With such a wide array of fantastic line-ups, picking one to attend can be difficult. Here are some of the best that Croatia has to offer.
Best “One-Stop-Shop”
If you could choose one festival to release all the pent-up party energy from the past couple of years, ULTRA Europe Music Festival is where you’d want to be this summer. This year’s event takes place from July 8 – 13, 2022 with tickets starting at €139.
Dance the week away at ULTRA Europe. (Image: ULTRA Europe/Facebook screenshot)
The regular 3-day event held at the Youth Park (Park Mladeži) in Split features international headliners such as Tiësto, Afrojack, Armin van Buuren, and other renowned acts. But wait, there’s more! With Destination ULTRA, you’ll spend an additional 4 days hopping between the gorgeous Dalmatian islands of Brač, Hvar, and Vis.
The ombre waters of Zlatni Rat. (Image: Pexels)
ULTRA Brač will take place on Zlatni Rat, named one of the world’s most beautiful beaches in 2020 by Harper’s Bazaar. Kick off the next day on Pakleni islands, a cluster of pristine, lush islands off Hvar, followed by Resistance Hvar in the evening at Carpe Diem, an ultra-chic beach club. The week closes with a final hurrah at the old Fort George (Fortica) on Vis island, offering a stunning 360 view of the surroundings.
Best Alternative Rock and Indie
Named one of the most popular music festivals in the world alongside giants of the music world like Coachella, Isle of Wight, and Glastonbury, INmusic festival in Zagreb is the place to be for rock and alternative music lovers.
The oasis in the heart of Zagreb will welcome music lovers once again this year. (Photo: Matija Habljak/PIXSELL)
From 20-23 June 2022, Zagreb’s beautiful Lake Jarun will be welcoming fans of world-class acts including The Killers, White Lies, Deftones, Kasabian and more. At €84, this 4-day music festival is also one of the most accessible on the list.
So don’t miss your chance to attend one of the most exciting events of 2022, and explore one of the most incredible cities in the world.
Best Beach Party
Zrće beach on Pag island, also known as “Croatian Ibiza”, will be hosting some of the largest and most indulgent beach parties between May to September every year. After all, 4 of the top 100 open-air clubs in the world are located along its pristine shores.
Kicking things off this year is the Big Beach Spring Break Festival from 26-29 May, Zrće beach welcomes revelers looking for sun-filled days, crystal clear seas, sandy toes, ice-cold drinks, and heart-thumping music from world-class acts.
Zrće beach is known to host the most epic beach parties in Croatia. (Image: Zrce Beach/Facebook screenshot)
Unable to fit in a getaway that week? Not to worry, check out other spectacular festival lineups including Hideout Festival taking place from July 3-7, Wild and Free from 9-16 July, or Sonus Music Festival from 21-25 August that boasts a line-up of internationally renowned electro, house and techno DJs and artists.
Best R&B and Hip Hop
Looking to kill 2 birds with one stone? Want to party on the beach and groove to global R&B and hip-hop stars such as Sean Paul, Snoop Dog and Tim Westwood? Then the Fresh Island Festival on Zrće beach is where you’d want to be.
Now in its 10th year, the 3-day event will take place from 26-28 June, 2022. The line-up for this year will be announced soon but expect nothing less than top-notch artists and the freshest beats.
Party at one of the outdoor beach clubs on Zrće beach. (Image: Zrće Beach/Facebook screenshot)
Alternatively, if you crave variety in the form of R&B, soul, disco with a side of electro-house, then look no further than SuncéBeat Festival. Started in 2010, SuncéBeat continues to be the go-to festival for a week of partying under the Dalmatian sun and stars.
Situated in Tisno, a picturesque town on the island of Murter, SuncéBeat will take place from 21-28 July 2022. Tickets start at €55 for a single-day pass and this year’s headliners include The Blessed Madonna, Dave Lee ZR, Horse Meat Disco, Kenny Dope, Kerri Chandler, Dam Swindle and many more.
This year marks the 10th edition of SuncéBeat. (Image: SuncéBeat/Facebook screenshot)
Best Drum & Bass, Dubstep and Grime
If you’re looking to combine the best of Drum and Bass, Dubstep and Grime Music, be sure to check out the Outlook Origins Festival in Tisno. The 2022 addition will be held in the Garden Tisno Resort, with its own private bay housing three stages to keep the party going over 3-days.
Outlook after party. (Image: Outlook Festival/Facebook screenshot)
After parties will take place at one of Croatia’s best outdoor venues, Barbarellas Discotheque with 3-hour boat parties with some of the industry’s best also available for booking. Tickets start at approximately €170, and this year’s event will take place 28 July – 2 August.
Best Jazz
Although Croatia may be known for its week-long beach parties and festivals, Zagreb’s annual Jazz Festival provides a refreshing change of pace.
The Zagreb Jazz Festival has been running for over 15 years and often takes place closer to the end of the year. In 2021, a toned-down version of the event was held from 5-9 November where audiences were treated to a series of concerts over the week.
For a more relaxed vibe, be sure to catch Zagreb’s Jazz Festival. (Image: Jazzg/Facebook screenshot.)
Previous editions of the festival included Grammy-nominated artists such as Bassekou Kouyate &Ngoni Ba and award-winning musicians such as pianist Vijay Lyer, and trumpet legend Wadada Leo Smith.
While not exhaustive by any means, hopefully, this list will give you a better idea of the music festival scene in Croatia and perhaps give you a chance to incorporate one of these festivals into your next trip here. Or perhaps make one of these festivals a reason to visit.
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