Below is a listing of the main events that take place in Dubrovnik each year. Of course, there's many, many more events that take place each year - see the very useful listing at the Dubrovnik Tourist Board Events page.

January
As with many other towns and cities in Croatia, Dubrovnik will also be taking part in the Night of the Musuem on 27th January 2012, which sees museums (and galleries and other such institutions) open their doors to the public - for free - from 6pm to 1am.

February
The Festival of St Blaise (who is Dubrovnik's patron saint) takes place each year on 3rd February, and includes a number of ceremonies (which normally start the day before) in which the people of Dubrovnik pay their respect to the saint. The day is also considered a "City of Dubrovnik Day", and events are also held to celebrate this.

April
Easter, 8th April 2012, will be celebrated in Dubrovnik as elsewhere in Croatia - held to the Old Town for celebrations.

The annual Libertas Film Festival showcases international and Croatian films and also features European premieres of certain films. The Festival is due to take place in mid-April.

May
Founded only in 2009, the Dubrovnik Shakespeare Festival takes place 30th April to 5th May 2012, with a number of Shakespeare plays as well as fun Shakespeare-related events - are you ready for a free acting workshop?!

The folklore ensemble Lindjo perform in Dubrovnik from May throughout the summer until October (with special performances during the Summer Festival - see below.) A tradition of the city, the dance ensemble have been performing for over 40 years.

The inaugural Dubrovnik International Regatta is taking place in the waters off the city from 10th to 14th May 2012.

The Dubrovnik International Wine and Jazz Festival - combining those two elements rather deliciously! - will take place 24th - 27th May 2012. A partner of the Vancouver Wine & Jazz Festival, this one showcases world-class artists from across the jazz spectrum, coupled with a selection of top quality Croatian wines.

June
Dubrovnik Fashion Week (yes, there is one) will take place 22nd - 25th June 2012.

The International Dubrovnik Opera Festival (27th - 30th June 2012) takes place in tribute to Tino Pattiera (1890 - 1966), a Croatian tenor born in nearby Cavtat who was very in demand in Europe in the 1920s. The Festival brings together a number of Croatian and international opera singers, musicians, conductors and orchestras.

July
One of Croatia's most famous events, the Dubrovnik Summer Festival will take place from mid-July to mid-August. Each year, the Festival includes theatre, opera, music and dance events at various open-air venues around the city. 2012 sees the 63rd Festival take place.

The prestigious Dubrovnik Film Meeting is to take place at the end of July/beginning of August. Hosting a number of film screenings, the event often draws in the big names! (Past attendees have included Morgan Freeman and Kevin Spacey.)

August
The Maraton Ladja is an annual race that takes place on a 22.5km long portion of the Neretva River from Metkovic to Ploce (both north of Dubrovnik). A ladja is a traditional type of boat that has been used for centuries on the narrow Neretva River; many of the boats used in the race are old boats that have been refurbished. Crews usually come from local towns and villages and can be up to 18 people in total, including a cox and a drummer.

September
Each year, the Julian Rachlin & Friends festival of chamber music features world-renowned musicians led by Austrian violinist Julian Rachlin. Founded in 2000, the festival features a series of concerts each year at wonderful landmarks across the city. The festival takes place end of August/beginning of September.

October
The rather sweet sounding (in more ways than one!) International Festival of Jams & Marmalades takes place over the first weeked of October, with a variety of jam products from Croatian and neighbouring countries exhibiting. A competition to pick the best jam also takes place!

November
The annual Dubrovnik Gastro Table event will take place mid-November 2012, with a number of hotels, restaurants and other local businesses taking part. Held on Stradun, visitors can sample a wide variety of treats and dishes - in 2011, food cost around 15 Kuna per portion, whilst local wine was 10 Kuna a glass.

The 9th Veteran Car Rally takes place at the end of November, with a collection of classic tours touring the local area, and being presented on Stradun.

December
Dubrovnik holds a Christmas Fair each year (in 2011, it was held at two locations in the Old Town - Gundulic Square and the Luza) with traditional Christmas sweet treats (and drinks!) and little trinkets on sale.