Here are some of the best events in central Croatia that take 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 should participate in Night of the Museums (Noc muzeja) at the end of January.
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 6th to 17th February 2026.
Events in Central Croatia in March
Samobor is famed for its salami, which 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 (6th April 2026) each year.
The very unusual Stunt Festival (late April) is all about stunt performers and stunts in the film industry. You will be able to watch some live action stunts with your own eyes if you attend.
The Santa Dominica Spartan Trifecta Weekend is an obstacle course race that will be held on 28th and 29th April 2026. 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 May
A Classic Car Marathon (car rally) takes place in mid-May in Sveta Nedjelja.
The Samobor Mountain Biking Weekend at the end of May runs on a course that starts in the centre of town and then goes through nearby forests.
Struklijada – a festival that is dedicated to the absolutely delicious dish that is strukli – will be held in Bedekovcina on 23rd May 2026. Strukli is a very traditional dish from this part of Croatia, the Zagorje region.
Events in Central Croatia in June
Samobor Jazz Festival takes place over a couple of days at the end of May/early June each year.
Sveti Ivan 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.
Events in Central Croatia in August
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.
What Our Ancestors Ate is an interesting festival in Vrbovec (end of Augst) that showcases traditional dishes from the region and the rest of Croatia, made by women’s groups and restaurateurs using long-established recipes. There are also concerts and other fun activities to participate in.
Events in Central Croatia in September
Jaskovo, near Karlovac, will be hosting its annual Strudlafest (Strudel Fest), celebrating this highly delicious treat in early September. As well as being able to sample many different, tasty 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 and there’s that statue of him on a horse.) The town of Zapresic celebrates Jelacic Days in October, the month of birth of the Ban (which roughly translates to governor or lord in English). Ban Jelacic was 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 that century, celebrating Ban Jelacic at his estate in the town.
Close to Sveti Ivan Zelina, north of Zagreb, you will find the 28th Zelina Chestnut Festival taking place in mid-October. (Read up a bit more about last year’s event: Join the Kestenijada (Chestnut Festival) in Ivan Sveti Zelina.) With plenty of food and treats on offer – including delicious roasted chestnuts, of course – there’s also live music, activities for kids, fitness fun and talks about wild animals. This really is a wonderful autumnal event.
The Days of Croatian Film should take place in Karlovac in mid-October.
The International Sound and Film Music Festival will be held in Samobor in mid October.
Ivanic-Grad, southeast of Zagreb, hosts Bucijada (Pumpkin Day) on the third weekend of October each year. Pumpkins and pumpkin products (pumpkin seed oil, for example, which is 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. Towns in central Croatia are no exception!