Festivals in Croatia are well-known for his or her assured scorching climate, seashore raves and boat events. Many of the festivals are electro, techno, minimal or a mix of the three, but when that’s not what floats your boat, there are a number of mainstream music ones too. Listed below are the greatest festivals in Croatia to select from.
Croatia is thought for plenty of issues, resembling seashores with clear blue waters, previous cities with crimson roof tiles, waterfalls, soccer and naturally Sport of Thrones. However festivals in Croatia have additionally change into common over the last decade, with some like Hideout Competition and Outlook Competition attracting massive crowds.
Many of the well-known festivals in Croatia are music festivals. They typically span genres, with some going down on the mainland or islands, and a few on boats. The climate and seashores of Croatia present the proper setting for festivals and also you’ll little question be taking plenty of pictures or movies with the Croatian sundown behind you. However they’re additionally good to discover after you’ve completed partying too, so it’s value following a competition in Croatia with some stress-free time afterwards.
There’s additionally different kinds of festivals in Croatia, resembling movie festivals, meals festivals and area people celebrations. It’s a fairly full calendar, with most taking place over the summer time. However whereas there are heaps to select from, I’ve narrowed down a few of the greatest. Maintain studying to discover a breakdown of my high summer time festivals in Croatia.
The most effective summer time festivals in Croatia
From Might to September, Croatia hosts a few of the greatest summer time festivals on this planet. Whether or not you’re into digital music or R’n’B, you’ll little question discover one from this various record.
1. The Sea Star Competition
19 – 20 Might 2023
The Sea Star Competition is a well-liked music competition in Croatia organised by the workforce accountable for the EXIT competition in Serbia. The lineup options numerous artists carry out pop, metallic, punk, techno, hip-hop, and different kinds of music on the stage. Previously, these have included Wu-Tang Clan, Amelie Lens, Nina Kraviz, UMEK, and lots of extra.
This can be a four-day competition takes place subsequent to Stella Maris lagoon in Umag, Croatia. It’s a fantastic setting, proper by the coast in addition to Umag city. In the event you’re searching for probably the most idyllic competition campsite on this planet, this is perhaps it.
The place: Umag
Sleep: Tenting
For followers of: Wutang Clan, Robin Shultz, The Prodigy
Go if: You desire a correct seaside ambiance and are on a little bit of a finances
2. INmusic Competition
Returning in 2024
Named as among the finest summer time music festivals in Croatia, INmusic competition is the most important open-air fest within the nation. It briefly took a break in 2023 because of monetary points, however got here again for extra. Plenty of artists from the area and past come to play right here, spanning various kinds of music genres resembling rock, metallic, and instrumental, and so on.
It’s thought of one of many extra reasonably priced festivals, with low-cost drinks and plenty of free issues to do. It’s held within the open-air area proper in the course of Lake Jarun, which has all types of actions like kayaking and volleyball. You’re additionally near Zagreb which is a superb metropolis to discover.
The place: Zagreb
Sleep: Tenting
For followers of: Arctic Monkeys, Basement Jaxx, Bloc Social gathering
Go if: You wish to go to a competition in Croatia, however you like extra mainstream music than all of the electronica festivals the nation is known for.
3. Hideout Competition
10 – 13 August 2023
Hideout Competition is an annual occasion that takes place on Pag Island in Croatia. It’s in all probability probably the most well-known summer time competition in Croatia, attracting digital and dance music lovers from all world wide. A number of the most notable acts through the years embrace 4 Tet, Skrillex, Annie Mac and Stormzy.
In the event you search for Hideout Competition on-line, you’ll little question see plenty of photos of their boat events. There’s additionally a preferred seashore occasion, in addition to loads of membership events, so in case your toes can take it – there’s loads of dancing to be accomplished all through the competition.
Hideout is certainly a must-see competition in Croatia for those who love going to festivals. It’s probably the most well-known for good purpose and also you’ll see it in plenty of ‘greatest competition’ lists usually.
The place: Zcre Seashore, Pag
Sleep: Close by residences
For followers of: 4 Tet, Chase & Standing, Seth Troxler
Go if: You look cool, gown cool and like cool music. No chavs allowed.
4. Recent Island Competition
26 – 28 June 2023
Now over 10 years previous, Recent Island Competition takes place in the identical location as Hideout on Pag Island. It claims to be Europe’s main city competition, enjoying traditional and old-school R’n’B amongst different genres.
Like plenty of the opposite festivals in Croatia, there are boat events to get pleasure from, in addition to pool events, and pre and after events. Think about dancing to city beats by the pool in opposition to the backdrop of an island sundown? Sounds fairly good.
The place: Novalja, Pag
Sleep: Residences
For followers of: Snoop Dogg, A$AP Rocky + extra
Go if: You wish to sing “Snoop dawggggy dawwwwwwg” on the high of your voice within the sunshine.
5. Hospitality On The Seashore
2nd – ninth July 2024
The three major philosophies of Hospitality on the Seashore are to rave, discover and join with different festival-goers. It’s just like the holy trinity for music lovers and travellers.
It’s predominantly a drum & bass music competition, that includes high DJs, MCs and acts from the style. There are 4 phases to fill, so there’s fairly a full lineup with so many various folks to see.
The competition was so profitable it moved round a bit, heading to Albania for a number of editions. In 2023 it returned to Tisno in Croatia although, and sits firmly within the record of the must-see summer time festivals to go to right here. Like others, it has boat events, after events, and various things to do. These embrace wellness actions and watersports, amongst others.
The place: Tisno
Sleep: Combined choices
For followers of: Andy C, Wilkinson, + extra
Go if: You need an intimate setting however a giant rave
6. Love Worldwide Competition
12 – 18 July 2023
Love Worldwide Competition is one other nice music competition in Croatia that’s often held in a cove nearly fifteen minutes away from the village of Tisno. Right here folks can benefit from the lake, eat recent seafood and steaks, have enjoyable in boat rides, and simply journey to and out of your residence.
The fantastic thing about this competition is that it’s small-scaled and often doesn’t have greater than 4500 folks so the whole lot is close to and accessible and the motion throughout the phases can be very straightforward.
In the event you like the thought of sustainable journey, you’ll in all probability get pleasure from the truth that Love Worldwide Competition donates £1 from every full ticket bought to EarthPercent. This can be a charity that goals to make use of music to higher the planet, supporting folks world wide going through the affect of local weather change and lowering our affect.
The place: Tisno, Croatia
Sleep: Residences or glamping
For followers of: Horse Meat Disco, Moxie, Willikens & Ivkovic
Go if: You like the thought of partying on a ship or island
7. Extremely Europe, Croatia
7 – 9 July 2023
Extremely Europe is one other common three-day, open area, and multi-venue music competition that’s celebrated in twenty completely different European international locations. It first happened on Hvar Island near Cut up, Croatia in 2013, that includes acts like Sunnery James, Porter Robinson, Knife Social gathering, and lots of extra. As we speak, the competition takes over Cut up’s Mladeži Park, which is a soccer stadium within the metropolis, in addition to different places like Hvar, Brač and extra.
Aside from the music competition, it contains numerous different fun-filled actions resembling Yacht regatta, seashore occasion, and shutting occasion. Its trademark is the massive firework shows and smokey cannons, which make for an enormous occasion celebration.
The place: Cut up and different places
Sleep: Residences
For followers of: Armin Van Buuren, Avicii, David Guetta
Go if: You need the thrill of various places to your festivals, and also you wish to see stunning Hvar.
8. Suncebeat
20 – 27 July 2023
Suncebeat is one other annual music competition held in the summertime in Croatia. It began in 2010 and has since change into the longest-running competition in Tisno. It was the primary to characteristic deep home titan Larry Heard, Berlin powerhouse Prosumer and DJ Harvey. You’ll be capable of see rising acts earlier than they’re world well-known in addition to already well-known artists too.
The competition has a number of phases and venues together with the principle stage, the water-side Seashore Bar, the Olive Grove, and the open-air membership Barbarella’s. Suncebeat additionally hosts wild boat events on legendary boats resembling The Argonaughty and The Arbiana, including to the thrill and number of the general expertise.
The place: Backyard Tisno
Sleep: On-site residences
For followers of: Gilles Peterson, Moodymann, Mark Farina
Go if: You wish to occasion with like-minded musical souls in a secluded bay with a shimmering sandy seashore.
9. Outlook Competition
27 July – 1 August 2023
Some of the common non-electronic music festivals in Croatia, Outlook options artists from grime, storage, afrobeat, hip hop, rap, reggae, dub, dubstep, jungle, drum & bass, and extra. It’s an enormous worldwide crowd of festival-goers, all heading to Croatia for 4 days of enjoyable.
It first began as a subsidiary of SubDub in Leeds, specializing in bass music. Nevertheless, the competition organisers determined to kickstart it in Pula, as you possibly can’t precisely examine the city metropolis of Leeds with the picturesque metropolis in Croatia, which feels extra like a vacation. In truth, Pula and the Istria area is a tremendous place to discover or take a highway journey round.
The competition additionally options the Outlook Orchestra, which started in 2017 to showcase Sound Techniques music in a brand new means. The Outlook Orchestra is a 100+ minute reside combine led by BASCA award-winning composer Tommy Evans, so it’s positively a must-see of the competition.
The place: Pula and different places
Sleep: Tenting or close by residences
For followers of: Talib Kweli, Jay Electronica, Andy C
Go if: You wish to be a part of “Europe’s largest bass music and sound system tradition competition” and hand around in an previous Croatian fort for every week.
10. Sonus Competition
19 – 24 August 2023
Organised by the Hospitality household, Sonus Competition has gained reputation through the years and is among the most well-loved Croatian festivals to go to in the summertime. It sometimes spans 5 days and 5 nights, celebrating home, tech-house, techno, EDM and dance. As with loads of the larger music festivals, it attracts fairly a younger hipster crowd who love raves alongside sunbathing and being by the seashore – an ideal mixture.
Sonus takes place on Zrce Seashore on Pag Island, which is type of just like the epicentre for digital music festivals in Croatia. There’s loads to do – or for those who want to not and also you wish to take within the seashore/island environment.
However for those who’re going purely for the music then you possibly can take advantage of the highest techno DJs that come yearly and 50 headliners. There’s additionally boat events and beachside phases and plenty extra happening.
The place: Novalja and Pag Island
Sleep: Tenting or close by residences
For followers of: Ricardo Villalobos, Richie Hawtin, Diplo
Go if: You wish to see the very best techno DJs and occasion continuous
11. Dimensions
31 August – 4 September 2023
A spin-off from the Outlook Competition, Dimensions is analogous however on a smaller scale. It’s nice for underground digital followers which might be searching for extra music enjoyable. It has after events that run from 12am til 6am, boat events and plenty extra happening for festival-goers. Plus, the lodging may be so comfy, which is a pleasant various to tenting generally.
The competition’s musical program covers bass, home, techno, electro, storage, disco, and extra. There’s all the time nice acts and labels there, alongside returning companions like Cloth, Dr. Banana, The Ghost, Butter Facet Up, Freerotation, Subdub, and others.
So whether or not it’s dancing on boats, having fun with beats on the seashore, or taking within the excessive vitality of Barbarella’s Discotheque, Dimensions is a superb competition for music lovers in Croatia late summer time.
The place: The Backyard Tisno, Croatia
Sleep: Onsite residences or tenting
For followers of: Adam Pits & Lisene: Area Cadets, DJ Assault, Helena Hauff
Go if: You like Outlook Competition and wish extra.
The Finest Festivals in Croatia
Among the many numerous different issues that Croatia is known for is the number of festivals in Croatia is probably the most charming factor concerning the nation. The most effective factor concerning the festivals in Croatia is that you’ve the very best in the complete world right here. From boat events to raves, to music nights, and delightful historic cities of the nation are nothing however completely unimaginable to witness and expertise. The nation presents you stunning and breathtaking places that take the festive spirit to an entire new degree. Let’s have a look at a few of the hottest and greatest festivals in Croatia.
Different non-music festivals and summer time occasions in Croatia
Along with music festivals, the summer time calendar in Croatia is stuffed with various kinds of festivals too. From donkey racing to sports activities, listed below are a few of the greatest non-music festivals within the nation.
12. Sali Donkey Racing
This can be a three-day occasion within the village of Sali on Dugi Otok that features reside music, conventional seafood, and a spread of sporting competitions, culminating within the spotlight of the competition – donkey races. It’s been held for over 50 years, and the festivities happen within the first weekend of August. The competition is exclusive because it options conventional folks customs, gastronomic competitions, and “donkey music” performances. The donkey races aren’t nearly pace, as awards are given to each the quickest donkey and the “laziest” donkey – the one which crosses the end line final.
13. Voga Teleferika
This competition is extraordinarily common among the many locals. It’s a boat racing competitors the place folks get to cherish and pay homage to their custom of rowing and catch fishes to eat afterward. The occasion concludes with a celebration that includes sardines, native wines, and reside music alongside the waterfront, immersing the guests in native traditions and a full of life ambiance.
14. Rally Kumrovec
That is a world automotive rally competitors that takes place within the city of Kumrovec. The race consists of 4 circuit phases, presenting a difficult occasion for the members. It attracts motorsports fans from everywhere in the world.
15. 4 Island Stage Race
Members, who kind groups of two riders, compete in a biking race set on the Kvarner islands in Croatia. The competitors is difficult with various terrain, together with steep mountain climbs, shoreline pathways, and intense descents. The course is exclusive and is definitely a good way to absorb sea views all through the race.
16. Croatia Bike Week
Going down in Pula, Croatia Bike Week is a celebration of biking tradition. It offers a platform for merchants from round Europe to showcase new merchandise, bike tools, and bikes. However it’s not only for bikers – leisure contains parades, live shows, stunt exhibits, and automotive exhibits.
17. Pula Movie Competition
The Pula Movie Competition, which celebrated its seventieth version in 2023, is among the oldest and most prestigious movie occasions within the nation. It’s significantly identified for showcasing Croatian movies and co-productions, that includes works by the likes of Andrej Korovljev, Igor Bezinović, Ivan Salaj, and Goran Dević. Pula Professional additionally contains spherical tables, business talks, and pitches of scripts in growth.
18. Animafest Zagreb
The World Competition of Animated Movie – Animafest Zagreb, which began in 1972, is a competition that deeply influences the inventive lifetime of town of Zagreb and promotes animation artwork globally. It serves as an inspiration hub, fostering creativity, thought trade, innovation, communication, and worldwide range and its Grand Prix winners qualify for each the Academy Award and the European Animation Award.
The number of festivals in Croatia make it some of the splendid and wonderful international locations to go to. Try the dates for the festivals earlier than you make your journey to the nation to be able to benefit from the festivals to the complete extent.
Quicklist of music festivals in Croatia
- The Sea Star Competition
- INmusic Competition
- Hideout Competition
- Recent Island Competition
- Hospitality on the Seashore
- Love Worldwide Competition
- Extremely Europe
- Suncebeat
- Outlook Competition
- Sonus Competition
- Dimensions
What a part of Croatia is most visited?
The Dalmatian Coast is probably the most frequented a part of Croatia, with the gorgeous metropolis of Dubrovnik main the record. Often called the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic,’ Dubrovnik attracts thousands and thousands of vacationers yearly, because of its previous city, medieval partitions, and lovely shoreline. As well as, the islands of Hvar and Korčula, in addition to town of Cut up, are extremely common vacationer locations.
Is Croatia an inexpensive vacation?
In comparison with many different European locations, Croatia presents comparatively reasonably priced vacation experiences. Nevertheless, costs can range considerably relying on the time of 12 months and the placement. For instance, Dubrovnik and Hvar, being high vacationer spots, may be costlier, significantly in the course of the peak summer time months. Nevertheless, with cautious planning and by exploring off-the-beaten-track locations, you possibly can positively get pleasure from a vacation in Croatia on a finances.
What’s the competition in Cut up?
Cut up is dwelling to quite a few festivals all year long. Some of the notable is the Cut up Summer time Competition. This annual occasion is held from mid-July to mid-August and showcases a wide range of performances together with theatre, opera, ballet and live shows throughout the historic websites of Cut up, resembling Diocletian’s Palace.
Is Croatia a celebration vacation spot?
Whereas Croatia presents loads of alternatives for rest and cultural exploration, it’s additionally well-known for its full of life occasion scene. The islands of Hvar and Pag, specifically, are famend for his or her vibrant nightlife and seashore events. Pag is dwelling to Zrće Seashore, also known as the ‘Croatian Ibiza’ because of the variety of summer time golf equipment and music festivals. In the meantime, cities like Dubrovnik and Cut up additionally supply nice nightlife.