Below is a listing of the main events in Dubrovnik that take place each year. Of course, there are many more events that take place throughout the year in this absolute gem of a town – see the very useful listing on the Dubrovnik Tourist Board website.
Events in January 2023
Every Saturday morning this winter, up until 25th March 2023, special events will take place for visitors – these include a free sightseeing tour in English at 9.30am, followed by a performance by the Lindjo folk group at 11.30am. (There’s also a free Croatian-language tour at 12.30pm.) See more on Saturday Mornings in the City.
As with many other towns and cities in Croatia, museums in Dubrovnik will also be taking part in this year’s (part-online) Night of the Museums on 27th January 2023. Museums, galleries and other similar institutions open their doors to the public – for free – from 6pm to 1am.
Events in February 2023
The Festival of St Blaise, who is Dubrovnik’s patron saint, takes place each year in early February. The festival includes a number of ceremonies in which locals pay their respect to the saint; the actual saint’s day is on 3rd February. This day is also considered a “City of Dubrovnik Day”, and events are also held to celebrate this.
February is also carnival month (in Croatia, and around the world). Check locally for carnival offerings in Dubrovnik.
Events in March 2023
The Runway Run takes place on a 5km course on Dubrovnik Airport’s runway (yes, really!) on 10th March 2023.
The Mediterranean Fair will take place from the 15th to 19th March 2023, showcasing healthy food, medicinal herbs and green entrepreneurship.
Events in April 2023
Easter will be marked in Dubrovnik on 9th April 2023 – as in the whole of Croatia – with a number of events. Check information locally to see what’s on.
The Run The Wall challenge (literally running on Dubrovnik’s Old Town walls) takes place on 29th April 2023.
The 8th Dubrovnik Half Marathon (and accompanying races) will take place on 30th April 2023.
Events in May 2023
The street food festival Bavarin will be held from 5th to 14th May 2023. Expect lots of delicious Croatian offerings, as well as food workshops and more.
The folklore ensemble Lindjo performs 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 going for over 50 years.
Events in June 2023
The New Europe Market is an annual TV industry conference held in Dubrovnik; this year it will be held 5th to 8th June 2023.
The Midsummer Scene Festival is a theatre event celebrating William Shakespeare’s works. It takes place in late June each year.
Events in July 2023
One of Croatia’s most famous events, the Dubrovnik Summer Festival, is certainly one of the top events in Dubrovnik. Each year, the Festival includes theatre, opera, music and dance events at various open-air venues around the city, taking place from mid-July to the end of August. Amazingly, this year is the 74th edition of the Festival.
Events in August 2023
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 number up to 18 people in total, including a cox and a drummer.
Events in September 2023
Dubrovnik in Late Summer is a classical music festival that eases the town into September (usually starting in late August).
Events in October 2023
The rather sweet sounding (in more ways than one!) International Festival of Jams & Marmalades takes place over the first weekend of October, with a variety of jam products from Croatian and neighbouring countries exhibiting. A competition to pick the best jam also takes place.
The first Dubrovnik Pizza Festival will take place in the former TUP Factory in Gruz from 12th to 15th October 2023.
The Earth Sea & Fire Dubrovnik Triathlon will take place on 14th October 2023.
Dubrovnik Film Festival – a festival for the children and youth of Mediterranean countries – will be held in Dubrovnik in mid-October.
The Good Food Festival in October offers food and drink tastings, culinary walks, workshops, kids’ events and more.
Events in November 2023
The Veteran Car Rally takes place at the end of November, with a collection of classic cars touring the local area, before being presented on Stradun.
Events in December 2023
Dubrovnik now hosts a very event-filled Winter Festival which starts at the beginning of December through into early January. The Festival includes a Christmas Fair – with traditional Christmas sweet treats and drinks, plus little trinkets on sale – carols and other fun concerts; gastro events (watch out for traditional Dalmatian Christmas dish bakalar – cod – being offered); kids’ events and events involving Santa!
As part of the Winter Festival, there are of course also New Year’s Eve celebrations which are centred around the main thoroughfare in Dubrovnik, Stradun. Celebrations include a free live concert to see in the New Year as well as fireworks.
Future Events in Dubrovnik
The men’s European Waterpolo Championships will be held in Dubrovnik (and Zagreb) from 4th to 16th January 2024.