Events in Eastern Croatia

Here’s a listing of events in eastern Croatia – including in cities such as Osijek and Vukovar and in the region in general – that are taking place this year. Please double check on events’ websites or social media pages for up to date programmes and timings of these events.

Events in Eastern Croatia
Events in Eastern Croatia – a food market in Osijek

Events in January 2024

WineOS is a wine festival that will showcase wines from all over Croatia, with attendees also able to sample local culinary delicacies on 12th and 13th January 2024.

Events in February 2024

February is carnival month across the globe, and numerous cities in Croatia celebrate too. The Vinkovci Carnival includes processions and children’s events.

Events in March/April 2024

Easter in Osijek sees large, beautifully painted Easter Eggs on display during Easter week. There is also a kids’ tram that offers rides, plus a procession of Easter bunnies on motorbikes!

Events in May 2024

Svi zaJedno Hrvatsko Naj (3rd – 5th May 2024) in Vukovar is a large-scale festival celebrating the best of Croatian culture and traditions.

The Osijek Craft Beer Festival takes place in May at Gajba Beerhouse. Sample local craft beer as well as those from elsewhere in Croatia, and international ones too.

Events in June 2024

Actually taking place in June, July and August, Osijek Summer Nights is a collection of happenings largely centred around live performances, plus tasty food and drink! The main square in Osijek will be taken over by several small huts selling delicious offerings from Osijek restaurants, and locally produced products from the Baranja and Slavonia regions will also be on sale.

The Pannonian Challenge is an extreme sports festival taking place on the banks of the River Drava largely covering BMX biking, inline skating and skateboarding events…with a nice slice of accompanying urban music. From humble beginnings, this festival has grown and grown – and competitors now receive prize money!

Djakovacki Vezovi (Embroideries of Djakovo) is held in late June/early July; this traditional folklore festival was first held in 1967.

Events in July 2024

It’s not just locations on the coast that enjoy summer festivals! The Osijek Cultural Summer is the largest festival of this type in eastern Croatia and features theatre performances, film screenings, art exhibitions, concerts and more, both indoors and outdoors.

Events in August 2024

Dorf is a music documentary festival that takes place in August; it is in its 18th year in 2024.

VukovArt is a street art festival that will take place in Vukovar in late August/early September.

Events in September 2024

Days of the First Croatian Beer” is a 10-day festival in September that celebrates…well…the first-ever Croatian beer – Osjecko! Set in a large marquee by the River Drava in Osijek, beer, tasty food and live music entertain tens of thousands of revellers each year.

Zlatne Zice Slavonije (Golden Strings of Slavonia) will take place in Pozega in early September. This festival celebrates the music of the tambura (a long-necked instrument) with many additional festivities (food, dance) besides.

Vinkovci Autumn is one of the largest folklore festivals in Croatia, and also a very long-running one having first been held in 1966. Come along to this event (in mid-September) to experience traditional costumes, dances and music.

Events in October 2024

PaprikaFest in Lug, near Osijek, celebrates the pepper (paprika in Croatian), a traditional vegetable around these parts.

The HeadOnEast Festival in Osijek in early October is essentially one big party for all ages. There will be food and drink, live music, light shows, a children’s workshop, art, a group cycling event and more.

Events in December 2024

As with many other places in Croatia, Osijek and Vukovar have a full programme for their Advent offerings. There will be all sorts of Christmas-y happenings throughout the month of December. Warming food and drink, souvenirs and trinkets to buy, live music, ice skating, Santa for the kids…that kind of thing!

More Events in Croatia

See our page on Events in Croatia for all sorts of happenings – film, culture, art, sport, dance, theatre, music and more – all over the country.