Welcome back our new “The Month Ahead” series! Once a month we’ll share a look at some of the upcoming cultural events in and around Chisinau for interested readers. 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.
While Moldova endures the peak of the winter season in February, many will be looking at Moldova’s participation in the Winter Olympics in Milan. Since Moldova’s debut at the 1994 Olympics in Lillehammer, the country has not missed a Winter Games.
Three athletes return to the Moldovan team and will represent Moldova in the Biathlon. Alina Stremous, who previously placed 10th in the 7.5 km sprint at the Beijing games in 2022, is joined by Pavel Magazeev and Maxim Makarov who also represented Moldova in the Biathlon in Beijing. Moldova also has two newcomers joining this year’s team. Representing Moldova in cross-country skiing, Iulian Luchin and Elizaveta Hlusovici join the team this year.
The Biathlon and Cross-country Skiing events are scheduled to begin on February 10th and 11th. Exact dates and times of individual participation are subject to change but you can follow the schedule on the official Milan 2026 site here. You can also keep up on the news from the Olympic team on the official site of the Moldovan Olympic Committee.
Sports
Love Run - February 14th 10:00 - Cricova Winery invites you for a run through their “labyrinth of love” with your loved one, friends, or anyone dear to you. You can choose to run the 4k circle or double it for 8k. Participants will be greeted at the finish line with a glass of sparkling wine, snacks, music, and a surprise. Register here.
Wine Run - March 14th - While this event happens next month, now is your last chance for a discounted registration for the Wine Run 10k in the cellars of Milestii Mici. This 10k run through the cellars of Milestii Mici finishes with a wine tasting for all participants. An optional excursion package is available for those who want to dive deeper into the wine and history of the cellars. To register and for more details visit the official site of the Wine Run.
VR Cup - February 21-22 - If e-sports is more your pace this winter, be sure to put together your team of four to participate in the VR Cup. Teams compete in a single elimination bracket and the top teams win cash prices. For details and sign-up information, visit the official site on sporter.md here.
Valentine’s Day Events
Valentine’s Day has become a popular holiday in Moldova. While not a traditionally celebrated holiday, Moldovans more and more embrace this celebration of love. If you plan to go out to a restaurant with the one you love, be sure to make your reservations in advance. In addition to the previously mentioned Love Run, there are many other events to choose from on February 14th.
Special Events:
Castel Mimi will host a special dinner event and menu for couples. Details here.
Cricova, in addition to the Love Run, is hosting a special dinner event with live music. Details here.
Symphony of Love - 7pm - This night of a celebration of love through music includes many prominent singers accompanied by the National Philharmonic. Details here.
Love Inferno - 8pm - The Secret Show Cabaret troop will present a special celebration they advertise as being for those who want to feel power, passion and seduction in their purest form. Details here.
Love After 30 - Stand-up Special - 8pm - Feeling a little cynical on Valentine’s Day? Join comedian Marian Madan for a look at the rules and challenges of love after 30.
Music
Focul din Vatra - February 7th - The Organ Hall hosts a concert in memory of famed Moldovan composer and revolutionary, Ion Aldea-Teodorovici. His music and presence during the fall of the Soviet Union were considered instrumental in uniting the Moldovan people and connecting them to their heritage. This concert features some of his lesser known symphonic compositions and includes never before heard music. Tickets can be purchased at the Organ Hall box office or online here.
Rock Symphony Orchestra - February 8th - Chisinau Arena hosts a performance of popular rock songs presented by a rock band, opera soloist, symphony, conductor, and several other musicians. Visit the Chisinau Arena site for tickets to this unique grand spectacle.
At a Moldovan Wedding - February 11th - Moldovan weddings are famously fun events and this orchestral performance aims to explore the emotions of a real wedding. The performance features musicians and comedians that will take you through the experience of a Moldovan wedding. Tickets available here.
MacBeth Opera - February 13th - This 150 year old operatic interpretation of the Shakespeare tragedy returns to Chisinau. The Opera will be performed in Italian with Romanian subtitles and includes a mix of Italian and Moldovan crews. More details and tickets on the Opera and Ballet site here.
The Motans - February 14th - Chisinau Arena - Moldova Pop musicians The Motans will hold a special concert and after party. The event is billed as a “megaproduction” and expectations are high for the pop group that regularly sells out concerts. Tickets are available here.
Museums
National Art Museum - Two temporary exhibits will be closing in February at the National Art Museum.
Closing February 8, the commemorative exhibition “ANDREI SÂRBU. Archipelagos of Silence” features key works from this Moldovan artist.
Closing on February 15, a special exhibition of a selection of new acquisitions and donations that have been added to the Art Museums collection. Details on these exhibitions can be found on their website.
Around Town
Taproom Trivia - Taproom by Litra (English language) - Taproom Trivia returns each Tuesday at 7:30pm. Reservations are recommended. Details here.
Drinking Liberally - Taproom by Litra (English language) - February 5th & 19th - Drinking Liberally will continue with regular meetings on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month. Join the group from 6:30p - 8:30p for lively discussion of politics and current events.
Central Eastern European Championship Dog Show - February 6-8 - MoldExpo will be the site of this year’s Central Eastern European Dog Show championship. The main competition will occur on the 7th with some competition and winners presentation on the 8th. For more information visit their official site here or their Facebook page here.
Editorial Note: Moldova Matters is not receiving payment to share any of these events and does to endorse or make any guarantees about the event or its organizer. This new section is just that - new!! Feel free to leave some feedback in the comments and share any upcoming events that we might have missed!!