Here is a selection of the best events in the Kvarner Riviera taking place in 2023, 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.
Events in January 2023
The Rijeka Carnival usually takes place from mid-January through to the end of February incorporating various festivities, from parades and concerts to exhibitions and balls. In a normal year, the carnival draws an impressive number of participants and easily attracts over 100,000 spectators, making it one of the larger 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 20th January 2023.
Events in February 2023
The Children’s Carnival Parade of the Rijeka Carnival will take place on 4th February 2023.
The Carnival Snowboard Session takes place in Rijeka as a one-day competition. Croatian and European snowboarders take part on a specially constructed course (with snow!) right in the centre of the city. This year’s event will take place on 12th February 2023.
The main event of the Rijeka Carnival – the international parade – will take to the streets of the city on 19th February 2023. Numerous participants and floats take part in a mixture of traditional and more modern celebrations, delighting the Croatian and foreign audience.
Events in April 2023
Impulse Festival (with its tagline ‘Music is Everywhere’) will take place from 17th to 24th April 2023, promoting music and urban culture at a number of venues across Rijeka.
Events in May 2023
The Mitteleuropa Blasmusikfest Wind Orchestra Competition will be on from 4th to 7th May 2023 in Opatija.
Rijeka hosts the 28th International Small Scenes Festival at the beginning of May with theatre performances from both Croatian and foreign groups.
Events in June 2023
The sailing regatta Fiumanka sees boats sail from Rijeka to Omisalj and back, with lots more fun and games for participants and spectators besides! It will take place 6th to 11th June 2023.
Events in July 2023
Rijeka Summer Nights is an almost month-long festival that kicks off at the end of June each year. This wonderful event will include a number of theatre, music, operatic and other performances at a variety of venues throughout the city.
The Liburnia Jazz Festival in Opatija is the largest jazz event in Croatia, with the 23rd festival set to take place in July. Held over three days, there are a number of jazz concerts at various locations across the town.
American singer-songwriter Norah Jones will be performing in Opatija on 15th July 2023.
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.
Events in August 2023
The Liburnia Film Festival in Icici near Opatija will be held in late August, showcasing Croatian films.
Events in September 2023
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.
Events in October 2023
The Rijeka Boat Show takes place 5th to 8th October 2023; the event was first held in 1984.
Events in November 2023
The Puppet Theatre Revue will be held in early November with appearances from Croatian and international puppet groups.
Events in December 2023
The 17th Chocolate Festival takes place in Opatija in December – sample and buy amazing chocolate items from Croatian chocolate producers.
Christmas and New Year’s celebrations will be in full force during this month in many of the Kvarner Riveria’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.