Are these signs even legal?

In this week’s Buzz:

• Winner of group cover photo competition wins dinner for two at Su Casa Bistro

• Is Amigo pub due to be demolished?

• Sinsay store opens in Bansko

• Children vandalise new flooring of outdoor gym in town park

• Bansko Rock Fest returns with ten bands over five days

• Bansko Street Dogs’ Summer School Sports Day event on Saturday

• Friday curry nights start at The Hub

• Reminder that dual pricing display only lasts for the next few weeks

New signs spark questions about whether muzzles are required, where dogs are allowed, and what the rules actually say.

This week, a couple of posts on social media complained about new signs for dog owners. One sign states that when walking a dog in the riverside park area, a muzzle is mandatory for all dogs.

There was a discussion over whether this sign is lawful, given that Bulgarian law covers mandatory muzzle wearing only for aggressive dogs. However, local legislation (first published in 2021, updated in 2025) states that the following is prohibited in Bansko: “…walking a dog without a muzzle on the grounds of schools, kindergartens, sports and children’s playgrounds, parks, green areas, and 'other public places within urbanised territories'.” (Article 26(8) here [Cyrillic]). So the sign appears to have legal backing.

After the post spread across social media, it seems the municipality may be changing the wording of the sign (see Martin’s post here).

The other sign, “No Dog Walking,” was photographed in the bouncy castle area on the ski road near the gondola's starting station. This sign doesn’t appear to be an official sign from the municipality or the ski operator, but I feel this is one of those “common sense” moments. There are bouncy castles, children, and loud noises: walking a dog on the other side of the gondola building from where those inflatables are makes sense (whether or not the sign is there).

There might be other signs that pop up in town too, especially with the town park’s multiple projects (children’s areas) underway.

Always good when you can find the answer in the Bansko Notice Board group 😉 

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Inside the Bansko Notice Board Group

✍️ 88 New Posts, 💬 454 Comments, 👍️ 2,517 Reactions

I’m planning a secret proposal when we visit Bansko next week
Ish posted up that he’s visiting Bansko next week with his girlfriend and wanted a beautiful location to propose to her. Some people were a bit confused about why he’d ask this in a public group.

I found a hedgehog. Any advice on what to do?
Igor found a hedgehog he’d given water to, but it was breathing heavily, and he wondered what else he could do, as the local vet in Bansko is closed over the weekend. See what people suggested.

Anyone know what’s going on with Amigos? I saw this notice outside
Sarah posted photos of a notice from the municipality asking the owners of Amigo Pub to contact them regarding elements of the building that were built unlawfully (without permits) and may be subject to demolition.

I just arrived in town and I have 27 questions
Sally has arrived in Bansko for the first time and has quite a few questions about spending her time in town, with one of the main questions being where to eat in the lower part of town without looking too awkward sitting as a table of one.

Group cover photo competition winner
This is the winner of the recent group cover photo competition for the Bansko Notice Board Facebook group. Marshall’s photo will be displayed for a minimum of 4 weeks, and he wins dinner for two at Su Casa Bistro.

Bansko & Beyond

Three-day concert event attracts hundreds
The three-day festival academy concerts, held on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings, attracted hundreds of audience members to watch performances by children who had taken part in the recent music academy. See some photos from the three nights here, here, and here.

Sinsay store opens in Bansko
This store sells clothing for men, women, and children, as well as home items (kitchenware, etc.), and is located next to the ice rink on Pirin Street. Watch a video walk-through of the store (in Bulgarian), here.

Chess club in Dobrinishte invites those interested to come play
Every Tuesday evening in Dobrinishte, the local chess club meets to play chess and improve their game. The event is open to all ages and abilities (starts 7.30pm). Annie shared some photos of Tuesday’s players. Read more.

Municipality posts photos of vehicles “parked” unlawfully
The local municipality posted photos of cars in the old town not parked in designated bays. Interestingly, in summer they warn via social media. While out of season, the clamp vans and on-the-spot fines appear without warning. Read more.

Other news stories
Here are a handful of other news stories you may find interesting:

• Children vandalise town park’s new gym floor

• Over 100 young people in Bansko participate in Nature in Cities project

• Bansko bowed its head to the heroes of the Ilinden-Preobrazhensko Uprising [Translation required]

• Vaccination gaps grow as hundreds contract measles in Bulgaria

• Misleading social media post: €35 ice cream sparks outrage in Sunny Beach

• Two police among those arrested in Bulgarian-Serbian border smuggling

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Events Next Week

Bansko Street Dogs’ Pub Quiz
Tomorrow (Monday 20th), starting at 7.30pm, Sky High Kitchen hosts BSD’s pub quiz night. It’s currently fully booked, but there is a wait list. Always a fun evening, and it’s a new venue for the quiz. Entry is 5€ per person. More info.

Exhibitions at The Tourist Information Center
These run most days from 9am to 12noon and 1pm to 6pm at the Tourist Information Center near the old tree. The Inspiration painting exhibition (by Kostadin Kalaidzhiev) continues on Monday and Tuesday. Then, from Friday (24th) to Tuesday 28th, Veronika Mavrikova showcases her designer felt products exhibition: The Way of The Wave.

International Folklore Festival
On Tuesday (21st) and Wednesday (22nd), a celebration of traditional music, dance, and cultural heritage that brings together performers from Bulgaria and abroad. On both days, the concert should take place in the main square. No event timings have been published. Last year, there were daytime events and a main evening event starting at 7.30pm/8pm. More info.

Main Event: Bansko Rock Fest
A popular event returns for music fans. From Wednesday (22nd) to Sunday (26th), offering five nights of rock music in the main square from 8pm to 11.30pm on all nights. This has expanded from last year’s 3-day event, and they will have ten bands this year. (There should be food & drink stalls, and public toilets [fee payable], in the main square area throughout the event.) More info.

Demonstration of Local Trade & Handcrafts
Outside the Tourist Information Center between 5pm and 7pm are Handicrafts (Friday) and wood carving (Saturday) demonstrations. Live folk music between 6pm and 6.30pm on Saturday only (see the singers perform here).

Local Tradesmen Connect
On Friday (24th) starting at 7pm, Sky High Kitchen is hosting a networking event for electricians, plumbers, cleaners, painters and decorators, property maintenance workers, artisans, and artists. A way to connect with fellow professionals. More info.

Friday Curry Nights
On Friday (24th) and every Friday over the summer, enjoy a chicken tikka curry (or chickpea curry) with basmati rice, onion bhaji, poppadom & mango chutney for 10€. Booking essential. More info.

Todorka Vertical
On Saturday (25th), the annual Todorka Vertical takes place. Different age categories for those who love running and want to take part. Registration from 8am at Banderishka Polyana with the classic competition starting at 9.30am. The children’s race starts at 12noon, and the awards ceremony is around 1pm. More info.

Bansko Street Dogs’ Summer School Sports Day
On Saturday (25th), starting with registration at 3pm, this year’s annual summer sports day organised by Bansko Street Dogs kicks off on the ski road (near to the Kempinski Hotel). Lots of fun and laughter as teams compete in a variety of events, from an obstacle course to a tug-of-war. Spectators are welcome to go along and cheer everyone on; drinks, food, and raffles are usually available on the day. After party at The Hub. IMPORTANT: BSD asks that you not bring a dog to the event. More info.

Disco Under The Stars (Razlog)
On Saturday (25th) at 9pm, join other music lovers for an unforgettable summer evening under the open sky. DJ Dan Solo (said to be one of the best Bulgarian DJs) will be on the decks for a special set, featuring music from the 1990s and 2000s. In Razlog park. Free admission. More info.

Pirin Beats Open Air Music Event
On Sunday (26th) from 4pm to 11pm, join Lora & Rich for an atmospheric party at Kolibata. Expect dreamy organic house, deep dub, groovy tech-house, high-energy afrobeat, and funky drum & bass. 5€ pre-registration here or 10€ on the door.

Regular Weekly Events in Summer

Check with individual organisers/venues as event details may change.

• Mondays: Group fitness; Bear Functional Training at 8am

• Tuesdays: Run Club (5km); 6.30pm at Altspace (Central)

• Tuesdays: Chess club; 7.30pm at Dobrinishte Chess Club

• Wednesdays: no recommended events on this day

• Thursdays: Pool competition; Tipsy 360 at 7pm

• Thursdays: Live music; ZZ Land Play Cafe from 7pm

• Fridays: Beers at Altspace (Summit); 6pm to 8pm (BYOB)

• Fridays: Latin dance party; DiVino from 9.30pm

• Fridays: Karaoke at Tipsy 360; 8pm to 11pm

• Saturdays: BSD’s Saturday Sale; 10am to 2pm

• Saturdays: BBQ Evenings; Kempinski Hotel, 7pm to 10pm

• Sundays: Free walking tour; under the old tree at 11am

Planning Further Ahead?

Here is a list of events/festivals coming up over the next few weeks.

• 31 July to 9 August: Bansko Jazz Festival (main summer event). More info.

• 1 August: Concert by the "Gaitan" ensemble (Razlog). More info.

• 1 & 2 August: Fly Bansko (paragliding event). More info. [Cyrillic]

• 1 to 9 August: Hidden Worlds photography exhibition in the park. More info. [Cyrillic]

• 14 & 15 August: In the Heart of the Balkans (folklore festival)

• 20 to 23 August: Summer Biathlon Cup. More info. [Cyrillic]

• 21 & 22 August: “Feel” Bansko (sensory tour). More info. [Cyrillic]

• 21 & 22 August: Chamber Opera and Big Band Blagoevgrad.

• 27, 28 & 29 August: Bansko Opera Fest. More info.

• 28, 29 & 30 August: National Folklore Festival (Banya). More info.

Organising an event in or around Bansko? Submit it for consideration here.

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Photo of the Week

The moon over Obidim village.

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