The International Festival “Golden Stag” is an event which became a tradition that takes place every year in the Council Square in Brasov. Held for the first time in 1968, the festival has imposed over time celebrities who have enjoyed success both at home and abroad. “Golden Stag” is a show-contest of interpretation that seeks to promote talent in Romania and abroad. Among the foreign artists that were on stage the festival the following are included: Diana Ross, Sheryl Crow, Tom Jones, Vaya con Dios, Ricky Martin, Kelly Familly etc.

The Festival was first held from 5th to 10th March, inside the theater whose executives were: Tudor Vornicu and Ilie Manescu. The orchestra was conducted by Sile Dinicu. Romanian Television was the organization part, and also it was one that made the selection of contestants and stars. The first day a recital was held by the famous singer Constantin Draghici. The competition itself took place between 6 and March 9. On March 7, TVR released the official journal of the first festival in five languages. It contained interviews with the participating stars and biographies of the competitors. International assessments have been extraordinary, both on deployment and stage arrangement. At the end of the Festival, on March 10, Romanian officials have offered a dinner at restaurant “Aro Palace” (then “Carpathian”)to competitors, stars, jury and journalists.

The first distinction for Romania was obtained by Margareta Pâslaru, in the debut edition, in fact she was the leader to recognition of the first Romanian light music. This recognition has facilitated the artistic value of the invitations that followed at international festivals and competitions. Margareta Pâslaru said: “I am happy for the success of my endeavors, the more so as I consider that I had held a competition with artistic value. I am especially happy that I managed to gain entry to a first international festival competition held in our country. “(Scînteia, March 23, 1968)

Awards obtained by Romanian artists:

- 1969 Luminiţa Dobrescu got first place, and Anda Călugăreanu and Mihaela Mihai gain entry;

- 1970 Angela Similea got second place;

- 1971 Corina Chiriac obtained third place;

After 21 years of silence, Romanian Television brought back to life the Festival. The edition held in 1992, was between 24 and 28 June. For the first time in history, the festival was held in the Council Square in Braşov.

- 1996 Monica Anghel won first place;

- 2001 Proconsul won first place;

- 2002 Paula Seling got first place;

- 2004 band Slang got first place;

- 2008 Răzvan Krivach got first place and Toni Pop Tamas and Desperado band got the 3rd place.

The 17th edition starts this year on September 2. Among the most important guests are: System, Holograf, Direcţia 5, Loredana. Competitors and guests will feel the warmth of audience from Braşov, will enjoy the beauty and mountain scenery and not least, the traditional Romanian cuisine.