
Here’s a selection of what we think are the best events in Croatia taking place in 2025. 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 please email us.
- Do also see our pages on Public Holidays in Croatia 2025 and Christmas and New Year in Croatia

Events in Croatia in January 2025
…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 – for example, take a look at this one in and around Strigova on 18th January 2025.
…all over Croatia…
The IHF Men’s Handball Championships will be hosted by Croatia (jointly with Denmark and Norway) with games in Croatia beind held in Zagreb, Porec and Varazdin. The tournament runs from 14th January to 2nd February 2025.
…all over Croatia…
On Friday 31st January 2025, 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 2025
…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. Although this year’s main event – the international parade – will take place early next month (see below), on 15th February 2025 it is the turn of the younger generation during the very cute Children’s Carnival Parade.
…in Split…
The Split Marathon will be held on 16th February 2025 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 15th February 2025.
…in Zagreb…
Gast Fair is the largest gastro event in Croatia, on from 27th February to 1st March 2025.
Events in Croatia in March 2025
…in the Kvarner Riviera…
Now it’s the big one for the Rijeka Carnival – the International Carnival Parade – on 2nd March 2025. Come down to enjoy the exceedingly colourful costumes and join in the parties!
…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 19th to 23rd March 2025; 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 from 21st to 30th March 2025. Restaurants all over Croatia will present a special menu, with dishes priced at €20/22 for lunch and €20-24 for dinner.
…in Dubrovnik…
The highly unusual Runway Run (a 5km race actual on Dubrovik Airport’s runway!) takes place every March.
Events in Croatia in April 2025
…in Istria…
100 Miles of Istria (10th – 13th April 2025) 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 Istria…
Swing by Lovran on 12th April 2025 to enjoy a fritaja (similar to an omlete) made in a giant pan with 1000 eggs and 30kg of asparagus and bacon!
…in North Dalmatia…
The Zadar Night Run will take place on 12th April 2025. 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.
Events in Croatia in May 2025
…in Istria…
The Vinistra Festival (9th – 11th May 2025) 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 in early May. 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…
The Nikola Tesla EV Rally will take place from 25th to 31st May 2025, the seventh edition of the event. This year, the rally will start in Savudrija at the northern tip of Istria and run down to Trogir, taking in Rovinj, Zadar, Sibenik and Split as well as the islands of Cres and Losinj. 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.
…in south Dalmatia…
Join the Peljesac Bridge Run and run a race over the spectacular Peljesac Bridge! It will be held on 29th May 2025.
Events in Croatia in June 2025
…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 26th year – will see boats sail from Rijeka to Omisalj and back; there are also plenty more additional accompanying events for participants and spectators besides!
…in Split…
The Mediterranean Film Festival Split (12th to 21st June 2025) 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. On from 23rd to 25th June 2025, this year’s headline acts include Kings of Leon. Read more on our guide to the Festival here.
Events in Croatia in July 2025
…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 – 8th July 2025), Love International (9th – 15th July 2025) and Outlook Origins (24th – 28th July 2025).
…in Istria…
The Pula Film Festival will be celebrating its 72nd 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 always 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 11th to 13th July 2025.
…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 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.

…in Dubrovnik…
The famous Dubrovnik Summer Festival will take place from 10th July to 25th August 2025; it will be in its very impressive 76th year this year. The Festival includes theatre, opera, music and dance events at various open-air venues around the city.
…in Istria…
The 35th 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 Mr 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 2025
…in North Dalmatia…
The fun continues in Tisno in August with festivals Defected Croatia (30th July – 3rd August 2025), Dekmantel Selectors (21st – 25th August 2025) and Dimensions (28th August – 1st September 2025) 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 310th 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…
The annual Renaissance Festival in Koprivnica (21st – 24th August 2025) 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 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.
…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 23rd to 29th August 2025.
…in central Croatia…
Bat Night takes place at the end of August 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 2025
…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 58th 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!
Events in Croatia in October 2025
…all over Croatia…
The annual CroRace professional cycling event at the beginning of October search year. 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 6th to 19th October 2025, one of the highlights is Dubrovnik Table when 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 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 27th Biograd Boat Show will take place at the end of this month.
…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 2025
…in Dubrovnik…
The wondrous Luminart Light Festival takes over Dubrovnik’s Old Town from 7th to 9th November 2025. 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 23nd year – showcases films from debut or new filmmakers from across the world with prizes awarded in several categories. It will be held from 10th to 16th November 2025.
…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 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.
…in the Kvarner Riviera…
The 19th Chocolate Festival in Opatija, held in mid-November, is the perfect place to sample and buy amazing chocolate items from Croatian chocolate producers.
…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 2025
…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. 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.