Events in Croatia

Here’s a selection of what we think are the best events in Croatia taking place in 2024. We add to this list all the time (as new events or additional details are announced), so do check back regularly. If there’s anything you think we’ve missed, then do please email us.

Events in Croatia

Events in Croatia in January 2024

…all over Croatia…
Most Christmas and Advert Fairs in Croatia do still run until early January – so if you’re in Croatia this month, check locally to see what’s on!

The European Men’s Waterpolo Championship is being held in Dubrovnik and Zagreb from 4th to 16th January 2024.

…all over Croatia…
On Friday 26th January 2024, the annual “Night of the Museums” will be taking place in locations all over the country. Usually, over 200 museums, galleries and other similar institutions in 100 cities and towns take part; around 300,000 people visit Night of the Museums so you can see that it’s a very popular event. You can also find some further details of this year’s event at the Croatian Museum Association website.

Events in Croatia in February 2024

…in Dubrovnik…
The Festival of St Blaise (Dubrovnik’s patron saint – Sveti Vlaho in Croatian) takes place each year around 3rd February (St Blaise Day) and includes a number of ceremonies in which the people of Dubrovnik pay their respect to the saint. There are also a number of linked events taking place in the preceding days and weeks such as the Dubrovnik Festa. The same day is also considered a “City of Dubrovnik Day”, with certain events also being held to celebrate this.

…in the Kvarner Riviera…
February is carnival month all over the world and the best-celebrated carnival event in Croatia is the Rijeka Carnival, which can attract over 100,000 Croatian and foreign spectators. Rijeka Carnival’s main event – the international parade – will take to the streets of the city on 11th February 2024.

…in Zagreb…
Gast Fair is the largest gastro event in Croatia, and this year it moves from Split to Zagreb. It is on from 23rd – 25th February 2024.

…in Split…
The Split Half Marathon will be held on 25th February 2024 on a course that takes in many of the famous sights and areas of Split, including the Riva (start/end point), Marjan Park and Poljud stadium. 

Events in Croatia in March 2024

…in South Dalmatia…
The Festival of Oysters takes place on St Joseph’s Day (19th March) and the days after in Ston and Mali Ston, towns on the Peljesac Peninsula that are famed for their oysters. You can sample this local delicacy in a multitude of dishes at the festival, alongside trying out some local wines. Traditional singing and dancing also take place.

…in Zagreb…
The Festival of Lights will take place from 20th to 24th March 2024; the city will see a number of stunning visual light displays at several prominent locations.

…in Split…
The Festival of Flowers is held each year in the cellars of Diocletian’s Palace at the end of March, usually with a high number of exhibitors showing displays to a particular theme. A gorgeous visual event, be sure to check it out if you’re in the city this month.

Events in Croatia in April 2024

…in Istria…
100 Miles of Istria (4th – 7th April 2024) is an endurance event that contains several races over the weekend – a tough, 100-mile trail; the ‘easier’ 110km one; and a more ‘manageable’ 65km trail. Anyone can enter any of the races – if you’re brave enough!

…in/near Zagreb…
Rally Croatia, part of the FIA World Rally calendar, will be held on a 300km course in and around Croatia’s capital from 18th to 21st April 2024. Only the fourth year this rally has been held, it is a very popular event and attracts a considerable amount of interest.

Events in Croatia in May 2024

…all over Croatia…
Night of the Fortresses is an event that takes place at highly impressive heritage monuments in Croatia, Bosnia & Hercegovina and Montenegro on 10th May 2024. Locations in Croatia include Senj, Korcula, Slavonski Brod and Pazin. Come to explore the wonderful fortresses.

…in Split…
Split’s patron saint, Saint Domnius (Sveti Duje in Croatian) is celebrated with a feast day held each year on 7th May.

…on the islands – Korcula…
Events on Korcula include a celebration of the times of Marco Polo (who was – supposedly – born on Korcula) at the end of May, when the streets of Korcula Town are decorated to look like a 13th-century town.

…all over Croatia…
The Nikola Tesla EV Rally will take place from 26th May to 1st June 2024, the sixth edition of the event. This year, the rally will start in Opatija and run up to Istria and then down to Split, heading over to the islands of Brac and Hvar before ending in Sibenik. You can register to take part on the website.

Events in Croatia in June 2024

…in Istria…
“Porec Summer” will take place starting from mid-June (normally to September) with a wide variety of events including music, dance and more. Check locally for up-to-date listings.

…in the Kvarner Riviera…
The sailing regatta Fiumanka – now in its 25th year – will see boats sail from Rijeka to Omisalj and back; there are also plenty more additional accompanying events for participants and spectators besides! It will take place 6th to 16th June 2024.

…in Split…
The Mediterranean Film Festival Split (13th to 22nd June 2024) showcases films from the region at several venues in Split.

…in Zagreb…
Lake Jarun is home to the INmusic Festival, a music event in this pretty setting in southwest Zagreb, with a host of top international bands and stars performing. After taking a break last year, the festival is back with a bang for 2024! (It will take place 24th to 26th June 2024.) Acts performing at this year’s event include Paolo Nutini, Hozier, The Smashing Pumpkins and The National; read more on our guide to the Festival here.

Events in Croatia in July 2024

…in North Dalmatia…
July and August see an absolutely cracking line-up of music festivals take place on this part of the Croatian coast – the way these festivals are lined-up (all in the same location of Tisno), you could get almost a month and a half of solid partying! July’s events include Hospitality on the Beach (2nd – 9th July 2024), Love International (10th – 16th July 2024) and Outlook Origins (25th – 29th July 2024).

…in Istria…
The Pula Film Festival will be celebrating its 71st year this year, making it the oldest festival of its kind in Croatia. Both Croatian and international films are shown at various locations in Pula, including in the stunning amphitheatre (the Arena) in the town. The festival is normally held in mid-July.

…in Split…
Ultra Europe is one of the top EDM events in Croatia, and there’s no doubt another hundred thousand or so people will jet in for this year’s event. It will take place at Park Mladezi Stadium from 12th to 14th July 2024.

…in North Dalmatia…
Animation festival SUPERTOON is on in Sibenik from 22nd to 26th July 2024. Short animated films will be shown, as well as films for children and other animated features.

…on the islands – Rab…
Rabska Fjera is a famous medieval-style summer festival on the island or Rab – with plenty of re-enactments and authentic costumes – that takes place every July.

…in Split…
The Split Summer Festival runs for about a month from mid-July to mid-August. Much like the Dubrovnik Summer Festival, this one features open-air theatre, music and dance performances at various special venues around the city, including in and around Diocletian’s Palace.

…on the islands – Brijuni islands…
Kazaliste Ulysses (Ulysses Theatre), co-founded by famous Croatian actor Rade Serbedzija, is situated on Veliki Brijun island (of the Brijuni islands) and runs each summer with some wonderful plays – past seasons have seen Hamlet and King Lear. The Theatre is open and holds performances from mid-July to mid-August each year.

Events in Croatia - Dubrovnik Summer Festival
Opening night of the Dubrovnik Summer Festival

…in Dubrovnik…
The famous Dubrovnik Summer Festival will take place from 10th July to 25th August 2024; it will be in its 75th year this year. The Festival includes theatre, opera, music and dance events at various open-air venues around the city.

…in Istria…
The 34th Croatia Open ATP Tennis tournament will take place at the end of July in Umag. A clutch of top men’s players, including some of the best Croatian players, take part in this ATP 250-level event. In 2021, it was the first-ever tournament win for a young Carlos Alcaraz. There are also several other celebrations taking place that accompany the tennis, making it quite a fun tournament to attend.

Events in Croatia in August 2024

…in northeastern Croatia…
The annual Renaissance Festival in Koprivnica in early August is perhaps one of the biggest events in the 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!

…in North Dalmatia…
The fun continues in Tisno in August with festivals Defected Croatia (1st – 5th August 2024), Dekmantel Selectors (22nd – 27th August 2024) and Dimensions (29th August – 3rd September 2024) all taking place.

…near Split…
On the first weekend of August each year, a very famous and historic horseback tournament takes place in the town of Sinj, near Split. Now in its 309th year (that’s not an error!) the Sinjska Alka (or Sinj Alka) sees competitors on horseback armed with lances aiming to hit the inside of a metal ring (the alka) with points awarded according to which part of the ring they hit. The Sinjska Alka was entered into the UNESCO Intangible World Heritage List in 2010 (read more on the UNESCO website) and is well worth attending if you’re in the region in early August.

…in central Croatia…
Karlovac Beer Days – the largest festival of its kind in Croatia – takes place at the end of August/beginning of September. Join the festival to sample a wide variety of beers from different Croatian breweries. There’s also a rich gastronomic offering, plenty of live music and kids’ events too.

…in northeastern Croatia…
Spancirfest is one of the best-known street festivals in the whole of Croatia. Taking place in Varazdin in late August, there’s a rich programme of events – music, workshops, arts and crafts, kids events plus gastro and wine offerings too.

…in central Croatia…
Bat Night will take place on 30th August 2024 at the Barac Caves close to the Plitvice Lakes. Enjoy educational workshops, music, kids’ activities and a film, all themed around this flying mammal.

Events in Croatia in September 2024

…in inland Croatia…
The Dinaric Rally is an amateur motorbike cross-country race set in the Dinaric Alps, around the town of Knin. It will be held from 8th to 14th September 2024.

…in inland Croatia…
The Croatian Walking Festival takes place on several routes in and around Gopsic (close to Nikola Tesla’s birthplace) and Otocac (both are in Lika-Senj county) of around 30km, 20km and 10km in length in early September.

…in Zagreb…
The 57th International Puppet Festival will take place 13th to 19th September 2024; both Croatian and international puppetry groups take part.

…in southern Dalmatia…
The Ston Wall Marathon takes place on 22nd September 2024 on Ston’s town walls; it must surely be one of the most unique running races in the world!

…all over Croatia…
The CroRace cycling event will take place from 1st to 6th October 2024.

Events in Croatia in October 2024

…all over Croatia…
The annual CroRace professional cycling event will take place from 1st to 6th October 2024. This year, the race starts in Vodice and proceeds up the coast (including stages on the island of Pag and Krk) before ending in Zagreb. It’s a wonderful way of “seeing” Croatia even if you just watch it on TV!

…in Istria…
Starting in September, although mainly taking place in October and the beginning of November, the “Day of Truffles” events are actually a succession of truffle-themed days taking place every weekend at various towns in Istria. (Truffles being something Istria is very famous for.) Check locally for planned events, and enjoy tasting various food and dishes flavoured with truffles.

…in Istria…
Marunada is a festival devoted to chestnuts – sampling chestnut delicacies & chestnut liqueurs, collecting chestnuts…and plenty of games and sports events too. Marunada takes place in various venues this month, mainly near Lovran in Istria.

…in Dubrovnik…
The Good Food Festival in early/mid-October offers food and drink tastings, culinary walks, workshops, kids events and more. Taking place from 7th to 20th October 2024, one of the highlights is Dubrovnik Table on 20th October when practically the entire length of Stradun is given over to local eateries showcasing their cooking. Buy a food voucher for €8 or a wine voucher for €4.

…all over Croatia…
The bi-annual Restaurant Week (Restoran Tjedna) returns this month, actually taking place over a week and a bit from 10th to 20th October 2024. Restaurants all over Croatia will present a special menu, with dishes priced at €20/22 for lunch and €20-24 for dinner.

…in central Croatia…
Ivanic-Grad, southeast of Zagreb, hosts Bucijada (Pumpkin Day) on the third weekend of October each year. Pumpkins and pumpkin products are celebrated during the event.

…in North Dalmatia…
The 26th Biograd Boat Show will take place from 23rd to 27th October 2024.

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

Events in Croatia in November 2024

…all over Croatia…
Martinje (or the Feast of St Martin) is celebrated in many places in Croatia on 11th November. This is the day when thanks are given to St Martin for a good wine harvest, and also the day when wine has matured so it is now suitable for drinking. Check locally to see what celebrations are taking place – as well as celebrating wine, good food will be on offer too.

…all over Croatia…
Mid-November sees Theatre Night take place in Croatia. (Having expanded, it also takes place in several other neighbouring countries). Somewhere along the lines of 80 venues in more than 30 towns and cities in the country participate, welcoming over 40,000 attendees. Theatres will hold free (or cheaper) performances, with additional workshops, tours and similar.

Events in Croatia in December 2024

…in Zagreb…
One of the most celebrated Christmas fairs in Croatia (if not in Europe!) is the impressive Advent in Zagreb which is held from early December through until early January each year. Zagreb is decorated to the max with lots of stunning Christmas decorations, and there’s plenty of fun for all ages to be had. Don’t forget the tasty festive food and drink too!

…all over Croatia…
Almost all towns in Croatia, however small, will have festive decorations put up to celebrate Christmas. Some, especially the larger towns and cities, will have Christmas fairs, ice skating rinks and other events to celebrate the time of year. This is also true for New Year’s Eve – head to the main square of the town/city you’re in, and you can probably enjoy a free evening concert until the early hours, which normally has a pause for fireworks at midnight.

For full listings of events in the various Croatian regions, towns and islands, see: