Events & Culture Guide Spring 2025 (MBZ)

Music Biennale Zagreb 2025 / MBZ 33 5/4/2025

.. 12/4/2025

EVENTS INFORMATION

SPRING 2025

ART & EXHIBITION DESIGN HISTORY & TRADITION GOURMET MUSIC MOVIE SPORT THEATRE & PERFORMANCES OTHER

SPRING 2025

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INTRODUCTION The blossoming spring season in Zagreb is truly the perfect time to explore Croatia’s capital. Springtime is a time of awakening and rejuvenation of spirits after the long and gloomy winter months.

Each spring, Zagreb enjoys a magical atmosphere brought by many festive events and spring celebrations. Immerse yourselves in the fabulous Festival of Lights Zagreb, which by night transforms the city parks, squares and historical buildings into a playful backdrop for the innovative art illuminations.

This year’s program combines the best of visual and performing arts with modern technologies, all of which will leave every visitor mesmerized.

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ZAGREB EVENTS & CULTURE

King Tomislav statue, Photo by Marko Vrdoljak, ZTB Archive

Spring in Zagreb is also about Easter festivities, sport events like the Hanžeković Memorial, art, fun, and music. Treat yourself to the various concerts, exhibitions, film screenings as well as free manifestations across the city organized as part of the Zagreb City Day program.

Wander through the parks and squares, bask in the city’s lively charm, and let the stunning magnolias surround you! A breathtaking way to experience the magic of spring is by attending the Zagreb Music Biennial, which brings contemporary music to the city in April.

Furthermore, a perfect event for all the movie buffs and enthusiasts out there, the ZagrebDox Festival showcases creative documentaries featured from around the world, including workshops for prospective and aspiring filmmakers.

Prepare for a feast of entertainment and the freshness of a spring air ruffling through your hair and you’ll find out why springtime in Zagreb is the perfect time to visit … See you there!

Martina Bienenfeld, Ph.D. CEO Zagreb Tourist Board

SPRING 2025

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EVENTS INFORMATION

Festival of Lights Zagreb .. 23/3

festivaloflightszagreb.hr/en/

And just like that, the lights come back on. Zagreb’s vibrant Festival of Lights is the perfect way to celebrate the end of winter and the beginning of spring, allowing visitors to experience the Croatian capital like never before. Zagreb is beautiful at all times, but there is something truly special about seeing the city accentuated by the glimmer and shimmer of colourful lights, bringing new life to the streets, squares and structures of town.

The Festival of Lights is as much a celebration of beauty and memory as it is technology and innovation.

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ZAGREB EVENTS & CULTURE

More than 20 installations devised by artists from all across Europe will light up the festival, a celebration that marks several important anniversaries across Zagreb. The fabulous Esplanade Hotel brings up 100 years of service in 2025, but trumping all is the nation itself, and the city’s Art Pavilion will sparkle to honour the 1,100th anniversary of King Tomislav’s coronation.

In 2025, the festival continues its collaboration with the WWF (World Wildlife Fund) and will showcase its increasing international standing.

Festival of Lights Zagreb/ZTB Archives

Get ready to wave goodbye to long winter nights and welcome in longer days, as Zagreb steadies itself for another packed year of fun. The Festival of Lights is a signpost that tells you of good times ahead, and it showcases the capital in a most marvellous shimmer. Head out into the streets and squares, the promenades and parks, the theatres, hotels, pavilions, and more, and celebrate everything that makes Zagreb special. The Festival of Lights Zagreb runs from March 19 to March 23; don’t miss out.

SPRING 2025

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Oysters of Long-Lost Seas 30/12/2024

.. 28/5/2025

Croatian Natural History Museum, Demetrova 1 www.hpm.hr

Duvno Field – The Royal Throne: A Contemporary Interpretation of the Legend of King Tomislav’s Coronation 12/2

.. 25/3

EVENTS INFORMATION

Natural History Museum Archives

Oysters are unusual creatures, to say the least. If you have ever been curious about these curious shellfish, this is the exhibition for you, one that dives deep into everything from their history through to survival methods, biological characteristics, and more.

This interesting exhibition also showcases fossils from around the continent.

Ethnographic Museum, Trg Mažuranića 14 www.emz.hr

The Croatian kingdom celebrates its 1100th anniversary in 2025, and this special multimedia exhibition will take visitors back in time to experience the coronation of King Tomislav at Duvno Field. The exhibition will frame King Tomislav in a modern context, allowing contemporary audiences to get a deeper understanding of this important part of the nation’s history. Alongside the reenactment of the coronation, the exhibition will showcase royal attire, traditional art, illustrations, informative texts, interactive video displays, and much more.

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Photo by Jasmin Fazlagić, Ethnographic Museum Zagreb

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EVENTS INFORMATION

Who is Elsa Fluid, that is well known. Exhibition cycle at Tomašićeva 12

.. June 2025

Gallery in Tomašićeva 12 www.umjetnicki-paviljon.hr

The question posed in the name of the exhibition will be answered across three parts, featuring an open studio from Nicole Hewitt, Vida Guzmić, and Ivan Slipčević to go with a Sandra Sterle exhibition and a showcase of the works of Silvio Vujičić.

Sandra Sterle, photograph, 190 x 140 cm, Novi dan/New day, 2020

Memory Lane - 40 years of hip-hop 25/2

.. 21/3

Liszt Institute, Hungarian Cultural Centre, Augusta Cesarca 10 www.culture.hu/hr/zagreb

Phat Phillie Archives

Curated and created by local DJ and artist Phat Phillie, the exhibition documents the development of the hip-hop scene through stories, memorabilia, and other artefacts. It will also feature the finalists of the SHE RAPS project, an EU program for the professionalisation of female hip-hop artists.

March

EVENTS INFORMATION

Croatian Museum of Naïve Art

.. October

Ulica sv. Ćirila i Metoda 3 www.hmnu.hr

Naïve art plays an important role in Croatian creativity, and these two exhibitions tell its story. The Exhibition of the CMNA Collection is all about the imagery while giving added context to the work, while The Person Behind The Image will introduce portraits of the most important naïve artists.

Ivan Lacković Croata, photo by Marija Braut, 1990, HMNU Photo Library

SPRING 2025

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16th Zagreb Jazz Festival 1/4 Sylvie Courvoisier & Mary Halvorson Tvornica kulture (Culture Factory)

29/4 Nicole Zuraitis

Tvornica kulture (Culture Factory)

25/5 Avishai Cohen Quartet Kerempuh Theatre

Free outdoor concerts at the corner of Gajeva and Bogovićeva streets, at noon.

MSU (Museum of Contemporary Art) 5/3 The Remains of the Past, HRT Jazz Orchestra, Adam Klemm (composer, saxophone), Aleš Avbelj (arranger, conductor) 2/4 Lumination, HRT Jazz Orchestra, Joel Frahm Trio, Miron Hauser (conductor) 14/5 Jazz Orchestra HRT: No Risk, No Fun!, Boris Majcen (composer, trumpet), Miron Hauser (conductor) Vatroslav Lisinski Concert Hall 15/3 TBF & HRT Jazz Orchestra 19/3 Joey Calderazzo Trio 26/3 JazzHR Season / Composer’s Concert, Anniversary Concert “100 Years Since the Birth of Miljenko Prohaska” 30/4 International Jazz Day, HRT Jazz Orchestra, Javier Girotto (composer, saxophone) 29/5 Joint Concert: Ansambl LADO, Zagreb Philharmonic, and Jazziana Croatica

EVENTS INFORMATION

29/3 Ivan Kapec 5tet 26/4 Azil Kvartet 24/5 Davor Križić Experiment

Jazz Events 5/3

.. 29/5

Zagreb is one of the great jazz cities of Europe, and the springtime calendar is packed with thrilling concerts, shows, and events.

Gavella Theatre 26/3 Krajnčana & Matišića 24/4 Davor Križić Experiment 30/4 International Jazz Day

organized by Croatian Musicians Union, taking place in the city center at popular locations: Cvjetni trg, Bogovićeva ulica, Europski trg and Krvavi most

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.. 16/5 JazzHR Festival

Tvornica kulture (Culture Factory)

22/5 Jazz at Močvara The Necks, Močvara Club

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Nicole Zuraitis, Photo by Matt Baker, Zagreb Jazz Festival

Fadil Vejzović 2/3

.. 7/4

Kranjčar Gallery, Kaptol 26 www.kranjcar.hr

The vivid paintings of Sarajevo-born and Zagreb-educated Fadil Vejzović will be on show in one of the capital’s most elegant galleries. Vejzović was a key member of the Brezovica artist group that was established in 1969, and his works depict everyday scenery with vibrant colours and undeniable charm.

Kranjčar Gallery Archive

Hidden Historia – The First Women of Zagreb Museums 6/3

.. 13/7

Archaeological Museum in Zagreb, Zrinjevac 19 www.amz.hr

An undoubtedly important exhibition, this collaborative project shines a light on the first women to make their mark on Zagreb’s many cultural institutions, from scientists to sculptors and poets to painters and beyond. The exhibition will put their struggle in context and will also feature roundtables, public discussions and more.

EVENTS INFORMATION

Archaeological Museum Zagreb

Zagreb Fair Events 7

.. 28/3

Avenija Dubrovnik 15 www.zv.hr www.money-motion.eu

Two exciting events will take place at the Zagreb Fair over this period. The Beauty and Hair Expo (March 7-9) celebrates innovation and development in the beauty industry, while the Money Motion (March 27-28) is the region’s largest FinTech event.

Beauty&Hair Expo Zagreb, Zagreb Fair

SPRING 2025

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EVENTS INFORMATION

Gavella Classic 7/3

.. 8/4

Gavella Theatre, Frankopanska 10 www.gavella.hr

This excellent theatre recently reopened after being forced to close due to earthquake damage.

Throughout 2025, it will celebrate its resurrection with a series of fantastic classical concerts. Directed by Šimun Matišić, the Classical Cycle is an early highlight, bringing the classic style in a gorgeous environment.

Tvornica kulture/ Culture Factory Concerts 11/3

.. 26/4

Šubićeva 2 www.tvornicakulture.com

The city’s Culture Factory is aptly named, and the multifunctional concert hall covers all sorts of genres at all times.

7/3 Pavao Mašić 8/4 Kvintet Ansambla Oktos

EVENTS INFORMATION

Gavella Theatre Archives

11/3 Tarja Turunen & Marko Hietala Living The Dream Together Tour 2025 18/4 Nouvelle Vague 25/4 Hugh Cornwell 26/4 Deutsch-Amerikanische Freundschaft

EVENTS INFORMATION

Nouvelle VagueKillThePain © Christophe Crénel

Easter Events 14/3

.. 16/4

Zagreb celebrates Easter with traditional events that pay homage to this important time.

..

14/3 16/4 Ceremonies of Passion Heritage, www.pasionska-bastina.hr

The 34th program will feature musical events focused on the Passion.

Passionate Heritage Archives

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7/4 LADO – Lenten Concert ”Oh, Jesus, Grant Me Tears”, Parish Church of St. Blaise, Prilaz Gjure Deželića 64, www.lado.hr

The traditional folk dance and song ensemble are a must-see at Easter time.

EVENTS INFORMATION

Croatian National Theatre Performances 14/3

.. 25/4

Trg Republike Hrvatske 15 www.hnk.hr

The height of classical culture is best experienced at the theatre, and the calendar serves up plenty of opportunities for some fine entertainment.

The Magic Flute, Croatian National Theatre Archives

EVENTS INFORMATION

14,15,18,19,20/3 Adolphe Adam – José Carlos Martínez: Giselle B 5,7,10/4 Alessandro Giaquinto — Rafal Ryterski ⁄ Pett Clausen-Knight — Ivan Končić ⁄ Takuya Sumitomo — Veronika Reutz Drobnić: Broken Relationshios, ballet 17,22,23,24,25/4 Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart:The Magic Flute 29/3; 2,4,9,12/4 Giuseppe Verdi: Rigoletto

Vatroslav Lisinski Concert Hall Events 19/3

.. 8/4

Trg Stjepana Radića 4 www.lisinski.hr

Croatia’s most visited concert hall is an incredible place to experience classical music in all its forms

22/3 Marc Coppey, cello 23/3 Trio Antares 1/4 Mario Biondi 8/4 Rhythm of the Dance EVENTS INFORMATION

Trio Antares, Vatroslav Lisinski Concert Hall Archives

Place2Go 28

.. 30/3

Velesajam Fair, Avenija Dubrovnik 15 www.place2go.org

The 12th annual international travel event is moving back to its original location at the Zagreb Fair, but the atmosphere and excitement remain the same.

Hundreds of exhibitors from all over the world will bring far-flung nations to the city as thousands of visitors find new destinations to explore on their vacations.

Place2Go Archives

SPRING 2025

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EVENTS INFORMATION

Godsmack + P.O.D. + Drowning Pool 30/3

Bocce Hall Zrinjevac, Prisavlje 2 www.eventim.hr

Three of the most popular American rock and metal bands of the early 2000s will turn back the clock in March, and an evening of soaring choruses and pulsating riffs awaits. Expect all the hits, from P.O.D’s “Alive” to Drowning Pool’s “Bodies” via Godsmack’s “Sick of Life” and all the rest.

ZagrebDox - International documentary film festival 30/3

.. 6/4

EVENTS INFORMATION

Godsmack Promo

Kaptol Boutique Cinema, Nova ves 17 www.zagrebdox.net/en

The 21st edition of the popular international documentary film festival will take place in 2025, as filmmakers from all over the world bring their narrative movies to the Croatian capital. The focus on creativity and innovative storytelling makes this one of the most unique documentary festivals in Europe, not to mention one of the most prestigious. This is the only Croatian film festival where winning means automatic nomination for awards with the European Film Academy. Above all, this is a celebration of the documentary film medium.

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Photo by Samir Cerić Kovačević, ZagrebDox Archives???

Tito & Tarantula EVENTS INFORMATION

2/4 Boogaloo, Ulica grada Vukovara 68 www.facebook.com/boogaloozgb/

Nobody does American Chicano rock and blues quite like Tito Larriva and his charges. Now into their fourth decade as a band, the group brings its packed back catalogue of hits (including the iconic “After Dark”) to Zagreb for what will be a fun, fun show.

Tito 2024, Photo by Lolita Carroll Larriva

Place Market

.. 31/10 EVENTS INFORMATION

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Dolac Market www.placemarket.hr/en

The wildly popular (and wildly delicious) street market extravaganza returns as vendors, chefs and foodies converge to celebrate the many flavours of Croatia in a charming location, every Friday of the month.

Street food night markets allow visitors to explore the tastes of a culture in a darling setting, and this is no different.

Place Market Archives

Music Biennale Zagreb

.. 12/4

EVENTS INFORMATION

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Vatroslav Lisinski Concert Hall, Croatian National Theatre, Zagreb Youth Theatre, Museum of Contemporary Art, Močvara Club, Peti kupe, Zagreb Dance Centre, Student Centre www.mbz.hr/en

The 33rd edition of the popular music festival takes inspiration from Zagreb’s iconic Museum of Broken Relationships and explores everything and anything held within that loss through melody and harmony. Broken relationships aren’t just the end of agreement; they are emotionally tumultuous experiences that highlight what it means to be human.

Aïsha Devi, Photo by Christian Andersson

SPRING 2025

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EVENTS INFORMATION

Adriatic Sea Defence 8

.. 10/4

Arena Zagreb, Vice Vukova 8 www.adriaticseadefense.com

The defence, aerospace and security event brings together distributors and providers from across the planet to engage in all things security. The event takes place every two years, and 2025 will feature many companies from Europe alongside names from the US and Israel.

Adriatic Sea Defence

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EVENTS INFORMATION

LAUBA – House for People and Art Events

.. 26/4

Prilaz baruna Filipovića 23A

A charming place where art and artists come together to explore the possibilities of creativity

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10 12/4 GR8 Coffee festival, www.gr8coffeefestival.com/en

A celebration of the drink that fuels productivity across the globe.

26/4 Pink Day Zagreb www.pinkdayzagreb.com

The region’s first pink wine festival is a must for oenophiles of all types

EVENTS INFORMATION

GR8 Coffee Festival Archives

Science Events 10/4

.. 11/5

Dive deep into the weird and wonderful world of science at these fascinating events.

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10 13/4 4th Muzza Science Week, Rectorate Office of the University of Zagreb, Radoslava Cimermana 88

Time Travel – Only at the 4th MUZZA Science Week!

If you thought time travel was impossible, this incredible extravaganza might change your mind 9

Muzza Zagreb

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.. 11/5 SFerakon, Faculty of Elec-

trical Engineering and Computing (Fakultet elektrotehnike i računarstva – FER), Unska 3

Croatia’s longest-running and most popular science fiction convention returns for another peek into the boundaries of creativity

Candlelight Concerts, Fever Archives

Candlelight Concerts 18/4, 9/5 Esplanade Zagreb Hotel, Mihanovićeva 1 www.candlelightexperience.com

EVENTS INFORMATION

What better than a concert by candlelight? That is exactly what visitors will get here, across three delightful events at one of the city’s best hotels. The most beloved songs from popular period drama “Bridgerton” get the strings treatment, while Vivaldi’s famous “Four Seasons” will sparkle in this most delightful setting. A tribute to iconic UK rock band Queen rounds out the schedule. Get your tickets ahead of time for these events, as this is truly an experience that is not to be missed.

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EVENTS INFORMATION

Dubravka Rakoci – Six Pylons for Six Rooms

.. 17/5

French Pavilion, Savska cesta 25 www.facebook.com/galerijasczg

A curious and thoughtful exhibition that works to uncover issues with frames and the definite. One of the most intriguing painters in the country, Rakoci has carved out a niche working with circles and the many ways in which their rhythm and flow develop. Unique, to say the least.

Dubravka Rakoci Aix En Provence

SPRING 2025

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EVENTS INFORMATION

GreenCajt Festival 21

.. 23/5

www.greencajt.hr

The largest festival of its kind in the region, this event continues the work of the international sustainability revolution. Many important names in ESG (environmental, social, governance) convene on the city for a conference with a purpose, one that is all about learning and action and how to improve the beautiful world we live in.

Changing of the Guard ceremony 21,26/4; 30, 31/5 www.kravatpukovnija.com/program/

Easter is a special time of year in Zagreb, and one of the city’s most important events will once again parade the streets. The ceremony remembers the 17th-century Croatian light cavalry and its distinctive uniform, highlighted by the famous red cravat. These were tied around the brave soldiers’ necks by young women, adding a layer of emotion to the aesthetics. This historically important ceremony starts at 11.45am at the intersection of Ilica and Mesnička and passes through the heart of the city before finishing at Jelačić Square.

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ZAGREB EVENTS & CULTURE

EVENTS INFORMATION

Greencajt conference, Photo by Gordan Svilar

Photo by Damjan Maršić

Project Ilica – Q’ART Community ART&CARE 27/4 www.projektilica.com

An integral part of the city for almost a decade, the 2025 edition of this important event is all about dance as a language of connection. This will be achieved through performances, workshops and impressive art installations as the project continues its voyage into the transformation of abandoned urban spaces. It adds further weight to Zagreb’s proud history of public and community art, and will once again feature collaborations that cross social, economic, generational and disciplinary lines.

EVENTS INFORMATION

Photo by Marin Tomaš

Medvednica Trail 25/5 Mount Medvednica www.medvednicatrail.run

Set just outside the city centre, this is trail running at its most magnificent. A variety of races take place covering a range of interests and abilities, from a children’s trail race all the way to a 60 km slog, each route showcasing some of the best of Zagreb’s nature.

Zagreb Run Archives

SPRING 2025

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EVENTS INFORMATION

Floraart 8

.. 11/5

Bundek Park, Ulica Damira Tomljanovića www.zrinjevac.hr/floraart

Floraart Archives

The 58th international garden exhibition is a showcase for the vibrant colours of the natural world.

The region’s largest horticultural event is an explosion of floral magic that brings together domestic and international exhibitors, with over 150 taking part every year.

The festival features workshops, thematic lectures, promotions and more, with several prestigious competitions also being held. Whether you are a part-time gardener or a professional horticulturist, this vibrant event is always one of the most endearing on the calendar.

Boris Hanžeković Memorial 22

.. 24/5

www.zagreb-meeting.com

Croatia’s oldest sporting competition is back for another year of athletic excellence, grit, and determination. Many of the world’s finest athletes will return for the 75th staging of the events, which take place at some of the city’s most famous landmarks. The Zagreb City Challenge brings athletics to Jelačić Square, while the Ivan Ivančić Memorial does the same for the beautiful Zagreb Fountains.

Finally, the Hanžeković Memorial itself takes place at the Mladost Stadium in front of a packed crowd of spectators.

18 City Challenge ZAGREB Shanieka Ricketts - 3. Zagreb 2024. EVENTS & CULTURE

EVENTS INFORMATION

Day of the City of Zagreb 31/5 www.zagreb.hr

Zagreb with love, Photo by Roberto Pavić

EVENTS INFORMATION

Celebrate the city’s biggest day in a blur of energy, excitement, and entertainment on every corner of Zagreb. The events celebrate everything from the capital’s long history to its exciting future, as people pack the streets and terraces in search of a good time.

WCF Cat Olimpia Show 2025 31/5

.. 1/6

Arena Zagreb, Vice Vukova 8 www.wcfolimpia2025.com

Cat Fanciers Club “Felis Croatia”

Lovers of all things feline, this one is for you. This spectacular event brings together over 1,000 cats from more than 30 countries in an exhibition of grace, beauty, and diversity unlike any other.

One of the most prestigious cat shows worldwide, the prize winners will earn significant points for the Best Cat system.

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Publisher Zagreb Tourist Board Kaptol 5, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia info@infozagreb.hr www.infozagreb.hr www.meetinzagreb.hr

Production Plava ponistra d.o.o.

Design & Layout Ivana Mihoković

Photo credits (cover) Festival of lights Zagreb Tourist Board

Zagreb Tourist Board is not responsible for any changes or cancellations of events organised by third parties.

Although we have made every effort to ensure that the information here presented is correct at the time of publishing, we cannot take any responsibility for errors or changes thereafter.

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