With warmer days returning to the Croatian capital, Zagreb’s streets, squares, promenades and parks are once again full of life. Locals and visitors alike are making the most of the season as the city transforms into a hub of open-air festivals, music, film, culture and late-night atmosphere.
The events schedule is packed with can’t-miss extravaganzas covering a wide range of interests. The 60th International Folklore Festival returns with a theme of “Resilience of Heritage,” while culture of a less traditional kind gets its flowers with the 16th Fantastic Film Festival. If you’re into cinema without boundaries, that is the event for you. Athletes will also get plenty of time to shine this summer, from the Boris Hanžeković Memorial (Croatia’s oldest sporting contest) to the IHF Men’s and Women’s Beach Handball World Championships on the scenic shores of Lake Jarun.
The lake also provides the setting for the contemporary sounds at InMusic, one of the most highly anticipated festivals on the European circuit. And then there’s the Zagreb Classic, billed as a “mustsee spectacle under the stars,” and we can’t think of a better way to describe it. No matter what you are looking for, there’s a good chance that you can find it in Zagreb this summer and have a fabulous time in the process. Don’t forget your sunscreen, because it is time for summer in Zagreb.
Martina Bienenfeld, Ph.D. CEO Zagreb Tourist Board
There will forever be something truly magical about experiencing world-class music under the stars. The two go together perfectly, the exquisite sweeps of the strings accentuated by the romance of the night sky. It is no surprise that Zagreb Classic is one of the Croatian capital’s most popular summer events, as a packed schedule of elite musicians from around the world turns the beautifully green King Tomislav Square into a concert venue unlike any other. Since its first edition in 2016, this classical concert program has established itself as one of the highlights of the summer. Bring a picnic blanket or folding chair, find a spot on the grass, relax and enjoy.
Zagreb Classic Open Air Festival
19/6 .. 3/7
www.infozagreb.hr/en/zagreb-classic-en
The schedule for the 2026 Zagreb Classic covers plenty of ground and will feature orchestras from the region and around the world, along with elite soloists, top-tier conductors, and more, all taking to the stage to celebrate classic works, contemporary creations, and everything else that falls under this most graceful of umbrellas. Entry to the program is free, and the Zagreb Classic has a reputation for an open, welcoming atmosphere for visitors of all ages. If you’re looking for a family-friendly event with class, this is the one.
The 2026 edition takes that one step further on June 21, when World Music Day will be celebrated with a special event for younger visitors. It is all about creating the conditions for joy to thrive, and there’s plenty of that on show at the Zagreb Classic. Fantastic music in a delightful setting? It doesn’t get much better than that. Keep your eyes open for future announcements, but make no mistake about it, these concerts are ones to circle on your calendar.
Exhibitions in Zagreb
17/4 .. 6/9
Zagreb’s galleries will showcase a broad range of exhibitions across the summer, covering everything from sweet secrets to love letters to the city.
17/4 .. 21/6 Chocolate: The Secret of the Baroque Boudoir, Chocolate Museum
28/4 .. 21/6 8th Biennale of Painting, Klovićevi Dvori Gallery
12/5 .. 23/8 Spaces of Collaboration, Ethnographic Museum Zagreb
15/5 .. 20/9 To Sljeme! Stories from Zagreb Mountain, Zagreb City Museum
21/5 .. 21/6 exhibition from the cycle Because I Love Zagreb, Zagreb City Museum
21/5 .. 28/6 DIALOGUEFabijanić / Rašić, retrospective exhibition, Ethnographic Museum Zagreb
26/5 .. 6/9 Beauty Is in a Woman’s Name, guest exhibition of the Museum of Recent History Celje, Zagreb City Museum
Bundek Lake Events
28/5 .. 28/6
28/5 .. 28/6 Pop Up By The Lake
A variety of fun, family-friendly pop-up events on the shores of the water, including a film festival, yoga, workshops, and plenty more.
26/6 Black Eyed Peas
The American icons will bring their unmistakable sound to the lake for a set full of classic hits and deep cuts.
Group portrait of women, Rogaška Slatina, 1920s-1930s, Museum of Recent History Celje
European Short Story Festival
31/5 .. 4/6
Vintage Industrial Bar, Savska cesta 160; Knjižara Fraktura, Ulica kneza Mislava 17; Bunt Bar, Zakmardijeve stube 5; Gavella, Frankopanska 10 www.europeanshortstory.org
This annual festival celebrates bold storytelling and emerging cinematic talent from across the continent. High-quality dramas, documentaries, and experimental works fill the schedule, and the 2026 event will feature many prominent names from the world of short stories, including Norwegian author Frode Grytten and Mexico’s innovative Carlos Pascual.
The sixth edition of this forward-thinking festival will further enhance its status as one of the most important sustainability conferences in Europe. Businesses, institutions, innovators, and more will come together to brainstorm the future of sustainability, with 70 speakers from around the world scheduled to take part. This year’s slogan is “Good for business, good for planet, good for people,” an excellent summation of everything at the heart of this festival.
European Short Story Festival Archives
Greencajt, Ben Fogle
Croatian National Theatre
1/6 .. 4/7
HNK Main stage, Trg Republike Hrvatske 10 HNK 2, Adžijina 7a www.hnk.hr
Croatia’s most important theatre institution has a plethora of events planned for the summer months, with many more listed on the website to go along with the highlights celebrated here.
1, 2, 16, 18/6 Nikola Šubić Zrinjski, opera, HNK Main stage 10, 12/6 Broken Relationships, ballet, HNK2
4/7 Awards for Outstanding Artistic Achievements and Final Concert of the Season “The Nineties in Zagreb”
Place Market
1/6 .. 25/7, 25/8 .. 30/10
Kvatrić Market, Kvaternikov trg www.placemarket.hr
Kvatrić Market is a delicious place to be in the summer, and this beloved street food market has plenty to do with it. Chefs from around Croatia come together to serve up some seriously flavourful food, and the markets stay open late into the evening for those looking for a scrumptious social get-together.
Vatroslav Lisinski Concert Hall Events 2 .. 13/6
Trg Stjepana Radića 4 www.lisinski.hr
2/6 Concert of the 72nd Season of the Zagreb Soloists, Evelin Novak, soprano
7/6 Matija Dedić – Jazz Portrait, exhibition and listening session 12/6 Red Cycle, Dawid Runtz, conductor, Michael Barenboim, violin
13/6 Concert of the 72nd Season of the Zagreb Soloists, Barnabas Kelemen, violin and artistic director, Katalin Kokas, violin boim, violin
Place Market Archive
Michael Barenboim, Vatroslav Lisinski Concerte Hall Archives
Croatian National Theatre Archives
Summer in Zagreb — In the Sign of Jazz 2 .. 29/6
Contemporary Art Museum, Avenija Dubrovnik 17 www.msu.hr
The limits of musical creativity will be tested once more across the jazz clubs of Zagreb, as many of the world’s impressive musicians bring unique virtuosity to the summer of jazz.
2/6 The Kilimanjaro Darkjazz Ensemble, Močvara Club
3/6 HRT Jazz Orchestra, Tomaž Gajšt – Cross the Divide – an author’s evening by Tomaž Gajšt, Gorgona Hall, MSU
3/6 Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias, Arena Zagreb
15/6 Trio M. Gustafsson, E. Keravec & O. Yoshihide (Sweden/ France/Japan), Deae (Poland) Močvara Club
29/6 Tetsuo (Italy), Crashboombang (Italy), Močvara Club
Project Ilica Q’Art – Connect in Music
7/6
Ilica (from Frankopanska to Krajiška street) www.projektilica.com
This popular creative event continues its quest for connection in summer 2026, with a special edition exploring and celebrating the importance of music to life in Zagreb. A unique blend of art and community, the event will shine a light on music’s role in connecting people across the city.
Photo by Marin Rendić
Tomaž Gajšt, BBRTV, Cankarjev Dom, Photo by Marko Alpner
A stunning spot in the north of the city will play host to a range of rock concerts this summer. Brazilian metal icons Sepultura kick things off, before Australia’s Empire of the Sun bring the grooves to town.
Maynard James Keenan-fronted A Perfect Circle will play the Croatian capital for the very first time, before concerts by BEAT, Dropkick Murphys, and Amyl and the Sniffers round out the summer.
8/6 Sepultura
10/6 Empire of the Sun
16/6 A Perfect Circle
7/7 BEAT
27/7 Dropkick Murphys
8/8 Amyl and the Sniffers
SC Cinema, Kinoteka Cinema and MSU, as well as other city venues www.animafest.hr
The second-oldest film festival in the world dedicated solely to animation, this exciting event has been a staple of the Zagreb calendar since 1972. The festival is a fabulous way to get in touch with the cutting edge of animated filmmaking across the genre, with plenty of awards to be handed out. World Festival of Animated Film – Animafest 8 .. 13/6
8/6 .. 8/8
SRC Šalata, Schlosserove stube 2
Cosmonauts, Animafest Archives
European Inclusive Arts Festival
8 .. 26/6
Art&CeRZe Gallery, Kneza Mislava 11 www.crzagreb.hr/artcerze
A special event supported by a range of embassies and cultural institutes across the city, this festiv al is all about the artistic endeavours of people with intellectual disabilities and other vulnerable groups. The engaging event will showcase works, and there will also be workshops, educational activities, and plenty more.
Baš Naš Festival 11/6 .. 5/7
Gradec Plateau www.facebook.com/basnasfestival2
Set on one of the most beautiful stages in the city, this annual festival’s fabulous atmosphere brings together delicious food, family-friendly entertainment, and seriously spectacular views, creating one of the most popular events of the year. DJ performances, cultural events, and musical evenings light up the open-air stage above the city during one of Zagreb’s great annual extravaganzas, capturing the social spirit of summer in the city.
Baš Naš Festival Archive
Zdravko Krešić, 50x70, felt-tip pens, 2026
70th June Tournament – FEI World Cup Zagreb 11 .. 14/6
Hippodrome, Ul. Radoslava Cimermana 5 www.zgkonji.hr
Many of the best riders will take part in one of the most prestigious equestrian events on the calendar. Admission to the competition is free, and this is an excellent way to engage with one of the city’s most unique sporting venues (and see some high-quality horse riding in the process).
Art Fair NESVRSTANI 9 12 .. 14/6
Lauba – House for People and Art , Prilaz baruna Filipovića 23a www.nesvrstani.hr
Independent artists and galleries come together at this engaging art fair, offering the opportunity to enjoy and engage with diverse forms of art in a single open-air setting. The event is a great way to uncover a different side of contemporary art and boundless creativity in the city.
European Archaeology Days 2026 12 .. 14/6
www.journeesarcheologie.culture.gouv.fr
History comes alive over three days this June, at this special event under the watchful eye of the Council of Europe. Guided tours, workshops, exhibitions, and lectures fill the program as visitors learn about Croatia’s long and storied history alongside the shared archaeological heritage of Europe.
Lea Djelmić i Dukat, Zagreb Equestrian Association Archives
European Archaeology Days Promo
Nestvrstani 2025 Archives
Večernjak Cycling Tour 13/6
www.biciklijada.hr
The longest-running cycling tour of its kind welcomes thousands of riders across generations to one of the region’s most scenic events. The ride itself runs from Zagreb to Samobor, and there is a full-day program and live music on tap at the finish line.
Why do some nations fail? That is the big question being asked at this year’s business forum, as speakers from across the globe head to Zagreb to discuss the future. The keynote speaker is James A. Robinson, winner of the 2024 Nobel Prize in Economics.
Wine City Zagreb 13 .. 27/6
Trg Franje Tuđmana www.vinart.hr/en/wine-city-zagreb-2026
Oenophiles, this one’s for you. The best of the best from the Croatian wine world will descend upon the city for a fantastic event featuring winemakers and workshops, all paired perfectly with delicious food and a joy for good vibes and better wines.
Photo by Goran Stanzl PIXSELL
Vinart Archives
James A. Robinson Promo
Now more than 40 years into a glittering career, the legendary pop punk icons are bringing the hits to Zagreb. Expect “Pretty Fly (For a White Guy),” “The Kids Aren’t Alright,” “Original Prankster,” and more to fill a set of bouncy Californian brilliance. This special show will see the band return to Zagreb for the first time in 17 years, bringing to an end a long wait for old and new fans alike.
Zagreb Velesajam, Avenija Dubrovnik 15 www.core-event.co/events/the-offspring-u-zagrebu-6318
Arena Zagreb, Vice Vukova 8
Northumberland’s finest returns to Zagreb for what promises to be another hit-filled night of classic tunes from both his solo career and the Police, from “Message in a Bottle” and “Every Breath You Take” to “Englishman in New York” and beyond.
Photo by Carter B. Smith
The Offspring Mansfield
Summer at Matoš
17/6 .. 16/7
Trg Antuna, Ivana i Vladimira Mažuranića www.facebook.com/caffedematosadvent
The traditional summer festival takes on a different flavour this year, as the crowds descend upon one of the city’s most peaceful parks to cheer on Croatia in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Vintage football-inspired decorations will ramp up the excitement, while the food vendors will ensure there is plenty of fuel for the celebrations.
Croatia’s best-known rock and indie festival returns to the lake in 2026, and the lineup is every bit as stellar as fans have come to expect. Manic Street Preachers, Kings of Leon, and Jack White are among the headlining acts, along with brilliant bands like IDLES, Flaming Lips, Jehnny Beth, and plenty more. The festival has grown into a real continental phenomenon, and this year promises to keep the momentum flowing through good tunes and great times.
Summer at Matoš Archive
Inmusic Archives
Photo by Filip Bušić
One of the most prestigious tournaments in the world of beach handball comes to Croatia for the very first time. The best men’s and women’s national teams from across the globe will compete for the title of world champions, as the scenic setting of Lake Jarun becomes the centre of the handball world. Can Croatia win the men’s title for the third straight tournament? Will Germany do the same in the women’s game? We can’t wait to find out.
Summer at MSU 20/6 .. 17/7
Contemporary Art Museum, Avenija Dubrovnik 17 www.msu.hr
Concerts, exhibitions, and film screenings fill this annual event, with shows held on the museum’s rooftop terrace. Among the names to be announced for 2026 are Fat Freddy’s Drop, Mangroove, and Nemeček, and the full schedule and program can be found on the official website.
Beach Handball World Championship 2026 23 .. 28/6
Jarun Recreation and Sports Centre www.ihf.info/media-center/news/ dates-2026-ihf-beach-handball-worldchampionships-croatia-announced
Nemeček Promo
Boris Hanžeković Memorial 24 .. 26/6
Mladost Sports Centre, Zagreb Fountains www.zagreb-meeting.com
24 June – Zagreb City Challenge 2026, Zagreb Fountains – women’s high jump 25 June – Ivan Ivančić Memorial 2026, Zagreb Fountains –men’s shot put 26 June – 76th Boris Hanžeković Memorial, Mladost Stadium – other athletics disciplines
Croatia’s oldest sporting competition returns for the 76th year, where many of the world’s greatest athletes will compete in a variety of disciplines across the city. This is one of the most popular spectator events in the country, and the high-quality events are broadcast around the globe, a tremendous homage to the iconic Croatian athlete after whom the meeting is named. This is a sporting event not to be missed.
16th
Fantastic Zagreb Film Festival 25/6 .. 5/7
Tuškanac Summer Stage (Prilaz Ante Peterlića 1) & Kino Forum (SD Stjepan Radić, Jarunska ulica 2) www.fantastic-zagreb.com/en
The aptly named film festival is all about the wonderful world of fantasy and genre moviemaking, bringing together fans of science fiction, anime, horror, fantasy, and more for one big party. The schedule features new releases alongside genre classics, with the full program available to see on the website.
Fantastic Zagreb Film Festival Archives
45th Evenings on Grič 6 .. 22/7
Klovićevi dvori Gallery Atrium, Jezuitski trg 4 www.facebook.com/VeceriNaGricu
The lineup for the 45th edition of the festival will feature popular artists from all over, including award-winning Croatian pianist Aljoša Jurinić, while the Covent Garden Choir will bring their gorgeous harmonies over from the charms of central London. The Croatian Baroque Ensemble (Hrvatski Barok Ansambl), critically acclaimed Chinese cellist Zhao Ziyang (alongside the Berlin Philharmonic String Quintet), and English a cappella choir VOCES8 are also slated to perform.
Adriatic Epic
26 .. 27/6
Zagreb Dance Center (ZPC), Ilica 10 www.zagrebackiplesnicentar.hr/en
Concept and performance: Tomislav Feller Co-creation and performance: Marin Lemić
Inspired by a traditional sword dance from a small town on the island of Korčula, this two-person performance uses dance to explore complex themes such as belonging, identity, and male fragility. A truly unique show, the complex nature of inherited tradition is laid bare through the movement of the human body.
Adriatic Epic Promo
Plac Mljac
2 .. 5/7, 9 .. 12/7, 16 .. 19/7
Trešnjevka Market, Trešnjevački trg 2 www.facebook.com/PlacMljac
The beloved one-of-a-kind market event returns once more, bringing together entertainment, gastronomy, drinks, music, and more for splendid summer days and nights in the city. One of the most aesthetically striking festivals in Zagreb, the market is a triumph of all things fresh, be that food, creativity, or feelings.
www.msf.hr/en
Croatia’s most important folklore festival returns for its 60th anniversary. This year, the theme is “Resilience of Heritage,” and the event will have a particular focus on how traditions impact contemporary identities. It promises to be a fascinating event, with more than 500 folk performers entertaining people on the streets of the city, while scientific panels, exhibitions, and educational events will provide vital context to the entertainment.
MSF Zagreb Archives
Plac Mljac Archives
Marilyn Manson
16/7
Arena Zagreb, Vice Vukova 8
The controversial American rockstar has been plying his trade for nearly 40 years at this point and will bring his own form of shock and awe to Croatia for the first time in 20 years.
The worlds of music and theatre collide once again in the 26th season of Zagreb’s first multi-purpose summer stage. The schedule is forever evolving and features domestic and international talents, with the full lineup available on the website.
&
Zrinjevac Dance Nights
31/7 .. 29/8
Zrinjevac Park, Zrinjevac 7 www.infozagreb.hr/en/ dance-party-at-zrinjevac
The festival will unfold across several summer weekends, taking over Fridays and Saturdays throughout August, with additional backup dates reserved in case of rain. Designed as a high-energy celebration of movement and music, the event invites visitors to let loose, dance freely and soak in an expertly curated soundtrack that keeps the rhythm flowing long into the night.
Arena Zagreb, Vice Vukova 8 www.echzagreb2026.com/en
The finest gymnasts in Europe will compete in four major competitions in Zagreb this summer, alongside a scientific and professional conference that will bring the academic community into the sporting world. The gymnasts will compete for the crown of European Champion and European Junior Champion across various disciplines, with medals and history on the line. Tickets for the event are available through the official website.
Food Film Festival 27/8 .. 6/9
Trg dr. Franje Tuđmana www.facebook.com/FoodFilmFestivalZagreb
Food and film go together like magnet and steel, and this special festival is a celebration of both. Local restaurateurs and chefs will get the opportunity to bring their cuisine to the people, while outdoor film screenings will provide the cultural backdrop to it all.
Okolo/Around 20 .. 30/8
www.instagram.com/okoloaround
The city itself will once again become a vibrant canvas for creatives of all shapes and sizes, as the urban spaces of Zagreb are given a makeover in the most artistic of ways. This dynamic extravaganza adds a joyful splash of colour to concrete, creating an aesthetically stunning atmosphere around the streets, squares, and structures of the Croatian capital. Zagreb’s most Instagrammable event? This could be the one.
Karlo Stefanek, The Chair 9, Photo by Samir Cerić Kovačević
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)
Kuna zlatica Zagreb Classic 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.
