HEAT FEST 2026 Marks the Final Event of the Be Ready Project in Sofia, Bulgaria

From June 4 to 6, 2026, Sofia will host HEAT FEST – Sofia Climate Festival, the concluding event of the European Be Ready project under the Interreg Danube Region Programme. Taking place at the iconic Banski Square in front of the Regional History Museum, the festival will bring together innovation, community, and climate action in the heart of the city.

As the final milestone of the Be Ready project, HEAT FEST represents the culmination of international collaboration focused on tackling one of the most pressing urban challenges—extreme heat and climate resilience. The festival creates a space where knowledge, solutions, and experiences gathered throughout the project are shared with the public, engaging citizens directly in shaping the future of their city.

Organized by our lead partner Sofia Development Association, Sofia Municipality, and hosted by Oborishte District, the event unites more than 35 partner organizations. Over three days, citizens, scientists, artists, and international experts will come together to exchange ideas, showcase solutions, and inspire action toward more sustainable urban living.

The central theme of this first edition—Sofia’s waters—highlights the critical role of water and green infrastructure in adapting to climate change. Set near the historic Central Mineral Baths, the festival connects Sofia’s natural resources and cultural heritage with forward-looking urban solutions aimed at reducing heat and improving quality of life.

The official opening will take place on June 4 at 11:00 AM with a performance by the Representative Guards Brass Band. The event will be opened by Sofia Mayor Vasil Terziev, alongside representatives of the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works and Gusztáv Csomor from the Interreg Danube Region Programme. A special highlight is the participation of European Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and Circular Economy, Jessika Roswall, who will visit the festival and engage with its featured initiatives.

Visitors will experience a diverse and interactive program designed to make climate topics accessible and engaging. From exhibitions and interactive urban heat solutions, to demonstrations and hands-on activities for children and families, the festival brings climate action into everyday life. Workshops, green markets, seed exchanges, and community initiatives further encourage sustainable practices and active participation.

The festival also features two thematic zones. The “New European Bauhaus” zone explores sustainable design, architecture, and innovative urban solutions, while the “Sofia’s Waters” zone focuses on the role of rivers, fountains, and water systems in building a greener and more resilient city.

In parallel, the Be Ready project will host a high-level expert discussion on June 4, bringing together international specialists to address urban heat islands and climate resilience as part of the Green Transition Forum.

As both a celebration and a culmination of the Be Ready project, HEAT FEST 2026 highlights the importance of collaboration between cities, institutions, and communities in addressing climate challenges. It also sets the stage for continued action, aiming to establish the festival as a lasting platform for dialogue and innovation in Sofia.

All events at Banski Square are free and open to the public, inviting everyone to take part in shaping a more sustainable and climate-resilient future.