June 30, 2026 – Tourism may be changing in Hvar Town, but one thing remains the same: the Hvar Summer Festival, now in its 65th year. An interview with director Jelena Micic.
- 65 years of the Hvar Summer Festival. Introduce this important cultural icon.
The origins of the festival date back to the early 1960s, when music events were added to Hvar’s already vibrant cultural life. Over the decades, the festival has grown into a respected international event, bringing together music, theatre, visual arts and artists from Croatia and around the world.
This year we celebrate an important milestone: sixty-five years of a festival that has become an essential part of the cultural identity of the town and the island of Hvar, and one of its most recognisable cultural symbols.
2. One of the things I appreciate about the festival is the choice of the locations, some of Hvar’s prettiest, but often less visited. Tell us more about this year’s venues.
That’s exactly what makes the Hvar Summer Festival so special. Our venues are not just beautiful performance spaces—they are historic landmarks that carry centuries of stories. The dialogue between art, heritage and the unique atmosphere creates an experience that audiences simply cannot find anywhere else.
This year, performances will take place in the Hvar Theatre, the oldest public theatre in Europe; the open-air Veneranda Summer Stage, which hosts our main events; the magnificent Arsenal, which also serves as one of the festival’s exhibition venues, and the abandoned village of Malo Grablje, one of the island’s most atmospheric cultural sites.
Our exhibitions will be hosted in the Arsenal Gallery, the Loggia, and the Church of St. John, while a number of free outdoor events will enliven St. Stephen’s Square, the Rotonda, and the square in front of the Church of the Holy Spirit.
For us, the venues are much more than a backdrop—they are an essential part of the festival experience, allowing visitors to discover Hvar’s rich cultural heritage while enjoying outstanding artistic performances.
3. Give us a taste of what we can expect with this year’s programme.
This year’s programme celebrates the diversity of arts and culture, offering something for every generation and every taste. Audiences can look forward to theatre, concerts, exhibitions, and dance performances all set against the unique backdrop of Hvar’s historic venues.
Alongside renowned Croatian and international artists, the festival also introduces new collaborations and site-specific experiences that highlight the island’s cultural and natural heritage. From world music concerts in extraordinary locations and open-air performances to contemporary exhibitions and family-friendly events, the programme invites visitors to experience Hvar in a different way—through art, history and unforgettable settings.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a long-time festival guest, this year’s edition promises inspiring performances, memorable moments and the opportunity to discover the island from a fresh perspective.
4. Hvar is globally famous for its sun, beaches and nightlife. How hard it is to keep its cultural message in the minds of tourists?
Culture is not something we see as competing with tourism; it enriches it. More and more travellers are looking for meaningful experiences and want to connect with the places they visit through their history, traditions and local communities. The Hvar Summer Festival offers exactly that.
Our role is to create programmes that inspire people to step beyond the expected. When someone attends a concert in the oldest public theatre in Europe, discovers an exhibition in a historic monument or listens to world music in the abandoned village of Malo Grablje, they experience Hvar in a way that stays with them long after their holiday ends.
Our ambition is not only to attract audiences but also to strengthen Hvar’s identity as a cultural destination. We believe that culture adds value to tourism, extends the visitor experience and encourages people to return—not just for the island’s beauty, but for the unique stories it has to tell.
- Your top 3 picks of unmissable events this summer?
It’s difficult to choose just three, but these are definitely among the highlights of this year’s programme.
One for All: A Three Musketeers Tale is at the top of the list. Following its successful premiere at the Lovrjenac Fortress in Dubrovnik last week, the Midsummer Scene Festival musical arrives in Hvar on 7 and 8 July. Performed in the historic Hvar Theatre, this energetic production combines outstanding actors, memorable songs and a spectacular setting, making it a truly unique experience.
Another event not to be missed is the Surprise Concert on Galešnik Islet on 18 July. For the first time, the festival presents this kind of immersive musical experience. The artist remains a closely guarded secret until stepping onto the stage, which the audience reaches by boat departing from Hvar’s waterfront. The concert itself is inspired by nature—its beauty, strength and diversity—and promises an unforgettable evening in an extraordinary location.
My third recommendation is the concert by Kries on 29 August in the abandoned village of Malo Grablje. One of the region’s leading world music bands, Kries will perform in a breathtaking open-air setting where the powerful sounds of ethno music blend perfectly with the unique atmosphere and heritage of this remarkable place.
Tickets for all events are available via Adriaticket.com.
