A Gateway to Culture, Food and History: Festivals in Croatia 2024

A Gateway to Culture, Food and History: Festivals in Croatia 2024

Every year, Croatia becomes a hub of festivities celebrating cultural highlights, local food and wine, and a variety of fun and unique things you will only exclusively find in Croatia. From music festivals to parades to historical reenactments and summer festivals – there is sure to be an event to suit everyone in Croatia during 2024.

In this blog, we’ve been unveiling the top festivals in Croatia 2024 that should be on your radar. So if you’re looking to add something a little bit special to your next vacation away, keep on reading!

Festivals in Croatia 2024

While many travel to Croatia for its picturesque beaches, idyllic islands and fascinating historic sites, adding one of these exciting festivals and events in Croatia could be the cherry on top of any already amazing trip away.

With so many festivals running throughout the year, there is always an event going on which will be of interest to you. Whether you’re an art lover, a foodie or a major history buff – we’re sure there is a Croatian festival which you’ll want to attend. 

Here is our list of the best festivals and events in Croatia 2024 for you to consider: 

Rijeka Carnival

January 17 – February 14, 2024

The annual Rijeka Carnival returns for 2024. Watch as the streets of Rijeka come alive with color, parades and performances by mask-wearing entertainers. This event has quickly become one of the biggest carnivals in Europe, filling the streets with concerts, exhibitions and parties.

The Festival of Oysters, South Dalmatia

March 19, 2024

This one-day festival is perfect for food lovers looking for a taste of Croatia’s freshest seafood. Journey to Croatia’s seafood capital, Mali Ston, for the opportunity to taste oysters and other local delicacies, paired with impeccable wine from the region. 

Festival of Lights, Zagreb

March 20–24, 2024

Watch the winter nights disappear as we welcome spring with this colorful light show. This spectacular art festival in Croatia is making a return for 2024, showcasing all new light displays on Zagreb’s famous landmarks. Be sure to check out the Festival of Lights this year!

Dubrovnik Summer Festival

July 10 – August 25, 2024

One of the most anticipated celebrations in Croatia 2024 is the Dubrovnik Summer Festival. What began as a simple festival back in 1950 has now blown up into a city-wide summer festival attracting guests from all over the world. You find live music, performances and workshops here in celebration of the arts, culture, and heritage of the local area.

Ultra Music Festival, Split

July 12–14, 2024

Ultra Music Festival is an outdoor electronic music festival hosted in over 20 countries across Europe, including Croatia. 2024 is expected to have just as big a lineup as previous years which have seen incredible artists such as The Chainsmokers, The Chemical Brothers, Steve Aoki, Martin Garrix and more!

Split Summer Festival 

July 14 – August 14, 2024

What makes Split summer festival unique is its emphasis on classical performing arts, including everything from opera, theater, ballet and music concerts. It is one of the largest and oldest festivals in Croatia celebrating the national theater.

Cinehill Motovun Film Festival 

July 22 – 29, 2024 split across Motovun and Gorski Kotar 

Cinehill Motovun Film Festival is expected to be one of the most popular film events in Croatia 2024. The festival has been running for over 25 years, celebrating international arthouse films. This year it is expanding into two different locations, hosting half of the festival in the Istrian town of Motovun, and the latter part in the Gorski Kotar region.

Nights of Diocletian, Split

Late August

Transport yourself back to a time when Diocletian ruled the land, or at least in a reenacted form of it. Nights of Diocletian is a Croatian event which sees performers dress in togas, tunics and sandals before parading the streets. Think Roman carriages rolling past and soldiers standing guard in full armor, acting as a testament to a time when Emperor Diocletian was once in power.

Day of Truffles, Istria 

Mid-September – November, 2024 

The region of Istria is famous for its truffle production, and each fall the county puts on a festival to celebrate this local delicacy. Tourists from all over the world gather at this truffle festival to try the popular treat, as well as some tasty accompanying local treats such as honey, wine, cheese and more. You can even have a go at truffle hunting at one of their fun workshops. 

If this sounds like something you would like to do on your next vacation to Croatia, speak to our travel experts who can create a custom tour to include truffle hunting on your itinerary.  

FAKS Dance Festival 

TBA, between late September / early October (likely)

FAKS Dance Festival is an international folklore and traditional dance festival hosted in Rovinj, Croatia. This event is a celebration of art and culture, bringing together local and foreign performers to participate in fun performances, workshops and concerts.

Rovinj Wine Festival

September, 2024 

This one is for the wine enthusiasts among you! Every September the city of Rovinj hosts a wine festival to introduce visitors to the local wine varieties of the Istrian region. Learn about how the local wine is produced and processed, the indigenous grape varieties of the area and even have a go at trying some of these spectacular wines for yourself.

Advent in Zagreb 

Starts on the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day and finishes on the first Sunday in January

We couldn’t make a list of the best festivals in Croatia 2024 without including Advent Zagreb to the mix. The biggest Croatian Christmas market is set to return for more festive fun in December. Expect twinkly Christmas lights, ice skating, traditional wooden stalls selling tasty traditional treats, such as roasted chestnuts and fritule (Croatian fritters) as well as many beautiful, hand-crafted goods like candles, wooden toys and more.

Booking events in Croatia 2024

That concludes our festivals in Croatia 2024 list. With so many exciting events and festivals in 2024, be sure to include some on your next vacation to Croatia. To ensure you secure your place, speak to our travel experts to bespoke tours which includes these festivals in your itinerary.