Cultural and entertainment events in Croatia

Many different events, concerts, festivals take place in Croatia throughout the whole year. Some of them, like Split and Dubrovnik Summer Festivals have a tradition half of century long and summer is particularly fruitful time of year when it comes to art and culture. This season will be abundant with all types of unique events - from modern music concerts to various exhibitions, workshops, lectures, plays, local parties and much, much more. Here’s a list of some of the treats we are in for this summer.

47. Hvar Summer Festival, May 5 – October 10, 2008

This traditional summer cultural festival is among the oldest on Croatian coast. It comprises local and international artists performing musical and folk programs in the picturesque ambience of this historical town.

Mediterranean Film Festival, May 27 – 31, 2008

The Festival takes place for the first time this year. The visitors will be able to enjoy movies from Mediterranean countries that will play in indoor cinematographers as well as in the open air.
In addition to 15 movies in the main program, the festival will also present retrospective Mediterranean films, and there will be a panel discussion on the topic of Mediterranean.

48. International Children’s Festival Šibenik, June 21 – July 5, 2008

It is an international multimedia festival of creating for the children and by the children. Rich program takes place throughout the streets, squares and indoor venues of the renaissance town of Šibenik. Many local and international professional and amateur ensembles (puppeteers, film makers, actors, poets, musicians) participate in the festival, and children have the chance to gain their first aesthetic experiences in various field of art through different workshops.
The Festival takes place since 1958.

5. Rijeka Summer Nights, June 27 – July 25, 2008

This summer festival offers rich musical and theatrical program, ranging from classical drama to street performers, from classical music concerts and famous opera artists to concerts of modern Croatian singers…
Streets and squares of Rijeka turn into a stage, and a part of the program takes place in abandoned factories.
The festival first took place in 2004.

4. Libertas Film Festival, June 27 – July 2, 2008

Libertas Film Festival presents independent movies, and in genre it includes motion pictures, documentaries and short films.
The international jury awards the best pictures in their categories, and they also give a special award for especial contribution to film.

42. Festival in Omiš July 4 – 26, 2008

National Festival of “klape” (traditional Dalmatian music style) is intended to preserve and promote traditional songs and to encourage creation of new “klape” songs. Jury and the public elect the best performers and present them with awards in several categories.
The Festival in Omiš is the main event which is preceded by the festivals in Blato (island Korčula), Vodice, Opuzen and Bol (island Brač).
The Festival takes place since 1967.

59. Dubrovnik Summer Festival, July 10 – August 25, 2008

Dubrovnik Summer Festival is without a doubt the largest and most representative cultural event in Croatia. It is an international festival of music, theatre and dance, and takes place in the historical town of Dubrovnik. The town provides unique and authentic renaissance and baroque venues for about 80 shows every year. The program includes dramatic plays, ballets, operas, musicals, book presentations, exhibitions, poet nights, off theatre plays and more.
Dubrovnik Summer Festival was established in 1950, and it’s been a member of European Festivals Association (EFA) since 1956.

52. Krk Summer Festival, July 11 – August 25, 2008

This manifestation of performing arts is one of the oldest cultural events in Croatia; it’s been taking place since 1957. The program includes opera, drama, oratorio, ballet, concerts and traditional music and dances, all performed by respected artists. The venues are open air and indoor spaces in the old town core.

54. Split Summer Festival, July 14 – August 14, 2008

This traditional summer festival celebrates opera, drama, dance and music in the authentic historical locations of the 1700 year-old town. The Festival hosts many national and international musical, theatrical and dance performances, and the best are awarded by Judita.
Split Summer Festival is one of Croatia’s oldest and most respected cultural events and it regularly takes place every year, since 1954.

54. Pula Film Festival, July 19 – 26, 2008

Pula Film Festival – this important film event takes place in the Roman Amphitheatre that dates back to the 1st century BC. During that time the Arena in Pula turns into one of the larges movie theatres in the world (it can take up to 8000 visitors). The Festival consists of the main program that includes the latest achievements of the national authors, the international program and some interesting accompanying arrangements.
Pula Film Festival dates back to 1954.