Events calendar Croatia

In a historical setting that has nothing to envy Dubrovnik, the Split Summer Festival enjoys a sublime stage. Many shows are given under the peristyle of the Diocletian Palace. Perfect for grandiose operas in costumes, such as the famous Turandot, Nabucco, Rigoletto or Aïda, which delighted the audience. Other classical music concerts, dance, ballets, contemporary companies, theatre, traditional Dalmatian klapa choirs

Celebrating 100 years of existence in 2025, the Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra is an integral part of the city's cultural heritage. All year round, the musicians perform at home, go on tour and, in the summer, welcome big names from the opera scene. The summer festival was born in the 1950s, featuring operas by international artists accompanied by the DSO. Concerts take place mainly at the Rector's Palace.

In a country where the pride of the people also depends on the strong identity of the regions, this festival, created in 1966, holds a special place. In 2014, the Ministry of Culture and the City of Zagreb declared it to be of national importance. Initially, it showcased the ethnographic heritage of various Croatian folklore groups, particularly those from the Pokuplje region, and then expanded to include all continents. A festive program of music, song and costumed dance.

Fort Punta Christo near Pula is no longer big enough to accommodate all festivalgoers. But it is not the end of the Seasplash Festival, which has taken up residence in Central Dalmatia on the island of Martinska, off the coast of Šibenik to the delight of ska, reggae, ragga, dancehall and other fans. International artists but also Croatian because the Jamaican style is very appreciated here. Take the ferry to the port of Šibenik or the taxi boat, 24-hour trips (departure in front of the Azimut bar).

This week-long summer festival in Rovinj celebrates its 20th edition in 2024. The program for festival-goers includes sea, sun and musica latina. All styles of dance: Cuban salsa, bachata, kizomba, cha-cha-cha, etc. on a giant open-air dancefloor. Dance workshops for all levels, boat parties, pool parties, beach parties... In short, party galore, in a fun, international atmosphere.

The administrative capital of Dugi Otok Island, in the Zadar Archipelago, has a long tradition of fishing but also a reputation as a lively place to live. For almost 50 years, a great folk festival has been organised on the port, where old games are revived. Donkey races, traditional music, including themužika ofthe Sali donkey, played in cow horns, tambourines, songs and dances, fish meals for all and guaranteed friendliness.

Defected Records is a British music label. Based on their English experience in Ibiza, New York or Miami, the organisers created Defected Croatia, which has become the house music festival par excellence, with parties comparable in quality to those in Ibiza. Whether you are on the beach, on a boat or on the coast (Barbarella club), the best international DJs follow one another on the decks. Line up to discover on the website from the beginning of the year. Possibility to book a package with accommodation and entrance tickets to the festival.

This 100% Croatian festival is organized by a very active beach bar on the long beach of Supetar. All year round, it sets up a small stage for current music concerts, which prepares it for its summer event, the Voi'Sa, with a rather eclectic programme (pop rock, electro, EMD, hip-hop, reggae, etc.), which invites mainly national stars and a few international musicians, for an entry ticket that is more accessible than those of the big festivals on the coast (Pag, Tisno or Split). Good musical and festive atmosphere, feet in the sand.

A festival of independent films, a selection of European feature films, recent fictions that reflect the aesthetic, thematic and geographical diversity of the authors. In addition, there are meetings, debates with the public, concerts and a celebration in the village. Outdoor screenings and lively evenings in the historic centre of Motovun, which, since 2008, has wanted to remain on a human scale and give its festival an ecological dimension.

Many tourist municipalities, especially on the Adriatic coast, organise their own summer festivals for the summer season: musical evenings, dances, folklore demonstrations, exhibitions, tastings at the craft market. For example, street art in Labin, fishermen's evenings in Trogir, singing(klapa) in Ston or Cavtat, open-air cinema in Vela Luka, swordplay and other battle re-enactments in Korčula or Krk, chivalry tournaments in Sinj, ancient Dalmatian games in Pakoštane, etc.

Created in the early 2000s, this event became a regular festival in 2018. It takes place mainly in the small bay of Mihajla, below the village of Lastovo. For four or five days, local pop, rock and jazz bands perform on the small stage set up a few meters from the sea. This unpretentious festival always attracts a few hundred people and promises an unforgettable atmosphere every year.

On the second floor of this classic building, a contemporary art gallery has been installed since 2014 in a beautiful space with several rooms. Drugo more, the association managing the venue, focuses on the work of Croatian and foreign artists who express themselves through concrete works, ephemeral installations, performances or new media. Welcomes both established artists and young creators. See the exhibition calendar on the website. On the first floor, the VBZ library and café complete this highly cultural perimeter.

With a series of concerts and performances, the festival transforms the Đardin Park, the only one in the city centre, into a real jazz, blues and rock'n'roll party! Admission is free, so yes, there's plenty to cheer about (Evo Ruke). A good opening of spirit and creative energies, where urban music crosses. During these summer evenings, over a fortnight, you can enjoy live performances by local artists, concerts by international artists, but also good cover bands and theme days.