Andrei Ion Mihai June 23, 2025
Have you ever dreamed of getting lost among Sibiu’s events, of feeling the cultural vibrancy of a city with soul? Sibiu awaits us in 2025 with an impressive agenda of events, from the renowned International Theater Festival to intimate art exhibitions that enrich our soul.
In addition to the big festivals that animate the city, such as the Sibiu International Theatre Festival scheduled for June 23, 2025, or the colorful celebration of the Day of the Daughter on June 24, we will discover together what to do in Sibiu this weekend, from local fairs to unique competitions. The Sibiu 2025 fairs calendar also includes events for all tastes – from European film festivals to charity competitions such as the Duck Race organized by Rotaract Sibiu.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
The charm of Sibiu lies not only in its events, but also in the moments between performances, when the city can be enjoyed on foot, starting from a central retreat like Sennse Boutique Hotel. From here, local communities and international artists come together for festivals of theater, film, folk, symphonic music or jazz, creating together an authentic experience for anyone who dares to discover this corner of Transylvania.
In this guide, I invite you to explore together the most exciting events in Sibiu for July-December 2025, as well as places where you can find the perfect respite between cultural experiences.
Image source: romaniatourism.com
In search of a cultural retreat in the heart of Sibiu, we discovered an oasis of tranquility and refinement hidden among the historic streets. Sennse Boutique Hotel is not just a place to stay, but rather the perfect starting point to truly experience the effervescent spirit of Sibiu’s cultural events.
Strategically located at 23 Rotarilor Street, in the heart of the charming historic center of Sibiu, Sennse Boutique Hotel harmoniously blends contemporary refinement with the authentic atmosphere of the medieval city. What impresses at first sight is its proximity to the city’s main attractions – just a few minutes’ walk from the Main Square, this boutique hotel becomes the perfect witness to the stories told between festival performances.
The view of the city and garden is a visual delight, and the privileged location makes every step towards cultural destinations an experience in itself. In fact, Sennse is about an 8-minute walk from the Council Tower, one of the city’s iconic symbols. Also in the immediate vicinity are:
The hotel’s atmosphere is one of intimacy and warmth. The modern design blends harmoniously with the historic elements of the city, creating a space where every detail has been thought out to provide an authentic experience. The inner courtyard, with its restaurant and terrace, becomes the perfect retreat between events, a place to enjoy a refreshing drink on hot summer days or taste delicious cuisine in a privileged setting.
The story of Sibiu can be fully experienced from the Sennse, as you are surrounded by impressive historic buildings such as the Brukenthal Palace and the Town Hall. So every moment here becomes part of the city’s magic, and the cultural experience continues even when you return to your hotel.
When it comes to attending cultural events in Sibiu, location becomes key. From the Sennse Boutique Hotel, the city’s entire cultural agenda becomes effortlessly accessible. First of all, its proximity to the Grand Square, where most of the major events take place, gives the hotel an undeniable advantage.
Moreover, for lovers of theater, film or music, the hotel’s strategic location offers quick access to any festival venue in the historic center. In practical terms, you are less than 1 km from most of the venues of festivals such as FITS or TIFF Sibiu.
Another aspect that makes Sennse the ideal choice for cultural event participants is the innovative check-in system. Based on alpha-numeric code and QR code, the process becomes simple and fast, saving you valuable time. Check-out can also be done directly from your phone via the Guest App, eliminating the stress of the last day of the festival when every minute counts.
The flexibility of the breakfast program fits in perfectly with the rhythm of the festivals. On weekends, breakfast is served between 7:30am-10:30am, giving you the respite you need after an evening of late shows.
For conference participants or artists in need of meeting space, the hotel has 2 meeting rooms, each seating 8 people, ideal for creative discussions or informal meetings between events.
After a busy day at cultural events, returning to the Sennse is a moment of well-deserved pampering. The spacious and bright rooms offer complete comfort, creating the perfect setting for reflection and rest between performances.
Attention to detail is evident in every aspect of your stay. The bathrooms are equipped with bathrobes, towels and cosmetics (shower gel, shampoo) to ensure a complete experience.
Free high-speed internet is available throughout the property, so you can share your impressions of the shows you’ve seen or check the next day’s program.
A defining element of comfort is the breakfast included in the price of your reservation, served in the restaurant space in the courtyard. Continental or vegetarian options cater to all culinary preferences, energizing you for another day of cultural exploration.
Allergen-free rooms are a plus for festival-goers with sensitivities, ensuring a healthy and comfortable environment. The tea/coffee maker available in all rooms is also the perfect ally for those moments of reflection after an exciting show.
The flat-screen TV and cable channels complete the relaxing experience, allowing you to stay connected even during a cultural city break.
What really sets Sennse apart from other accommodation options is the feeling of ‘home’ it creates. After attending an intense theater performance or a concert in the Piazza Mare, coming back to this intimate space becomes a natural continuation of the cultural experience, not just a break.
The hotel restaurant, with its welcoming terrace, is the ideal place to enjoy a light dinner or a glass of local wine between events. Here, conversations about the performances continue in a relaxed atmosphere, and sharing impressions becomes part of the charm of a cultural city break.
Therefore, Sennse Boutique Hotel is not just a place to rest, but becomes an integral part of your cultural experience in Sibiu. It is the perfect retreat between two performances, the intimate space where artistic impressions settle and where you prepare yourself for the next cultural adventure in Sibiu’s rich calendar of events.
Image source: romaniatourism.com
The journey from your accommodation to a performance is often as memorable as the event itself. The walk from the Sennse to the center of Sibiu is not just a simple commute, but a journey through time and history, a perfect prelude to any upcoming cultural event.
A few steps away from the tranquility of the hotel, the Council Tower rises majestically, carrying in its structure more than eight centuries of Siberian history. Originally built in the 13th century, this tower served as the gateway to the medieval city’s second ring of fortifications. With its seven storeys, the tower dominates the cityscape and connects Sibiu’s two emblematic squares by a spacious gangway.
It is not just a monument; it is a silent witness to the city’s transformations. After partially collapsing in 1585, the tower was completely rebuilt in 1588, as evidenced by the stone plaque with the Latin inscription that can still be admired above the gangway. As you walk under its arches, you can feel the weight of history but also the contemporary vibe of a living city.
Just a few minutes away, the Bridge of Lies awaits you with its special charm. This cast-iron bridge, the first of its kind in Romania, was built in 1859 and officially inaugurated on December 17, 1860. With no supporting pillars, the footbridge connects Small Square with Huet Square, offering one of the most photographed views in Sibiu.
Many fascinating legends have been woven around this bridge. Some say it was the place where lovers swore eternal love, and girls claimed to be virgins – truths that sometimes turned out to be lies after the wedding night. Another folktale says that merchants caught cheating in the markets of the Small Market were thrown off the bridge to the roar of the crowd. Whatever the truth may be, today the bridge is a place of meeting and contemplation, perfect for those moments between performances.
Stepping further away from these two emblems of the city, you’ll happily lose yourself in the narrow streets that connect the Upper Town to the Lower Town. These cob cobbled streets, with their colorful houses and baroque facades, take on a special energy during the festivals that enliven Sibiu.
During the International Theatre Festival, for example, the center of Sibiu is transformed into a huge playground. Every street corner becomes a potential stage, and the passage between the Sennse and the Piazza Mare offers unexpected encounters with artists from all over the world. Almost 2000 artists from 38 countries take part in the festival, filling the city with magic and color.
Also, during medieval festivals, such as Transylvanian Fortresses, the streets of the city center are transformed into an authentic medieval iarmaroc. Characters in period costumes parade through the streets and minstrels’ music echoes through the squares, creating an atmosphere that instantly transports you back in time. These moments transform the simple walk from the hotel to the venue into an unforgettable immersive experience.
The charm of these narrow streets lies not only in their architecture, but also in the life that pulsates through them. During festivals, locals and tourists alike mingle in a dance of cultural joy. Small, intimate cafés open their terraces, street artists exhibit their work and the air is perfumed with traditional Transylvanian dishes.
The transition from the refined tranquility of the Sennse Hotel to the hustle and bustle of the streets is a seamless transition into the cultural experience that awaits you. With each step, anticipation builds, and when you spot the first signs of the event – perhaps a colorful poster or musical chords carried on the wind – you know you’re heading in the right direction.
At the end of this sensory journey you are welcomed by the majestic Great Square, the cultural epicenter of Sibiu and generous host for the city’s most important events.
Surrounded by impressive historic buildings such as the Brukenthal Palace and the Town Hall, the square becomes a natural amphitheater for large-scale artistic events.
While in the Middle Ages people gathered here to witness public executions, today the square is dedicated exclusively to celebrating art and culture. The space comes alive with spring and the Easter Fair, continues with the rhythms of the Jazz Festival in May, and in June becomes the huge stage for the International Theatre Festival.
August brings Artmania concerts for rock fans and the Classics for Pleasure festival for classical music lovers. Tradition is not forgotten, with the international folklore festival ‘Songs of the Mountains’ bringing the region’s rich culture to the fore.
An eloquent example of the energy that permeates the square is the Pentecost weekend, when it transforms into a hub of music and positive energy. Artists such as INNA, Paraziții, Phoenix Transsylvania and the Symphony Orchestra create a genuine festival atmosphere, attracting thousands of attendees.
Autumn arrives with the “Potters’ Fair” and the “Cibinfest”, followed by the ASTRA International Documentary Film Festival. When the air cools down, the Christmas Fair transforms the square into a fairy-tale realm, culminating in a celebration of the turn of the year with tens of thousands of locals and visitors.
By attending an event in the Piazza Mare, you’re not just a spectator; you become part of the vibrant community that brings the space to life. The spontaneous interactions, the conversations with locals or other participants, the cultural exchanges – all enrich the experience and create unforgettable memories.
Thus, the walk from Sennse to the Big Square is not just a physical passage from one point to another; it is an emotional journey that prepares you for the cultural experience to come. Each step brings you closer not only to your physical destination, but also to the state of mind needed to fully enjoy the spectacle that awaits you. At the end of this walk, you arrive in the heart of cultural Sibiu, ready to let yourself be carried away by the magic of the events that have transformed this city into a true cultural capital.
Between the cultural effervescence of Sibiu’s festivals, small respites to indulge the senses become as precious as the performances themselves. Living the city’s vibe to the full, I discovered that Sibiu’s authentic stories are often woven over a hearty meal or a cup of aromatic coffee. Here are the gastronomic retreats that will turn breaks between events into memorable experiences.
Image source: go-mio.ro
Just a few steps away from the bustle of the Grand Market, on 10 Târgului Street, there is a special culinary story – Syndicat Gourmet. Born out of Raul and Bebe’s passion, this intimate restaurant with just 30 seats has quickly become a household name for those looking for authentic gastronomic experiences in between shows.
When you step on the restaurant’s doorstep, you’re greeted by a warm and welcoming atmosphere, in perfect antithesis to its name. Here, the aromatic dishes speak of travel and discovery. Every dish tells a story – whether it’s classic, Asian or a unique combination of the two. The eclectic menu reflects the owners’ passion for the diversity of flavors and the uniqueness of tropical spices brought from the corners of the world.
“Your comfort is our specialty” – that’s the promise that the Syndicat Gourmet team keeps. It’s not just about the food, but a complete experience that tantalizes all your senses in between cultural events. The relaxing space perfectly complements the savory ingredients, creating an ideal retreat for moments of reflection after an impressive show.
What makes this place really special is its approach to Transylvanian cuisine. Through the concept of “The new old Transylvanian cuisine”, talented chefs reinterpret modern recipes found in family notebooks and monographs from the villages around Sibiu. Ingredients such as rosemary, rhubarb, rhubarb, macros and poultry take on new life under the skilled hands of passionate chefs.
Image source: tripadvisor.co.uk
When the energy of a festival starts to wane and the mind yearns for revitalization, Hug the Mug becomes the perfect refuge. Strategically located at 20 Nicolae Balcescu Street, this unique concept café has always been a meeting point for artists, locals and tourists alike.
The Hug the Mug story began on a Wednesday, November 18, 2015, when the founders turned on the espresso machines for the first time, bringing the concept of premium 100% Arabica “To Go” coffee to Sibiu. Since then, the passion for quality coffee has turned this place into a must-visit destination for connoisseurs.
The welcoming atmosphere envelops you as soon as you step inside. The workshop-style design, with authentic local elements and international vibes, creates the perfect backdrop for reflective moments in between performances. While sipping a Colombian espresso with deep notes of chocolate and nuts or perhaps a coffee from Ethiopia with its floral and fruity profile, you can catch snatches of conversations about the last show you saw or upcoming events in the city.
“Your favorite coffee in your favorite place” – this is the motto that guides the whole Hug the Mug experience. And indeed, whether you opt for a short espresso or perhaps a refreshing berry smoothie with a fresh croissant, the enthusiastic and humorous team will make your visit memorable.
All coffees are carefully roasted right in their own laboratory in Sibiu, a process tailored to each individual origin, bringing out the best characteristics of each batch. It is this attention to detail and passion for quality coffee that has made Hug the Mug a recognizable name, with three locations in Sibiu: 24 Dumbrăvii Street, 20 Bălcescu Street, and the most recent, in Shopping City.
Sursă imagine: tripadvisor.co.uk
For those moments when the break between cultural events coincides with mealtimes, AMPM Specialty Coffee & Brunch offers a consummate dining experience in a contemporary setting. Initially opened in 2019 in Sibiu, the café has quickly become a cultural hotspot and a “social nest” for locals and visitors.
What sets AMPM apart from other cafes is its unique design, which distances itself from the usual industrial or Scandinavian-style café landscape. The playful yet tranquil atmosphere invites you to linger, socialize or even participate in personal networking in between events on the cultural agenda. It’s the perfect place to share your impressions of the show you’ve just seen or to plan your next festival day.
It’s the coffee-based preparations that keep customers coming back. By working predominantly with outside roasters, the AMPM team is actively helping to educate consumers’ taste by giving them the chance to try different coffees and roasts. In addition, the superfoods latte area has helped the café differentiate itself in the local market. “Matcha Latte is the most sought-after product, the word around the fair is that we have the best Matcha Latte”the owners confess. Another drink that’s gaining more and more ground with customers is the Butterly Pea Latte, with its vibrant color and delicate taste.
In addition to its coffee offer, AMPM has expanded in Sibiu by adding a brunch menu. It’s the ideal place to enjoy a nutritious breakfast before heading off to a new show, or to savor a light meal after a morning spent exploring the city’s historic streets.
Their varied menu, with options for all tastes, is complemented by concepts such as Ginoteca or wine and coffee tasting events. These culinary experiences add an extra dimension to breaks between cultural events, turning them into moments of indulgence and discovery.
The journey through these three gastronomic refuges perfectly complements the cultural experience of Sibiu. Just as performances nourish the soul and the mind, these places nourish the body and provide the perfect context to process the emotions and impressions accumulated. In between the hustle and bustle of the festivals and the tranquility of the Sennse Hotel, these tasteful breaks become an integral part of your Siberian story, moments as memorable as the performances themselves.
Image source: romaniatourism.com
Sibiu pulsates with cultural energy in the second half of the year, offering a diverse range of events that transform the city into a vibrant destination. Starting from the comfort of the Sennse Hotel, I invite you to discover the most exciting cultural events and festivals that bring to life the historic streets and medieval squares.
In a burst of creativity and excitement, the 32nd edition of the Sibiu International Theatre Festival opens its curtain from June 20 to June 29, 2025, under the deeply meaningful theme “Thank You”. Waking up in the quiet of my Sennse room, I can already feel the artistic buzz enveloping the city.
Although based on a modest budget (only about 20% of its funding comes from public money), the FITS continues to bring world-class performances to the stages of Sibiu. Imagine the pleasure of watching “Origins” by Scapino Ballet Rotterdam or Jo Strømgren Kompani’s “Cello”, then returning to an intimate terrace to savor the fresh impressions.
The cultural dialogue extends beyond the performances, with special lectures like the one given by violinist Alexandru Tomescu, who says: “I have always felt that music should be close to people, no matter where they are”. This philosophy is perfectly reflected in the festival’s atmosphere, where art is coming out of the traditional halls and conquering every corner of the city.
After each thrilling performance, returning to the Sennse offers the perfect interlude for reflection, in a space that seems specially created to prolong the artistic magic of the day.
After sunset, the medieval facades of Sibiu become projection canvases for TIFF Sibiu, the extension of the most important film festival in Romania. The allure of open-air cinema under the starry Transylvanian skies creates a very special experience.
Returning to the hotel after a late screening, the discreetly lit alleyways give me a moment to reflect on the stories I’ve seen. This nocturnal journey becomes part of the cinematic experience itself, an extension of the emotions experienced in front of the screen.
From dialogues with the directors and actors present at the festival to the discovery of European art films, TIFF Sibiu is a window into the world of contemporary cinema, accessible just a few steps away from the comfort of the Sennse Hotel.
The intense rhythms of international rock will resound in the Grand Square on July 25 and 26, 2025, transforming the heart of the city into a sanctuary of alternative music. Artmania Festival, the first event in Romania to unite rock music with visual arts and literature, celebrates 18 years of existence, consolidating its status as the longest-running rock festival in the country.
With Dream Theater coming back to Romania after almost 25 years, in the classic formula with Mike Portnoy on drums, and Extreme bringing for the first time in Sibiu hits like “More Than Words” and “Get the Funk Out”, the festival promises unforgettable moments. The iconic vocals of Sivert Høyem (former Madrugada lead singer) and the hypnotizing atmosphere created by Norwegian artist Sylvaine complete an impressive line-up.
Vestige brings the energy of modern metalcore, while Eihwar recreates the authentic sounds of the Viking age through traditional instruments and folk-metal influences. This sonic diversity turns the center of Sibiu into a magnet for intense music lovers.
Returning to the refined tranquillity of the Sennse Hotel after an evening of concerts offers the perfect contrast – a space to reflect after the intensity of the Grand Square.
On the picturesque shores of Binder Lake, at The Lake Home in the Good Manners Neighborhood, Festival Lake (May 31 – June 1) creates a world of joy for the whole family. Although scheduled in the first part of the year, it is worth mentioning for its special ambience and diversity of activities.
From creative workshops and face painting to magic shows and treasure hunts, the festival caters to all ages and preferences. Adrenaline enthusiasts can enjoy dynamic airsoft shooting and sand volleyball championships, while children discover the fascinating world of ballet.
The evening comes to a perfect end with a live concert, while the Beach Bar and food-trucks pamper your taste buds with tasty dishes and refreshing drinks. With free entry, this festival is the perfect escape from the city’s hectic pace, and a return to the Sennse completes an unforgettable day.
When the first snowflakes make their appearance, Sibiu transforms into the “Christmas Capital” with the fair that has become a national emblem. Held between November 15 and January 5, 2025, under the theme “Christmas Unboxed”, the fair extends the magic of the holidays to several locations in the city.
In the Grand Square, under a canopy of tens of thousands of lights, the warm terraces offer the perfect retreat between exploring the handicraft stalls. The 22-meter panoramic Ferris wheel and the 600-square-meter natural ice rink (with capacity for 300 people at once) are not to be missed.
Santa’s Workshop hosts fun and educational activities for the little ones, such as mosaic and paper-making workshops that bring joy to thousands of children every year. Meanwhile, the Little Square is transformed into Santa’s Land, a children’s realm with a merry-go-round, a toy train and Santa’s virtual sleigh.
Spectacular projections on the facades of buildings in the Small Square add extra sparkle, while 120 exhibitors from 36 Romanian counties, along with artisans from Israel, Hungary and Italy, offer all the winter spirit.
Launched in 2007, Sibiu’s year as European Capital of Culture, the Christmas Fair has evolved steadily, attracting over 300,000 visitors annually. So, after a day of exploring and shopping, returning to the warmth of the Sennse Hotel with a hot chocolate in hand becomes the perfect ritual to end a winter’s day in Sibiu.
Each of these events transforms Sibiu into a living stage of culture, and the strategic location of Hotel Sennse makes the journey an effortless one, full of discovery and authentic emotions. It’s not just the festivals that make the experience memorable, it’s the moments in between, experienced at a leisurely pace, with pauses for pampering and reflection.
Image source: romaniatourism.com
Sibiu reveals its full splendor through the prism of these special cultural events that enliven its streets and squares in the second half of 2025. After having explored together the rhythms of the festivals, the tasteful breaks and the charming walks, I realize that the magic of the city lies not only in the grand moments, but also in the moments between the shows. Those moments when you sip a coffee at Hug the Mug, lose yourself in the medieval alleyways or return to the exquisite silence of your room at the Sennse to process the emotions you’ve experienced.
The full story of cultural Sibiu is woven from the perfect contrast between the hustle and bustle of the festival and the calm. The charm of an espresso sipped at AMPM after an impressive performance at FITS, the joy of an early morning stroll to the Piazza Mare before a TIFF screening or the warmth of a hot chocolate on the way back from the Christmas Fair – all these become memories as precious as the events themselves.
This city with a Transylvanian soul invites us to experience culture at a personal pace, to discover hidden treasures in the narrow streets and to enjoy small pleasures between two artistic events. The Gourmet Syndicate awaits us with its modern interpretations of Transylvanian cuisine, the Bridge of Lies whispers legends between two performances, and the cobbled alleyways take us on an authentic journey through time.
Discover what a complete cultural getaway looks like – with exceptional performances and quiet moments in between, in a boutique hotel that exudes elegance. Hotel Sennse’s strategic location makes it an ideal retreat, an intimate space where you can prolong the artistic magic of the day and reflect on your experiences. Every corner of the city becomes accessible, every moment spent here becomes a precious memory.
The journey through cultural Sibiu thus becomes more than the sum of the performances – it becomes a complete experience, with its unique rhythm, with pauses for body and soul, with moments of contemplation and pure joy. Whether you fall under the spell of the rock tunes at Artmania or the TIFF film screenings, whether you prefer the bustle of the Christmas Fair or the intimacy of a café in the historic center, Sibiu is waiting for you to discover it in your own way, starting from its cultural heart, where comfort and historic charm blend perfectly.
