Sibiu International Theatre Festival – Romania 2026

Background & History

The Sibiu International Theatre Festival (FITS), founded in 1993 by Constantin Chiriac and the Lucian Blaga National Theatre team, was conceived as a transformative cultural bridge in post-communist Romania, inspired by Edinburgh and Avignon to showcase global theatre while revitalizing Sibiu—a UNESCO Creative City of Media Arts and European Capital of Culture 2007 co-host. The inaugural edition in June 1993 drew 10,000 attendees across 50 shows in Sibiu’s medieval streets, featuring 20 companies from 10 countries and generating early buzz as Eastern Europe’s premier festival, now the world’s largest theatre event with 600+ performances, 2,000+ artists from 70+ countries, and 100,000+ spectators annually, contributing €10–15 million to Sibiu’s economy through tourism, hospitality, and local partnerships with institutions like the Radu Stanca National Theatre and Brukenthal Museum. Organized by FITS Association under Bvd. Corneliu Coposu nr. 2, it emphasizes “theatre as a school of life,” blending experimental, classical, and interdisciplinary works, with sustainability initiatives like zero-waste venues since 2018 and digital streams (Scena Digitală, 2025 with 50,000+ online viewers).

Over 32 editions (hybrid in 2021 during COVID, reaching 200,000+ globally), FITS has premiered 5,000+ shows, from Peter Brook’s collaborations (1990s) to 2025’s Jackie Chan Company opener and “Iona” tour (Marin Sorescu’s play in Hungary/Bulgaria/Moldova), pausing briefly for renovations but rebounding with 2025’s 32nd edition (June 20–29, 600+ performances, themes like “Ultima Generatie” with 3 new Scena Digitală premieres in September). The 2026 edition (33rd), estimated June 19–28 (historical late-June pattern), will mark a milestone amid Romania’s EU presidency cultural push, potentially expanding FITS Talks (conferences on theatre’s societal role) and Show Scholarships for young directors, with highlights like flamenco, circus, and music integrations (e.g., 2025’s Rapsodiile concert). As Transylvania’s theatrical heartbeat, it embodies Sibiu’s Saxon-Romanian fusion, promoting inclusivity (50%+ female-led shows since 2015) and innovation (VR theatre since 2022), fostering global dialogues in a city of 150,000 where Brukenthal Palace echoes with avant-garde echoes.

Event Highlights

Sibiu International Theatre Festival 2026, the 33rd edition estimated June 19–28 (10 days, late-June pattern), will envelop Sibiu’s 1,000-year-old streets and venues with 600+ performances from 70+ countries for 100,000+ spectators, blending theatre, dance, music, circus, and digital arts in a “school of life” odyssey of experimental and classical works.

Main activities or performances: Daily 10am–midnight: Main stages at Radu Stanca National Theatre (Bvd. Corneliu Coposu nr. 2) for headliners (lineup TBA Q1 2026 via sibfest.ro, building on 2025’s Jackie Chan Company opener, “Iona” tour by Marin Sorescu in Japan/Hungary/Bulgaria/Moldova, and “Ultima Generatie” with 3 Scena Digitală premieres—expect 2026 fusions like Peter Brook-inspired ensembles or flamenco-circus hybrids from Spain/Argentina).

FITS Talks (daily 2pm, free conferences on theatre’s societal role, e.g., 2025’s Anna Karenina panels with Ana Bianca Popescu); Universities Festival (June 20–25, 50+ student shows, free). Off-stage: Reading performances (June 22–26, script previews €5 ~$5.50); flamenco workshops (June 24, €10 ~$11, ages 12+); circus acts at Podul Minciunilor (Liar’s Bridge, free street shows). 2026 may include hybrid streams (200,000+ viewers like 2021) and EU-funded “Theatre in Crisis” forums.

Special traditions or features: “Sibiu – Theatre Capital” manifesto readings (opening June 19, 8pm, free at Piata Mare); Scena Digitală online extensions (September 2026 premieres, free streams). Sustainability: Zero-waste venues (90% compostable, since 2018), solar lighting; inclusivity: 50%+ female-led, quiet zones, 20% accessible seating. 2026’s milestone: “33 Years of FITS” retrospective with archival Brook footage (€5 ~$5.50).

Unique attractions for visitors: Brukenthal Palace exhibits (June 21–25, €5 ~$5.50, theatre costumes from 1700s Saxon era); Piata Mica street parades (daily 6pm, free with Transylvanian folk-theatre); MOCAK modern art tie-ins (June 23, €10 ~$11, interactive soundscapes). 2026 speculative: VR “Sibiu 1993” recreations (€10 ~$11, relive inaugural shows); Gozo-like extensions to Sibiu’s fortified churches.

Date & Duration

Dates: June 19 – 28, 2026 (Friday to Sunday; estimated historical late-June 10-day pattern; confirm via sibfest.ro Q1 2026) Duration: 10 days (10am–midnight daily; main shows 8pm)

Venue / Location

Sibiu International Theatre Festival 2026 centers at Teatrul Național Radu Stanca (Bvd. Corneliu Coposu nr. 2, Sibiu 550245), a 19th-century neoclassical gem in the UNESCO Old Town, hosting main stages alongside 20+ venues like Piata Mare (main square for parades, 10,000 cap), Podul Minciunilor (Liar’s Bridge for street acts, 2,000 cap), and Brukenthal Palace (exhibits, 500 cap), spanning Sibiu’s 1,000-year-old Saxon-Romanian fortified city. Layout: Radu Stanca for headliners (1,000 seats); Piața Mare for openings (free, 15,000 cap). Public transport: Bus 1/5 from Sibiu Airport (€2 ~$2.20, 20 min to center, every 30 min); train Sibiu station (€1 ~$1.10, 5-min walk). Eco: Solar venues (80% renewable since 2018), bike racks (100 spots, free); 75% public transport.

Google Maps Address: Bvd. Corneliu Coposu nr. 2, 550245 Sibiu, Romania.

Ticket Information

Most events free since 1993, with optional paid workshops/panels (€5–15 ~$5.50–$16.50 via sibfest.ro); FITS Pass €50–100 ~$55–$110 USD for reserved seats/extras. Presale Q1 2026; under-12 free. Disability: Reduced €30 ~$33 USD + companion free, ramps—apply press@sibfest.ro 4 weeks prior. 2025 drew 100,000; no refunds, resale via platform.

Ticket Pricing (USD, based on 2025 EUR rates, €1 ≈ $1.10):

• Minimum: Free general entry.
• Maximum: FITS Pass ~$110 USD (€100). Workshops €5–15 ~$5.50–$16.50 USD.

Special Seating or VIP Options: VIP FITS Pass (€50–100 ~$55–$110 USD, reserved Radu Stanca seats, lounge); accessible platforms/ramps (free with application). Family: Kids’ zones free.

Contact Information

Email: press@sibfest.ro (general/press); info@sibfest.ro (tickets/access); newsletter@sibfest.ro (updates). Key Staff: Constantin Chiriac (President); Radu Stanca National Theatre team. Phone: +40 269 210 092 (English/Romanian, Mon–Fri 9am–5pm); Agency +40 0369 101 578 (tickets). Website: https://sibfest.ro/en/; https://www.radustanca.ro (theatre). Social Media: @sibfest.ro (Instagram/Facebook, 50k+ followers); @SibiuTheatreFest (X/Twitter). Press/Volunteers: Press via press@sibfest.ro; volunteers via sibfest.ro (Q1 2026). Note: Response time ~24–48 hours; multilingual.

Cultural Experience

Sibiu International Theatre Festival 2026 immerses 100,000+ in Transylvania’s theatrical alchemy, where Sibiu’s UNESCO Old Town—Saxon citadel with 12th-century walls—pulses with 600+ performances from 70+ countries, blending experimental “theatre as school of life” with classical echoes in Radu Stanca’s neoclassical halls and Piata Mare’s medieval square. Attendees in eclectic layers wander from Brukenthal Palace exhibits to Podul Minciunilor street acts, evoking 1993’s post-communist rebirth fused with global dialogues—2025’s “Iona” tour (Marin Sorescu’s existential play in Japan/Hungary/Bulgaria/Moldova) and Jackie Chan opener highlighting FITS’s boundary-crossing ethos. Inclusivity resonates: 50%+ female-led shows (e.g., 2025’s Ana Bianca Popescu in Anna Karenina panels), family improv jams (free, ages 5+), quiet zones for neurodiverse, tying to Sibiu’s 2007 European Capital legacy.

The 10-day odyssey fosters serendipity: Strangers share sarmale (€5) during Andrei Măjeri’s “Who Killed My Father?” (2025 interview on failure’s role), reflecting Romania’s resilient spirit amid Carpathian mists. For globals, it’s transformative—learning Saxon folk dances (€10 workshops) or exploring Piata Huet’s fortified churches, celebrating FITS’s role as the world’s largest theatre festival where history stages contemporary catharsis.

Food & Drinks

FITS’s 20+ stalls curate Transylvanian fusion, €5–12 (~$5.50–$13.20) items with local/sustainable sourcing (Sibiu cheeses, Saxon sausages) for €2 million impact. Must-tries: Sarmale cabbage rolls (€6 ~$6.60, mince/rice in fermented leaves); mămăligă polenta with brânză (€7 ~$7.70, cornmeal-feta); vegan covrigi pretzels (€3 ~$3.30). Global: Hungarian goulash (€8 ~$8.80). Drinks: Ursus beer (€4 ~$4.40/pint); țuică plum brandy (€5 ~$5.50/shot); non-alc pălinca (€3 ~$3.30). Intolerances: 50% vegan/gluten-free. Eco: Reusable cups (€1 ~$1.10, 85% return). Late-night: Papanasi doughnuts (€4 ~$4.40).

Getting There

By Air: Sibiu (SBZ), 15 km east, EU flights (e.g., Wizz Air London, 3 hours, €50+). From SBZ: Bus 1 to center (€2 ~$2.20, 20 min) + 5-min walk. Bucharest (OTP, 280 km): Wizz Bus to Sibiu (€15 ~$16.50, 4 hours). By Train: Sibiu station (CFR from Bucharest, 5 hours, €10 ~$11); 5-min walk to Radu Stanca. Public Transport: RAT day pass (€3 ~$3.30 unlimited); Bus 1/5 every 15 min. Bike: Sibiu Bike Share (€1/hour ~$1.10). Parking: Piata Mare lots (€5–10/day ~$5.50–$11, 200 spots); Old Town garages €3/hour ~$3.30. Eco-Tip: E-buses (€3 ~$3.30); e-bikes €5/day ~$5.50; 75% public transport.

Accommodation Options

Book 3–6 months ahead for June peak. Budget: Hostel Camelot (~€30/night ~$33 USD, Old Town dorms). Mid-Range: Hotel Împăratul Romanilor (~€80 ~$88 USD, central). Boutique: Casa Luxemburg (~€120 ~$132 USD, Saxon charm). Splurge: Grand Hotel Traube (~€200 ~$220 USD, 4-star). Apartments: Airbnb Piata Mare (~€70 ~$77 USD). Via Booking.com; includes RAT pass (€3 ~$3.30).