Every year on 19th February the people of Karlovo commemorate the feat and self-sacrifice of Vassil Levski. On this day of national hero-worship, at the foot of the majestic Balkan, in front of the monument of the Apostle, the residents and the guests of the town bow down in admiration to the hero. The whole week is dedicated to the Apostle of Freedom – quizzes, exhibitions and literary meetings are organized by the school, the museum and the community centre, whose patron is Vassil Levski.
On the first Sunday before Lent every year, an original carnival takes place in which Kukeri (men’s) groups from the region give traditional performances.
On the first Saturday of June, Karlovo becomes the capital of the most beautiful and fragrant flower – the rose. The Day of Roses in Karlovo is an opportunity to show the beauty of the regional heritage, as well as its modern dimensions. The holiday begins with the “Rose picking” ritual in the rose fields near Karlovo. 
Then the celebration moves from the rose gardens to the central square in Karlovo. Here young lads carry the Queen of Roses on their hands. A colourful and joyful performances by the most typical and prominent folk performers from the region – singers, musicians and dancers, get underway. The deafening bells of the Kukeri resound in the air; the folklore part of the celebration ends with a winding horo dance. The final concert in the evening is accompanied by magnificent fireworks.
18th July – the date of Vassil Levski’s birth, is a holiday in the town of Karlovo. On this day, a national fair - “Vassil Levski’s Day” takes place, organized by the municipality of Karlovo, “Vassil Levski” foundation, and National Museum “Vassil Levski”, with a traditional literary morning in the birth house of Levski, a variety of performances, scientific conferences, sport and tourists’ competitions, exhibitions. The day ends with an official meeting and festive illuminations in the square in front of the monument of the Apostle.
By tradition, in the beginning of September, a film festival of Bulgarian films is held in Karlovo.
