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Events & Culture Guide Spring 2026 pages

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SPRING 2026

ART & EXHIBITION

DESIGN

HISTORY & TRADITION

GOURMET

MUSIC

MOVIE

SPORT

THEATRE & PERFORMANCES

OTHER

Spring in Zagreb means many things, but at the heart of everything is a truly fresh energy that fills the city with excitement. Winter in the Croatian capital is a wonderful time, but there is something to be said about the longer days and infectious optimism of springtime. Zagreb emerges into a new colourful landscape, with blooming flowers and green parks shining alongside increasingly busy streets, squares, and neighbourhoods. The events calendar is packed with excitement at this time of year, featuring a full schedule of innovative art exhibitions, iconic live shows, creative workshops, theatre performances, outdoor extravaganzas, and more, with plenty of opportunities to get out into nature included for good measure. There’s something special about spring in Zagreb.

The Festival of Lights Zagreb transforms the urban centre into a shimmering explosion of twinkling romance. The city’s most beautiful buildings and beloved public spaces become illuminated art displays, adding an extra layer of enchantment to Zagreb. If there’s one event that best encapsulates springtime in Zagreb, the Festival of Lights may well be it. On a similarly colourful theme, the Floraart festival celebrates 60 years in 2026, and there’s plenty of vibrant floral magic on tap for this special anniversary. Beyond colour and cultivation, the city’s newly opened Sports Museum is a deep dive into Croatia’s rich athletic heritage through interactive exhibits and memorabilia, celebrating passion and performance in equal measure.

Zagreb in spring is a rollercoaster of cultural excitement, with galleries and cultural centres hosting a wide range of events across the spectrum of creativity and excellence. As the season unfolds, the city welcomes visitors and locals alike, whether they wander the illuminated streets or engage with history and heritage in museums and galleries. There is so much on offer that it can be challenging choosing where to start, but there are no bad options. Zagreb in spring is a celebration of life, creativity, and the joy of discovery.

Festival of Lights Zagreb

18/3 .. 22/3

www.festivalsvjetlazagreb.hr

Each spring, Festival of Lights Zagreb transforms the city into an enchanted fairytale, illuminating its streets, squares, and buildings to create an atmosphere unlike any other.

One of the city’s most beloved events, the festival turns Zagreb’s historic landmarks and architectural achievements into a canvas for glowing lights, vibrant projections, and impressive light sculptures. Art, technology, and romance collide to create something special, inspiring visitors and locals to explore the city on foot after dark, the perfect way to embrace this enchanting atmosphere.

The festival takes place over five days, with Zagreb hosting 26 illuminated installations across 21 city locations, breathing new life and love into the capital’s urban environment. The artists involved come from across the continent: Croatian authors are joined by those from Czechia, France, Germany, Slovakia and Spain, while visitors come from all corners of the globe to see this dazzling event. The Festival of Lights Zagreb has been recognised as one of the best events to visit in Europe in 2026, and we aren’t about to disagree with that statement.

However, the Festival of Lights Zagreb is more than a celebration of illumination. It also places strong emphasis on sustainability, reflected in its partnership with the WWF Adria to raise awareness of environmental issues. The 2026 edition will focus on the impact of climate change on ocean life and the challenges faced by marine ecosystems in an era of human-driven change. More than just an event, Festival of Lights Zagreb transforms the city into a living canvas for creativity, art, and contemporary thought.

Exhibitions in Zagreb

22/11/2024 .. 28/11/2027

Spring is a tremendously fertile time for new exhibitions in the city, and the galleries of the city have a seemingly endless selection of creativity for visitors to explore.

22/11/2024 .. 28/11/2027 Travelers

Ethnographic Museum Zagreb

25/11/2025 .. 26/2026 Earth//soil (Z/zemlja)

Ethnographic Museum Zagreb

27/11/2025 .. 25/5/2026 100 Years of Croatian Hunting Hunting Museum

28/11/2025 .. 15/3/2026 A Sip of the Past – Old Zagreb Cafés, Taverns and Inns (1887–1939) Zagreb City Museum

10/12/2025 .. 10/9/2026 Once Upon a Time… Croatian Toy Factories in the 20th Century Croatian School Museum, Školica za 5 Gallery

27/1 .. 3/5 My Skin – The Culture of Tattooing Ethnographic Museum Zagreb

24/2 .. 24/5 Bauhaus Ecologies – Networks of Continuity Museum of Contemporary Art

3/3 .. 26/74 From Jakob Hlavka to Instrumentaria: 130 Years of Medical Instrument Manufacturing in Zagreb Zagreb City Museum

3/3 .. 24/5 Natura Po_etica_ Museum of Contemporary Art

4/3 .. 3/6 Peaks of the Depths Zagreb Archaeology Museum

May .. June An Exhibition as Part of the Project “Because I Love Zagreb” Zagreb City Museum

May .. September To Sljeme! Zagreb City Museum

22/5 .. 30/6 Fabijanić–Rašić: A Retrospective – Dialogue Ethnographic Museum Zagreb

Dinosaur Invasion

22/1 .. 12/4

Stil Event Hall, Zagreb Fair, Avenija Dubrovnik 15 www.invazijadinosaura.com

Step back in time with this special family-friendly attraction, a fabulous educational event that brings the prehistoric into the present day. Visitors will get to walk alongside life-sized dinosaurs while exploring interactive exhibits, fossils, and more. Dinosaurs have fascinated people for centuries, and this exhibition will inspire a new generation of dinosaur enthusiasts.

Tvornica kulture Events

4/3 .. 19/5

Šubićeva 2 www.tvornicakulture.com

The Tvornica schedule is packed for the spring, with international stars heading to Zagreb.

4/3 Yann Tiersen

6/3 Marc Almond

8/5 Kim Wilde

15/5 Fun Lovin’ Criminals

19/5 Public Image LTD

Croatian National Theatre

1/3 .. 31/5

Trg Republike Hrvatske 15 www.hnk.hr

The Croatian National Theatre is one of the most important cultural institutions in the country, and it shows no sign of slowing down, with a new stage added towards the end of 2025. One of the highlights of the 2026 season is the premiere of Wagner’s Tannhäuser on May 15, and the full list of performances can be found on the theatre’s website.

Stil Event Promo
Carmen and L’arlesienne, HNK Archive
Yann Tiersen by Aurélie Scouarnec

USKRS U ZAGREBU EASTER IN ZAGREB

1 . 4. — 10. 4. 2026 .

5. 4. NED / SUN

Uskrs / Easter

20:00 h USKRSNI KONCERT ZAGREBAČKOG KVARTETA

8:00 pm EASTER CONCERT OF THE ZAGREB QUARTET

Grkokatolička konkatedrala sv. Ćirila i Metoda / Greek Catholic Co-cathedral of Saints Cyril and Methodius (Ćirilometodska ulica 1)

6. 4. PON / MON

Uskrsni ponedjeljak / Easter Monday

11 :00 h USKRSNI KONCERT NA TRGU

11 :00 am EASTER CONCERT IN THE SQUARE

Trg bana Josipa Jelač ić a ( kod Mandu š evca ) / Ban Josip Jelač ić Square (near Mandu š evac)

20:00 h USKRSNI KONCERT ZAGREBAČKOG KVARTETA

8:00 pm EASTER CONCERT OF THE ZAGREB QUARTET

Dvorana Zagrebačkog kvarteta / Zagreb Quartet Hall (Prolaz Fadila Had ž ić a 2)

8. 4. SRI / WED

20:00 h MISSA JUBILARIS KOMORNI ZBOR “IVAN FILIPOVIĆ”

8:00 pm MISSA JUBILARIS “IVAN FILIPOVIĆ” CHAMBER CHOIR

Bazilika sv. Antuna Padovanskoga / Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua (Ulica Sveti Duh 31)

10. 4. PET / FRI

19:30 h USKRSNI KONCERT ANSAMBL PROJEKT LAZARUS

7:30 pm EASTER CONCERT PROJECT LAZARUS ENSEMBLE

Crkva sv. Ivana Krstitelja / Church of St. John the Baptist (Nova Ves 64a)

18. 2 .  1 . 4.

Svečanosti Pasionske baštine Celebration of the Passion Heritage https://www.pasionska-bastina.hr/

6. 4. Pon / Mon / 12:00 h / 12:00 pm

Svečana smjena stra že Kravat pukovnije

T he ceremonial changing of the guard by the Cravat Regiment

Trg bana Josipa Jelač ić a / Ban Josip Jelač ić Square

Jazz in Močvara Club www.lisinski.hr

3/3 The Tiptons Sax Quartet & Drums & Oholo! 15/3 Daltonists & Etceteral 4/5 The Necks

JazzHR Season www.jazz.hr

5/3 Peter Sarik Trio & Budapest Strings Chamber Orchestra, Kerempuh Theatre

30/4 Martin Listabarth Trio, BP club

Jazz Orchestra of Croatian Television www.facebook.com/jazz.hrt

11/3 Composer’s Evening: Ilja Reijngoud, Ilja Reijngoud, composer and conductor, Gorgona Hall

1/4 ¡VIDA! Composer’s Evening: Miron Hauser, Miron Hauser, composer and conductor, Gorgona Hall

Vatroslav Lisinski Concert Hall www.pasionska-bastina.hr

4/3 Sullivan Fortner Trio

18/3 Tamara Obrovac Transhistria Ensemble

Jazz in Zagreb 3/3 .. 26/5

Zagreb’s jazz pedigree is well-documented, and the springtime brings with it several special events in the city’s premier jazz venues.

22/4 Elvis Stanić AIRes Collective 6/5 John Scofield/Gerald Clayton Duo

Jazz Lab www.facebook.com/jmcroatia

11, 18, 25/3 Pri Nami bar 8, 15, 29/4 Pri Nami bar 13/5 Pri Nami bar

Beyond JAZZG, off program www.zgjazzfestival.com

15/3 Vlado Kreslin i Mali bogovi, Vintage Industrial Bar 14/5 Mick Harvey i Amanda Acevedo, Vintage Industrial Bar

ZG Jazz Festival www.zgjazzfestival.com

27/4 Tigran Hamasyan Quartet, Kerempuh Theatre

18/5 Joel Ross Quintet, Kerempuh Theatre

Kyle Eastwood www.facebook.com/hangtime.agency 6/5 Kyle Eastwood, SC Cinema

NO Jazz Festival www.facebook.com/no.jazz.festival.zg 9/5 Caroline, PriMarius Craft Brewery

26/5 Laurie Anderson, Vatroslav Lisinski Concert Hall

12 .. 14/5 JazzHR Festival, www.jazzhrfestival.com

Peti kupe club

12/5 Goran Jurić & Zrinka Barić Folkestra

13/5 Nove nade jazza Valerija Nikolovska Band 14/5 JazzIstra Orchestra

Sullivan Fortner by Ogata photo

The Greek Catholic Co-cathedral of Saints Cyril and Methodius Performances

Future Scope

6/3

Boogaloo Club, Vukovarska 68 www.facebook.com/futurescopecroatia

The popular techno and electronic music club series returns in March, and revellers can expect a night of driving beats, immersive sound, and an atmosphere that inspires one and all to bust out some shapes on the dancefloor. The March event will be led by Sam Paganini (Italy) and Assyrian techno artist Aril Brikha.

3/3 .. 12/5

Ćirilometodska 1 www.zagrebquartet.hr

The harmonious melodies of the Zagreb Quartet will ring out around the exquisite surroundings of the 19th-century co-cathedral.

3/3 Program: Knešaurek, Arriaga, Bartók 24/3 Program: Beethoven, Schnittke, Papandopulo 12/5 Program: Ruždjak, Schubert

Vinart Grand Tasting 6 .. 7/3

Lauba, Prilaz baruna Filipovića 23a www.biz-vinart.hr/grand-tasting

Croatia’s leading business wine fair brings together many of the country’s best cultivators and marketing minds, with over 140 wineries scheduled to appear at this year’s event. A must for oenophiles, the event offers the opportunity to discover some of Croatia’s best wines and the people behind their creation, along with current and future trends in the wonderful world of wine.

Zagreb Quartet Archive
Vinart Archives
Future Scope Archives, Photo by Shootinglikepablo

Vatroslav Lisinski Concert Hall Events

8/3 .. 26/5

Trg Stjepana Radića 4 www.lisinski.hr

The nation’s most prestigious concert hall hosts a range of excellent events this spring, showcasing high culture at its most impressive.

8/3 PIAF! THE SHOW

30/3 Georgian National Ballet “Sukhishvili”

01/4 Al Bano – Una Notte ItalianaAna Rucner & Lana Kos

16/4 Glennis Grace – A Night of Whitney Houston

27, 28, 29/4 Beauty and the Beast

26/5 Laurie Anderson

Zagreb Fair Events

11/3 .. 17/4

Zagreb Fair, Avenija Dubrovnik 15

From cutting-edge finance and global tourism to outdoor adventure and advanced industrial technologies, the spring event series at Zagreb Fair brings together leading professionals and enthusiasts across diverse sectors in one dynamic exhibition venue.

11 .. 12/3 Money Motion 2026

www.money-motion.eu

20 .. 22/3 Place 2 Go www.place2go.org

21 .. 23/3 Camping & Outdoor www.place2go.org/campingoutdoor-2024

14 .. 17/4 Biam – Welding www.zv.hr

Cherubic Hymn

10/3

St. Blaise Church, Prilaz Gjure Deželića 64

Tchaikovsky’s a cappella choral masterpiece is presented in gorgeously apt surroundings, offering a special opportunity to hear this hugely important song in the annals of the Eastern Orthodox faith. The Croatian Television Choir will provide the harmonies alongside cellist Kajana Pačko, with expert conductor Tomislav Fačini holding everything together.

Laurie Anderson, No Jazz Festival
HRT Choir & Tomislav Fačini, Poto by Jasenko Rasol
Zagreb Fair Archives

Lado Ensemble Performances

15/3 .. 20/4

15/3 Ladov korak za Korak u život (LADO’s Step for Step into Life)

Humanitarian Dance Concert by the LADO Ensemble Croatian National Theatre (HNK)

19/4 LADO by Večernji Dance Concert by the LADO Ensemble in collaboration with media partner Večernji List Vatroslav Lisinski Concert Hall

20/4 School Hour with LADO - a 45-minute morning matinee for school kids showcasing Croatia’s rich traditional music and dance through the performances of LADO’s professional dancers, singers, and musicians, Vatroslav Lisinski Concert Hall

Lord of the Dance 25/3

Arena Zagreb, Vice Vukova 6 www.lordofthedance.com

The world-renowned Irish dance spectacle is back, blending powerful choreography, stunning visuals, and thrilling music to tell a story of rhythm and movement as old as time. Michael Flatley’s iconic creation turns 30 in 2026, an extra reason to pick up tickets for this early March highlight.

Lord of the Dance Promo

Peter Hook & The Light

28/3

Tvornica kulture, Šubićeva 24 www.peterhookandthelight.live

The Joy Division and New Order icon brings his band of merry men to Zagreb for a special show to mark the 25th anniversary of New Order’s “Get Ready.” The band will play the album in full, along with a selection of Joy Division and New Order hits.

Zagreb Underground 10/4 .. 11/4

Grič Tunnel, Mesnička 19 www.underground.fun

This unique wine-and-walk event takes visitors into the mysterious world beneath the city centre. Croatian wine is having a moment, and guests will taste a broad range of wines and sample delicious cured meat while enjoying music and entertainment in a truly unusual setting.

9 .. 12/4

SEECEL Building, Radoslava Cimermana 88 www.muzza.hr

The annual science extravaganza is back, with a packed program of professionals and enthusiasts from a wide range of fields, from biology and chemistry to physics, robotics, AI, and more. Featuring 100+ interactive workshops, lectures, exhibition areas, and more, the event is an all-ages dive into curiosity, creativity, and learning. V. MUZZA

Peter Hook & The Light Promo, Tvornica kulture Archives
Muzza Archives
Zagreb Underground Archives, Photo by Matej Marjanović

22nd

43rd Dance Week Festival 27 .. 30/4, 19 .. 24/5 www.danceweekfestival.com/en

Croatia’s premier contemporary dance celebration takes place over two blocks this spring, but the energy and excitement are guaranteed to stay hyped throughout. The festival showcases bold performances, creative choreography, artistic collaborations, and more, along with workshops and dialogues from the wonderful world of dance.

19 .. 26/4

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

The art of documentary receives a special showcase once more in the 22nd edition of this important and influential festival. The program brings together impactful films from around the world, alongside special thematic programs that allow guests to engage with filmmakers and explore the thought-provoking world of documentary filmmaking.

Eros Ramazzotti 28/4

Arena Zagreb, Vice Vukova 6 www.ramazzotti.com/world-tour

The Italian pop and rock icon heads to the capital on his Una Storia Importante World Tour, armed with an enviable back catalogue of timeless hits and powerful tunes. Ramazzotti has sold more than 80 million records worldwide over the 42 years of his career, and there’s plenty more melodies left in the tank.

Zagreb Dox Archives, Photo by Samir Cerić Kovačević
Cover ITA, Eros Ramazzotti
Natural Order of, Direction: Guy Nader | Co direction: Maria Campos, ©La Biennale di Venezia, Andrea Avezzu

Typhlological Museum Exhibitions

11/12/2025 .. 30/5/2026

Draškovićeva 80 www.tifloloskimuzej.hr

The exhibition The Eye Is the Lamp of the Body invites visitors to discover the inspiring life and work of Dr. Zvonimir Pavišić, celebrating his pioneering contribution to modern eye care. After it closes on March 16, visitors can look forward to Dream in Stone in May — a unique exhibition of archaeological reproductions specially adapted for blind and visually impaired visitors, inviting all to experience history through touch.

Days of Oris 9 .. 10/5

Vatroslav Lisinski Concert Hall, Trg Stjepana Radića 4 www.daysoforis.com

The international architecture festival takes place in glorious surroundings, an apt setting for an event celebrating innovation, creativity, and contemporary design. The two-day event brings influential architects from around the world to exchange ideas on the past, present, and future of architecture.

48th SFeraKon 8 .. 10/5

SEECEL Building, Radoslava Cimermana 88 www.sferakon.org

The longest-running and largest science fiction and fantasy convention in Croatia brings together fans, scientists, gamers, and creators through panels, lectures, workshops, quizzes, cosplay, and more. One of the most creative events on the calendar, this is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in a fantastical, imaginative world.

Coat of arms of the city of Zagreb, 15th century, Typhlological Museum Archives
SFeraKon Archives By Miroslav Šilović
Dani Orisa Archives

60th

Floraart - International Flower and Garden Exhibition 14 .. 17/5

Bundek Lake www.zrinjevac.hr/floraart/

Celebrate the blooming of spring at this landmark event, one which will transform Zagreb into a showcase of floral design, landscaping, horticultural creativity, and more. For the 60th time, the exhibition will lead visitors through aroma-filled gardens and vibrant displays, expertly curated by experienced growers and designers. There will be workshops, riverside scenery, installations, and more, at one of the most colourful events on Zagreb’s annual events calendar. It all began in the Upper Town back in 1966.

DENTEX 9th International Dental Medicine Fair

21 .. 23/5

Zagreb Fair, Avenija Dubrovnik 15

The leading regional event about all things dentistry returns for the ninth year to showcase the latest innovations in the field. The event will include live demonstrations, presentations, and an excellent networking opportunity for anyone involved in dentistry, with experts joining from Croatia and beyond.

Zagreb Fair Archives
Floraart Archives

Future Scope 25th Anniversary

22/5

Boćarski dom, Prisavlje 2 www.facebook.com/futurescopecroatia

The influential electronic music event will mark its 25th anniversary in 2026 and host a special celebration. Argentina’s Hernan Cattaneo will headline the show, with renowned local artists joining him on stage. Future Scope has welcomed everyone from Fatboy Slim to Jeff Mills over the years.

The Croatian Sports Museum

Ilica 13 www.sportski-muzej.hr/en/

Sports have long played an important role in Croatian society and culture, and this excellent new museum acts as a showcase for that storied heritage. The interactive exhibits, displays, and memorabilia engage visitors about the nation’s sporting achievements, highlighting the passion behind every goal, medal, record, and more.

Medvednica Trail 24/5

Medvednica Mountain www.medvednicatrail.run

Do you have what it takes to conquer the scenic slopes of Zagreb’s beloved mountain? Dust off the running shoes and get involved in this popular trail event that takes competitors through forests and rolling hills to the spectacular views of Medvednica Nature Park. There are many different races for all abilities.

Hernan Cattaneo Promo
Medvednica Trail, Photo by Zdenko Mlinar
Croatian Sports Museum, Photo by Denis Bučar

Festival Queer Zagreb Season 26 .. 30/5

Zagreb Dance Centre (ZPC), Ilica 10 www.thisisadominoproject.org/en/

Performance is at the heart of this vibrant annual festival, with theatre, dance, and more celebrating contemporary queer culture in the city. The festival will showcase works by local and international artists, with the ever-present aim of fostering a creative space for diverse voices and new perspectives.

Cest is d’Best 28 .. 31/5

All over the city www.cestisdbest.com

The popular international street festival celebrates its 30th edition with a return to the capital, bringing a four-day explosion of entertainment, colourful performers, and vibrant excitement to the streets of Zagreb. Expect actors, jugglers, clowns, musicians, and much more, with around 400 street performers filling the city with energy.

Queer Zagreb 2025, Udruga Domino Archives
Cest is d’Best, Archives

Publisher

Zagreb Tourist Board

Kaptol 5, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia

info@infozagreb.hr

www.infozagreb.hr www.meetinzagreb.hr

Plava ponistra d.o.o.

Design & Layout

Mihoković

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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