So Many New Places, So Little Time

Issue #101

In this week’s Buzz:

  • Water disruption for high zone in Bansko tomorrow

  • Summer Cinema Under The Stars schedule (finally) published

  • Razlog Municipality announces obligation to register dogs

  • New cinema set to open in Bansko in July

  • Summer season begins for FC Bansko

  • Love AI? Vibe coding meetup this week

  • Bulgaria set to increase price of vignette (road tax) by 30% in August

Nearly 20 new openings, relaunches and business ventures are giving us more choice than ever.

I’m excited, but I’m also a bit dizzy.

There are so many different businesses or business ventures that have opened recently or are set to open. It literally makes me smile when I think about it, though.

I mean, this is Bansko. “A small mountain ski town with a few festivals in the summer.” 

Well, that’s what it used to be.

Now?

An abundance of choice and lots of small businesses opening across town.

I think it’s awesome.

Well, as long as we don’t get another mehana with a 300-page menu that serves pretty much the same food as all of the others.😆

Let’s have a look at all of the businesses/ventures that have opened in the past six months or so:

  • The Hub (moved to a new venue)

  • Pizza vending machine at Tipsy360

  • Su Casa Bistro

  • The Farmers’ Market & Kitchen

  • A cinema in Bansko (opening mid-July)

  • Pilay Fried Chicken (opening first week of July)

  • Pizza Napoli on Pirin Street (where Pizza Verona was)

  • Sky High Kitchen (looks like people are loving English breakfasts)

  • The Drunken Egg (best eggs in Bansko, and an amazing bathroom!)

  • Alpin Restaurant (at the new camping spot in town, Between The Mountains Camping)

  • The Lounge Bansko (a social hub for nomads & entrepreneurs)

  • Crash Beer Shop (now having Taco nights!)

  • Bistro 7 (great tasting Asian food)

  • StandArt Restaurant

  • Pizza Hub (on Pirin Street near Franco’s, doing things a little differently)

  • Basecamp (under a new operator)

  • Sky Bansko coworking (under a new operator)

  • Bansko Nomad Spot (a coliving/coworking space)

  • A pool hall opposite Tsakaris (opening sometime in July)

I love small businesses and entrepreneurs. Those who get an idea, think the market needs what they offer, and launch it. They have no idea whether their time & money investment will pay off.So, this summer or whenever you’re back in Bansko, head to any of these businesses, speak to the owners/staff, and buy stuff from them. They’re the backbone of the town. They are the reason why you and I are like “Oh wow! A proper Panang Curry in Bansko? I’m in!”

Let’s embrace these smaller businesses together. If you see them posting on the notice board, like the post, or comment if you had a good experience, these help others see the post. And, invite friends/family/potential date to one and enjoy the hospitality.

Su Casa Bistro: Our Home is Your Home

Opened in June 2026: we’re passionate about creating memorable dining experiences with delicious food, a warm atmosphere, and genuine hospitality. From comforting classics to creative seasonal dishes, we can’t wait to welcome you through our doors.

All of our dishes are homemade, from the bread to the bisque to the desserts: packed full of flavour.

Inside the Bansko Notice Board Group

✍️ 99 New Posts, 💬 292 Comments, 👍️ 2,012 Reactions

What Are The Prices of The Hot Springs At The Moment?
Helen wants to visit Villa Victoria, Izgreva, etc., and wants to know their current prices before she decides to visit them.

Anyone Know a Reliable and Professional Plumber in Bansko?
Christine is looking for a reliable, professional plumber in the area to help with some jobs. See who people recommended.

Receiving International Parcels and How It All Works
Julio wants to order some items online and have them delivered to Bansko, but he’s unsure which company delivers and what’s best to do. See what advice people gave him.

Anywhere in Town to Buy British-Style Sausages?
Roy wants to know if there’s anywhere in town that sells traditional British-style porn sausages. There were a few suggestions.

Bansko & Beyond


Summer in the Mountains
Summer has officially started in the mountains above Bansko. The gondola is now running continuously (every day) until September, and all activities are available at Banderishka Polyana. Read more.

Cinema opening in Bansko
Raina posted this week in the notice board group, looking for staff for a new cinema in Bansko. There were lots of questions, including where it’s going to be and when it's going to open. The opening date is around 15th of July, and it will be at the community centre in town. The place will have 25 seats and will offer the usual drinks, popcorn, and snacks. Keep in mind the shared image of the interior seems to be AI-generated. Read more.

Razlog Municipality announces obligation to register dogs
By September 30, if you live in Bulgaria and own a dog, you are obliged to register and microchip your dog with your local municipality under the Veterinary Activity Act. Razlog set out what you need to do. Has Bansko Municipality released information and the process? No. They know about it and have discussed it at meetings, but haven’t decided when they’ll be ready. Will it be two days before the deadline? Who knows. Read more [Translation required].

Ballet classes continue in July
Moveo is continuing its ballet classes for young girls who want to learn how to dance or improve their technique. Class schedule is on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and the time depends on their age. From next week, classes will focus on improving technique and stage presence. Read more.

Summer season begins for FC Bansko
The summer season for the local football team (FC Bansko) has started with different training sessions. The fixtures have also been agreed with several home games in July. Read more. [Translation required.]

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

Plus Property: 14 Years of Experience

If you own an apartment in Bansko and you’re thinking about selling, then we offer a free valuation and listing of your property. Currently, it’s the best time to sell in Bansko.

We help you through the whole process to get the best price for your property, offering a realistic for-sale price, ensuring that all local property and maintenance fees are paid, showing prospective buyers around, and making everything easy. We have lawyers on hand and use one of the best notaries in the area.

If you’re looking for a local property expert who can help get the best price for your property, contact us today.

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Events Next Week

Lindy Hop Free Taster Class
Tomorrow (Monday 29th) at Hanuman Yoga Studio in Cedar Lodge 3 (building behind the one with Alpen in), starting at 7pm, join people interested in dancing for a free taster session on how to Lindy Hop. Anyone is welcome, and the main aim is to have fun. More info.

Vibe Code Meetup
Love talking about AI and vibe coding? Join other interested individuals at 7pm on Tuesday (30th) in the garden at Valentina Heights to learn and discuss turning your ideas into reality with AI. Last year, this event attracted over 45 people. The event is free. More info.

Live Music With The Lizard
Ilyan Lizard returns this week to Ginger Bar & Dinner to perform some live acoustic music. If you like his music, he’ll be playing there from 8pm on Thursday (2nd) and Saturday (4th). More info.

Summer Cinema Under The Stars
On Thursday (2nd), Friday (3rd) and Saturday (4th) of July, the summer film fest is back in town. It starts with a movie called “Under The Skins” at 9.15pm on Thursday in the main square, which looks at the rituals and traditions of the Kukeri. The full schedule of films and their language/subtitles is available. [This was released today.] More info.

Cultural Evenings (Traditions and Art)
These begin on Friday (3rd). The municipality has published zero detailed information; however, they usually follow a similar format every year. Between 5pm and 7pm on Friday a demonstration of arts & crafts, and on Saturday (same time) with the addition of live folk music between 6pm and 6.30pm only.

Eleshnitsa Rock Festival
On Friday (3rd) and Saturday (4th) from 7pm on both nights, join other individuals who love rock music in the village of Eleshnitsa (Razlog Municipality; here) for two nights of epic rock. Performances from Sin Deed, Voice & Fingers, Epizod, Presto, ER Golyam, and Tangra. More info. [Translation required.]

Bansko Street Dogs’ Saturday Sale
Support the local Bansko Street Dogs charity by attending their Saturday Sale. What’s on offer? Clothes, homewares, books, furniture, plants, outdoor gear (bikes, tents, etc.) – all pre-loved and in great condition. On Saturday from 10am to 2pm at their location near Moderator (location).

International Folklore Festival
Zero detailed information has been published by the municipality. This is planned to take place on Saturday (4th) and Sunday (5th). More info.

Scottish/American Rock Party
On Saturday (4th) from 3pm until late, Tipsy360 is hosting a Scottish & American-themed rock party featuring rock bands, highland games, BBQ food, and fireworks. Tickets are 30€ per person and include drinks all day from the bar. More info.

Wine & Strings Night at DiVino
On Saturday (4th) from 8pm, DiVino Wine Bar on Glazne Street is having a wine & strings night: deep groves, live guitar, wine, and a relaxed vibe. Free entry until 9pm. After 9pm the entrance price is 8€. More info.

Future Event: Bansko Bike Fest
On Friday 10th, Saturday 11th, and Sunday 12th, Bansko Bike Fest returns for its second year, slightly earlier than last year (September). Lots of events, including gourmet tours, children’s events in the town park, E-MTB, Enduro, cross country, and a road tour. Pricing varies by event (enquire/book soon; spots fill up fast). More info.

Photo of the Week

A starry night over Todorka.

Photo by Севдалин Миланов

Follow @banskobuzz on Instagram.

Before You Go…

Thank you to everyone who completed the readers’ survey. I appreciate you taking the time to complete the 1-minute survey. All of the answers roughly match what I thought was going right and what needs to change/expand on: these areas were already in the works, so that’s good.

Anyway, I’m off to bang my head against the wall at how late the municipality, organisations, and some businesses in Bansko are at putting out detailed information about their events more than a few days before they happen. Confusing, then, when those same individuals aren’t happy with the number of people who attend the said event 😂 🤦 


Nick Sanders
Publisher, Bansko Buzz