Table of Contents
Wine Festivals
National Wine Day — Moldova’s Wine Day (October)
The country’s most popular event. Every year on the first Saturday and Sunday of October, all of Moldova’s leading wineries gather in Chisinau’s main square—Piața Marii Adunări Naționale. Admission is free. The event features tastings, workshops, folk music, performances, food, and craft markets. There are hundreds of varieties of Moldovan wine—and not a single one will disappoint. It’s a celebration where the atmosphere alone is reason enough to visit.
Signature Wine Festival (September)
A more intimate and “premium” event—focused on signature and craft Moldovan wines. It takes place in September in the city center or at wineries. A must-attend for wine lovers who want to explore the unique characteristics of Moldovan terroir.
Music Festivals
Mărțișor — International Music Festival (March 1–12)
Moldova’s oldest and most prestigious music festival—held since 1967. More than 40 concerts over 12 days in Chisinau’s finest venues: the Philharmonic, the Organ Hall, the Opera and Ballet Theater, and the National Palace. Ensembles and performers from around the world are invited. Mărțișor features classical music, jazz, and folk ensembles. Tickets start at 100 MDL.
Jazz Without Borders and Jazz Chisinau
Jazz events in Chisinau take place regularly throughout the year, especially in the summer at open-air venues in parks and restaurants. Check afisha.md and fest.md for the latest schedule.
Opera and Classical Music
“Maria Bieșu Invites” International Opera and Ballet Festival (September)
An annual festival that has been held since 1990. World-class stars from various countries take the stage at the National Opera and Ballet Theater. The repertoire consists of classical opera and ballet. Tickets sell out quickly—be sure to book 2–3 months in advance when planning a trip in September.
Folk and Traditional Holidays
Mărțișor (March 1)
Not to be confused with the music festival—Mărțișor is a tradition: On March 1, Moldovans (and Romanians) give each other mărțișoare—symbolic red-and-white amulets that mark the arrival of spring. On this day, the city is decorated, mărțișoare are sold everywhere, and there’s a festive spring atmosphere. Buy one for yourself and your loved ones—it’s one of the best Moldovan souvenirs.
Winter Holidays (December–January)
For Christmas and New Year’s, the center of Chișinău hosts a fair, the country’s main Christmas tree on Piața Marii Adunări Naționale, and street festivities. Moldova combines Orthodox (January 7) and Catholic (December 25) traditions—celebrating both.
Easter (April–May)
Orthodox Easter is celebrated widely—with all-night vigils, traditional Easter bread (kulich), and the blessing of baskets. Tourists will find it interesting to attend an all-night vigil at the city’s major cathedrals.
City Festivals
Chisinau City Day (October)
Chisinau celebrates its birthday in early October. Concerts in central squares, fairs, scavenger hunts, and free cultural events. Combined with Wine Day, the first week of October may be the liveliest of the year.
Moldova’s Independence Day (August 27)
A national holiday featuring a parade, festive concerts, and fireworks in the evening. A great opportunity to experience Moldovan patriotism firsthand.
Film and Art
Chisinau hosts the annual Cinema Art Film Festival and the Lumière International Film Festival (usually in October–November). The city’s galleries host regular exhibitions featuring local artists and touring exhibitions. For the current schedule, visit fest.md and afisha.md.
Practical Information: Tickets and Sources
Tickets for most events are available at iticket.md and mticket.md. Free events (Wine Day, City Day) do not require tickets. Full calendar of events: visit.chisinau.md —the official tourism website, updated monthly.
FAQ
When is the best time to visit Chisinau for festivals?
October—a combination of Wine Day and City Day. March—Mărțișor. September—opera, Signature Wine Festival.
How much do tickets for festival events cost?
Most street and park events are free. Tickets for indoor venues range from 100–200 MDL (5–10 EUR).
Is Wine Day a paid event?
Admission to the square is free. Wine tastings at the booths cost money, but they’re inexpensive: 30–50 MDL per glass.
Where can I find the current schedule of events?
fest.md, afisha.md, and visit.chisinau.md—these three websites cover all major events.