bulgarian musical culture and proves that Bulgarian music has both a present and a future. I am delighted that so many colleagues are looking forward to the event and to meeting once again in their beloved Hall 1 of the National Palace of Culture.”
SPECIAL GUESTS
The festive Gala Evening of the XVI International Festival of Pop and Rock Music “Sofia” 2026 will feature some of the most beloved names on the Bulgarian music scene:
Margarita Hranova, Petya Buyuklieva, Neli Rangelova, Rositsa Ganeva, Kristina Dimitrova, Iskren Petsov, Iliya Angelov, Kalki & Martina, Mimi Nikolova, Deyan Nedelchev, Antonia Markova, Stefan Mitrov, Sprint, Medicus, Konkurent, Rock Session, Mayskite Brambari, the duo Mania, Alexandra – ALI, Zvezdi Keremedchiev, Gergana Stoyanova, Miroslav Naydenov, the duo S Kauza, Sirma Stoyanova and Zhestim.
The audience will have the opportunity to enjoy performances by established stars, as well as brand-new original songs that will be presented to the general public for the first time.
In addition to the extensive concert programme, the audience will also witness the final of the “New Bulgarian Song – Sofia” 2026 competition—the most eagerly anticipated part of the festival evening. Fourteen new original works will compete for the awards of the Festival Jury, the Media Jury and the prestigious “Song of the Audience” Award.
MUSIC WITH A CAUSE
For another consecutive year, the XVI International Festival of Pop and Rock Music “Sofia” 2026 brings together the power of music and an important social mission.
The festival supports the national information campaign “Let Us Check Our Biological Clock in Time”, organised by the Women with a Cause Association. The campaign aims to raise awareness of reproductive health and the importance of timely preventive care.
Its purpose is to encourage young people to pay attention to their reproductive health and to make informed decisions in good time. Just a few minutes are enough to undergo a test that could become the first decisive step towards fulfilling the dream of having a child.
The organisers believe that culture and art not only inspire but also carry a social responsibility. For this reason, the festival continues to support causes that have a genuine impact on individuals and society.
“NEW BULGARIAN SONG – SOFIA” 2026 COMPETITION
One of the most exciting parts of the festival evening will be the final of the “New Bulgarian Song – Sofia” 2026 competition.
Following a selection process carried out by an expert jury, fourteen new original Bulgarian songs have reached the final stage of the competition. They will compete for the awards of the Festival Jury, the Media Jury and the most emotional distinction—the “Song of the Audience” Award.
Each finalist will present a new original work created especially for the competition. The songs will receive their premiere performances before the audience, accompanied by the Sofia Festival Orchestra, conducted by Asen Dragnev, and will compete for the recognition of the professional jury, the media and the audience.
The finalist songs are listed in the official competition order.
No. 1 – “SUMMER MIRAGE”
Music, lyrics, arrangement and performance: Miroslav Borisov Naydenov
Vote by SMS to 17 777 with the text: DMS SKAUZA1
No. 2 – “AS IF I’M DREAMING”
Music, lyrics, arrangement and performance: Medicus
Vote by SMS to 17 777 with the text: DMS SKAUZA2
No. 3 – “IMPOSSIBLE”
Music and arrangement: Dimitar Getov
Lyrics: Elitsa Getova
Performed by: Gergana Stoyanova
Vote by SMS to 17 777 with the text: DMS SKAUZA3
No. 4 – “THE BEST IS YET TO COME”
Music, lyrics and arrangement: Krasimir Nikolov
Performed by: Mayskite Brambari
Vote by SMS to 17 777 with the text: DMS SKAUZA4
No. 5 – “JUST TO BE WITH YOU”
Music, lyrics and arrangement: Ivaylo Terziev
Performed by: Antonia Markova
Vote by SMS to 17 777 with the text: DMS SKAUZA5
No. 6 – “BROTHER OF THE WIND”
Music and arrangement: Raffi Jamarcozyan
Lyrics: Zhivko Kolev
Performed by: Zvezdi Keremedchiev
Vote by SMS to 17 777 with the text: DMS SKAUZA6
No. 7 – “I’VE HAD ENOUGH”
Music and lyrics: Nikolay Alexandrov
Arrangement: Svetoslav Loboshki
Performed by: Sirma Stoyanova
Vote by SMS to 17 777 with the text: DMS SKAUZA7
No. 8 – “SOMEWHERE OUT THERE”
Music, lyrics, arrangement and performance: Emil Anchev of Konkurent
Vote by SMS to 17 777 with the text: DMS SKAUZA8
No. 9 – “RAINY JAZZ”
Music, lyrics, arrangement and performance: Alexandra Polezhanova – ALI
Vote by SMS to 17 777 with the text: DMS SKAUZA9
No. 10 – “ONLY YOU STAND BEFORE ME”
Music, lyrics and arrangement:
Maksim Goranov, Antoaneta Vladimirova and Borislav Golemanov
Performed by: Borislav Golemanov
Vote by SMS to 17 777 with the text: DMS SKAUZA10
No. 11 – “HOW CAN I TURN BACK TIME”
Music, lyrics, arrangement and performance: Kalki and Martina Tabakova
Vote by SMS to 17 777 with the text: DMS SKAUZA11
No. 12 – “MORNING GIRLS”
Music and arrangement: Iliya Angelov
Lyrics: Simeon Manolov
Performed by: Iliya Angelov
Vote by SMS to 17 777 with the text: DMS SKAUZA12
No. 13 – “THAT’S HOW I LIVED!”
Music and arrangement: Vasil Stoev
Lyrics: Zhivko Kolev
Performed by: Stefan Mitrov
Vote by SMS to 17 777 with the text: DMS SKAUZA13
No. 14 – “SOMEONE”
Music and lyrics: Ivan Krastev
Arrangement: Petar Pesev
Performed by: Margarita Hranova
Vote by SMS to 17 777 with the text: DMS SKAUZA14
“SONG OF THE AUDIENCE” AWARD
Once again this year, the audience will have the opportunity to choose its favourite from among the fourteen finalist songs.
Voting will take place by SMS to 17 777. Each song has its own individual DMS code, published as part of the competition programme.
The price of one SMS is EUR 1.08, including VAT, for customers of all mobile operators.
The campaign is implemented with the support of the Bulgarian Donors’ Forum.
With every SMS they send, audience members will not only support their favourite song but will also stand behind an important social cause, transforming their vote into a gesture of solidarity.
The organisers would like to express their sincere gratitude to all composers, poets, lyricists, arrangers and performers whose talent, professionalism and inspiration brought the new songs in the festival’s competition programme to life.
Special thanks are extended to all institutions, partners, sponsors, media representatives and friends of the festival for their trust and support over the years. It is thanks to these partnerships that the International Festival of Pop and Rock Music “Sofia” has established itself as one of the most respected platforms for presenting new Bulgarian music.
The organisers express their particular gratitude to the audience, which has been an indispensable part of the festival’s history for sixteen years. Through their presence, trust and support, audience members continue to demonstrate that Bulgarian music has a worthy place in the country’s cultural life.
While the Festival Jury and the Media Jury are processing their scores, the audience will enjoy a special festive recital featuring popular Bulgarian performers, organised by the Association of Independent Artists, Musicians and Singers (SNAMP).
The festival will also feature a special appearance by Zhestim. Through the group’s unique artistic language, the event will be made accessible to people with hearing impairments—further proof that music has no boundaries and belongs to everyone.
ORGANISERS
The XVI International Festival of Pop and Rock Music “Sofia” 2026 is included in the 2026 Cultural Calendar of the Ministry of Culture and the Cultural Calendar of Sofia Municipality.
Organisers:
Sprint Production Association
Association of Independent Artists, Musicians and Singers (SNAMP)
Let us celebrate Sofia Day together with an evening dedicated to new Bulgarian songs, Bulgarian artists and the music that brings us together.
The audience will have the opportunity to witness the premieres of fourteen new Bulgarian songs, meet some of the most beloved performers on the Bulgarian music scene and personally choose the winner of the “Song of the Audience” Award.
For sixteen years, SOFIA SONG has been the place where tradition meets contemporary sound, established names meet emerging talent, and every edition leaves its mark on the history of Bulgarian pop and rock music.
Tickets are available at kupibileti.bg and throughout our partner network.
Organiser: STUDIO SPRINT PROJECT EOOD
kupibileti.bg sells tickets on behalf and for the account of the organiser and bears no responsibility for the organisation and/or delivery of the event.