July is when summer truly settles into Moldova. School is out, outdoor terraces are full, and the country’s festival season is in full swing. The markets are overflowing with fresh produce, and this is a great month to visit Piața Centrală for strawberries, cherries, apricots, cucumbers, new potatoes, lettuce, radishes, and a wide selection of herbs. Tourists often venture into the countryside for pictures in fields of lavender or sunflowers, and there are many festivals in the villages and towns around the country.
No major public holidays in July
July does not bring a major public holiday in Moldova, which makes it a quieter month on the official calendar. Even so, the month is filled with cultural and community events across the country.
Events and Festivals
Noaptea Sânzienelor – July 4
One of the month’s most distinctive traditions comes early, with Noaptea Sânzienelor. This year, Castel Mimi is hosting a special evening program built around summer traditions, wine, and local identity. Tickets include three glasses of wine, a souvenir glass and a gift. Designated drivers and non-drinkers can purchase a ticket that includes lemonade instead of wine.Tickets and more information are available here.
Lavender Festival – Ceadîr-Lunga, Gaugauzia – July 5th
The At Mount winery, far to the south of Moldova, hosts a Lavendar festival where you can take photos in the vast fields of lavender. Details are available here.IA Mania - July 5th
IA Mania remains one of the best-known celebrations of Moldovan village culture, traditional dress, music, and food. Hosted in the village of Ustia, near Criuleni, this festival includes live music, shopping for handmade goods, and a celebration of Moldovan culture. Tickets and information can be found here.Film and Histories Festival – July 3–6
Mereni hosts the first edition of the Film and Histories Festival, with a program built around memory, identity, film screenings, and discussion. It is a thoughtful addition to the summer cultural calendar. The festival wraps up in Chisinau on the final day but the majority of the activities will be held in the village of Mereni. The Ministry of Culture provides a complete agenda on their site here.Te Salut, Chisinau - July 17-19
The “Hello Chisinau” festival will give visitors a chance to learn about the history of Chisinau while enjoying food and live entertainment. The festival will be on the pedestrian street “Eugen Doga.” More information can be found here.Portuguese Festival “Setubal” - July 18 - 19
The Botanical Gardens “Gradina Botanica” will host a free Portuguese-themed festival this month. With performance of Portuguese music and food from 10 different chefs, don’t miss this chance to sample Portuguese culture. Some details are available here.GurmanIA Festival - July 26
Take a trip to the north of Moldova for this food festival in the village of Țarigrad. This year’s festival will be held on July 26 but if you would like to learn more about the event, read this description of last year’s festival here.
Concerts and Performances
Jazz a la Paris, Authentique - July 18
If you enjoyed DescOpera in the Old Orhei valley and the village of Butuceni, venture back to the village for the French-Moldovan Jazz concert. Featuring musicians from both countries, the concert is sure to entertain jazz fans. More details and tickets are available here.Other Smaller-Venue Concerts
In addition to all the live music you can hear at the many festivals this month, there are many smaller concerts happening throughout Chisinau. For a list of the many concerts, check out these websites: iTicket, Fest, Afisha.
Cultural performances in Chișinău
The major cultural institutions go on a summer recess in July, but they will be back as summer draws to a close. Smaller theaters will still be performing. Consult the website for your favorite theater for schedules of these performances.
Sports
Summer outdoor sports
July is one of the best months of the year for hiking, cycling, running, and exploring the countryside. Orheiul Vechi, the Codrii forests, and Moldova’s wine regions are especially attractive during the summer season. While there are fewer organized runs during the hot month of July, other sporting events are occurring throughout the month.
Marton la Fetesti (Fetesti Marathon) - July 4-5
Far in the north of Moldova, the village of Fetesti will host an organized race - with 14km, half marathon and full marathon options. For details including a detailed map of the course visit Run Moldova’s site here.Prime Fighting Championship - July 11 - Chisinau Arena
If you enjoy mixed martial arts, don’t miss this championship event on July 11th. Tickets and details are available here.
This section is done in partnership with the team behind Digital Nomad Moldova - the one stop shop for those considering taking advantage of Moldova’s new digital nomad visa process! Learn more on their website.