Festival of Lights Zagreb
19/3 .. 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.
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.
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.
Oysters of Long-Lost Seas
30/12/2024 .. 28/5/2025
Croatian Natural History Museum, Demetrova 1 www.hpm.hr
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.
Duvno Field – The Royal Throne: A Contemporary Interpretation of the Legend of King Tomislav’s Coronation 12/2 .. 25/3
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.
Natural History Museum Archives
Photo by Jasmin Fazlagić, Ethnographic Museum Zagreb
Who is Elsa Fluid, that is well known. Exhibition cycle at Tomašićeva 12
12/2 .. 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.
Croatian Museum of Naïve Art March .. 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.
Memory Lane - 40 years of hip-hop 25/2 .. 21/3
Liszt Institute, Hungarian Cultural Centre, Augusta Cesarca 10 www.culture.hu/hr/zagreb
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.
Sandra Sterle, photograph, 190 x 140 cm, Novi dan/New day, 2020
Phat Phillie Archives
Ivan Lacković Croata, photo by Marija Braut, 1990, HMNU Photo Library
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.
29/3 Ivan Kapec 5tet
26/4 Azil Kvartet
24/5 Davor Križić Experiment
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
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
14 .. 16/5 JazzHR Festival
Tvornica kulture (Culture Factory)
22/5 Jazz at Močvara
The Necks, Močvara Club
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.
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.
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.
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.
Kranjčar Gallery Archive
Archaeological Museum Zagreb
Beauty&Hair Expo Zagreb, Zagreb Fair
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.
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
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.
7/3 Pavao Mašić 8/4 Kvintet Ansambla Oktos
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.
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.
Gavella Theatre Archives
Passionate Heritage Archives
Nouvelle VagueKillThePain © Christophe Crénel
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.
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
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.
The Magic Flute, Croatian National Theatre Archives
Trio Antares, Vatroslav Lisinski Concert Hall Archives
Place2Go Archives
Godsmack + P.O.D. + Drowning Pool
ZagrebDox - International documentary film festival
30/3 .. 6/4
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.
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.
Godsmack Promo
Photo by Samir Cerić Kovačević, ZagrebDox Archives
Tito & Tarantula 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.
Music Biennale Zagreb
5 .. 12/4
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.
Place Market 4/4 .. 31/10
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.
Tito 2024, Photo by Lolita Carroll Larriva
Place Market Archives
Aïsha Devi, Photo by Christian Andersson
LAUBA – House for People
and Art Events
10 .. 26/4
Prilaz baruna Filipovića 23A
A charming place where art and artists come together to explore the possibilities of creativity
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
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.
10/4 .. 11/5
Dive deep into the weird and wonderful world of science at these fascinating events.
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 .. 11/5 SFerakon, Faculty of Electrical 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
Adriatic Sea Defence
Muzza Zagreb
GR8 Coffee Festival Archives
Candlelight Concerts 18/4, 9/5
Esplanade Zagreb Hotel, Mihanovićeva 1 www.candlelightexperience.com
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.
Dubravka Rakoci – Six Pylons for Six Rooms
3 .. 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
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.
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.
by
Photo
Damjan Maršić
Greencajt conference, Photo by Gordan Svilar
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.
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.
Photo by Marin Tomaš
Zagreb Run 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.
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.
Shanieka Ricketts - 3. Zagreb City Challenge 2024.
Floraart Archives
Day of the City of Zagreb 31/5
www.zagreb.hr
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.
Arena Zagreb, Vice Vukova 8 www.wcfolimpia2025.com
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.
Zagreb with love, Photo by Roberto Pavić
Cat Fanciers Club “Felis Croatia”
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 Ivana Mihoković
Photo credits (cover) Festival
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.
