Here is a selection of the best events in the Kvarner Riviera taking place in 2026, including those in Rijeka and Opatija. If you’re looking for events on the islands that belong to the Kvarner region, please see our Events on the Croatian Islands page.
Do note that the Kvarner Region has been proclaimed the European Region of Gastronomy 2026. Many foodie events this year will celebrate this, so keep an eye out for this!
Events in January 2026
The Rijeka Carnival usually takes place from the end of January through to the end of February, incorporating various festivities, from parades and concerts to exhibitions and balls. The carnival usually draws an impressive number of participants and easily attracts over 100,000 spectators, making it one of the largest carnivals in Europe. The first major event on the Carnival schedule is the appointment of the Rijeka Carnival Queen and the Handover of the City Key, both of which will take place on 23rd January 2026. On 31st January 2026, the Children’s Carnival Parade will take place.
Events in February 2026
The Carnival Snowboard Session takes place at the Platak ski resort (near Rijeka) as a one-day competition. Croatian and European snowboarders take part; this year’s event will take place on 1st February 2026.
The main event of the Rijeka Carnival – the Parade – will be held on 15th February 2026. Numerous participants and floats take part in a mixture of traditional and more modern celebrations, delighting the Croatian and foreign audience.
The very first Aperitivo Festival will be held in Rijeka on 27th and 28th February 2026, celebrating herbal liquers – especially the famous Croatian drink Pelinkovac.
Events in April 2026
Impulse Festival (with its tagline ‘Music is Everywhere’) should take place in April, promoting music and urban culture at a number of venues across Rijeka.
The Mitteleuropa Blasmusikfest Wind Orchestra Competition will be on from 24th to 26th April 2026 in Omisalj on the island of Krk.
Events in May 2026
Rijeka hosts the 31st International Small Scenes Festival (4th to 9th May 2026) with theatre performances from both Croatian and foreign groups.
Crikvenica and Novi Vinodolski will be hosting a Scampi Festival from 16th to 31st May 2026. Participating restaurants will be offering special menus featuring shrimp dishes. Shrimp is a speciality in this part of the Adriatic.
The lively Porto Etno Festival in Rijeka (20th – 23rd May 2026) celebrates multiculturalism and diversity through music, art and gastronomy.
Opatija will be hosting the delicious Strawberry Festival (22nd – 24th May 2026) offering strawberry delicacies and drinks, and general amusement.
Events in June 2026
The sailing regatta Fiumanka (10th June – 13th June 2026) sees boats sail from Rijeka to Omisalj on the island of Krk and back, with lots more fun and games for participants and spectators besides!
“Summer on Gradina” is a series of cultural events that are hosted at Trsat Castle above Rijeka. The series starts in mid-June, running until the end of August.
The Festival of Polenta and Cheese in Grobnik (inland from Rijeka) is held in June each year, celebrating this local delicacy (“kompirica“).
Events in July 2026
The Liburnia Jazz Festival in Opatija is the largest jazz event in Croatia, with the 26th festival set to take place in July. Held over three days, there are a number of jazz concerts at various locations across the town.
The Kastav Cultural Summer takes place in the town of Kastav (in inland Kvarner, close to Opatija) with Croatian and international participants performing a variety of film, music and theatre works. The event runs from the end of June to the end of August.
Uskok Days in Senj, near Rijeka, harks back to a time long ago, with festivities taking on a medieval twist. This event features plenty of fun, games, music, and arts and crafts.
Cinehill (previously the highly-regarded Motovun Film Festival held in Istria) will be held in mid-July in and around Fuzine in the inland part of the Kvarner region. Expect over 60 film screenings.
Events in August 2026
Crikvenica celebrates its town day on 14th August each year.
Tira, Tira is held in Bakarac in August – after a tuna hunt is conducted, a party is held featuring tuna dishes and general merriment.
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Novi Vinodolski celebrates The Wine Rose of Vinodol in August each year, a traditional event (first held many centuries ago!) in which the best female winemaker is selected as the “wine rose”.
The Liburnia Film Festival in Icici near Opatija will be held at the end of this month, showcasing Croatian films.
Events in September 2026
The end of August/early September in Crikvenica is Fisherman’s Week (this year, 29th August to 5th September 2026) where all sorts of seafaring fun and games (and food!) will be celebrated. The event is in its 60th year this year.
The Ucka Fair (Ucarski Sajam in Croatian) is held at the beginning of September in Ucka Nature Park (which is technically located in both Istria and the Kvarner region, but as it’s located near Opatija, we’ve listed it here). The Fair will feature traditionally made products, food and drink.
The Rijeka Boat Show will take place at the end of September; the event was first held in 1984.
A Food and Wine Walk will be held in the Crikvenica Riviera on 26th September 2026. Enjoy oily fish pared with wine at nine stops on the walk. Sign up on the website.
Events in November 2026
The Puppet Theatre Revue will be held in early November with appearances from Croatian and international puppet groups.
The 20th Chocolate Festival takes place in Opatija in mid-November – sample and buy amazing chocolate items from Croatian chocolate producers.
Events in December 2026
Christmas and New Year’s celebrations will be in full force during this month in many of the Kvarner Riviera’s towns – check locally for further details of events, or see a listing of events on the websites of Rijeka and Opatija‘s tourist offices.