Events in Croatia 2026 - culture, festivals

27th July 2026

Here’s a selection of what we think are the best events in Croatia taking place in 2026. 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, please email us.

Do also see our pages on Public Holidays in Croatia 2026 and Christmas and New Year in Croatia

Events in Croatia in January 2026

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

…in inland Croatia…
Vincekovo/St Vincent’s Day is on the 22nd January, although usually celebrated on the nearest Saturday or Sunday. This is the day when the start of the wine-growing year is commemorated, and winemakers visit their vineyards to cut back vines to help them prosper over the year ahead. Visitors usually join a ‘wine walk’, stopping at wineries to enjoy a glass of (mulled) wine.

…all over Croatia…
On Friday, 30th January 2026, the annual “Night of the Museums” will be taking place in locations all over the country. Around 200 museums, galleries, and other similar institutions in 100 cities and towns participate; approximately 300,000 people visit Night of the Museums, making it 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 2026

…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 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 traditionally 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. This year’s main event – the international parade – takes place on 15th February 2026.

…in Split…
The Split Marathon will be held on 15th February 2026 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. For a bit of fun for young and old(er), join the associated Family Fun & Run on 14th February 2026.

…in Zagreb…
Gast Fair is the largest gastro event in Croatia, on from 26th to 28th February 2026.

Events in Croatia in March 2026

…in South Dalmatia…
The Oyster Festival takes place on St Joseph’s Day, 19th March, to 22nd March 2026 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, and you can even take boat trips out to the oyster farms.

…in Zagreb…
The Festival of Lights will take place from 18th to 22nd March 2026; the city will see a number of stunning visual light displays at several prominent locations.

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

…on the islands – Pag…
Pag’s very unusual landscape is celebrated with the Life on Mars race on 28th March 2026. There are three different trail lengths to choose from.

Events in Croatia in April 2026

…in Istria…
100 Miles of Istria (9th – 12th April 2026) 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…
The Croatia Rally – a FIA European Rally Championship event – will be taking place in and around Zagreb from 9th to 12th April 2026.

…in Istria…
Swing by Lovran on 11th April 2026 to enjoy a fritaja (similar to an omelette) made in a giant pan with 1000 eggs and 30kg of asparagus and bacon! The whole month of April is celebrated as an asparagus festival in Lovran.

…in North Dalmatia…
The Zadar Night Run will take place on 11th April 2026. It is a race in the centre of the town that starts at 8.30pm at the Greeting to the Sun installation by the sea.

…in Dubrovnik…
The absolutely amazing EST 105 sailing regatta will combine both sides of the Adriatic, seeing as boats will sail from Bari in Italy to Dubrovnik! It will take place on 22nd April 2026.

…in Dubrovnik…
Race on Dubrovnik’s Old Town Walls in the Run the Wall challenge on 25th April 2026.

Events in Croatia in May 2026

…in Istria…
The Vinistra Festival (8th – 10th May 2026) in Porec is one of the largest wine events in Croatia. Sample local specialities, as well as olive oils, brandies and other spirits from over 100 exhibitors.

…all over Croatia…
Night of the Fortresses is an event that takes place at highly impressive heritage monuments in Croatia, Bosnia & Hercegovina and Montenegro; this year it will take place on 8th and 9th May 2026. Locations in Croatia include Senj, Korcula, Slavonski Brod and Pazin. Come to explore these 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…
International Museum Day is celebrated globally on 18th May 2026, and a number of Croatian institutions will take part in hosting special events. You can find a list of such events on the Croatian Museum Documentation Centre website (in Croatian only).

…all over Croatia…
The Nikola Tesla EV Rally will take place from 24th to 29th May 2026, the eighth edition of the event. This year, the rally will start in Zadar and travel to Trogir, Sibenik, Krka National Park and the Zrmanja Canyon. You can register to take part on the website.

…in Istria…
Wine Day (also called “Open Wine Cellars Day”) allows people to tour the wine producers of Istria, conducting tastings. The event is always held on the last Sunday in May.

Events in Croatia in June 2026

…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 27th 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 from 10th to 13th June 2026.

…in Split…
The Mediterranean Film Festival Split (11th to 20th June 2026) showcases films from the region at several venues in Split.

…all over Croatia…
The European Days of Archaeology (12th to 14th June 2026) will see museums all over the country host special exhibitions, lectures, workshops and events. As the title suggests, museums all over Europe will also take part.

…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. On from 22nd to 24th June 2026, this year’s headline acts include Kings of Leon (appearing after having to cancel last year), Gorillaz and Manic Street Preachers. Read more on our guide to the Festival here.

Events in Croatia in July 2026

…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 (1st – 6th July 2026), Love International (8th – 14th July 2026), Outlook Origins (23rd – 27th July 2026) and Defected Croatia (29th July – 2nd August 2026),

…in Istria…
The Pula Film Festival (9th – 16th July 2026) will be celebrating its 73rd 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.

…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 10th to 12th July 2026.

…in North Dalmatia…
Animation festival SUPERTOON is on in Sibenik at the end of July each year. Short animated films will be shown, as well as films for children plus other animated features.

…on the islands – Rab…
Rabska Fjera is a famous medieval-style summer festival on the island of Rab. With plenty of re-enactments and authentic costumes, the festival 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 2026; it will be in its very impressive 77th year this year. The Festival includes theatre, opera, music and dance events at various open-air venues around the city.

…in Istria…
The 36th Croatia Open ATP Tennis tournament will take place from 10th to 19th July 2026. 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 Mr Carlos Alcaraz! The following year, he reached the final again, only to be defeated by Jannik Sinner – clearly the start of the rivalry! 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 2026

…in North Dalmatia…
The fun continues in Tisno in August with festivals Dekmantel Selectors (20th – 24th August 2026) and Dimensions (27th – 31st August 2026) 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 311th 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 northeastern Croatia…
The annual Renaissance Festival in Koprivnica (20th – 23rd August 2026) 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 northeastern Croatia…
Spancirfest is one of the best-known street festivals in the whole of Croatia. Taking place in Varazdin from 21st to 30th August 2026, there’s a rich programme of events. Music, workshops, arts and crafts, kids events, plus gastro and wine offerings too.

…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 22nd to 28th August 2026.

…in central Croatia…
Bat Night takes place at the end of August (this year, 29th August 2026) at the Barac Caves close to the Plitvice Lakes. Enjoy educational workshops, music, kids’ activities and a film, all themed around this flying mammal.

…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.

Events in Croatia in September 2026

…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 59th International Puppet Festival will take place in mid-September; both Croatian and international puppetry groups take part.

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

…all over Croatia…
The annual CroRace professional cycling event – now in its 10th year – will be held from 22nd to 27th October 2026. It’s a wonderful way of “seeing” Croatia, even if you just watch it on TV!

Events in Croatia in October 2026

…in Istria…
Taking place over five consecutive weekends in October and the beginning of November, the “Day of Truffles” events are a series of truffle-themed days. (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. The first weekend of celebrations is indeed in Lovran from 9th to 11th October 2026.

…in Dubrovnik…
The Good Food Festival in early/mid-October offers food and drink tastings, culinary walks, workshops, kids events and more. One of the highlights is the “Dubrovnik Table” where practically the entire length of Stradun is given over to local eateries showcasing their cooking. Buy a food voucher and/or a wine voucher and dig in!

…all over Croatia…
The bi-annual Restaurant Week (Restoran Tjedna) returns this month, actually taking place over a week and a bit in mid-October. Participating 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 28th Biograd Boat Show will take place from 21st to 25th October 2026.

…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 2026

…in Dubrovnik…
The wondrous Luminart Light Festival takes over Dubrovnik’s Old Town in early November. Expect spectacular light and sound installations on some of the city’s most famous sights.

…in Zagreb…
The prestigious Zagreb Film Festival – now in its 24th year – showcases films from debut or new filmmakers from across the world with prizes awarded in several categories. It will be held from 9th to 15th November 2026.

…in the Kvarner Riviera…
The 20th Chocolate Festival in Opatija, held in early November, is the perfect place to sample and buy amazing chocolate items from Croatian chocolate producers.

…all over Croatia…
Martinje (or the Feast of St Martin) is celebrated in many places in Croatia on or near 11th November. This is the day when thanks are given to St Martin for a good wine harvest, and also the day when the 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 2026

…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 late November through until early January each year. (Expected dates this year – 28th November 2026 to 6th January 2027.) 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! Have a read of my reviews of the last two years: Advent in Zagreb 2025 and Advent in Zagreb 2024.

…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. Some of the big ones to enjoy include the Dubrovnik Winter Festival, Advent Porec, Advent in Pula, Advent in Varazdin, Adventura (Sibenik) and Rijeka Advent.