Here’s a listing of annual events in Northern Croatia taking place in the main towns in this region – including in Varazdin, Koprivnica, Cakovec and Ludbreg.
Events in Northern Croatia – January
Varazdin will be the venue for some of the matches of the IHF Men’s Handball World Championships, being hosted jointly by Croatia, Denmark and Norway. The tournament runs from 14th January to 2nd February 2025.
Vincekovo – or St Vincent’s Day – is on the 22nd January each year (although usually celebrated on the nearest Saturday or Sunday). The day is special as this is when the start of the wine-growing year is commemorated. Winemakers visit their vineyards to cut back vines to help them prosper over the year ahead, although that’s not something you’re expected to do! Instead, visitors usually join a ‘wine walk’, stopping at wineries to enjoy a glass of (mulled) wine. (Take a look at this one in and around Strigova on 18th January 2025.)
Events in Northern Croatia – March and April
Koprivnica-Krizevci county has long been associated with naive art in Croatia. For a number of years now, giant-size Easter Eggs beautifully painted in this naive art style are displayed in the centre of Koprivnica around Easter time. If you’re in town, going to see these eggs is highly recommended. (Note: the eggs sometimes do ‘tours’ elsewhere in Croatia or even further afield!)
Events in Northern Croatia – May
1st May is Labour Day, a public holiday, and many of the towns in this region in Croatia host an event or activity on this day.
Vafi & Rafi is the International Children’s and Youth Animation Festival – now in its 16th year – that will take place in Varazdin from 26th – 31st May 2025. The festival holds screenings of films made by children aged 18 and under from all over the world; there are also accompanying workshops and exhibitions.
Events in Northern Croatia – June
The Motives of Podravina is a cultural fair that takes place in Koprivica over three days in June. Many naive art painters display their wonderful artworks in Koprivnica’s park – this is the largest naive art fair in the world. Additionally, the festival also includes folklore celebrations, an antiques fair and the chance to try plenty of dishes that are typical in this part of the country.
Events in Northern Croatia – July
As with many places in Croatia during the summer months, Varazdin also holds a summer festival (usually from June to August), with live music and more. Check locally for listings of specific events.
Fest Jazza is an international jazz festival held in Koprivnica every July.
Events in Northern Croatia – August
The annual Renaissance Festival in Koprivnica (21st – 24th August 2025) is perhaps one of the biggest events in town, with all sorts of historical re-enactments stretching out over the four days of the event. Expect to see competing knights; medieval entertainers, sports and music; plenty of food and drink; fun for kids and much, much more – they go all out!
Spancirfest is one of the best-known street festivals in the whole of Croatia. Taking place in Varazdin from 22nd to 31st August 2025, there’s a rich programme of events – music, workshops, arts and crafts, kids’ events plus gastro and wine offerings too.
Events in Northern Croatia – September
The Lace Festival in Lepoglava takes place every September.
The 20th Trash Film Festival will be taking place this month in Varazdin.
The very special 55th Varazdin Baroque Evenings are due to take place at the end of September/early October. The concerts will be hosted in several venues in and around the town.
Events in Northern Croatia – December
As with many towns and cities all over Croatia, this part of the country also hosts Christmas and New Year’s festivities. All towns will have Christmas decorations displayed, and offer other Christmas festivities – a little market serving tasty treats, live music, and perhaps an ice rink. See locally for info, or check out details of one of the biggest such events in this region – Advent in Varazdin.