Here is a selection of the best events in the Kvarner Riviera taking place in 2025, 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 2025
The Rijeka Carnival usually takes place from the end of January through to the end of February (although this year the main event is in early March!) 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 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 24th January 2025.
Events in February 2025
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 8th February 2025.
The Children’s Carnival Parade of the Rijeka Carnival will take place on 15th February 2025.
Events in March 2025
The main event of the Rijeka Carnival – the international parade – will take to the streets of the city on 2nd March 2025. Numerous participants and floats take part in a mixture of traditional and more modern celebrations, delighting the Croatian and foreign audience.
Events in April 2025
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 25th to 27th April 2025 in Omisalj.
Events in May 2025
Rijeka hosts the 30th International Small Scenes Festival at the beginning of May with theatre performances from both Croatian and foreign groups.
Events in June 2025
The sailing regatta Fiumanka in early June 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!
Events in July 2025
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 25th 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 from 22nd to 27th July 2025 in and around Fuzine in the inland part of the Kvarner region. Expect over 60 film screenings.
Events in August 2025
The Liburnia Film Festival in Icici near Opatija will be held in late August, showcasing Croatian films.
Events in September 2025
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 2025
The Rijeka Boat Show takes place in early October each year; the event was first held in 1984.
Events in November 2025
The Puppet Theatre Revue will be held in early November with appearances from Croatian and international puppet groups.
The 19th Chocolate Festival takes place in Opatija in mid-November – sample and buy amazing chocolate items from Croatian chocolate producers.
Events in December 2025
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.