March

Days of Macedonian Music-Skopje
Since 1977, when the Days of Macedonian Music were first organized, this has been one of the greatest music gatherings in Macedonia. The event takes place in the Army Club in downtown Skopje in the end of March every year. Although mainly concentrated on promoting new musical visions of Macedonian composers, the program also includes classical Macedonian works. The concerts are primarily performed by Macedonian artists and conducted by internationally known conductors.

Skopje Film Festival
Each year in March, passionate film lovers have the opportunity to see over 50 films within this five-day-festival. The scope of the presented films is quite varied, but the festival usually offers some of the latest Macedonian, European, and world non-commercial film production. Projections of short films and a variety of film workshops are also part of this festival.

Skomrahi - Skopje
Starting from 1988, Skopje's Drama School has organized an event called Skomrahi, with drama students from all over Europe gathering and performing short films and theatre plays.



Tribute to Dionysius - Skopje
”Tribute to Dionysius” is a two-day event held in the premises of the Cultural and Information Centre in Skopje. It presents a rich program, which includes pageants of Macedonians who live in the neighbouring countries, folklore ensembles, theatre plays, book promotions, etc.

April

Fool’s Day
1 April-Fool’s Day is celebrated all over the country. Masked people everywhere, jokes, and laughter contribute to the cheerful atmosphere that lasts till dawn.

Theatre Fest - Skopje
This five-day festival takes place in the premises of the Macedonian National Theatre and hosts Macedonian and foreign theatres, increasing its audience every year.

May

May Opera Evenings
Since 1972, the May Opera Evenings have been one of the most visited events in Skopje. Over the years, the stage of the Macedonian Ballet and Opera Theatre has hosted a number of ballet performances, operas, and many concerts. This event represents a true professional challenge for the artists and a wonderful musical experience for the audience.

OFFest-Skopje
This festival takes place on several locations in Skopje, such as the Universal Hall, Skopje Square, the Youth Cultural Center, and many attractive night clubs in the city. OFFest, which was first held in 1999, has gained enormous popularity because of the prominent names that have been part of this event, including among others Eliades Ochoa, David Byrne, Madredeus, Asian Dub Fondation, Mercan Dede, Susana Baca, Zuco 103, LTJ Bukem, Cesaria Evora, and many more who have performed at this festival.

June

Skopje Summer - Skopje
Skopje Summer lasts 40 days in the period between 21 June and 31 July. Over its 25-year existence, the festival has offered an exceptionally rich and various program including concerts, theatre plays, painting and photograph exhibitions, multimedia projects, opera and ballet performances, and selected film projections. During the hottest summer months, Skopje is an open city hosting various events on its open stages, such as the Skopje Kale Fortress, the River Vardar Wharf, the mystical surroundings of Kapan An and Suli An in the Skopje Old Bazaar, and the city park. Some events take place in museums, city galleries, and theatres.

Linden Celebrations
This international poetry event is organized by the Macedonian Writers' Association and is under the aegis of the Skopje mayor. Poetry readings take place on different venues in the city, as well as in the beautiful surroundings of the Matka Canyon outside Skopje. At the end of this event, the “Literary Sceptre” Award is given to one Macedonian and one foreign participant.

July

Blues & Soul Festival - Skopje
This festival, which was established in 1996 and is held 1-7 July every year, further reaffirms Skopje's appreciation for quality music. Some of its participants so far have included Michael Hills Blues Mob, David Honeyboy Edwards, Lucky Peterson, Louisiana Red, Eric Sardinas, Temptations, U.P. Wilson, Mick Taylor, C.J. Chenier & Louisiana Red Hot Band, Tony Vega Band, Phil Guy, Ronny Jordan, Mighty Sam McClain, Bernard Allison, Melvin Taylor & The Slack Band, Mick Taylor (ex-Rolling Stones), Todd Sharpville, and many more.

September

MOT Youth Open Theatre Festival - Skopje
Established in 1976, this festival focuses on the creativity of the theatrical performances and is an ideal event for theatre lovers, who enjoy five days of theatre magic.






International Folklore Children’s Festival “Oro Bez Granici” - Skopje
The festival has a 14-year-old tradition and it takes place in the Universal Hall in Skopje. Children’s folklore ensembles from Macedonia and abroad participate in this merry festival, held 29 September-2 October.

October

Skopje Jazz Festival - Skopje
Skopje Jazz Festival is the obligatory destination for all those who enjoy good sound. Some of the greatest jazz musicians have been part of this festival, which abounds with quality and diverse contents. Enjoy contemporary jazz music or dance the night away in Brazilian, Jamaican, Cuban, Portuguese rhythm.

“Peace Unlimited” Festival
The motto of this festival is "art in response to arms" and the seven-day activities include concerts, exhibitions, theatre plays, DJs performances, as well as workshops elaborating the art's unifying power. The festival is aimed at promoting the peace and human rights.





November

Autumn Music Festivities - Skopje
In order to maintain the quality music spirit all year round, several stages in Skopje host the Autumn Music Festivities in the beginning of November. Although mainly focussed on classical music, the event’s program also includes ethno and jazz concerts and has an international character.

“Zlatno Slavejce” Children Songs Festival - Skopje
The oldest children’s song festival in Europe, “Zlatno Slavejce,” is held each year in November and so far more than 800 children have performed at this festival.




December

“Taksirat” Festival - Skopje
The festival was first held in 1999 and has so far gathered some of the best Balkan rock musicians, promoting the uniqueness of the Balkan mentality.


New Year’s Macedonian Philharmonic Orchestra Concert - Skopje
The New Year’s Macedonian Philharmonic Orchestra Concert is traditionally held on 25 December every year and contributes to the festive atmosphere before the New Year’s Eve.