OPA!


WELCOME  TO ︎ BALKAN  FEST ︎ 

The Living Village
of Cultural Roots
& Rhythms


MAY 23-27


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 What Is Balkan Fest? 


Balkan Fest is a private, invitation-only community reunion held during Memorial Day Weekend in San Diego. We honor Balkan cultural traditions with live music, dance, workshops, healing arts and food. The event is non-commercial — attendees share costs and volunteer to make it happen.

🎶 Live Balkan Music Performances (day & night)

💃 Dance Classes (traditional Balkan line dances & open jams)

🕺 Late-Night Parties (live bands + DJ sets)

🎻 Instrument Workshops (gaida, tambura, kaval, violin, percussion)

🗣️ Singing Circles & Vocal Workshops

🔥 Campfire Jams & Acoustic Sessions

🎭 Theatrical & Ritual Performances

🧘 Wellness & Movement Workshops (yoga, body awareness, breathwork)

🧵 Folk Arts & Crafts (embroidery, ceramics, jewelry)

🎨 Kids & Family Activities (play zone, art tent, kid-friendly music)

🍽️ Communal Meals & Potlucks

☕ Coffee Ceremony & Morning Rituals

🧼 Volunteer Together (kitchen crew, dish team, clean-up magic)

🏕️ Camping Under the Stars (tent village, glamping options)

🌿 Nature Connection & Chill Zones

📖 Storytelling Circles & Cultural Talks

❤️ Community & Connection Spaces

 FEATURED ARTISTS 


Brandon Wallace ︎ Kaval
Cafe Bosna ︎ All night Balkan beats & Bosnian coffee
David Morales ︎ Violin virtuoso
Denitza Bogomilova ︎ Bulgarian dance
Elija McCullar ︎ Multifaceted Violin
Ex-xon (Dusty, Miles) ︎ Unique Vibe - Makes you Dance!
Kalin Krumov ︎ Balkan Tales and Songs
Marco Ghezzo ︎ Gypsy Violin
Marian Onut ︎ Accordion
Masha Mitkov Balkan Band ︎ Balkan with a modern twist
Milena Segieva ︎ Balkan dance
Mirjana Anastasijevic ︎ Balkan vocals and keyboard
Omar Torrez ︎ Guitar and ensemble
The Electro-Carpathians ︎ Jeff Pekarek and friends
Tony Petroulias ︎ Greek Dancing
Vessie Kazachka ︎ Traditional Embroidery
Viorica ︎ Romanian singing
Yuval Ron ︎ Oud, Healing Sounds

 Registration & Pricing 

  • 🎪 $2000 – Glamping Cabin (2 people, no volunteering)
  • 👨‍👩‍👧💃️ $400 – WEEKEND PASS (sliding scale suggested donation) – Adult Pass (includes 3h volunteer shift)
  • 👨‍👩‍👧 $100 – DAY/NIGHT PASS (sliding scale suggested donation) – Adult Pass (includes 3h volunteer shift)
  • 🧒 $60/$15 – Child 6–11
  • 🧑‍🎤 $200/$50 – Working Musician
︎  SEND US A MESSAGE
with a short Bio of who you are and who invited you, skills and past community involvement. We will contact you back to set up a personal login to get your tickets. Looking forward to welcoming you to the community!

 Volunteer 


Everyone contributes 3 hours (or 2 hours of dishwashing) to keep costs low and community strong. Volunteer areas include kitchen, registration, kids area, cleanup, and more.

“Many hands make magic.”