The annual Dubrovnik Summer Festival brings music, theatre and dance to Dubrovnik’s Old Town, using historic squares, palaces and fortresses as spectacular open-air stages.
Held every summer since 1950, the festival is widely recognised as one of the most important cultural events in Dubrovnik and in Croatia. In 2026, the 77th Dubrovnik Summer Festival runs from 10 July to 25 August, with performances spread across multiple iconic venues inside (and just outside) the City Walls.
To plan around your travel dates, start with the programme and calendar on this page as soon as the 2026 schedule is published, then use the official festival site for the latest updates at dubrovnik-festival.hr. Be sure to also explore other amazing events in Dubrovnik.
Tickets are sold via official channels, including the festival’s website and the authorised ticketing partner Ulaznice.hr. There is also a festival box office in the Old Town at Od Sigurate 1 (opening hours can vary by season, so it’s best to confirm close to your visit). If you’re visiting in peak summer, note that some headline concerts may go on sale well in advance of July.
Dubrovnik Summer Festival 2026: key details
- Dates: 10 July - 25 August 2026 (77th edition).
- Where it happens: Dubrovnik Old Town and historic locations used as performance venues (many events are outdoors).
- What’s on: A mix of theatre, classical and contemporary music, ballet/dance, folklore and special performances throughout the festival period.
- How to find events on your travel dates: Check the programme and schedule on this page first once the 2026 listings are published, then confirm any last-minute updates on the official site at dubrovnik-festival.hr.
- Tickets: Use official sales channels (online via the festival website and authorised partners). Popular performances can sell out, so book early once your dates are set.
- Best booking tip: If you’re visiting in late July or August, secure accommodation early and plan around 1-2 “must-see” events (the most in-demand venues and dates go first).
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Festival dates and schedule (2026)
The 77th Dubrovnik Summer Festival runs from 10 July to 25 August 2026, making it a 47-day cultural season across Dubrovnik’s Old Town and its landmark venues.
Most performances take place in the evening, so you can spend the day exploring the Dubrovnik City Walls, visiting the best museums in Dubrovnik, taking a break on Lokrum Island, or fitting in some time at the beaches and parks, then head into the Old Town for a show at night. Once the full programme is published, use the schedule on this page to pick events that match your travel dates, then plan to arrive early for popular venues and headline performances.
- Best nights for first-timers: Choose one major venue performance (for the atmosphere) and one concert night (for variety), ideally on a weekend or peak-summer week.
- How the schedule works: Events are spread across many venues, so your plan is usually "one main performance per night".
- Ticket timing: Some high-demand concerts can go on sale early, while the wider programme fills out over time, so it’s worth checking back if your dates are fixed.
76th Dubrovnik Summer Festival Programme (2025)
76th Dubrovnik Summer Festival Opening Ceremony
10. July / Thursday / 21:00h
In front of St. Blaise's Church
Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra | Choir Ivan Goran Kovačić | Ivan Repušić, Conductor | Darija Auguštan, soprano | Martina Mikelić, mezzo - soprano | Matteo Ivan Rašić, tenor | Leon Košavić, baritone
11. July / Friday / 21:30h
In front of St. Blaise's Church
Exhibition Opening | Dimitrije Popović: Toutes Les Femmes
12. July / Saturday / 21:00h
Sponza Palace Atrium
The King's Singers | Angels and Demons
12. July / Saturday / 21:30h
Rector's Palace Atrium
Premiere | C. Goldoni: Le Baruffe Chiozzotte
13. July / Sunday / 21:30h
Art School Park
14. July / Monday / 21:30h
Art School Park
15. July / Tuesday / 21:30h
Art School Park
16. July / Wednesday / 21:30h
Držić Square
17. July / Thursday / 21:30h
Držić Square
Linđo Folklore Ensemble 1
14. July / Monday / 21:30h
Revelin Fort Terrace
Quinta Essentia Ensemble | Il Delirio Amoroso
15. July / Tuesday / 21:30h
Rector's Palace Atrium
Exhibition Opening | Dubrovnik Museums: Women - On Stage and Behind the Scenes at the Dubrovnik Summer Festival
16. July / Wednesday / 21:00h
Ethnographic Museum
Pula Film Festival | Golden Arena Award Winner
18. July / Friday / 21:30h
Jadran Open-air Cinema
71st Pula Film Festival | Celebration
20. July / Saturday / 21:30
Jadran Open-air Cinema
Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra | Valentin Egel, Conductor | Dubravka Šeparović Mušović, mezzo - soprano
19. July / Saturday / 21:30h
Rector's Palace Atrium
Ballet of Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb | | Adolphe Adam i José Carlos Martínez | Giselle
20. July / Sunday / 21:30h
Revelin Fort Terrace
21. July / Monday / 21:30h
Revelin Fort Terrace
Khatia Buniatishvili, piano
22. July / Tuesday / 21:30h
Rector's Palace Atrium
W. Shakespeare: The Tempest
23. July / Wednesday / 21:30h
Island of Lokrum
24. July / Thursday / 21:30h
Island of Lokrum
25. July / Friday / 21:30h
Island of Lokrum
Linđo Folklore Ensemble 2
24. July / Thursday / 21:30h
Revelin Fort Terrace
L'arpeggiata Ensemble | Christina Pluhar, Musical Direction
25. July / Friday / 21:30h
Rector's Palace Atrium
Lero Student Theatre | Dreams of Lost Years
26. July / Saturday / 21:30h
Lazareti
17. August / Sunday / 21:30h
Lazareti
Premiere | S.Stone/H.Müller: Medea
27. July / Sunday / 21:30h
Lovrjenac Fort
28. July / Monday / 21:30h
Lovrjenac Fort
29. July / Tuesday / 21:30h
Lovrjenac Fort
30. July / Wednesday / 21:30h
Lovrjenac Fort
31. July / Thursday / 21:30h
Lovrjenac Fort
The Zagreb Soloists | Alexandra Conunova, violin
28. July / Monday / 21:30h
Rector's Palace Atrium
Exhibition Opening | Ivona Šimunović: To Margarita
29. July / Tuesday / 21:00h
Church of St. Stephen in Pustijerna
Promotion of book: Dance de Luxe | Mariana Pende and Olaf Nicolai
30. July / Wednesday / 21:00h
Danče Monastery
Sonya Yoncheva, soprano | Malcolm Martineau, piano
31. July / Thursday / 21:30h
Rector's Palace Atrium
Hrvoje Juvančić: Hommage to Miše Martinović
01. August / Friday / 21:00h
Sponza Palace Atrium
C. Goldoni: La Bottega del Caffè
01. August / Friday / 21:30h
Držić Square
02. August / Saturday / 21:30h
Držić Square
04. August / Monday / 21:30h
Držić Square
JM Jazz World Orchestra & Luis Bonilla
02. August / Saturday / 21:30h
Revelin Fort Terrace
Women's Voices in Art
03. August / Sunday / 21:00h
Sponza Palace Atrium
Trio Elogio | Ivana Srbljan, mezzo - soprano
03. August / Sunday / 21:30h<(p>
Rector's Palace Atrium
Exhibition Opening | Antonia Rusković Radonić: For You
04. August / Monday / 21:00h
Sponza Palace Atrium
Mara and Kata
05. August / Tuesday / 20:30h
St Mary's Convent Courtyard
05. August / Tuesday / 22:30h
St Mary's Convent Courtyard
06. August / Wednesday / 21:30h
St Mary's Convent Courtyard
07. August / Thursday / 20:30h
St Mary's Convent Courtyard
07. August / Thursday / 22:30h
St Mary's Convent Courtyard
Marcos de Silvia Trío
06. August / Wednesday / 21:30h
Orsula Park
Jan Niković, piano
07. August / Thursday / 21:30h
Rector's Palace Atrium
I. Vojnović: Equinox
08. August / Friday / 21:30h
Posat Slipway
09. August / Saturday / 21:30h
Posat Slipway
10. August / Sunday / 21:30h
Posat Slipway
11. August / Monday / 21:30h
Posat Slipway
12. August / Tuesday / 21:30h
Posat Slipway
Movie premiere: A century of Allegro Vivace
09. August / Saturday / 21:30h
Rector's Palace Atrium
Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra | Gergely Madaras, Conductor | Alina Pogostkina, violin
23. August / Wednesday / 21:30
Rector's Palace Atrium
Promotion of book: Molière ponovljen | Lada Čale Feldman
10. August / Sunday / 21:00h
Rector's Palace Atrium
Marialy Pacheco & Rhani Krija
13. August / Wednesday / 21:30h
Revelin Fort Terrace
Croatian Baroque Ensemble | Fabio Biondi, violin | Laura Vadjon, violin solo
14. August / Thursday / 21:30h
Rector's Palace Atrium
Linđo Folklore Ensemble 3
15. August / Friday / 21:30h
Revelin Fort Terrace
Ivica Kunčević i Brigida Masle Dražinić: Enigma Jarnović
16. August / Saturday / 21:30h
Rector's Palace Atrium
Linđo i Igre: šest desetljeća strateškoga partnerstva
17. August / Sunday / 21:00h
Sponza Palace Atrium
Braća Grimm/Ivana Čoh: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
18. August / Monday / 20:30h
Revelin Fort Terrace
19. August / Tuesday / 20:30h
Revelin Fort Terrace
Sitkovetsky Trio
18. August / Monday / 21:30h
Rector's Palace Atrium
Premiere | A.P.Čehov: The Seagull
20. August / Wednesday / 21:00h
Island of Lokrum
21. August / Thursday / 21:00h
Island of Lokrum
22. August / Friday / 21:00h
Island of Lokrum
23. August / Saturday / 21:00h
Island of Lokrum
24. August / Sunday / 21:00h
Island of Lokrum
Philharmonix - The Vienna Berlin Music Club
20. August / Wednesday / 21:30h
Rector's Palace Atrium
Linđo Folklore Ensemble 4
22. August / Friday / 21:30h
In front of Cathedral
Filip Filipović, tenor | Matej Mijalić, violin | Luka Sorkočević School of Art Chamber Ensembles
23. August / Saturday / 21:00h
Rector's Palace Atrium
Croatian Radio and Television Symphony Orchestra | Sebastian Lang Lessing, Conductor | Nino Machaidze, soprano | Vittorio Grigolo, tenor | Marko Mimica, bass bariton
25. August / Monday / 21:30h
In front of Cathedral
Dubrovnik Summer Festival Discounts:
Enjoy a 10% discount on tickets purchased online with your Mastercard.
Buy tickets for 2 premiere theatrical events or 3 musical performances and receive a complimentary ticket for a repeat performance of your choice.
Mastercard holders can opt for installment payments (up to 3 installments) for purchases over €70.
Local Ticket Sales:
Students with a Croatian Student Card (X-ica) or ISIC can get a 10% discount on up to two tickets per event.
The Daily DU PASS offers a 10% discount, the three-day DU PASS provides 30%, and the seven-day DU PASS grants 50% off up to two tickets per event. Read more about Dubrovnik Pass
Dubrovnik Summer Festival Gift Card:
Availability: Exclusively at the Festival Box Office, in amounts from €40 to €300.
Flexibility: The card is transferable, reusable until the balance is spent, and combinable with other payment methods for purchases exceeding the card’s balance.
Limitations: Only one card can be used per transaction. Cards are refundable only on the day of purchase.
Refunds for Canceled Events: If an event is canceled, refunds will be credited back to the gift card or processed online for web purchases.
Programme and calendar: how to find the best events for your dates
The Dubrovnik Summer Festival is easiest to plan when you treat it like a "pick your nights" calendar: choose the dates you’re in town, then match them with one standout venue performance and one concert or theatre night for variety. As soon as the 2026 programme is published, you’ll find the full schedule on this page first, with only one official reference link here for last-minute updates at dubrovnik-festival.hr.
If you’re booking ahead, expect the full programme to drop in early February, while selected headline concerts may appear on sale earlier than the rest of the schedule.
- Step 1: Start with your travel dates and shortlist 1-2 "must-see" performances (the most atmospheric venues and biggest names go first).
- Step 2: Add one flexible night for a spontaneous choice (perfect if you see a last-minute announcement or a newly released ticket block).
- Step 3: Pick events by venue as much as by genre - Dubrovnik’s stages are a major part of the experience.
- Step 4: Once you’ve chosen your nights, buy tickets promptly for peak-season dates (late July and August tend to be the most competitive).
Programme categories: music, theatre, dance, opera and folklore
Most festival schedules are organised around the core performing arts: theatre and drama productions, classical and contemporary concerts, dance and ballet, and occasional opera or gala-style performances, alongside folklore and other special events. When the programme is released, use these categories to quickly narrow down what fits your taste and the time you have.
How far ahead is the programme released?
The festival runs on a consistent summer window (10 July-25 August), but the detailed lineup is published seasonally. For 2026, reputable local coverage indicates the full programme is announced in early February, and the official festival site notes local ticket availability in February, so if you’re planning months ahead, you’ll usually firm up your exact show choices around that time.
Tickets: where to buy, when sales start, prices and booking tips
Tickets for Dubrovnik Summer Festival events are sold through the official festival sales channels, including the festival’s website and the authorised ticketing partner Ulaznice.hr. If you prefer buying in person, the festival also operates a box office in the Old Town at Od Sigurate 1 (opening hours can change by season, so confirm close to your visit).
For 2026 planning, the full programme is typically announced in early February, while certain high-demand concerts may appear on sale earlier than the rest of the schedule. If your travel dates are fixed, it’s worth checking back regularly until your preferred nights are available.
Typical ticket prices and what affects cost
Ticket prices vary by event type, venue and seating plan. As a rule, headline concerts, gala performances and the most iconic venues tend to be priced higher, while smaller-scale performances can be more affordable. Once the 2026 schedule is published on this page, you’ll be able to compare events side by side and choose the best value for your dates.
Free vs ticketed events
Some festival happenings can be free to watch, especially public or pop-up style performances, but many concerts and stage productions require a ticket. Always check the listing details for each event because the policy can differ by programme and venue.
Bad weather, cancellations and refunds
Because many performances are staged outdoors, weather can affect schedules. Check the official event notes and ticket terms for each performance, and if conditions change on the day, follow the festival’s official updates for any venue change, postponement or cancellation guidance.
- Book early for peak dates: Late July and August are the busiest weeks in Dubrovnik, and popular performances can sell out.
- Pick your priorities: If you only attend one night, choose a performance in a landmark venue for the full Dubrovnik experience.
- Arrive with time to spare: Old Town entry points, stairs and narrow streets can slow you down on show nights, especially in mid-summer crowds.
Example ticket prices (2025): For the 2025 edition, published listings showed many standard tickets in the roughly €13 - €40 range, with prices still varying by event type, venue and seating category (headline concerts and premium seats are typically higher).
Best venues during the Dubrovnik Summer Festival
One reason the Dubrovnik Summer Festival feels so special is that the city itself becomes the stage. Performances take place across Old Town squares, palace atriums, fortresses and courtyards, so choosing events by venue can be just as rewarding as choosing by genre.
When the 2026 programme is published on this page, look for a mix of venues to get the full experience, for example one night in a palace atrium for music, plus one fortress or open-air square for atmosphere.
Fort Lovrjenac
Fort Lovrjenac is one of the festival’s most famous stages, known for dramatic productions and unforgettable open-air ambience above the sea.
Revelin Fortress and terrace
Revelin is strongly associated with dance and large-scale evening performances, with a distinctive setting that works especially well for high-energy shows. If you are curious about the venue, see our guide to Culture Club Revelin and the Revelin area.
Rector’s Palace Atrium
The Rector’s Palace Atrium is a classic festival venue for concerts and recitals, valued for its historic setting and acoustics, and it is one of the most frequently used stages in the programme.
Sponza Palace Atrium and the square in front of Sponza
The Sponza Palace is central to the festival’s identity, with events hosted in and around the palace. The square in front of Sponza Palace is also known as the location of the opening ceremonies.
Old Town squares, courtyards and church-front stages
Depending on the year’s schedule, you may also see events staged in places like Držić Square, courtyards such as St Mary’s Convent, and prominent Old Town church-front settings including St Blaise’s Church. These locations are ideal if you want a classic Dubrovnik backdrop for a summer night out.
Where to eat and drink before a performance
Most festival performances start in the evening, often around 21:00, so aim for an early dinner and keep the hour before the show for a relaxed walk to your venue. In peak season, Old Town places fill up quickly, so if you have a specific spot in mind, booking ahead is the safest move.
For ideas close to the Old Town, browse our guide to Dubrovnik restaurants. If you prefer a lighter plan, you can also do a quick meal and then a pre-show drink from our Dubrovnik bars and nightlife list, especially if you want to arrive near the venue without rushing.
- Best timing: Book dinner for 18:30 to 19:30, then allow at least 30 to 45 minutes to reach the venue and find your seat.
- Quick option: Go for a casual meal or light bites if your show night is tight, then save a longer dinner for a non-show evening.
- Pre-show drinks: An aperitif is a great way to cushion your schedule if you arrive early and want to be near the venue without committing to a full meal.
- Budget tip: Old Town prices are highest in July and August, so consider lunch as your main meal and a lighter pre-show dinner.
- After the show: Many places wind down late, but your best bet is a drink rather than a full meal, especially on busy performance nights.
Short history of Dubrovnik Summer Festival
The Dubrovnik Summer Festival began in 1950 with a simple but powerful idea: to unite Dubrovnik’s Renaissance and Baroque setting with the living energy of theatre and music, using the city itself as a stage. Since then, it has grown into a long-running annual summer programme held across dozens of open-air locations in and around the Old Town.
From the start, the drama programme drew heavily on Dubrovnik’s literary heritage, with works by major Croatian writers such as Marin Držić, Nikola Nalješković, Ivan Gundulić, and Ivo Vojnović becoming a recurring foundation of the festival’s identity.
A defining feature of the festival is its venues. Instead of one main theatre, performances take place in fortresses, palace atriums, squares, courtyards, and parks, creating a different atmosphere from night to night. The Rector’s Palace Atrium, in particular, has become one of the best-known settings for concerts and recitals.
Over the decades, the festival expanded from a primarily domestic showcase into an international event, welcoming visiting ensembles and artists while still keeping a strong focus on Croatian culture and Dubrovnik’s own artistic tradition.
If you’d like to explore the broader cultural background behind the festival, see our overview of culture in Dubrovnik.
Dubrovnik Summer Festival Office
Od Sigurate 1, 20 000 Dubrovnik
Tel. +385 (0)20 326 100, Fax +385 (0)20 326 116
FAQ: Dubrovnik Summer Festival 2026
When is the Dubrovnik Summer Festival 2026?
The 77th Dubrovnik Summer Festival runs from 10 July to 25 August 2026. Most performances take place in the evening, so it is easy to combine sightseeing and a show on the same day.
Where are the main venues?
Events are staged across Dubrovnik’s Old Town and historic locations, including fortress settings and palace atriums. Popular venues often include Fort Lovrjenac, Revelin, the Rector’s Palace Atrium and the Sponza Palace area, plus other squares, courtyards and church-front stages depending on the year’s schedule.
Where do I buy tickets?
Use official sales channels, including the festival’s website and authorised ticketing partners. If you prefer buying in person, there is typically a festival box office in the Old Town at Od Sigurate 1, but opening hours can vary, so confirm close to your visit.
Are there free events?
Some festival happenings can be free to watch, especially public or pop-up style performances, but many concerts and stage productions are ticketed. Always check the event listing details for each performance.
What happens if it rains?
Because many performances are outdoors, weather can affect schedules. Check the notes for your specific event and follow official festival updates on the day for any venue change, postponement or cancellation guidance.
Further reading
If you are building a Dubrovnik itinerary around the Dubrovnik Summer Festival, these guides will help you fill your days with culture, history, and easy day trips before heading back to the Old Town for an evening performance.
Dubrovnik sights and museums
- Dubrovnik Monuments - A practical overview of the city’s most important historic landmarks.
- Museums in Dubrovnik - The best museums to visit in the Old Town and beyond, with suggestions for rainy-day planning.
What to do in Dubrovnik
- The best things to do in Dubrovnik - Top experiences for first-time visitors, from iconic viewpoints to Old Town highlights.
- Best Day Trips from Dubrovnik - Simple escapes that pair well with festival evenings.
- Activities in Dubrovnik - Tours, experiences, and ideas for every travel style.
- Events in Dubrovnik - What’s on in Dubrovnik beyond the summer festival.
Famous citizens of Dubrovnik
- Marin Držić Vidra - Dubrovnik’s best-known playwright and a key figure in local cultural history.
- Ruđer Bošković - Scientist and polymath with deep Dubrovnik roots.
- Marin Getaldić - Mathematician and physicist connected to Dubrovnik’s scholarly legacy.
- Luka Sorkočević - Composer and diplomat, often cited in discussions of Dubrovnik’s musical tradition.
Dubrovnik legends and tales
- The Legend of the Lokrum Curse - A classic Dubrovnik story that pairs perfectly with an evening in the Old Town.
- The wretched woman of Lopud - A local tale from the Elafiti Islands.
- Richard the Lion-Hearted´s vow - A Dubrovnik legend tied to the city’s medieval history.