Here are the best selection of the year's events in the Kvarner Riviera, including those in Rijeka and Opatija!

January
The Rijeka Carnival takes place from mid-January to mid-February with various festivities, from parades and concerts, to exhibitions and balls. The carnival draws an impressive number of participants and easy attracts over 100,000 spectators, making it one of the larger carnivals in Europe. Top event is the international carnival parade (towards the end of the Carnival) with its many floats.

The Carnival Snowboard Session takes place on 30th January 2010 in Rijeka as a one-day competition with Croatian and European boarders taking part on a specially constructed course (with snow!) right in the city.

May
Rijeka hosts the International Small Scenes Festival at the beginning of May with theatre performances from both Croatian and foreign groups.

Jazztime is a jazz festival held in Rijeka during mid-May, which is now in its 19th year.

June
The two-day sailing regatta Fiumanka sees boats sail from Rijeka to Omisalj and back, with lots more fun and games for participants and spectators besides!

The Hartera Music Festival takes place over a couple of days in mid-June, on the grounds of a former paper factory! 2009 acts included The Klaxons and Simian Mobile Disco.

July
Rijeka Nights is an almost month-long festival running from 29th June to 24th July 2010. This wonderful event will include a number of theatre, music, operatic and other performances and a variety of venues throughout the city. Full listings on the website.

The Liburnia Jazz Festival in Opatija is the largest jazz event in Croatia, with the 10th festival taking place in 2010. Held over three days, there are a number of jazz concerts at various locations across the town.

Natalie Cole performs at the Open Air Summer Theatre in Opatija on 24th July 2010; tickets can be purchased from Ulaznice.com.hr.

August
The Liburnia Film Festival near Opatija runs over several days at the end of August and showcases Croatian films.