18 Top Festivals to Attend in Croatia for 2024

Croatia has an active festival scene that features the Adriatic coastline and medieval cities to host events spanning music, culture, food and fairs. One of the key festivals to attend in Croatia is Ultra Europe (July 12 to 14, 2024), a 3-day electronic dance music event in Split expected to draw over 140,000 attendees. The Sonus Festival (August 18 to 22, 2024) also showcases house and techno DJs to 25,000 electronic music fans on Zrće Beach. Dimensions Festival (August 28 to September 1, 2024) takes place in the scenic town of Tisno. Those seeking arts and culture can attend the Dubrovnik Summer Festival (July 10 to August 25, 2024) to see classical concerts and theater productions staged across Dubrovnik's historic landmarks. The Siege of Sinj 1715 Reenactment (August 15, 2024) brings to life the 1715 battle that saw Sinj against a massive Ottoman invasion through realistically staged fights with hundreds of reenactors in period costumes and weaponry. The festival to attend in Croatia for 2024 promises another stellar lineup of celebrations to enjoy.

Listed below are the top festivals to attend in Croatia for 2024.

• Ultra Europe. Ultra Europe is a 3-day electronic dance music festival held annually in Split, Croatia, at Park Mladeži stadium since 2013. It is part of the Ultra Worldwide series of EDM festivals and draws over 140,000 attendees from 100 countries. The 2024 event will feature top DJs like Armin Van Buuren across four stages from July 12 to 14. Getting there is easy by public transport or rideshares. Attendees can stay at nearby lodgings like the Beachville campsite or hotels. Tickets start at €179 ($199, £155) for basic 3-day passes and rise to €3,750 ($4,169, £3,253) for exclusive VIP packages.
• Sea Star Festival. Sea Star Festival is a 3-day EDM festival celebrated annually along the Adriatic coastline in Umag, Croatia, at the Stella Maris resort since 2014. The 2024 event runs May 23 to 26 and features DJs like Steve Aoki across four festival stages. Over 25,000 attendees are expected. Accommodations are available near Umag, 10 kilometers (6 miles) from the festival. Parking is available near the grounds. Tickets begin at €149 ($169, £129) for 3-day general admission and go up to €299 ($332, £259) for VIP packages with amenities.
• INmusic Festival. INmusic Festival is Croatia's largest international 3-day music festival, held annually since 2006. It takes place on Lake Jarun near Zagreb from June 24 to 26, 2024. It showcases indie, rock and electronic artists on multiple stages for nearly 100,000 attendees from 40 countries. Confirmed 2024 acts include The Smashing Pumpkins and Paolo Nutini. Getting there is easy by public transport from Zagreb. Camping and central city lodging options are available. Tickets are €89 ($98, £73) for 3-day general access. VIP packages and single-day tickets are also offered.
• Hideout Festival. Hideout Festival is a 5-day electronic music festival held annually on Pag Island's Zrće Beach in Croatia since 2011. The 2024 edition runs June 23-27, showcasing house, techno and bass music DJs across five beach club venues for 20,000 attendees. Lineups feature top stars like Jamie Jones and Camelphat. Most attendees fly into Zadar Airport and then take shuttles to Hideout's hub in Novalja, where lodging and camping options exist. Tickets typically start around €169 ($188, £146) for basic access, rising to €229 ($255, £199) for VIP.
• Dimensions Festival. Dimensions Festival is a 4-day underground electronic music festival held annually in Tisno, Croatia, at The Garden Resort since 2012. The 2024 event occurs from August 29 to September 2, featuring house, techno and dubstep DJs like Bonobo across multiple stages and boat parties for 30,000 attendees. Getting there is easy via direct transport links from festival hubs like Zadar. Lodging includes hotels and camping on-site. Tickets start around €183 ($204, £160) for 3-day general access without camping. VIP options offered.

1. Ultra Europe

The Ultra Europe is one of the largest electronic music festivals in Europe and is part of the Ultra Worldwide series of music festivals held across the globe. The multi-day, multi-stage outdoor music festival occurs in Split, Croatia, at the Park Mladeži stadium from July 12 to 14, 2024. Split is the nearest city along Croatia's Dalmatian Coast on the Adriatic Sea. Split is Croatia's second-largest city and the Park Mladeži stadium hosting Ultra Europe is 3 kilometers (1.8 miles) from central Split.

Ultra Europe debuted in 2013 as a two-day festival on July 12-13th. The inaugural event drew over 100,000 attendees to see acts like David Guetta, Fatboy Slim, Richie Hawtin, Sven Väth and more perform. Another day of partying occurred in nearby Hvar island on the 14th. Ultra Europe has expanded into a weeklong affair with events across various Dalmatian islands and venues. Ultra Europe is in its 12th year and has over 140,000 festival-goers from over 100 countries attending. The festival features four stages – Main Stage, Resistance, UMF Radio Stage and Arcadia Spider. Hundreds of DJs and electronic music artists have graced these stages, including Tiësto, Armin Van Buuren, Carl Cox, David Guetta, Afrojack, Steve Aoki, Marshmello, Martin Garrix, DJ Snake and many more. Ultra Europe 2024 will feature some of the biggest names in EDM, including DJs like Armin van Buuren, Martin Garrix, David Guetta, Tiësto, Afrojack, Steve Aoki, Hardwell, Carl Cox and more.

Getting to Ultra Europe via public transportation is convenient. Attendees can take local bus lines 12 or 15 and get off at the Poljud stop by the stadium. Rideshare services like Uber also operate in Split and provide transportation to the festival grounds. There are ample hotels, apartments, hostels and rooms for rent within walking distance or a short bus or taxi ride from the festival venue. Beachville is the official campsite and provides tent spaces, campers/RVs, lockers, showers and food stalls for festival goers. It is located adjacent to Park Mladeži Stadium. Additional parking lots and garages are available near the stadium venue for those driving or renting a car.

Tickets to Ultra Europe 2024 are currently on sale with multiple pricing tiers based on package type. General admission starts at €179 ($199, £155) for a basic 3-day pass. VIP packages run €199 ($221, £172) to €3,750 ($4,169, £3,253) depending on amenities included. The highest ticket tier offers exclusive VIP access, premium bars, special viewing areas by the main stage and more. Tickets can be purchased directly through Ultra Europe's website, with payment plans available, spreading costs over several months.

2. Sea Star Festival

The Sea Star Festival is a multi-stage music festival held annually in Umag, Croatia, along the northern Adriatic coastline. The Sea Star Festival will occur at the Stella Maris Resort from May 23-26, 2024. Umag is the nearest city at 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) from the festival grounds. It is a popular seaside destination known for its port area with cafes and seafood restaurants.

Sea Star Festival launched in 2014 as a successor to the Fresh Island Festival. The inaugural 2-day event featured acts like Dubfire, Paul Kalkbrenner and Nina Kraviz across four stages. After a brief hiatus from 2016 to 2018, Sea Star returned in 2019 and has since showcased top EDM artists like Steve Aoki, Afrojack, Robin Schulz and others. The 2024 lineup has yet to be announced. It will likely feature leading names in electronic dance music across four festival stages. Main Stage, La Santa, Pacha and No Sleep Novi Vinodolski. Over 25,000 attendees are expected over the three days. The festival features four stages – the Main Stage presents headliners, while the Nautilus Arena is dedicated to hip-hop and alternative electronic music. The Beach Groove, Exotic Laguna and Silent Octopus stages offer a variety of genres. Past lineups have included Steve Aoki, Afrojack, David Guetta, Martin Garrix and other major DJs.

Getting to the Sea Star Festival is convenient whether traveling locally or flying to a nearby airport. The grounds are adjacent to Umag's ATP Croatia Open tennis stadium complex along the coastline. Many lodging options exist in Umag, including hotels, apartments, campgrounds and hostels within a few kilometers. Free public parking areas are also available nearby. Accommodation options include hotels, apartments, hostels and campgrounds in Umag, 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) from the festival grounds. Free public parking is available at lots near the Stella Maris venue and stadium complex.

Tickets to the Sea Star Festival give attendees options based on preferences and budget. Current 2024 pricing starts at €149 ($169, £129) for basic 3-day general admission. VIP tickets with amenities like premium bars, raised viewing platforms, lounges, etc., are also available starting from €299 ($332, £259). Tickets can be purchased on the Sea Star website, with payment plans available to spread costs.

3. INmusic Festival

INmusic Festival is Croatia's biggest international contemporary music open-air festival on the Isle of Youth (Otok Hrvatske mladeži) in Lake Jarun, on the outskirts of Zagreb. The INmusic Festival will take place from June 24 to 26, 2024. Zagreb is the nearest major city, 13 kilometers (8 miles), a 30-minute tram ride from the festival site.

INmusic Festival debuted in 2006 as a multi-day music event organized by the NGO Multikultura. Early editions were held at various venues before moving to its current Jarun Lake location in 2007, which could accommodate growing crowds. The festival has expanded to three days and features several stages showcasing internationally renowned indie, rock, electronic and hip-hop artists. Attendance at INmusic has grown to around 100,000 festival-goers from over 40 countries. The festival has been lauded by media outlets like CNN and The Huffington Post for its scenic lakefront location and diverse music lineup.

The 2024 INmusic Festival lineup has yet to be announced and will likely feature leading rock, indie and electronic artists across multiple stages. Recently confirmed acts for 2024 include The Smashing Pumpkins, The National, Hozier and Paolo Nutini. Past INmusic lineups have included major acts like Arctic Monkeys, The Black Keys, Iggy Pop, Nick Cave, Florence + The Machine, Queens of the Stone Age, Franz Ferdinand, The Prodigy, Garbage and more.

The INmusic Festival site at Lake Jarun in Zagreb is conveniently accessed via public transportation. Attendees can take tram lines 5 or 17 to the Mihaljevac stop, then walk 10 minutes to the festival entrance. The tram runs regularly from Zagreb's main train and bus stations. Campgrounds adjacent to the festival site allow tent and camper parking. Hotels, hostels and private apartments in central Zagreb also provide lodging options.

The 3-day general admission pass for INmusic Festival 2024 costs €89 ($98, £73). Separate camping tickets are €49 ($54, £42) for the festival's duration. Limited single-day passes are expected to be released closer to the event for €45 ($49, £39) daily. VIP packages with amenities like special viewing areas, food and drinks will also be offered. The festival usually sells out and attendees are encouraged to purchase tickets early through INmusic's official website or an authorized ticket retailer. Tickets can be printed or downloaded to a mobile device for scanning at the entrance.

4. Hideout Festival

Hideout Festival is one of Europe's premier electronic music festivals, bringing together the world's top DJs and producers to perform on the beaches of Pag Island in Croatia for five days from June 23-27, 2024. Novalja is the nearest city to the Hideout Festival, 4 kilometers (2 miles) away on Pag Island.

Hideout Festival began in 2011 as a partnership between two British companies, Broadwick Live and Superstruct Entertainment. It was launched to bring the electronic music scene of European festivals like Tomorrowland to the beautiful Croatian coast. The first year saw 5,000 attendees, but it quickly exploded in popularity. Hideout sold out its 20,000 tickets nearly a year in advance. It has become a Croatian institution and a worldwide bucket list festival for electronic music fans. Hideout Festival takes place on the famous Zrće Beach on the island of Pag in northern Croatia. Zrće Beach is often called “Croatia's Ibiza” due to its nightlife scene centered around the beach's open-air clubs. These clubs serve as stages for the festival, with five main venues, Papaya, Aquarius, Kalypso, Noa and Euphoria hosting performances.

Hideout Festival has hosted many of the world's top DJs and producers. Past lineups have included electronic heavyweights like Jamie Jones, Skream, Camelphat, Alan Fitzpatrick, Patrick Topping, Hybrid Minds, Folamour and more. The 2022 edition featured The Streets, Joel Corry, Paul Woolford and major back-to-back sets from artists like Skream and Ewan McVicar.The artist lineup for Hideout Festival 2024 has yet to be announced. Attendees can expect Hideout to deliver a world-class lineup of house, techno, bass and disco DJs and live performers.

Most attendees to the Hideout Festival fly into the nearby Zadar Airport and take shuttle buses to Novalja and Zrće Beach. Flights and shuttle transfers can be booked via Hideout's website as part of a package. Attendees also have the option to take buses or ferries from nearby cities like Zadar or Split. Once in Novalja, regular 15-minute shuttle buses run fans to and from the beach venues. Many accommodation options exist in the nearby town of Novalja, including hotels, apartments, villas, hostels and campgrounds. Novalja is 4 kilometers (2 miles) from Zrće Beach, making it the most convenient place to stay during the Hideout Festival.

Many attendees of the Hideout Festival book rooms as part of Hideout Packages, including festival tickets, accommodations and airport transfers. There are parking areas available along Zrće Beach. Most attendees take the shuttle buses from Novalja instead of driving. This avoids issues with traffic, parking, drinking and driving back. Shuttle passes are sold as extras during the ticket-buying process. Ticket pricing for Hideout Festival 2024 has yet to be announced. Based on previous years, attendees can expect to pay around €169 ($188, £146) for basic General Admission tickets. VIP tickets with added amenities and benefits typically cost €229 ($255, £199). Payment plans are also available, allowing fans to pay a deposit upfront and split the remaining balances into installments.

5. Dimensions Festival

Dimensions Festival is a multi-day celebration of underground electronic music held annually in Croatia. The Dimensions Festival will occur from August 29 to September 2, 2024, at The Garden Resort in Tisno. The nearest major city to the Dimensions Festival is Zadar, which is 80.4 kilometers (49 miles).

Dimensions Festival was founded in 2012 as a sister event to Outlook Festival and it is also held at Fort Punta Christo in Pula, Croatia. The first Dimensions Festival was a 2-day event featuring acts like Theo Parrish, Joy Orbison and Kyle Hall across four stages. It quickly grew to a 4-day event, moving to The Garden Resort in Tisno in 2019. Over 30,000 people attend the Dimensions Festival each year. The festival features artists and DJs from the house, techno, dubstep and UK bass scenes. Past lineups have included Four Tet, Bonobo, Nina Kraviz, Jon Hopkins, Helena Hauff, Peggy Gou, Carl Cox and hundreds more. The 2024 Dimensions Festival lineup has yet to be announced but will likely feature leading underground electronic talent across four festival stages and boat parties over the four days.

Getting to the Dimensions Festival in Tisno is convenient, with direct train connections from Zadar and Zagreb to Tisno's train station. Zadar Airport is an hour away by car and shuttles and taxis can provide transportation to the festival site. Intercity buses also run direct connections to Tisno from major European cities like London, Berlin and Amsterdam. There are on-site campgrounds and accommodation options for Dimensions Festival attendees, including hotels, rental apartments, hostels and rooms in Tisno and nearby areas. The ancient Private accommodations should be booked well in advance since rooms sell out and camping tickets have limited capacity.

Tickets for Dimensions Festival 2024 will be sold in multiple tiers, with early bird tickets starting at €183 ($204, £160) for 3-day access without camping. Camping passes must be purchased separately. VIP tickets with special amenities and single-day passes will be sold in early 2024. Tickets are available on the official Dimensions Festival website, where packages with transport and accommodations can also be booked.

6. Outlook Festival

Outlook Festival is a premier bass music and sound system culture festival held annually in Pula, Croatia. The next edition of Outlook Festival will run from July 25-29, 2024, It is a 6-day event, with music and parties running daily. Gates open at 2 pm daily, with performances starting in the late afternoon and continuing in the early morning hours across multiple stages. Pula is next to Fort Punta Christo, 4 kilometers (2 miles).

The Outlook Festival was established in 2008 and brings together over 300 artists across dubstep, grime, hip hop, drum & bass, reggae, dub and more to perform. The festival is known for its beautiful Fort Punta Christo venue, an abandoned 19th-century Austro-Hungarian fort overlooking the Adriatic Sea. The festival was funded by the U.K.'s Broadwick Live and Superstruct Entertainment. It started to fuse sound system culture with the Croatian coastline. The first year saw 4,000 attendees. It has since exploded into Europe's biggest bass music festival, cementing itself as a bucket list festival destination.

Outlook Festival takes place at Fort Punta Christo in Pula, Croatia. The striking fort venue features multiple stages carved into stone tunnels, courtyards and moats and sweeping views of the sea and coastline from its ramparts and towers. Stages include The Clearing, The Moat, The Void, The Garden, Subdub Arena and more. Outlook has hosted genre legends like DMZ, Mala, Commodo, Giggs, Jayda G, Skepta, Loyle Carner, Ms. Banks, AJ Tracey, Sherelle, Pa Salieu and many more over its decade-plus history.

Four main Outlook Festival stages are scattered throughout Fort Punta Christo. The Clearing, The Moat, The Void, The Garden, the Subdub Arena and The Courtyard. Multiple sound systems provide bass-heavy sonics. There are also beach parties, boat parties and takeovers in Pula during the day. The phase one 2024 Outlook Festival artist lineup has been announced, featuring headliners like Chase & Status, Shy FX and SASASAS, plus dozens of top talents across bass music genres. The full lineup showcasing 300+ acts will be unveiled over the coming months leading up to the September event.

Most attendees of the Outlook Festival fly into the nearby Pula or Zadar Airports and take pre-arranged shuttle buses to Fort Punta Christo. You can also take buses, trains or ferries to various Croatian cities and transfer to the festival. Shuttles run fans to and from the fort and Pula city center during the festival. There are accommodation options in Pula, including hotels, private apartments, villas, hostels and campgrounds. Attendees also stay in nearby towns like Rovinj, Rabac and Medulin. There are parking lots available near Fort Punta Christo.

Three ticket tiers are available to Outlook Festival – General Admission, VIP and VIP Deluxe. GA provides basic access, while VIP and VIP Deluxe add amenities like exclusive lounges, discounts, express entry lanes and more. Ticket pricing for Outlook Festival 2024 has yet to be announced. Based on previous years, attendees can expect to pay around €160 ($178, £139) for basic General Admission festival tickets. VIP and VIP Deluxe tickets cost more based on added amenities included.

7. Fresh Island Festival

Fresh Island Festival is a hip-hop, R&B and rap music festival held annually in July on Zrće Beach in Novalja on the island of Pag, Croatia. The 2024 edition of the Fresh Island Festival will run from June 26-29, 2024. It is a 3-day event, with performances and parties running daily. Gates typically open at 2 pm, with the main stage acts going from midnight until dawn each night. The nearest town to the Fresh Island Festival is Novalja, right on Zrće Beach, where the event occurs. It serves as the main hub for festival-goers, home to many hotels, restaurants, shops and supermarkets catering to attendees.

Fresh Island Festival began in 2012 and was launched by two British live music companies seeking to create a hip-hop-focused festival on the Croatian coast. The first year saw 5,000 attendees. The first-ever Fresh Island Festival was held in 2012, from July 5 to 8. It was started by U.K. companies Broadwick Live and Superstruct Entertainment to bring hip-hop and R&B artists to perform beachside in the Croatian town of Novalja on Pag Island. It was selling out with over 25,000 fans by 2015. Fresh Island has now become a premiere urban music festival destination in Europe.

Fresh Island Festival takes place at the famous Zrće Beach clubs in Novalja, including Aquarius, Papaya and Kalypso. Zrće Beach is often called “Croatia's Ibiza” due to its active nightlife scene centered around open-air beach clubs. The festival transforms these venues into concert stages and pool party spots. Fresh Island has hosted hip-hop icons like Snoop Dogg, Rick Ross, Sean Paul, ASAP Rocky, Wiz Khalifa, 50 Cent, Chris Brown, Cardi B and many more stars since its launch. The 2022 lineup included Central Cee, Digga D, Stylo G, Stefflon Don, Potter Payper and NSG. The artist lineup for Fresh Island Festival 2024 has yet to be announced. As one of Europe's leading urban music festivals, attendees can likely expect another stellar ensemble of international hip-hop, R&B, rap and afrobeat superstars when it is unveiled later this year.

Fresh Island Festival hosts three main festival stages inside the open-air Zrće Beach clubs – Papaya, Aquarius and Kalypso. Each venue has its sound system, bars, decor and backdrop overlooking the Adriatic Sea. There are also pool parties at hotels like Noa during the days.

Most attendees of the Fresh Island Festival fly into nearby Zadar Airport and take pre-arranged shuttle buses to Novalja and Zrće Beach. Visitors can also take ferries, buses or drives from cities like Zagreb, Split or Rijeka and transfer to Novalja. Shuttles run from Novalja to the clubs regularly. Novalja has ample accommodation choices, including hotels, private apartments, villas, hostels and campgrounds. Attendees also stay in nearby towns like Metajna and Povljana. Many opt to book rooms as part of Fresh Island packages. There are parking lots available along Zrće Beach. Most attendees take shuttles to avoid traffic and parking issues. Shuttles run attendees between Novalja and the beach venues consistently all week.

Two main ticket types are available to Fresh Island Festival – General Admission and VIP. GA provides basic access to all festival events. VIP tickets include exclusive lounges, special entrances, drink discounts and more. Ticket pricing for Fresh Island Festival 2024 has yet to be announced. Based on previous years, attendees can expect to pay €100 ($111, £87) for basic General Admission passes. VIP tickets typically cost €200 ($221, £173) depending on added amenities.

8. Sonus Festival

The Sonus Festival is a premier electronic music festival held annually in August on Zrće Beach in Novalja on the island of Pag, Croatia. The next edition of the Sonus Festival will run from August 18 to 22, 2024. It is a 5-day event, with performances starting each evening and continuing into the early morning hours across multiple stages. The nearest town is Novalja, located right on Zrće Beach, where the event occurs.

Sonus Festival was founded in 2013 by the German companies Time Warp and Superstruct Entertainment to fuse underground electronic music with the beautiful Croatian island setting. It quickly grew into one of Europe's most beloved events. Sonus has become a Croatian institution, winning awards and drawing 25,000 fans annually. The first-ever Sonus Festival was held from August 21 to 25, 2013, in Zrće Beach, Novalja, Croatia. It was started by German companies Time Warp and Superstruct Entertainment as an electronic music experience on Pag Island. Sonus Festival has drawn around 25,000 attendees each year. It has become one of Europe's hottest summer festival destinations for electronic music fans. The remote beachside location limits capacity.

Sonus Festival has hosted genre legends like Carl Cox, Sven Väth, Richie Hawtin, Loco Dice, Maceo Plex, Adam Beyer, Nina Kraviz, Joseph Capriati, Dubfire, Chris Liebing, Pan-Pot and hundreds more top talents over its decade-long history. The 2022 lineup spanned tech, house and minimal. The phase one 2024 Sonus Festival artist lineup has been announced, featuring headliners like Carl Cox, Charlotte de Witte, Adam Beyer B2B Enrico Sangiuliano, Chris Liebing, Reinier Zonneveld and more techno heavyweights. Five main festival stages are hosted inside the open-air Zrće Beach clubs Aquarius, Kalypso, Papaya, Noa and Euphoria. Each venue has its sound system, bars, decor and backdrop overlooking the Adriatic Sea.

Most attendees of the Sonus Festival take pre-arranged shuttle buses from nearby airports like Zadar or bus/ferry terminals in Zadar and Split. Visitors can also drive or take public transport and local taxi boats. Shuttles run attendees conveniently between Novalja and Zrće Beach all week. Novalja and nearby towns offer ample hotels, apartments, villas, hostels and campgrounds. Many fans book rooms via Sonu's ticket + accommodation packages. On-site glamping options are also available. Parking lots are available along Zrće Beach and most attendees take shuttles to avoid traffic issues. Shuttles run from Novalja hotels/pick-up points all festival long.

Two main ticket types are available for the Sonus Festival – General Admission and VIP. GA provides entry to all festival events, while VIP adds amenities like expedited entry, exclusive lounges, special viewing areas and more. The 2024 ticket pricing has yet to be announced. For reference, 2023 early bird tickets started at €160 ($177, £139) for GA and 229 Euros for VIP passes. Full price and package details will be released closer to the festival.

9. Spring Break Island

Spring Break Island is an annual electronic music festival on Zrće Beach in Novalja, Croatia. The 2024 edition of Spring Break Island will run from May 30 to June 2, 2024. It is a 5-day event, with pool parties and performances running daily. Gates typically open at 2 pm each day. The nearest city is Novalja, right on Zrće Beach, where the festival occurs.

Spring Break Island was founded in 2011 by Broadwick Live and Superstruct Entertainment, seeking to bring the energy of spring break in the U.S. to the Croatian coast. The first year saw 5,000 attendees. It quickly became one of Europe's wildest festivals, cementing itself as a bucket list event. The inaugural Spring Break Island was held from June 30th to July 4th, 2011, at Zrće Beach in Novalja, Croatia. It was started by U.K. companies Broadwick Live and Superstruct Entertainment. Spring Break Island has attracted around 25,000 spring breakers each year. With tickets often selling out up to a year in advance, it has become one of Europe's hottest summer festival destinations.

Spring Break Island has a history of showcasing top EDM talent and attendees can expect another stellar ensemble of international electronic music stars when the 2024 roster is announced. The festival brings in some of the hottest acts in house, electro, progressive and other dance music genres. Three main festival stages are hosted inside the open-air Zrće Beach clubs Aquarius, Papaya and Noa. Each venue has its sound system, bars, decor and backdrop overlooking the Adriatic Sea.

Most attendees of the Spring Break Island take pre-arranged shuttle buses from nearby airports or bus/ferry terminals in Zadar and Split. Shuttles run attendees conveniently between Novalja and Zrće Beach all week. Visitors can take public transport. Novalja offers ample hotels, private apartments, villas, hostels and campgrounds. Many fans book rooms via Spring Break Island tickets and accommodation packages. On-site glamping options are also available. Parking lots are available along Zrće Beach and most attendees take shuttles to avoid traffic issues. Shuttles run to and from Novalja hotels/pick-up points regularly.

There are general admission tickets for Spring Break Island, VIP tickets and upgrades. All provide full access to the festival venues. VIP offers amenities like expedited entry, exclusive lounges, special viewing areas and more. The 2024 pricing has yet to be announced. For reference, 2023 early bird general admission tickets started at €99 ($109, £86). VIP tickets cost €149 ($165, £129). Full price and package details are released closer to the on-sale dates.

10. Hospitality on the Beach

Hospitality on the Beach is an annual electronic music festival in Tisno, Croatia. The 2024 Hospitality on the Beach edition will run from July 2nd to 9th. It is a 5-day event, with music and parties running daily from the afternoon into the early morning hours across multiple stages. The nearest city to Hospitality on the Beach is Tisno, right on The Garden Resort venue.

Hospitality on the Beach debuted in 2018, founded by Hospital Records and live music company Broadwick Live to bring the Hospital Records drum & bass experience to a festival setting on the Croatian coast. It has returned yearly as a premier electronic music festival. The first-ever Hospitality on the Beach was held from July 4 to 10, 2018, at The Garden Resort in Tisno, Croatia. Hospital Records and Broadwick Live started it. Hospitality on the Beach has drawn around 25,000 attendees each year. With tickets often selling out up to a year in advance, it has become one of Europe's hottest summer festival destinations for drum & bass fans.

Hospitality on the Beach has hosted genre stars like Camo & Krooked, Wilkinson, Dimension, DJ Marky, Noisia, Netsky, High Contrast, Fred V & Grafix, Kings of the Rollers and hundreds more top acts over its history. The 2022 lineup spanned liquid, jungle, neurofunk and more. The first wave of the 2024 Hospitality on the Beach lineup has been announced, featuring headliners like Sub Focus, A.M.C, Alix Perez, DJ Marky and LTJ Bukem, plus pioneering drum & bass labels like 1985 Music, Critical Music and more curating stages. There are four main festival stages at Hospitality on the Beach hosted at The Garden Resort – The Clearing, The Beach, The Olive Grove and The Moat. There is also the famous open-air nightclub Barbarella's Discotheque that hosts late-night parties.

Most Hospitality on the Beach attendees fly into nearby Zadar Airport and take pre-arranged shuttle buses to Tisno and the festival site. Visitors can also take buses, trains or ferries to cities like Zadar, Split or Šibenik and transfer to Tisno. Shuttles run attendees conveniently to and from the festival venues. The Garden Resort offers on-site glamping tents, apartments, mobile homes, hostels and campgrounds. Attendees can also stay at hotels, villas or apartments in the nearby towns of Tisno, Betina and Murter, a short drive or taxi ride away. There are parking areas available along the roads near The Garden Resort.

There are general admission tickets, VIP tickets and upgrades for the hospitality on the Beach. All provide access to the full festival and venues. VIP offers amenities like expedited entry, exclusive lounges and more. The 2024 ticket pricing has yet to be announced. For reference, 2023 early bird general admission tickets started at €160 ($178, £139). VIP tickets cost €229 ($255, £199) and full pricing will be released closer to the festival dates.

11. Lighthouse Festival

The Lighthouse Festival is an international electronic music festival held annually in late May/early June on the Lanterna peninsula in Tar, Croatia. The 2024 edition of the Lighthouse Festival will run from May 29th to June 2nd. It is a 5-day event, with music and parties running daily from noon until late night across multiple stages. The nearest major city is Poreč, 8 kilometers (4 miles) from Lanterna peninsula.

Lighthouse Festival began in 2013, launched by the creators of the famous Pratersauna club in Vienna, seeking to transplant their underground electronic music vibe to a seaside vacation setting in Croatia alongside their creative network of artists, labels and promoters from across Europe. It has occurred every year since, growing into a beloved boutique festival while retaining its signature intimate feel. The first-ever edition of the Lighthouse Festival was held from May 30 to June 2, 2013, at the Lanterna Premium Camping Resort in Tar, Croatia, right on the Adriatic Sea. The organizers of Pratersauna in Vienna started it. Lighthouse Festival has a capacity of around 3,000 attendees per day. Its small size and scenic coastal location make it a favorite among electronic music fans seeking an intimate festival experience. Most tickets sell out up to 6 months in advance.

Lighthouse Festival has showcased underground house and techno greats like Âme, Dixon, Tale Of Us, Peggy Gou, Seth Troxler, The Black Madonna, Hunee, Job Jobse, Gerd Janson, John Talabot, DJ Tennis, DJ Koze and hundreds more over its decade-long history. The 2022 lineup featured Ben UFO, Avalon Emerson, DJ Seinfeld and major back-to-back sets. The artist lineup and first wave of acts for the 2024 edition of the Lighthouse Festival have not yet been announced. Based on previous lineups, attendees can expect another expertly curated ensemble of international underground houses, techno, disco, electro DJs and live performers when unveiled in early 2023. There are four music stages on the beaches of the Lanterna peninsula and a nightclub space called The Lighthouse. Stages vary from beach clubs to open-air tent structures along the Adriatic coastline. There are also boat parties and beach gatherings during the days.

Most attendees of the Lighthouse Festival take pre-arranged shuttle buses from nearby airports like Venice, Trieste and Pula or bus stations in Poreč. Attendees can also take public transportation like buses or trains and local taxis. The Lanterna Premium Camping Resort offers hotels, beachfront villas, apartments and on-site campgrounds that attendees can book as part of their festival packages. It creates a mini village right on the stages and beach. Attendees also stay in private apartments or hotels in Poreč and commute daily. Parking lots and lodging options are available at the Lanterna Premium Camping Resort near the festival stages.

General admission tickets, VIP tickets and package upgrades are available at the Lighthouse Festival. GA provides access to all venues, while VIP offers amenities like expedited entry, exclusive lounges, special beach areas and more. Ticket pricing for Lighthouse Festival 2024 has yet to be announced. Based on previous years, attendees can expect to pay €160 ($178, £139) for early bird general admission passes. VIP tickets cost €50 ($55, £43). Full pricing will be announced closer to the festival.

12. We Love Sound

We Love Sound is an event promotion company and music festival organizer based in Zagreb, Croatia. The date for the 2024 We Love Sound Open Air festival has yet to be announced and typically occurs in early June. As We Love Sound's events occur right within Zagreb, the nearest major city is Zagreb.

We Love Sound was founded in 2011 by Daniel Vučković, Simon Horvat and others seeking to establish high-quality electronic music events in Croatia. It launched that year with an open-air party at Lake Jarun in Zagreb. We Love Sound debuted its multi-day Open Air Festival in Zagreb in 2017. The first We Love Sound event was an open-air party held in 2011 at Lake Jarun in Zagreb, Croatia, after the company was founded. This inaugural event helped spark We Love Sound's rise within the Croatian electronic music scene over the past decade.

The We Love Sound Open Air Festival draws 10,000 to 15,000 attendees daily to the multi-day summer event. Previous We Love Sound lineups have featured major international electronic music stars like Carl Cox, Paul Kalkbrenner, Nina Kraviz, Solomun, Boris Brejcha, Meduza, ARTBAT, Hot Since 82 and leading local Croatian artists. The festival showcases house, techno and progressive DJs and live acts. The 2024 lineup has yet to be released. Based on We Love Sound's history of booking the top house, techno and progressive DJ talents, attendees can likely expect another stellar roster of electronic music stars in their 2024 installments. The We Love Sound Open Air Festival features five music stages around Lake Jarun with unique stage designs and features. There is also a VIP area with exclusive amenities and views of the main stage. The space allows attendees to move freely between stages.

Most attendees of the We Love Sound take taxis or public transportation to Lake Jarun to attend the We Love Sound Open Air Festival. Driving and parking are also available in designated lots around the lake. The lake is within Zagreb, making it an easy 10-minute drive or taxi ride from the city center. Zagreb has many lodging options, including hotels, hostels, apartments and more. Zagreb offers ample tourism infrastructure for those attending We Love Sound events and needing places to stay.

Seated parking lots around Lake Jarun accommodate drivers attending the We Love Sound Open Air festival; however, taking public transportation or taxis is recommended to avoid traffic.

We Love Sound offers both general admission and VIP tickets to events. General admission allows basic access, while VIP tickets include amenities like expedited entry, access to exclusive VIP areas, special drink discounts and more. Ticket pricing varies based on each specific We Love Sound event. For reference, 2022 general admission tickets for the Open Air festival started at €20 ($22, £17) per day. VIP tickets cost €60 ($66, £52) per day, depending on the purchase phase.

13. Beach Bites Beats

Beach Bites Beats is an annual electronic music festival on Zrće Beach in Novalja, Croatia. The 2024 edition of Beach Bites Beats will run from June 5 to June 9. It is a 5-day event, with pool parties and performances running daily. The nearest city is Novalja, right on Zrće Beach, where the festival occurs.

Beach Bites Beats was founded in 2017 by German DJ duo Vol2Cat and event organizer Superstruct Entertainment to fuse electronic music with Novalja's famous beach clubs and party scene. The first year saw 5,000 attendees and became one of Europe's wildest festivals. The inaugural Beach Bites Beats was held from June 15 to June 22, 2017, at Zrće Beach in Novalja, Croatia. German DJ duo Vol2Cat started it along with U.K. event organizer Superstruct Entertainment. Beach Bites Beats has attracted around 25,000 attendees each year. With tickets often selling out up to a year in advance, it has become one of Europe's hottest summer festival destinations for electronic music fans.

Three main festival stages for the Beach Bites Beats are hosted inside the open-air Zrće Beach clubs. Aquarius, Papaya and Noa. Each venue has its sound system, bars, decor and backdrop overlooking the Adriatic Sea. Most attendees take pre-arranged shuttle buses from nearby airports or bus/ferry terminals in Zadar and Split. Shuttles run attendees conveniently between Novalja and Zrće Beach all week. Visitors can also take public transport. Novalja offers ample hotels, private apartments, villas, hostels and campgrounds. Many fans book rooms via Beach Bites Beats tickets and accommodation packages. On-site glamping options are also available. Parking lots are available along Zrće Beach and attendees take shuttles to avoid traffic issues. Shuttles run to and from Novalja hotels/pick-up points regularly.

There are general admission tickets along with VIP tickets and upgrades for the Beach Bites Beats. All provide full access to the festival venues. VIP offers amenities like expedited entry, exclusive lounges, special viewing areas and more. The 2024 pricing has yet to be announced. For reference, 2023 early bird general admission tickets started at around €99 ($109, £86). Full price and package details are released closer to the on-sale dates.

14. Seasplash Festival

Seasplash Festival is one of Croatia's premier reggae, dub and bass music festivals held annually on the Dalmatian Coast in July. The dates for the 2024 edition of the Seasplash Festival have yet to be officially announced. Based on past years, it typically takes four days in mid-July. The nearest major town is Šibenik, across the bay from Martinska Beach, where the Seasplash Festival occurs.

Seasplash Festival began in 2002 in Pula, founded by the Seasplash Association to celebrate sound system culture and bass music in a beautiful seaside setting. After over 15 years in Pula, it relocated closer to Šibenik in 2019. 2023 will mark its 22nd anniversary as one of Croatia's pioneering independent music festivals. In recent years, at its new Martinska location, the Seasplash Festival has drawn between 5,000 and 10,000 attendees each day.

Three main festival stages are on Martinska Beach for the Seasplash Festival. the Mainsplash, Soundsplash and Chillsplash. Additional events happen in the water, like boat parties or on Šibenik's nearby islands. Most visitors take pre-arranged shuttle buses from nearby airports or bus stations in Split and Zadar. Attendees can also take ferries and shuttles to Šibenik from the islands or down the coast. The historic town of Šibenik offers ample hotels, apartments, villas, hostels and camping spots for lodging. Many fans also book private rooms via Seasplash's accommodation packages, including festival tickets and transfers. Parking lots are available along the roads on the Martinska peninsula near the festival site. Shuttles are organized from hotels and pick-up points.

General admission and VIP tickets are available for the Seasplash Festival. GA allows basic access, while VIP tickets add amenities like expedited entry, exclusive lounges, special beach areas and more. The 2024 Seasplash Festival ticket pricing has yet to be announced. Based on recent years, attendees can expect to pay €160 ($178, £139) for early bird general admission passes.

15. Zagreb Pride

Zagreb Pride is an annual LGBTQ+ pride parade and festival in Zagreb, Croatia. It is the largest event of its kind in Croatia and one of the largest in Southeast Europe. The date for Zagreb Pride 2024 has yet to be announced. Based on previous years, it typically takes place in early June. Zagreb Pride occurs on the streets of Zagreb, Croatia's capital and largest city. The pride parade involves a march through the city center, typically starting from Zagreb's main square, Ban Jelačić Square and ending in Zrinjevac Park, where speeches and performances occur. It is also the nearest major city to the festival.

Zagreb Pride began in 2002 as Croatia's first successful pride parade. It was organized by LGBTQ+ activists seeking to increase visibility, fight discrimination and advocate for equal rights. While facing opposition from conservative groups, Zagreb Pride has grown with increasing attendance and political support. The first Zagreb Pride was held on June 29, 2002, under “Gay Pride Zagreb”. About 300 attendees marched for LGBTQ+ rights and visibility, making it Croatia's breakthrough pride event. Zagreb Pride has drawn 5,000 to 15,000 participants for the pride parade and events. Attendance peaked at 15,000 people in 2013 during protests against a referendum seeking to ban same-sex marriage.

Zagreb Pride takes place right within Zagreb and attendees can take public transportation like trams or buses to Ban Jelačić Square or Zrinjevac Park. Driving and parking are also available around the city center. Zagreb offers ample hotels, hostels, apartments and tourism infrastructure for those visiting Zagreb Pride or needing places to stay in the city center where events take place. Zagreb Pride events are free and open to the public, so there are no ticket tiers or entrance costs. Visitors are welcome to show up and participate simply. As a pride parade and festival focused on LGBTQ+ rights and visibility rather than music, Zagreb Pride does not have artist lineups. Its cultural events feature local performers and activists.

16. Nights of Diocletian

The Nights of Diocletian, formerly Days of Diocletian, is an annual historical carnival in Split, Croatia, celebrating the city's Roman heritage. The 2024 Nights of Diocletian festival dates have yet to be officially announced. Based on previous years, it typically takes place over 3-4 days in late August. Split is the second largest city in Croatia, so no major cities are closer than Split itself. The nearest city is Trogir, 27 kilometers (17 miles) northwest of Split.

The youth club of Split first organized the Nights of Diocletian event in 1997 to promote the city's Roman cultural heritage tied to Emperor Diocletian. It quickly became a popular local festival recreating Split's ancient past. It was rebranded as Nights of Diocletian in 2017. The first Days of Diocletian festival was held in August 1997 and the 2024 event will mark its 28th anniversary. The Nights of Diocletian festival has attracted approximately 30,000 to 50,000 locals and visitors.

The Nights of Diocletian occurs in Diocletian's Palace in Split and the surrounding old town streets and squares, including the Riva seaside promenade. Many events center around the Peristyle, the palace's main square and landmarks like the Golden Gate and the Vestibule. There are no major music acts or concerts. The entertainment features local performers bringing ancient Rome to life through historical reenactments of figures like Diocletian and daily Roman life. The 2024 lineup has yet to be announced but will likely feature similar Roman reenactment groups and performers as previous editions. Performances and reenactments occur at venues and landmarks throughout the old town, like the Peristyle Square, Riva promenade, Golden Gate and Diocletian's Cellars.

Split is a coastal city and most attendees of the Nights of Diocletian drive or take buses. Public transportation and pedestrian access connect the old town venues. Split offers hotel and apartment accommodation options for festival-goers, as do coastal towns within a short drive. Campgrounds are also available. Parking in the pedestrian old town is very limited, but public parking garages and lots are available, with shuttles running to the perimeter of the venue area.

The Nights of Diocletian takes place on public streets rather than in a gated venue and no ticket is required for general public attendance. Some associated events may charge individual entry fees. There is no entrance fee to enjoy the historical reenactments and entertainment throughout the old town during the festival days.

17. Motovun Film Festival

The Motovun Film Festival is an annual international film festival held in the small medieval hilltop town of Motovun in central Istria, Croatia. The dates for the 2024 edition of the Motovun Film Festival have yet to be officially announced. Based on previous years, it typically takes place over 5-6 days in late July or early August. The nearest major city is Pula, 50 kilometers (31 miles) southwest of Motovun. Other nearby larger towns include Rovinj, Poreč and Umag on the Istrian coastline.

The Motovun Film Festival was founded in 1999 by a group of Croatian film professionals to promote small, independent films when almost no non-Hollywood films were being shown in Croatian cinemas. They renovated an old cinema in Motovun to serve as one of the screening venues. Over the past two decades, the festival has grown substantially to screen over 100 feature and short films annually. The first Motovun Film Festival was held in 1999, August 10-15. 2023 marked its 25th-anniversary edition. The Motovun Film Festival has attracted around 30,000 to 40,000 visitors yearly over its 5-6-day duration. It has a reputation as a lively, energetic event popular among young people.

Motovun Film Festival has hosted various international cinema greats as special guests and jury members, including Wim Wenders, Agnès Varda, Jim Jarmusch, Victor Erice and many more. The artist lineup for the 2024 edition of the Motovun Film Festival has not been announced yet. It usually features a mix of regional and international filmmakers, producers, actors and other cinema artists. Several screening stages and venues are set up around Motovun, including open-air cinema screens on the main town square and other squares and some small indoor cinemas.

Visitors typically drive or take buses to Motovun Festival from surrounding areas and cities. Limited accommodation is available in Motovun and visitors camp at organized campsites near the town's foot of the hill. A shuttle bus takes people between the campsites and the festival.

Some rooms and apartments are available to rent in Motovun, but they tend to book up early. Most visitors stay at accommodation options located along the Istrian coastline or in inland towns and drive or take a shuttle bus to Motovun just for the festival events and screenings each day. Parking is very limited within the ancient walled town of Motovun itself. There are organized parking areas for visitors at the base of the hill with shuttle transports up to the festival.

The festival offers both ticket packages and individual tickets. Ticket packages allow entrance to multiple screenings, while individual tickets can be purchased for single screenings. Ticket prices vary based on the type of package or screening.

18. Dubrovnik Summer Festival

The Dubrovnik Summer Festival is a major cultural event held annually in Dubrovnik, Croatia. The 67th Dubrovnik Summer Festival is scheduled for July 10 to August 25, 2024. It runs annually for 45+ days during the summer tourist season. Dubrovnik is the nearest major city, being the site of the festival.

The Dubrovnik Summer Festival was founded in 1950 to bolster tourism by showcasing elite cultural offerings. It was one of the first major summer arts festivals established in Europe post-WWII. Over the decades, it has grown substantially to host world-renowned theatre, orchestras, opera singers and other artists. The inaugural Dubrovnik Summer Festival ran from July 9-20, 1950. 2024 will mark its 75th-anniversary edition. The Dubrovnik Summer Festival draws between 60,000 and 70,000 attendees each season. It appeals to both locals and peak-season coastal tourists.

Dubrovnik Summer Festival has hosted prestigious orchestras like the Vienna Philharmonic, top ballet and opera companies, celebrity musicians like José Carreras and Bobby McFerrin and theatrical performers like Sir Derek Jacobi. In the early years, they were focused more on Croatian artists. The 2024 Dubrovnik Summer Festival program has yet to be announced. It traditionally features a mix of globally renowned artists and top Croatian performers from classical music, theatre, opera, ballet and folk arts. Rather than fixed stages, performances occur at over ten diverse indoor and open-air sites scattered throughout the Old City, utilizing the historic settings. The number of locations can vary by year.

Attendees can reach Dubrovnik and the Dubrovnik Summer Festival via flights, buses, boats and cruises, then walk or take public transportation to the historic Old City venues. Accommodations span hotels, villas, apartments and campgrounds. Garages and buses help manage the influx. The festival occurs in the heart of Dubrovnik, with hotels, villas, hostels and apartments available to book in the Old City and surrounding areas, along with camping grounds and reservations are essential.

Parking is limited in pedestrianized Old Town, but public garages ring the perimeter with shuttle buses to the Dubrovnik Summer Festival area. Additional parking gets set up for the summer season traffic. The festival offers single tickets to individual events, daily tickets and full passes. Tickets are divided by type of performance and seating area. Special student and local discounts apply. Ticket prices vary widely by performance type, seating section and package.

What are the best summer festivals in Croatia?

Listed below are the best summer festivals in Croatia.

• Dubrovnik Summer Festival. The Dubrovnik Summer Festival is an iconic cultural event spanning July 10 to August 25, 2024, transforming the ancient alleyways and stone buildings of Dubrovnik's UNESCO-protected Old Town into a stage. First held in 1950, it brings classical music, theater, opera, ballet, art exhibitions and more to over 60,000 attendees through open-air performances in medieval squares, historic venues and parks across the city. The festival highlights Dubrovnik's culture during the summer months, maintaining its status as one of Europe's longest-running and most-loved summer cultural institutions since its inauguration over 70 years ago.
• Ultra Europe. Ultra Europe Festival explodes into Split, Croatia, from July 12 to 14, 2024, bringing 140,000 electronic dance music fans together for a 3-day celebration of world-class DJs and producers. Ultra Europe has showcased elite EDM artists like David Guetta, Martin Garrix, Tiësto and Armin van Buuren, who perform elaborate shows with lights, pyrotechnics and visual effects across multiple stages. The festival features afterparties and side events on Adriatic islands, complementing the energetic atmosphere of the main event at Poljud Stadium.
• Sonus Festival. Sonus Festival is a beloved 5-day celebration of underground house, techno and minimal electronic music culture, showcasing over 60 of the world's top DJs and producers to a passionate crowd of 25,000 fans. The festival occurs from August 18 to 22, 2024, at Zrće Beach in Novalja on Croatia's Pag Island. Sonus has earned a glowing reputation for standout lineups, dramatic seaside locations, boat parties on the crystal blue Adriatic Sea and a friendly summer rave vibe on Pag Island, cementing its status as one of Europe's leading electronic music festivals.
• Seasplash Festival. The Seasplash Festival is a reggae music event held (to be announced) on the Croatian island of Šolta, showcasing reggae legends and emerging stars on multiple stages along the Adriatic coastline. Seasplash's laidback vibe, blending live concerts, sound systems, food stalls, workshops, wellness areas and family zones, has earned it a reputation as one of Europe's premier reggae festivals for over 25 years. Seasplash celebrates reggae culture, including Caribbean cuisine and positive vibes, that continues to draw fans and artists back year after year.
• Hideout Festival. Hideout Festival has become a beloved summer tradition for electronic music fans, annually from June 23 to 27, 2024 on the famous Zrće Beach in Novalja on the Croatian island of Pag. Hideout showcases over 100 world-class DJs playing lively pool parties under the Mediterranean sun during the day, followed by thumping club sets on the beach that pulse into the early morning hours. The festival entertains over 25,000 festival-goers from across the globe each year in an electric atmosphere fueled by dancing, music and summer vibes.

What are the best music festivals in Croatia?

Listed below are the best music festivals in Croatia.

• Ultra Europe. Ultra Europe is a massive 3-day electronic dance music festival held annually from July 12 to 14, 2024, in Split, Croatia. The music festival features over 150 world-famous DJs and artists like David Guetta, Armin Van Buuren and Martin Garrix. It showcases high-energy EDM shows full of lights, pyrotechnics and visual effects for around 140,000 attendees. Expanding into a week-long Destination Ultra event, it includes parties and events on nearby islands like Hvar and Vis over multiple days and nights. Ultra Europe has become one of Europe's biggest electronic music festivals, highlighting the Croatian summer festival scene.
• INmusic. INmusic is Croatia's largest open-air music festival, spanning 3-4 days from June 24 to 26, 2024, on Youth Island in Jarun Lake in Zagreb's city center, attracting around 40,000 fans yearly. Major international rock, indie and alternative bands like Arctic Monkeys, The Killers, Deftones and Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds perform live on multiple stages at the festival while attendees can camp onsite. INmusic has established itself as one of Europe's leading alternative music festivals. The festival features music across three stages and stands selling food, drinks and merchandise, creating an unforgettable atmosphere under the open skies alongside Jarun Lake.
• Fresh Island Festival. The Fresh Island Festival is a 3-day hip hop and R&B music event held annually from June 26-29, 2024 on the famous Zrće Beach in Novalja on Croatia's Pag Island, attracting 10,000 visitors. Fresh Island has brought high-profile rap and R&B stars like ASAP Rocky, Chris Brown and Rick Ross to perform, centered around beach parties and club shows at venues like Papaya and Aquarius. Blending live shows, DJ sets and special performances, it offers a lively summer party vibe fueled by hip-hop culture and the seaside location as international visitors revel on the white sands of Zrće. It has become a key date in Croatia's summer festival calendar, bringing beachside hip-hop vibes to the island paradise of Pag.
• Hideout Festival. The Hideout Festival is a 5-day electronic music event held annually from late June 23 to 27, 2024, on the famous Zrće Beach in Novalja on Croatia's Pag Island, showcasing over 100 world-class DJs. Featuring daytime pool parties and nighttime club performances from artists like Major Lazer, Diplo, Jamie Jones, MK and Patrick Topping. Hideout also offers lively side events around Novalja, like boat parties and afterparties to keep the party going. The festival has earned a reputation as one of Europe's top electronic music festivals for its beachfront location and an impressive lineup of house, techno and bass artists entertaining over 25,000 festival-goers.
• Dimensions Festival. Dimensions Festival is an underground, 5-day electronic music event from August 28 to September 1, 2024, in Fort Punta Christo and at the beachfront venue The Garden in Tisno on Croatia's Adriatic coast. The festival features acts like Jeff Mills, Helena Hauff, techno and drum & bass artists across multiple stages. As the grand finale for Croatia's summer festival season, it brings together electronic music lovers under the stars for one last dance before fall arrives, encapsulating a blend of music, sea and sun in Tisno as summer ends.

What are the best food festivals in Croatia?

Listed below are the best food festivals in Croatia.

• Good Food Festival. The Good Food Festival is a weeklong celebration held (to be announced) in Dubrovnik, offering visitors a taste of local Dalmatian cuisine and culture through cooking workshops, special tasting menus at restaurants and unique events like the open-air Dubrovnik Table buffet stretching along the main promenade of Stradun. The family-friendly festival has become a beloved autumn tradition in Dubrovnik, with international visitors joining locals to learn about regional dishes and ingredients from demonstrations by top Croatian chefs and sample the creations of over 50 restaurants participating in the week’s culinary festivities. This festival features some of the best and traditional Croatian food.
• Zigante Truffle Days. The Zigante Truffle Days in the village of Livade, in Croatia’s famed truffle-growing region of Istria, is the world’s longest truffle festival, from September 28 to November 3, 2024. Named for local truffle hunter Giancarlo Zigante, who found the largest white truffle ever recorded there in 1999. The festival offers visitors the chance to taste indulgent truffle-infused dishes at the Zigante restaurant and attend workshops and sessions focused on Istria’s “white gold.” Other highlights include truffle-hunting demonstrations with dogs in the Motovun forest and opportunities to purchase truffle products like oils and spreads to take home.
• Oyster Festival (Mali Ston). The small seaside town of Mali Ston hosts its annual Oyster Festival from March 20 to 24, 2024, where visitors can sample the fresh, briny local oysters farmed in Mali Ston Bay, considered the best in Europe, while sipping regional wines from the nearby Pelješac Peninsula. The festive one-day event offers live music and a convivial atmosphere to highlight the town's oyster-farming tradition, which dates back over 500 years as one of the pillars of Dubrovnik's maritime economy.
• Cheese Festival (Svetvinčenat). The medieval town of Svetvinčenat in central Istria hosts an annual Cheese Festival each September 14 to 15, 2024, gathering the region's premier cheese makers to hold tastings, demonstrations and workshops to showcase their sheep, goat and cow milk cheeses. The festival features an agricultural fair with local olive oils, wines, honey and other products, a “Miss and Mr. Goat” beauty pageant and a “Cheese Trek” race around the area.
• Kulenijada. The annual Kulenijada festival (to be announced) in Požega is dedicated to eastern Croatia's most famous spicy sausage, kulen. The festival brings together kulen producers, primarily from Slavonia and nearby Vojvodina, to compete for prizes for the best artisanal kulen. Visitors can sample kulen varieties and local Slavonian wines while exploring an antiques fair in the city center during the two-day event celebrating this paprika-flavored cured sausage, a symbol of regional culinary identity.

What are the best fairs or trade festivals in Croatia?

Listed below are the best fairs or trade festivals in Croatia.

• International Boat Show. The International Boat Show takes place at the Zagreb Fair from February 14 to 18, 2024, showcasing over 200 exhibitors featuring the latest leisure boats, yachts, nautical equipment and accessories to thousands of trade visitors and boating enthusiasts. The boat show features indoor and outdoor boat displays, expert presentations, an equipment exhibition and a supporting public program for industry insiders and boating lifestyle enthusiasts.
• Adriatic Gastro Show. The Adriatic Gastro Show is the premier regional trade fair for the food, beverage, hospitality and catering industries, attracting over 13,000 visitors and 300 exhibitors from Croatia and neighboring countries from February 21 to 24, 2023. This key industry trade event enables restaurateurs, hoteliers, distributors and producers to display products, conduct business meetings and view the latest market trends across the Adriatic hospitality sector.
• AUTOZUM Motor Show. AUTOZUM takes place every April at the Zagreb Fairgrounds from April 17 to 22, 2024, showcasing major global and regional automotive brands and the latest models, technologies and innovations in the industry to over 50,000 visitors. This key 5-day trade fair and consumer exhibition attracts over 150 exhibitors of passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, motorcycles and automotive parts and accessories.
• INOVA. INOVA takes place every September at the Zagreb Fairgrounds from September 25 to 29, showcasing over 800 exhibitors of new products, technologies and solutions across multiple industries to over 50,000 visitors and specialists. It is also one of Europe's largest invention and innovation trade shows. This 5-day trade fair enables Croatian and global companies, startups and inventors to display the latest innovations in energy, electronics, IT, robotics, biotech and more to potential investors and partners.
• NAUTIC SHOW. The NAUTIC SHOW is the newest and fastest-growing nautical trade fair focused on sailing and water sports in Croatia, taking place from October 3 to 6, 2023, featuring over 200 exhibitors of boats, yachts, equipment and accessories. This key Adriatic industry event attracts over 13,000 visitors, including dealers, manufacturers and water sports enthusiasts exploring the latest nautical recreation trends.
• Interliber Book Fair. The annual Interliber Book Fair will be held at the Zagreb Fairgrounds from November 13 to 17, 2024, showcasing over 300 Croatian and international exhibitors of books, e-books, multimedia and educational materials across 15,000 square meters (0.0057 square miles) of exhibition space. The book fair has become one of Europe’s major publishing fairs, hosting various literary events and attracting around 100,000 visitors yearly.

What are the best reenactment festivals in Croatia?

Listed below are the best reenactment festivals in Croatia.

• Renesansni Festival. The annual Renesansni Festival brings Croatia's late Middle Ages and Renaissance to life through an immersive 4-day event held August 16 to 19, 2024, in Koprivnica. Over 300 reenactors in period costumes recreate courtly scenes, chivalric tournaments, music, crafts and food from 15th-century Renaissance Europe, transporting visitors back to experience the cultural heritage of Croatia's medieval heyday first-hand.
• 1573 Peasant Revolt Reenactment. There are over 250 participants who will recreate the famous 1573 Croatian peasant revolt against nobility with a full-scale battle clash at Golubovec Castle near Zagreb on February 10, 2024. The educational event features exhibitions, presentations and a Renaissance fair to commemorate the uprising for justice led by Matija Gubec against the oppression of 16th-century feudal lords. It highlights the peasant lifestyle and hardships under Croatia's medieval social hierarchy.
• Siege of Sinj 1715 Reenactment. The annual Siege of Sinj 1715 Reenactment returns on August 15, 2024, bringing history to life as hundreds of costumed reenactors with traditional Medieval weapons, cavalry and equipment recreate the 1715 battle when Sinj's knights heroically defended their town against a massive Ottoman invasion. Highlighting Croatia's Medieval military legacy, the large-scale staged clash is preceded by a Renaissance knight tournament. It features Ottoman janissary units, European cannons and cavalry charges reenacting scenes from the famous siege.
• Days of Diocletian. The Days of the Diocletian festival from May 25 to 28, 2024, fills the streets of Split with reenacted scenes of daily life in Emperor Diocletian’s 4th-century palace, including actors in ancient dress staging gladiator arena fights, chariot races and craft presentations. The 4-day event highlights the ancient roots of Dalmatia through living history displays about the last great persecution of Christians under Diocletian before the later spread of Christianity.
• Medieval Samobor 1441 Battle Reenactment. The city of Samobor will host a full-scale reenactment of the 1441 battle on March 9, 2024, between the armies of Elizabeth of Luxembourg and Vladislav III, featuring over 300 participants in Medieval armor and Renaissance-era costumes. The 15th-century clash will be brought to life with knights on horseback, infantry soldiers, archers, camps, period weapons and a dramatic battlefield recreation highlighting Croatia’s Middle Ages. The educational event includes craft demonstrations, food and a Renaissance fair to complement the main battle recreation, immersing visitors in the sights and sounds of 15th-century warfare.

What are the top places to visit in Croatia during the festivals?

There are four top places to visit in Croatia during festivals. These are Rijeka, Dubrovnik, Split, Zadar and Havar. Firstly, Rijeka for Rijeka Carnival from January 27 to February 21, 2024, is the largest in Croatia, with over 800 costumed participants and attracts over 100,000 visitors. Key events like the children's carnival parade, the carnival queen pageant and the international carnival parade happen along the Rječina River and Korzo Street. The carnival concludes with the burial of the “Pust” puppet on Ash Wednesday. Secondly, Dubrovnik for Dubrovnik Summer Festival from July 10 to August 25, 2024, transforms the ancient city into an open-air stage. Over 2,000 artists participate in classical music concerts, theater productions, ballet performances and more staged at historic landmarks like the Lovrijenac Fortress, the Baroque St. Blaise Church and the medieval Sponza Palace. The festival concludes with spectacular fireworks over the fortified city walls. Thirdly, Split during Diocletian Days from May 11 to 13, 2024, honors the Roman emperor Diocletian, who commissioned the Diocletian Palace in Split around 300 AD. For three days, locals dress in ancient Roman attire and participate in historical reenactments of Diocletian's arrival over 1,700 years ago. Key events happen within the palace complex, like parades along the main street, cardo maximus and gladiator fights in the central peristyle courtyard. Lastly, Zadar for the Zadar Summer Festival from June 15 to September 15, 2024, with dance, theater, art exhibitions and concerts at landmarks like the Sea Organ, Roman Forum ruins and the 12th-century Cathedral of St. Anastasia. The festival culminates with the Full Moon Festival, featuring late-night DJ sets under the moonlight.

How to get around in Croatia during the festivals?

There are a few ways to get around in Croatia during festivals. These are public transportation, rental car or driving and bicycle. Firstly, Croatia’s public transportation, which is affordable and generally reliable, includes a bus network that connects most cities and towns. The main bus operators are Autotrans, Croatia Bus and Flixbus and they use GetByBus or Autobusni Kolodvor websites to find schedules. The country has a limited train network, which is better for traveling between Zagreb and coastal cities and using the HZPP site for schedules. Ferries essential for island-hopping, with main operator Jadrolinija. Catamarans (watercraft) are faster and book tickets early online. Secondly, renting a car or driving in Croatia provides the most flexibility for exploring at your own pace. Roads are good and useful for visiting smaller towns. Be aware of traffic; parking can be difficult in peak festival season. Lastly, renting bicycles is popular, especially on islands and coastal areas. Winding roads on some islands offer beautiful vistas. Be cautious of narrow, busy highways with no bike lanes. Ask local tourist offices for recommended routes and rentals.

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