Festivals and events across Moldova.

Mărțișor Music Festival

1–10 March 2026 · Chișinău

The state-supported International Music Festival "Mărțișor" runs the first ten days of March — classical, chamber, opera concerts at the Philharmonic Hall and the National Theatre. Originated in 1967; one of the country's longest-running cultural programmes.

The Mărțișor folk tradition itself: on 1 March everyone wears a red-and-white tassel (the mărțișor) until the first sign of warm weather, then ties it to a fruit tree. Symbolises Lady Spring's victory over the Winter Witch — pre-Christian rite, codified under Romanian and Moldovan folk tradition.

Independence Day

27 August 2026 · Chișinău

Marks 27 August 1991 — the day Moldova declared independence from the USSR. Morning: solemn ceremony at the Ștefan cel Mare monument in the central park, state officials and citizens laying flowers. Daytime: open-air craft + food fair on the Great National Assembly Square — handicrafts, traditional dishes, local artists. Evening: free music concert with Moldovan and international acts; ends in fireworks.

WWII and 1992 Transnistria-war veterans are honoured.

Romanian Language Day (Limba Noastră)

31 August 2026 · Chișinău

Honours the 1989 restoration of Romanian as Moldova's official language — replacing Russian under Soviet rule. Cultural concerts and readings at the Philharmonic and Pușkin Park; book fairs along Bulevardul Ștefan cel Mare. Falls four days after Independence Day — the late-August week is the densest civic-festival window of the year.

National Wine Day (Ziua Vinului)

First weekend of October — likely 3–4 October 2026 · Chișinău

Bulevardul Ștefan cel Mare and the Great National Assembly Square close to traffic; 60+ wineries, 100+ producers set up wine stalls and grills. Live folk bands, pop concerts, traditional dance, costumed parades. Tastings range from dry / sweet / semi-sweet / fortified to "collection wines" 10–20 years old from underground cellars. Origins: 1996; formalised as an annual industry showcase and cultural celebration.

Cricova and Mileștii Mici run special open-cellar days during the festival weekend — see wine tours.