Zagreb Events & Culture Summer 2023

SUMMER 2023

ART & EXHIBITION

DESIGN

HISTORY & TRADITION

GOURMET

MUSIC

MOVIE

SPORT

THEATRE & PERFORMANCES

OTHER

INTRO duc TION

Summer is a magnificent time to be in Zagreb. The warmer weather is delightful, bathing our beautiful city in sunlight and drawing crowds from far and wide. Longer days mean more opportunities to embrace the city. The summer events schedule is packed with ways to get out and soak up that magic, from the gorgeous courtyards on show during Dvorišta (The Courtyards) to the exciting street art of Okolo (Around) and beyond.

Open air festival Zagreb Classic is summer culture at its most marvellous, and the ‘Heavenly sounds under open skies’ tagline sets the scene. The combination of exquisite melodies and beautiful surroundings is unmatched. On the more competitive side of things, many sporting events are taking place this summer. The IJF Grand Prix will see judokas from around the world compete for precious points ahead of next year’s Summer Olympics in Paris.

Zagreb is an inspiring city, whatever the weather, but summer is on another level entirely. Head up to the newly-opened observation deck on Sljeme for unbeatable views of the city (why not take part in the epic Highlander hiking event while you are up there?) before returning to the city to enjoy music, art, history, culture, sports, and so much more. Add the city’s magnificent roster of parks, cafes, restaurants and bars, and you have all the ingredients for a summer to remember.

Martina Bienenfeld, Ph.D. CEO Zagreb Tourist Board

Zagreb classic

21/06 .. 1/7

Trg kralja Tomislava www.infozagreb.hr/zagreb-classic

What better way to start the summer than combining a unique atmosphere with timeless music and splendid architecture? Starting with World Music Day on June 21 and ending on July 1, a range of incredible artists from Croatia and abroad will take to the stage, performing open-air concerts in one of the city’s most beautiful squares. Romance, history, music and magic collide in this marvellous festival.

HRT Symphony Orchestra opens the festival with A Midsummer Night’s Dream, which is just the beginning. Jazz enthusiasts will love the HRT Jazz Orchestra’s Let’s Swing Again, and City Comedy Theatre Ensemble opens the window to the brighter side of life with a conveyor belt of classics.

The Zagreb soloists celebrate seven decades of music-making this year and will perform a special concert, while the Zagreb Philharmonic will join forces with international soloists to perform Cine y tango. Ballet HNK in Zagreb will wow the audience with Decadance, and classical music fans can look forward to Milan’s Cameristi della Scala before the Zagreb Philharmonic brings the festival to a close with an exceptional performance to mark the 10th anniversary of Croatia’s accession to the European Union.

Exhibition - Futures 4/4 .. 31/12

Museum of contemporary Art, Avenija dubrovnik 17 www.msu.hr/en/

The future has long been a popular subject for artists. This exhibition takes a closer look at interpretations while asking plenty of questions about the coming years. The exhibition showcases Croatian and international artists from the 20th century.

SofijaSilvia – Pendulum 22/4 .. 11/6

Botanical Garden of the Faculty of Science, Trg M. Marulića 9A https://botanickivrt.biol.pmf.hr/en/

SofijaSilvia’s solo exhibition turns reality on its head, questioning humanity’s presumed importance on the planet and putting nature front and centre. The fingerprints of humanity are visible, but flora, fauna and the rest are the stars of this show.

KinoKino

MAY .. dEcEMBER

Kinoteka Cinema, Kordunska 1 and Tuškanac Cinema, Tuškanac 1

https://kinokino.hr/festival/

The legacy of the film festival of the same name, KinoKino is a year-round presentation of films of all kinds. KinoKino is about introducing and engaging children in cinematography, with contemporary films shown alongside classics, animations and much more.

SF, MSU Archive zagreb eventS

Kino Kino Archive

Boxed Urban Animal Deer Prague Zoo

Pop Up by the Lake

18/5 .. 2/7

Bundek Lake

www.facebook.com/popupsummergarden

This popular lakeside festival offers various events and workshops alongside the usual program, including showcases for local designers and stand-up comedians. There will be an open-air PopUp film festival, eco and art workshops, educational lectures and much more.

Food Truck Festival

31/5 .. 18/6

Jarun Lake

www.facebook.com/foodtruckfestivalhr

Held in an open space in beautiful surroundings, the festival runs until midnight during the week and 1 am at weekends. Along with the delicious tastes and flavours from around the world, concerts accentuate evenings from Wednesday to Sunday, with popular bands and DJs showcasing their skills. There is also a special zone for children, packed with various activities.

Art park Zagreb

JuNE .. JuLY

Ribnjak Park

In the shade of a gorgeous city park, visitors can enjoy a daily programme of live music, film projections, and art displayed in this unique open art gallery. Or take a drink and relax in one of the sunbeds spread around the area.

Pop Up by the Lake Archive

Food Truck Festival Archive

Photo by Maja Riznić, Art Park Zagreb Archive

Web3 Tales conference 1/6 .. 2/6

Museum of contemporary Art, Avenija dubrovnik 17 www.web3tales.io

Proclaimed as a ‘Conference for the Curioser’, Web3 Tales promises to bring art and technology together through some of the most innovative minds in the world today, covering everything from cryptocurrency to social media and beyond.

6th Art Fair NESVRSTANI 1/6 .. 4/6

Lauba – House for People and Art, Prilaz baruna Filipovića 23a www.nesvrstani.hr/en/

Art Fair NESVRSTANI isn’t an average art fair. Founded in 2018, this is a fantastic platform for independent artists, inspiring a new generation of art lovers. The art fair is a tremendous opportunity for networking, socialising and connecting directly with collectors.

Baš Naš Festival 1/6 .. 18/6

Bundek Lake

www.facebook.com/basnasfestival2

Musical diversity, appetising gastronomy and a beautifully photogenic environment are just some of the charms visitors have come to know and love this popular event.

Popular local artists like Ljetno kino, Songkillers, Ida Prester and more will perform, while the street food promises to be delicious. Visitors can sample dishes from famous chefs like Melkior Bašić and Damir Tomljanović.

Web3 Tales Conference

Baš naš Archive

Nesvrstani Archive

Booksa in the Park in 2023

1/6 .. 30/6

Booksa, Martićeva 14

www.booksa.hr

All things literature will be celebrated when organisations, artists, publishing houses and others come together in the name of storytelling. Saturday mornings are for young readers, with plenty of readings and workshops. The festival begins with a publisher’s fair, while Ivan Starčević will perform with friends on June 7.

This collaborative exhibition is a joint endeavour, as Germany’s Olaf Nicolai combines his expertise in imagined spaces with Dubrovnik-based Mariana Pende’s prodigious talents with latex, graphite and Plexiglas. The gallery doubles up as a beach, a cool refuge from the summer heat, serving a diverse program for all ages.

PLACE market Zagreb

2, 9, 16, 23, 30/6, 7, 14/7

dolac Market

www.placemarket.hr

There is no better way to experience a city than browsing a city night market. Once a week in the evening during the summer, the central market becomes a natural stage presenting gastronomic traditions. Everything collides here, from local products and producers to heritage, souvenirs and street entertainment, with chefs producing quality dishes for the peckish.

Olaf Nicolai and Mariana Pende - Danče de Luxe 1/6 .. 27/8

Bačva Gallery, Trg žrtava fašizma 16 www.hdlu.hr/eng

Photo by Kyril Rubinstein

Bildschirm photo 2023-02-28, Hdlu Archive

Place Market Archive

2/6 .. 4/6

Medvednica Mountain https://highlanderadventure.com/en-us/medvednica

The wildly popular HIGHLANDER hiking event series is coming to the capital with a refreshing 59km challenge. The route begins in Susedgrad and follows the cross-section of the mountain packed with natural attractions. This unique mountaineering extravaganza will showcase the merging of nature and urban living while keeping the heart pumping and adrenaline flowing. There is more to this three-day event than the hike, with specially designed workshops, yoga and music to accentuate the experience. It is also the only Highlander event located next to a capital city.

12th VegeSajam

3/6

Europski trg www.prijatelji-zivotinja.hr

VegeSajam is a fair dedicated to all things healthy, with education and information on vegan living, healthy eating and ecology alongside a wealth of sustainable products and delicious recipes. The Animal Friends educational stand takes centre stage this year.

ZgVeGe Festival Archive

Peter Lund: Hillary the Witch Goes to the Opera

4,11,18/6

HNK – Foyer of the Croatian National Theatre, Trg Republike Hrvatske 15 www.hnk.hr/en/

Back by popular demand, Hillary the Witch Goes to the Opera is guaranteed to entertain young and old viewers thoroughly. This type of production creates a new generation of opera devotees, with energetic performances accentuating a love of the show. Hillary the Witch Goes to the Opera is the only production on the repertoire designed specifically for young ones.

Animafest 5/6 .. 10/6

city www.animafest.hr/en

Established in 1972, Animafest is the second-oldest animated film festival in the world and a much-loved fixture on the regional events calendar. More than 300 films will play alongside competitions, with South Africa’s William Kentridge getting a Lifetime Achievement Award for his influence on the contemporary art scene worldwide.

Incubus 9/6

www.eventim.hr/en

Brandon Boyd and the boys are back. Incubus has long been among the most popular and influential names on the alternative rock scene, from the funk-inspired metal of ’S.C.I.E.N.C.E’ to the more mellow later releases. The live show is one of the best, a thrilling mixture of explosive energy and intricate musicianship.

Sc cinema, Savska 25, Tuškanac Summer Stage and other venues across the

Šalata Sports centre, Schlosserove stube 2

HNK Archive

Animafest Archive

DH Incubus, Photo by Zuckasta

40th contemporary dance Week Festival

12/6 .. 16/6

ZKM -Zagreb Youth Theatre, ZPC – Zagreb Dance Centre and other city locations www.tjedansuvremenogplesa.com

Croatia’s most significant dance festival will pay special attention to sustainability this year. Positivity is vital, as local and international dance stars will amaze audiences from the stage. The festival will open with a performance of OMMA by French choreographer Josef Nadj. The festival will also include an audition for the International project Next Step.

Monodisciplina. Fragmenti cirkoBalkane 14/6 .. 17/6

Pogon Jedinstvo and Mo

club, Trnjanski nasip bb (Sava embankment) www.pogon.hr

Aerial acrobatics is the focus of the 11th annual festival of contemporary circus, with performances, workshops and entertainment taking place. The diversity of aerial techniques will be on show through eight days of workshops and four days of performances. French circus school Turbul will present a sizeable flying trapeze on the Sava embankment.

Vinski grad (Vinopolis)

15/6 .. 2/7

Trg Franje Tuđmana www.vinart.hr/en

Vinski grad is a wine festival for thirsty newcomers looking to get into the beautiful wine scene. Fifteen Croatian wine regions will be represented, with brilliant wines accentuated by local delicacies and more.

Photo by Alfred Mauve

Vinski grad Archive

čvara

CirkoBalkana Archive

LMF festival 15/6 .. 17/6

Jarun Lake

www.lmffestival.com

Green River Fest

21/6 .. 1/10

Sava Embankment, Old Railway Bridge

www.facebook.com/greenriverfest

Sustainability is no longer a buzzword; it is a way of life. This event is all about that renewable life, telling traditional stories through a new lens, bringing the people close to the river’s magic once more. Through a collection of cultural, artistic, educational and interactive offers, this is about restoring and popularising life on the river as it once was.

LMF Festival is a must for lovers of all things beats. The three-day festival features some of the best electronic music artists on the planet, with a line-up jam-packed with iconic DJs from around the world. 2023 sees Technasia, Adam Beyer, John Summit, Camelphat and many more take the stage, with single-day and weekend tickets available. LMF is the type of festival that revellers dream of, all late nights, lasers and life.

Green River Fest Archive

An artist and activist who isn’t afraid to tackle challenging issues of gender and politics, Sanja Iveković’s Works of Heart exhibition is another triumph of artistry and spirit over struggle and adversity. The retrospective spans her entire career, from early pieces on mass media to more contemporary creations that focus on political change and violence against women. Works of Heart is a collection that remains powerfully prescient in the current climate.

Sanja Iveković: Works of Heart

Museum of contemporary Art, Avenija dubrovnik 17 www.msu.hr/en/

www.deltarally.eu

An integral stop on the FIA calendar, this is Croatia’s oldest motor racing competition. Adrenaline junkies and racing enthusiasts will marvel at this exhilarating mixture of intricate skill and unbridled power, with points awarded for various events. Around 70 crews from 12 countries are expected.

49th Zagreb delta Rally 16/6 .. 18/6

Ina Delta Rally Archive

15/6 .. 1/11

10th Summer at MSu

16/6 .. 14/7

Museum of contemporary Art, Avenija dubrovnik 17

www.msu.hr/en/

An integral part of the cultural calendar for the past decade, Summer at MSU is a celebration of current artistic trends and innovations in the capital. Some of the best regional bands will perform, including Rundek & Ekipa, M.O.R.T, Damir Avdić and more. In addition to concerts, there will be screenings of art cinema and dance group performances. The ticket includes free entry to the Future exhibition.

Francesco NappaMassimiliano Volpini - Philippe Kratz: Crossing the Lines: An Evening of Three Ballets

17, 19 & 24/6

HNK – The Croatian National Theatre, Trg Republike Hrvatske 15

www.hnk.hr/en

A triple of ballet brilliance, Crossing the Lines will showcase three short ballets from a new generation of European choreographers.

ZG Wibra Fest

17/6 .. 18/6

Zagreb ZET Orchestra

Music control

3, 10/6, 1/7

Zrinjevac Pavilion/Trams and selected city locations

https://www.facebook.com/zagrebacki.orkestar

An international brass band festival featuring one of Zagreb’s oldest orchestras, this brilliant weekend event brings together musicians from across the country to perform pieces arranged specially for brass instruments. Another event to look out for is Zagreb

ZET Orchestra Music Control, a series of pop up concerts which will take place on Saturday mornings throughout June (also July 1st).

Francesco Nappa, Massimiliano Volpini and Philippe Kratz are the artists in question, bridging the gap from classical to contemporary with skill and ease.

Darko Rundek, Photo by Tomislav Smider

HNK Archive

ZOZ Maksimir, Lice Grada Archive

Projekt Ilica: Q’ART u tvom KVARTU (Q’ART in

your neighbourhood)

18/6, 9/7

www.projektilica.com

The wildly popular festival-action Project Ilica: Q’Art expands in 2023, breaking out from the city centre into Špansko and Maksimir, bringing creativity to the citizens. Q’Art is innovation at its most authentic, spirited and humane, an arts festival without compare.

Foals 23/6

Šalata Sports centre, Schlosserove stube 2 www.eventim.hr/en/

Foals have long had a reputation as being your favourite band’s favourite band, and the live show is not to be missed. The band are coming to Croatia on the Life Is Yours tour, promoting the album (the band’s seventh) of the same name.

WTT Contender Zagreb 2023

26/6 .. 2/7

Dom sportova Sports Hall, Trg Krešmira Ćosića 11 www.hsts.hr

www.worldtabletennis.com/home

Two hundred fifty top-level table tennis players will descend on the city for a thrilling tournament, pitting some of the finest athletes in the sport against each other in singles, doubles and mixed doubles. This is hand-eye coordination at its most elite.

Trg Ivana Kukuljevića & Maksimir Park Promenade

Photo by Jasmin Krpan, Projekt Ilica Archive

HTST Archive

Photo by Rashidi Noah

13th Fantastic Zagreb Film Festival

29/6 .. 9/7

Tuškanac Summer Stage, Tuškanac cinema; Museum of Illusions, Ilica 72

www.fantastic-zagreb.com/en

The Fantastic Zagreb Film Festival is the largest and most significant film festival of its type in the region, a massive celebration of sci-fi, horror, dark comedy, action and more that is as much about rediscovering cult classics as it is the future of fantastic genre cinema.

Opera Zagreb Festival

29/6 .. 5/7

HNK – Croatian National Theatre, Trg Republike Hrvatske 15 www.hnk.hr

Opera houses from Zagreb. Split, Osijek, Rijeka and Ljubljana will perform Faust, Queen of Spades, Nabucco (performed by the hosts), Mila Gojsalića and Arlecchino & Gianni Schicchi at this famous festival.

The cult

30/6

Šalata Sports centre, Schlosserove stube 2 www.eventim.hr/en

Iconic British rockers The Cult are back after six years away, ready to smash out songs from their new album ‘Under the Midnight Sun’ alongside all the classics that fans know and love. More than 30 years into their career, Bradford’s finest are not done yet.

Fantastic Zagreb Film Festival Archive

Nabucco, HNK Archive

The Cult Promo

LADO on Mažuranac 30/6 .. 2/7

Trg Mažuranića www.lado.hr/en

Founded in 1949, the LADO ensemble is a professional folklore troupe. The festival’s third edition will present this tradition in its most natural form, allowing visitors to get up close and personal with Croatian folk dance. The Lado(m) po svijetu (With Lado Around the World) performance will premiere during the festival.

Caffe de Matoš - Ljeto kod Matoša 30/6 .. 29/7

Trg Mažuranića www.facebook.com/caffedematosadvent

Vintage scenography transports visitors to the olden days at this popular event. The weekends feature a children’s program, perfect for keeping young ones occupied. Live concerts and DJ shows take place from Tuesday to Saturday, with plenty of refreshments.

42nd Grič Evenings 1/7 .. 15/7

www.facebook.com/VeceriNaGricu

This cultural extravaganza has been a staple of the calendar for four decades. Some of the biggest names in classical music will play under the open sky in 2023, including Russian cellist Boris Andrianov, French string quartet Van Kuijk, Armenian pianist Eve Gevorgian, and many more.

Photo by Petra Slobodnjak, Lado Archive

Grič Evenings Archive

Caffe de Matoš Archive

Amon Amarth

4/7

Šalata Sports centre, Schlosserove stube 2 www.eventim.hr/en

Swedish metal titans Amon Amarth are bringing their catalogue of riffs to town with a world tour in support of 2022’s The Great Heathen Army. The band’s increasing popularity has allowed them a production to match the ambition, making this a show not to be missed.

Suzanne Vega: An intimate evening of songs and stories

10/7

www.lisinski.hr/en

Join Suzanne Vega and longtime guitarist Gerry Leonard for a charming night of folk classics and intimate storytelling. This promises to be an evening of stripped-bare songwriting, with Vega lifting the lid on some of her beloved hits.

Tash Sultana

19/7

Hala Park, Slavonska avenija 3b www.eventim.hr/en

Tash Sultana’s first concert in Croatia promises to be a night to remember as the multi-instrumentalist brings their unique talents to the stage. There aren’t any artists like Tash Sultana, and fans can expect a blur of keyboards, synths, percussion and more.

Vatroslav Lisinski Concert Hall, Trg Stjepana Radića 4

Amon Amarth Promo

Suzanne Vega, Photo by S. Holz, Vatroslav Lisinski Archive

Tash Sultana, Lowres

Dvorišta is an annual event that opens the courtyards of Zagreb’s traffic-free Upper Town to the people. Many of these aren’t open regularly, making this a can’t-miss experience. Expect music, refreshments, events and more, but make no mistake; this is all about the courtyards, hidden spaces with history, stories and beauty.

dvorišta (The Courtyards)

12/7 .. 23/7

Zagreb upper Town www.facebook.com/dvorista.in

Depeche Mode 23/7

Arena Zagreb, Vice Vukova 8 www.eventim.hr/en

Depeche Mode comes to Zagreb on the Memento Mori tour, supporting the upcoming album of the same name. The English electronic icons have been at the forefront of popular music since exploding onto the scene in 1981. Still, the live arena is where they remain at their most magnetic.

Photo by Anton Corbijn

V. Croatian World Games 24/7 .. 29/7

Stjepan Radić student dormitory, Jarunska 5

www.hsi-cwg.com

Amateur sports at its very finest, the fifth iteration will connect Croats worldwide through competition and sports. More than 1,000 competitors worldwide will participate this year, representing the countries they live in. The event aims to connect young Croatians through sports, culture and more, nurturing a national identity in the process.

IJF Grand Prix Zagreb

18/8 .. 20/8

Arena Zagreb, Vice Vukova 8 www.judo.hr

The 2024 Olympic Games in Paris are right around the corner. Top judokas will grapple for valuable points in Zagreb. Some of the biggest names in Croatian judo, such as Barbara Matić, Zlatko Kumrić and others, will participate. At the same time, the tournament will be accentuated by several activities to enhance the experience. These include fan zones, training camps and more.

Barbara Matić, Photo by Gabi Juan

CWG Archive

19/7 .. 23/7

www.msf.hr

Folklore and traditional culture are vital here, and this massively popular annual festival is a grand celebration of heritage and those values. The centre of Zagreb will come alive in a blur of excitement as performers from all over the country, the diaspora, and the wider world come together to present folk songs, dances, customs, and costumes.

57th International Folklore Festival Zagreb

The theme of this year’s edition is One Hundred Years of the Pokuplje Expedition, paying homage to the intrepid explorers who visited 34 villages in kayaks on the banks of the Kupa River. As a unique addition this year, folklore groups from the Pokuplje region will highlight the festival program. First held in 1966, the festival takes place in the centre of Zagreb. It’s main ambition is to preserve and promote Croatia’s vibrant folklore heritage and encourage intercultural exchanges through workshops, exhibitions, concerts, presentations and more.

Okolo (Around) 20/8 .. 30/8

www.facebook.com/okolozagreb

Amadeo Stage 17/8 .. 10/9

Klovićevi dvori Gallery Atrium, Jezuitski trg 4

https://www.scenaamadeo.hr/hr/program

There is an added layer of emotion to this year’s event. The beloved stage under the starry sky will mark the eighth anniversary of the death of Arsen Dedić, an influential name in modern Croatian culture and music. Arsen’s son Matija will open the program. The program will close with a unique performance by classical guitarist Petrit Çeku.

Featuring site-specific installations and street art interventions that breathe new life into everyday urban spaces, this art project turns public spaces into spontaneous celebrations of creativity. The international program returns this year as famous Spanish artist Isaac Cordal brings street miniatures to the city. Innovation and artistic expression are at the heart of everything on display, with street art stories front and centre. The project will include street art, light, sounds, photography, sculptures and more.

Okolo / Around Archive

Aljoša Jurinić, Amadeo Stage Archive

ZGodionica

25/8 .. 10/9

Bundek Lake

www.facebook.com/ZGodionica

For the sixth consecutive year, 17 days of education, entertainment and excitement will occur at this event. This unique festival is a favourite with local and visiting kids and eases the transfer from summer vacation to school. The activities are as fascinating as they are varied, covering everything from silk dancing to healthy eating, with a daily program from 16:00 to 21:00 (22:00 at the weekends).

8/9 ..

www.zagreb-meeting.com

The oldest sports event in Croatia is a WA Continental Tour Gold series event (one level below Diamond League), and some of the world’s greatest athletes will compete. On the first day, Zagreb City Challenge takes place in the main square, giving fans the unique opportunity to see these elite athletes up close.

www.gkd.hr

In this new jewellery exhibition, Sovilj explores the critical aspects of the origin of consciousness and life, where the flower, as the central motif of this exhibition, symbolises the universal evolutionary appearance of beauty, strength and wisdom.

Nenad Sovilj: Genesis 7/9 .. 17/9

Klovićevi dvori Gallery, Jezuitski trg 4

Zgodionica Archive

Nenad Sovilj Archive

Boris Hanžeković Memorial

10/9

Trg bana Josipa Jelačića, Zagreb Fountains at University Park, Mladost Sports Centre

Boris Hanžeković Memorial Archive

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) 57th International Folklore Festival Zagreb, Zagreb Tourist Board

Cest is d’Best Archives

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.