Here are some of the best events in central Croatia, taking place in towns such as Samobor, Karlovac, Zapresic and Sveta Nedjelja.
Do note that, technically, Zagreb is located in this part of the country. However, we have a separate page for Events in Zagreb.
Confirmed dates of events are shown in bold. If you host or know of an event you’d like to see listed here, please contact us!
Events in Central Croatia in January
A number of museums throughout this region take part in Night of the Museums (Noc muzeja) on 26th January 2024.
Events in Central Croatia in February
February is carnival month, and especially so in certain parts of Croatia! The Samobor Carnival – Fasnik – is one of the largest events of its kind in this part of Croatia, and there’s great emphasis on getting dressed up and ‘acting the fool’. Don’t forget to enjoy some krafne (doughnuts) as part of the festivities! This year’s event runs from 2nd to 13th February 2024.
Events in Central Croatia in March
Samobor is famed for its salami, and this is celebrated with a Salamijada (Salami Festival) taking place each March. Prizes are awarded to the best products.
Events in Central Croatia in April
The town of Zapresic celebrates a big Easter Egg hunt for children on Easter Monday (1st April 2024) each year.
Events in Central Croatia in May
A Classic Car Marathon (car rally) takes place in mid-May in Sveta Nedjelja.
Events in Central Croatia in June
The Samobor Mountain Biking Weekend in June runs on a course that starts in the centre of town and then goes through nearby forests.
Samobor Jazz Festival takes place over a couple of days in mid-June each year.
Sveti Ivane Zelina hosts an exhibition of wines from continental Croatia in mid-June.
Events in Central Croatia in July
The town of Sveta Nedjelja has its own Cultural Summer each year, with events taking place from June to August. Expect live music, theatre and dance performances and more. Check locally for listings of performances.
The Santa Dominica Spartan Trifecta Weekend is an obstacle course race that will be run on 20th and 21st July 2024. The event draws around 1,500 competitors from over 20 countries; there are a few different races for differing abilities as well as a kids race for fun for the little ones.
Events in Central Croatia in August
What Our Ancestors Ate is an interesting festival in Vrbovec in late August that showcases traditional dishes from the region and the rest of Croatia, made by women’s groups and restauranteurs using long-established recipes. There are also concerts and other fun activities to participate in.
Karlovac Beer Days – the largest festival of its kind in Croatia – takes place at the end of August/beginning of September each year. This festival is a chance to sample a wide variety of beers; expect about 40 different bevvies from different breweries. There’s also a rich gastronomic offering, plus plenty of live music (often featuring performances from some of the most popular bands and music stars in Croatia) and kids’ events too. It’s no surprise that the festival attracts about 100,000 attendees each year.
Events in Central Croatia in September
Jaskovo, near Karlovac, will be hosting its annual Strudlafest (Strudel Fest) celebrating this delicious treat in early September. As well as being able to sample many different, delicious types of strudel, there will be outdoor activities (bike and boat trips), gastro shows, music and more.
Sveta Nedjelja hosts a Spicy Fish Stew Cookoff in early September each year. Around 40 teams compete to produce the best stew; there’s also a stew made in the largest pot in Croatia!
Events in Central Croatia in October
Gastro Turopolja is an event in early October in Velika Gorica that highlights the gastronomic offerings from local restaurants and food producers. (It takes place during Restaurant Week in Croatia when restaurants offer a specific menu at a special price.)
You may have heard of Ban Josip Jelacic – if you’ve visited Zagreb you certainly will have done so! (Seeing as the main square there is named Trg Ban Jelacic.) The town of Zapresic celebrates Jelacic Days in October, the month of birth of the Ban (the ruler of Croatia in the 19th century when it was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire). The festival takes visitors back to the days of the 19th century, celebrating Ban Jelacic at his estate in the town.
Close to Sveti Ivan Zelina, north of Zagreb, you will find the 26th Zelina Chestnut Festival taking place in mid October. With plenty of food and treats on offer – including delicious roasted chestnuts – there’s also live music, activities for kids, fitness fun and talks about wild animals.
Ivanic-Grad southeast of Zagreb hosts Bucijada (Pumpkin Day) on the third weekend of October. Pumpkins and pumpkin products (pumpkin seed oil, for example – very tasty!) are celebrated.
Events in Central Croatia in December
Almost all towns will host their own ‘Advent’ (Christmas and New Year’s events) which usually comprises beautiful Christmas decorations, a small fair (serving festive food and drink), live music, perhaps an ice rink and fireworks on New Year’s eve.