Another One Bites The Dust...

In this week’s Buzz:

• What are the quiet hours by law? I have problems with the neighbours again.

• Craft beer shop no more. Closes down abruptly.

• Second Red Angel joins emergency medical response team.

• Municipality has big plans during Forest Week.

• Charcuterski meetup on the mountain on Saturday.

• Bongo Bingo is now on a Friday at The Hub.

Beer Shop Shark No More
As The Fishes Swim Back to Nessebar

It’s Wednesday evening and it’s getting dark. I’m walking up Pirin Street heading to the Bansko Vibe’s charity night at Contrabar. I walk past Shark Beer Shop and I think to myself, “Oh, I must’ve passed Shark… wait, it’s all dark… I can’t have walked past. Is this another place? Oh, there’s a sign on the door. Oh ffs, it’s one of those ones [a for rent sign]… and… it’s been… completely cleared out!”

So, me being me, I take photo.

Did they get their rent hiked up by around 40% to 50% like most others seen to be doing well in town? Probably. I’ve asked the question, but it hasn’t been confirmed yet.

What was Shark Beer Shop? It was one of the 20+ new businesses highlighted in issue #25 of the Buzz that opened in 2024. They served craft beer, and it was a good little place near Pirin 75. If you’re by the coast over the next few months, they still have their original beer shop in Nessebar here (Bansko was their second location).

What’ll happen to the space? I’m hopeful: maybe a second location for Pivoteka? 😀 Being serious, though, it’ll probably sit empty for a year or two, with the owner wanting far more than the current market will pay. Ahhh… Bansakali landlords… I wish they’d think about business and the best for the town instead of how many multiples they can put the rent up when they see a small business doing well. Oh well.

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Inside the Bansko Notice Board Group

✍️ 113 New Posts, 💬 455 Comments, 👍️ 1,743 Reactions

What Are The Official Quiet Hours in Bansko?
Johnny has been having trouble with his neighbours again and wants to know what the quiet hours are in Bansko (when sound should be kept to a minimum). If you didn’t know, there’s a two-hour window in the afternoon that can be enforced by the local municipality and/or police. See what people had to say.

A New Shop Specialising in Nuts
Simon posted that a new shop has opened in Razlog that specialises in different types of nuts. They also roast the nuts on-site and serve coffee and sweet treats. It’s great when people find hidden gems in the local area.

We Had a Horrible Experience on The Mountain and Had to Share
Georg posted that her partner lost one of his skis, and they missed the last gondola, but she couldn’t walk down to the bottom because she’s disabled. Find out what people said she should’ve done.

Why Did I Get a Ticket if I Parked on a Public Road?
Joel wants some advice about why he’s been given a parking ticket on a public road near St. Ivan Rilski. A few people had some advice for him.

A Great Bansko Vibe Night Raising Money for The Street Dogs Charity
Noah posted photos and videos of the Bansko Vibe’s charity event for Bansko Street Dogs on Wednesday at Contrabar.

Local/Municipality News

Second Red Angel Joins HEMS Team
The red medical emergency helicopters in Bulgaria (HEMS) received their second aircraft from the manufacturer in Italy. This will be based in Sliven and will cover the country’s Eastern part. The first will remain in Sofia and cover Bansko. See the map coverage here. [translation required]. I wonder where the third one (due to arrive soon) will be based. Read more about the HEMS setup here.

Expert From Lonely Planet Visits Bansko Municipality
The Lonely Planet chose to include Bansko in its top 30 cities to visit in 2025. They hired local resident Maria Stoyanova to write the city guide for people wanting to know about Bansko and what it has to offer. Recently, the mayor's office invited Maria to find out more about her and the selection process by Lonely Planet. Read more.

Bansko at The Spring Tourism Exhibition in Berlin
To make Bansko a year-round resort (and attract more tourists in summer), Bansko municipality and tourism officals set up a stand for Bansko at the International travel, vacation & spa expo. The municipality wanted to promote the town’s authentic traditions and modern travel services. Read more.

Big Plans for Bansko During Forest Week
Bansko Municipality has big plans for Forest Week (that’s coming up). They want to plant 100 trees, 100 seedlings (root geraniums), 100 feeders, and 1,100 bushes for a greener future. It’ll all take place this next week and they’re looking for volunteers to help. Read more.

Bansko Ski Club With Talented Youngsters See Future Olympians
Ski Club “El Tepe” has some experienced young skiers who participated in the recent Olympic Hopes Festival in Pamporovo, where young Bulgarians aged between 11 and 16 compete in all winter sports to be chosen by the Bulgarian Olympic Committee. El Tepe did great, taking home one gold and one bronze medal. More info.

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Events Next Week

Bansko Nomad Fest Pre-Event Info & Drinks
The organisers of the Bansko Nomad Fest that comes to town at the end of June each year are having a pre-event gathering at George and Mary Restaurant on Monday (17th) from 6pm. It’s a chance for individuals to share ideas for how to make the event better and for the organisers to answer any questions. More info.

Oil Painting and Wine Evening
Why not sit back, relax with a glass of wine and paint a nice painting? Takes place on Tuesday (18th) at Altspace central location (here). The 30 BGN entry fee gets you all the painting stuff you need and some wine. Message Altspace to book.

Bottomless Wings & Drinks Night
On Tuesday (18th), an epic evening of indulgence awaits you at Smokey Mountain: an unlimited amount of different flavoured chicken wings, and drinks, for 50 BGN. Two sittings of 6.30pm and 8.30pm where you get 90 minutes to eat & drink all you want. Message Smokey Mountain to book (reservation required). This is the second to last wings night this season.

Spa & Coworking Day at Pulse Therme
On Wednesday (19th), coworkers will settle into Pulse Therme in Banya for a day of coworking at the spa. If you’d like to attend, you’ll need to book a ticket and potentially organise your own transport. More info.

Re-scheduled Freeride Tour (Junior)
The re-scheduled Junior Freeride Tour will take place on Friday (21st) and Saturday (22nd). Expect the mountain to be slightly busier than normal and some disruptions. This event was supposed to take place this weekend but was postponed due to unfair weather conditions. More info.

Bongo Bingo at The Hub (day change)
The Hub will now host their popular Bongo Bingo nights on a Friday evening, from 7.30pm. Booking required.

Charcuterski Meetup on The Mountain
Fancy meeting up with some fellow ski and snowboard lovers? On Saturday (22nd), Altspace is organising their regular Charcuterski event where people gather with snacks (it’s a bring your own and share kinda thing) from 1.30pm at the car park just past Bla Bla. Everyone welcome.

Photo of the Week

It might be a little warmer, but the piste bashers are working their magic.

Tag @banskobuzz to get your photo in the Buzz.