Ohrid Summer Festival 2027: Music and Culture on a UNESCO Lake

Welcome to the Ohrid Summer Festival 2027 in Ohrid

Traditionally running between July 12 and August 20, the old town of Ohrid in North Macedonia turns into one of Europe's most atmospheric stages. Since 1961, the Ohrid Summer Festival has brought opera, classical music, ballet, theatre and jazz to church courtyards, palaces and the ancient amphitheatre above the lake, in a city that is itself a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Highlights and Attractions at the Ohrid Summer Festival

• An opening gala at the Ancient Theatre high above Lake Ohrid, usually with an international opera cast
• Classical concert evenings in the courtyard of St. Sophia Church, often dedicated to a particular country or region
• Ballet and theatre performances at the open air venue of Dolni Saraj and at the Grigor Prlichev Centre for Culture
• The OH JAZZ series bringing international and regional jazz acts to Ohrid in August
• A Rising Stars strand showcasing young musicians
• A packed schedule with performances on nearly every day across roughly six weeks
• A handful of free entry performances alongside the ticketed main evenings

Program and Schedule: What to Expect in 2027

The festival runs for about six weeks, from mid July through late August, with performances on nearly every day at rotating venues across the old town. The season traditionally opens with a gala at the Ancient Theatre before the program shifts mainly to the courtyard of St. Sophia Church and to Dolni Saraj. The full 2027 program and artist list will be announced by the festival organizers in spring; past editions have ranged from solo recitals by acclaimed pianists and violinists to full symphony orchestras and international theatre productions.

Tickets and Admission for the Ohrid Summer Festival

Unlike a typical festival pass, the Ohrid Summer Festival prices each performance individually. In the 2026 season, prices ranged from roughly 3 to 20 euros depending on the evening, with a small number of performances offered free of charge. Exact 2027 prices will be confirmed once the program is published. Tickets can be bought online through karti.com.mk and mktickets.mk, at the main ticket office on Partizanska Street, or at the venue on the day of the performance.

Visitor Tips: Travel and Accommodation in Ohrid

• Ohrid sits on the lake of the same name in southwestern North Macedonia and is reachable via St. Paul the Apostle Airport or by bus from Skopje
• The old town is compact and walkable, with most festival venues only a few minutes apart
• Modest dress is expected for performances held inside St. Sophia Church and other religious buildings
• Book accommodation in the old town well ahead of the festival, since summer demand in Ohrid runs high
• A boat trip on Lake Ohrid pairs well with an evening concert