Bansko’s Summer Glow-Up Continues

In this week’s Buzz:

• One bar in the town’s park is open, the other is opening soon (for summer)

• Creative Bansko presents at exhibition in Sofia

• Foreign woman arrested in possession of marijuana

• FIFA World Cup fixtures information (and places to watch)

• Second pre-Nomad Fest meetup at Sweet House Honey

• Bansko Buzz readers survey and feedback

• The French Guy Bakery is closing its location for good this coming Saturday

Municipality updates progress on parks, paths, roads, lighting and public spaces

As the town prepares to welcome tens of thousands of tourists this summer, the local municipality has proudly published updates on progress in its infrastructure programme to improve Bansko.

You’ve probably seen photos of the new outdoor gym across the river from Baba Vuna/DiVino Wine Bar, as part of the project on that side of the river: a landscaped park area with sports courts, bringing together people who love fitness and those who want to walk around the area. If you’re in town and the weather is nice, take a walk over there: they’ve planted some trees and shrubs, and the area looks pretty nice (just don’t go late at night because the street lights in the area aren’t fully finished and you might fall over like I nearly did the other night 😂).

There is also progress being made on other projects:

• Continuing to construct the path in the main town park

• Replacing the railings on the bridge over the river near Billa

• Repairing pavements and streets

• Planting trees on previously modernised streets (all across town)

• Refreshing road markings (white lines on roads & crossings, etc)

• Improving the energy efficiency in some public buildings

• They’ve started construction of the bike path from Bansko to Razlog (Pirin Golf area)

• They’re finishing off the path and cycle lane that loops the town

• Improvements to the lighting on different streets

It’s all making Bansko look so much better. That and most of the half-constructed eyesore buildings are now looking a bit more respectable in recent weeks. 💪

You can read more about the improvements and see some photos here.

Summer Coworking at Altspace

Continue the great vibes and connections after Bansko Nomad Fest (and the Fringe Fest!) by joining a coworking community that offers the right work-life balance. Reserve your spot now, before they all fill up.

We’re not just a coworking space, we’re the best coworking community in Bansko: your crew, your consistency, and your mountain town plug-in.

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Inside the Bansko Notice Board Group

✍️ 90 New Posts, 💬 306 Comments, 👍️ 2,099 Reactions

I Want to Hike Vihren Peak. What Are The Conditions Like?
Sam was thinking about going for a hike up the mountains, but as there’s still quite a bit of snow on them, he wondered what the conditions are like up there.

Looking for Low Chlorine or Chlorine-free Pools
Yetti is on the hunt for a pool with low chlorine content or a chlorine-free pool you can swim in. See where people suggested she go/do.

They’ve Just Installed an Outdoor Gym In The New Park Area
John posted some photos of the new outdoor gym that has been installed in the area over the river near Drinks Market.

Umbrella Bar is Open in the Park, The Other One Opening Soon
Jay posted some photos showing that the Umbrella Bar had opened in the town park (the one near the yellow railings) and that the other bar should be opening soon.

Bansko & Beyond

Municipality asks residents (and tourists) to complete a survey about recycling
The local municipality has asked Bansko residents and visitors to complete a survey on recycling and the municipality’s recent media campaign. Read more. [Survey page requires translation.]

School Dormitory Renovations Now Complete
I first told you about these renovation plans in issue #15 of the Bansko Buzz (Nov 2024), which have now been officially completed. The improvements included upgrading the heating system and modernising the whole building. Read more.

Creative Bansko presents at Exhibition in Sofia
Creative Bansko (an independent community of artists, craftsmen and creators) is presenting its first collective exhibition outside the local area at Gallery 65 in Sofia. The collective exhibition will be on show until the 15th of June. Read more.

Foreign woman arrested in Bansko
A 36-year-old foreign woman was arrested in Bansko in possession of 26 grams of marijuana. This follows a number of arrests in recent months in the local area for drugs. Read more [Translation required.]

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

• Private animal farm near Bansko suspected of mains water theft [Translation required]

• Veteran sports club completes annual “major” clean-up of Pirin [Translation required]

• Man from Bansko appointed Director of the Regional Forestry Directorate in Blagoevgrad [Translation required]

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Events Next Week

Bansko Run Club(ish)
On Tuesday (9th), meeting at 6pm at Altspace central location on Gotse Delchev Street, have a run with others around town, covering a distance of 5km, and finishing up at a local bar.

Second Pre-Nomad Fest Meetup
On Wednesday (10th) from 3pm to 7pm, Sweet House Honey (32 Pirin Street) is hosting a pre-festival meetup for Bansko Nomad Fest. Connect and get to know people before all of the madness begins. Freshly baked pastries and premium coffee. (The poster for the event also says free beer💪) More info.

Wine Tasting with Magura Winery
On Thursday (11th), starting at 7pm, taste a selection of signature wines and discover fascinating stories from the world of winemaking at Magura Winery, based in Northwest Bulgaria. Price 15€. More info.

FIFA World Cup Football Tournament
The World Cup kicks off this coming Thursday (11th) at 10pm with Mexico vs South Africa. There will be a number of venues showing different games, including Station by Tsakiris, Pivoteka Craft Beer, Tipsy360, Pirin75, and The Hub. The fixtures are available here.

Yoga Session at The Kempinski Hotel
On Saturday (13th) at 10.30am, join one of the team from the Kempinski for some harmony and relaxation in their weekly yoga session. Yoga mats and all accessories provided, as well as complimentary bottled water. Price 15€. More info.

Lindy Hop Free Taster Class
On Monday 15th of June at Four Leaf Clover, starting at 7pm, join people interested in dancing to take part in a free taster session on how to Lindy Hop. Anyone is welcome, and the main aim is to have fun. More info.

Events coming up in June

Bansko Nomad Fest
From Saturday 20th of June to Tuesday 30th of June, the 7-day conference/festival that brings together digital nomads, entrepreneurs, and business owners to Bansko (the three extra days of activities make up the 10 days). Lots of people are expected in town for this event. More info. 

Nomad Fringe Festival
On Wednesday 24th of June and Thursday 25th of June, the yearly Nomad Fringe Festival is at Altspace Coworking (Summit location). On both days, the event starts at 6.30pm. The event is free, and you don’t need to be a nomad to attend. I went last year, and some of the talks were really good. Worth going if you can. More info. 

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Photo of the Week

A misty morning in June: a reminder that Bansko’s weather can be unpredictable.

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Before You Go…