Dubrovnik has a busy calendar of festivals and public events for a city of its size. From the well-known Dubrovnik Summer Festival in July and August to Advent lights, food festivals and religious processions in winter, there is usually something special happening alongside regular sightseeing.
If your travel dates are flexible, it is worth checking which events fall during your stay and planning ahead. The biggest regular highlights are the Dubrovnik Summer Festival, the winter-long Dubrovnik Winter Festival, the UNESCO-listed Festival of St Blaise, October’s Good Food Festival and the New Year’s Eve celebrations on Stradun.
Dates and program change slightly every year, so always confirm details on this page or the official event pages or the Dubrovnik Tourist Board events calendar before you book.
Major annual events in Dubrovnik
These are the main annual events most visitors look for when planning a trip:
- Dubrovnik Summer Festival (July-August) - open-air theatre, classical music, dance and opera on historic squares and fortresses.
- Dubrovnik Winter Festival (Advent to early January) - Christmas lights, markets, concerts and New Year’s Eve on Stradun.
- Festival of St Blaise (early February) - traditional religious processions, folk costumes and ceremonies for the city’s patron saint.
- Good Food Festival (October) - restaurant menus, tastings, workshops and food events across the city.
- Dubrovnik Carnival and children’s masquerades (late winter) - smaller local events with costumes and family activities.
- New Year’s Eve on Stradun (31 December) - large open-air concert and fireworks in the Old Town.
If you are planning your trip around specific festivals or event dates, it may help to combine them with sightseeing and local experiences. For ideas on what to do between performances or festival evenings, see our overview of the best things to do in Dubrovnik.
| Event | Typical dates | What to expect & best for |
|---|---|---|
| Dubrovnik Summer Festival | 10 July - 25 August (approx.) | Open-air theater, classical concerts, opera and dance on historic squares and fortresses - ideal for cultural trips and summer evenings. |
| Dubrovnik Winter Festival | Late November - early January | Advent lights, Christmas markets, concerts and New Year events on Stradun and in neighborhoods - best for festive breaks and family visits. |
| Festival of St Blaise | 2 - 3 February | UNESCO-listed religious processions, banners, folk costumes and church ceremonies - perfect for cultural heritage and photography. |
| Good Food Festival | Early to mid October | Special menus, tastings, workshops and themed dinners across the city - ideal for food and wine lovers during shoulder season. |
| Dubrovnik Carnival and masquerades | Late January - February | Costume parades, children’s masquerades and small local events - great for families and winter visitors looking for local atmosphere. |
| New Year’s Eve on Stradun | 31 December - 1 January | Large open-air concert, fireworks and countdown in the Old Town - best for festive celebrations and groups of friends. |
Dubrovnik Summer Festival
The Dubrovnik Summer Festival (Dubrovačke ljetne igre) is Croatia’s oldest performing arts festival and the main cultural event of the year in Dubrovnik. Held every summer from 10 July to 25 August, it turns the Old Town, City Walls, fortresses and nearby locations into open-air stages for theater, classical music, opera, dance and folklore performances.
Over the course of around 45 to 50 days, the program usually includes dozens of events ranging from Shakespeare and Croatian classics in Fort Lovrijenac to chamber concerts in the Rector’s Palace atrium, contemporary dance at Revelin Fortress and folklore evenings on squares in the Old Town. Some performances are fully staged productions, while others are smaller recitals or one-off collaborations with guest artists and ensembles.
Most major events require tickets, while certain concerts, folklore evenings or accompanying exhibitions may be free. The full calendar is published in advance on the official festival website and in local media. For detailed schedules, venues and current year highlights, see our dedicated Dubrovnik Summer Festival guide and the official Dubrovnik Summer Festival website.
- Check our Dubrovnik Summer Festival guide a few weeks before your trip and book tickets early for popular plays and concerts.
- Pay close attention to the venue listed on your ticket. Performances take place at different locations such as Fort Lovrijenac, the Rector’s Palace, Revelin Fortress, Lokrum Island or open-air squares in the Old Town.
- Most events start in the evening. Arrive at least 20 to 30 minutes before the scheduled time to find your seat, especially at atmospheric venues with unnumbered seating.
- Bring a light layer or scarf even in July and August, as stone venues by the sea can feel cooler at night, and consider comfortable shoes for walking over cobbles and steps.
- For current ticket prices and any last-minute program changes, always refer to the official festival website or local tourist information offices rather than older printed materials.
If you like to balance evening performances with daytime exploring and want to make the most of your visit during the festival period, browse our guide to things to do in Dubrovnik or consider one of the popular day trips from Dubrovnik for a change of pace.
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Dubrovnik Winter Festival
The Dubrovnik Winter Festival is the city’s main Advent and New Year event, running from late November to early January. During this period, Dubrovnik swaps summer crowds for Christmas lights, concerts, markets and family activities spread across Stradun, Gundulić Square, Pile, Lapad and Mokošica.
The 12th edition of the festival takes place from 29 November 2025 to 3 January 2026, with more than 200 cultural and entertainment events, including over 60 aimed at children and young audiences. Expect concerts by well-known Croatian performers on Stradun, a rich program of children’s shows and workshops, ice rinks, special Advent menus in local restaurants and New Year’s Eve celebrations in the Old Town.
For a full breakdown of dates, main concerts, children’s activities and locations, see our detailed Dubrovnik Winter Festival guide and the official Dubrovnik Winter Festival website.
- Plan at least one evening on Stradun for concerts and street food, plus time for the ice rink and children’s program if you are travelling with family.
- Most open-air concerts and many children’s events are free, but some theater performances, workshops and special experiences require tickets, so check details in advance.
- Use our detailed Dubrovnik Winter Festival guide and the Dubrovnik Tourist Board event page for current dates and updates, and confirm exact times just before you go, as program change from year to year.
St. Blaise Festival
The Festival of St Blaise (Festa svetog Vlaha) is Dubrovnik’s most important traditional celebration and has been continuously observed for more than 1,000 years. Dedicated to St Blaise, the city’s patron saint, it takes place each year on 2 and 3 February and is recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage.
The celebration begins on Candlemas with the release of white doves in front of St Blaise’s Church and the raising of the saint’s banner on Orlando’s Column. The following day, a large procession moves along Stradun and nearby streets, carrying relics of St Blaise and accompanied by clergy, standard-bearers in folk dress, historical fraternities and city guards.
Because most of the program centers on the Old Town, it is one of the best opportunities to see Dubrovnik’s heritage traditions up close. For routes, timings, church ceremonies and practical tips, visit our dedicated Festival of St Blaise guide.
- Arrive early on Stradun for the procession, as the best viewing points fill up quickly, especially near St Blaise’s Church and Orlando’s Column.
- Dress respectfully if you plan to attend church ceremonies or stand near the clergy and banner groups.
- Expect temporary traffic adjustments around Pile Gate and the Old Town during the main procession hours.
- Photography is allowed, but avoid stepping into the path of the procession or blocking access to church entrances.
Dubrovnik good food festival
The Good Food Festival is Dubrovnik’s main gastronomy event, organised by the Dubrovnik Tourist Board each October. For around two weeks the city highlights local dishes, regional wines and creative menus, with special events held in restaurants, hotels and public spaces across the city. If you want to explore Croatian food culture further, see our overview of gastronomy and wines in Croatia.
The 2025 edition runs from 6 - 19 October 2025 and includes chef-led dinners, creative workshops, market tours, tastings, street-food evenings, kids’ events and the famous Dubrovnik Table on Stradun, where local restaurants and hotels present their dishes for charity. Many participating restaurants offer fixed-price festival menus, which makes it a good moment to try traditional Dubrovnik recipes and modern dishes at better value than in peak summer.
For a detailed, English-language overview of what to expect, check the dedicated guide on Dubrovnik Good Food Festival, which summarizes the current year’s highlights and practical tips. You can then use the official program on the Dubrovnik Tourist Board website to confirm dates, locations and booking details.
- Look out for festival menus in participating restaurants if you want several courses at a set price. Our Dubrovnik restaurants guide is a good starting point when you plan where to eat.
- Cooking classes, themed dinners, wine tastings and Dubrovnik Table tickets can sell out, especially on weekends, so reserve as early as you can once the program is announced.
- Some tastings, fairs and street-food events are free to browse, while others are ticketed or include food and drink in the price. Always check what is included before you book.
- Because the festival is held in October, it works well if you prefer milder weather, fewer crowds and a more local feel than in July and August.
Dubrovnik Carnival and winter masquerades
Dubrovnik has a smaller but lively Carnival tradition that takes place in the weeks leading up to Lent, usually from late January to mid February. Unlike the large processions seen in some Croatian cities, Dubrovnik’s Carnival focuses on costumed gatherings, children’s masquerades, music events and neighborhood parties that give visitors a glimpse of local customs during the winter season.
The main events are held on Stradun and in cultural centers around the city, with schools and community groups organizing performances and parades for children. Although dates change each year, the program often includes family workshops, kids’ costume contests, concerts, exhibitions and themed evenings in Lapad or Mokošica.
Carnival activities are a good fit if you are visiting Dubrovnik during the quieter winter period or in the week just before the Festival of St Blaise. For schedules and locations, check seasonal updates on the Dubrovnik Tourist Board events calendar.
- Most children’s events and public workshops are free to attend, though some require advance registration.
- Weekend program tend to be busier, especially on Stradun, so arrive early if you want good viewing spots for kids’ parades.
- If you are in Dubrovnik at the start of February, Carnival events often overlap with the Festival of St Blaise, making it possible to experience both traditions in one visit.
New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day on Stradun
New Year’s Eve on Stradun is one of the biggest nights of the Dubrovnik Winter Festival and a major reason many visitors choose the city for a winter city break. The main stage is set up on the Old Town’s central street and the program usually includes children’s celebrations during the day, a large evening concert and fireworks at midnight.
For the 2025/26 season, Dubrovnik will welcome 2026 with a headline concert by regional star Dino Merlin on 31 December 2025, joined by Hiljson Mandela and Jakov Jozinović as part of the 12th Dubrovnik Winter Festival. The official program also includes a separate children’s New Year celebration during the late morning and the traditional New Year’s Day concert by the Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra on 1 January, followed by an evening performance by Petar Grašo.
You can find the current year’s detailed schedule, start times and any last-minute changes on the official Dubrovnik Winter Festival website and the Dubrovnik Tourist Board festival page.
- If you want to be close to the stage on Stradun for the New Year’s Eve concert, arrive early in the evening and be prepared for standing room only.
- Dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes. Even with the crowds, nights can feel cold and you will likely be on your feet for several hours.
- Hotel and apartment prices around New Year are higher than in early December or after 1 January, so book accommodation well in advance.
- Public buses usually run longer into the night during New Year events, but taxi demand is high after midnight, so consider walking back if you are staying near the Old Town or in Lapad.
- For the family-friendly daytime program and exact start times of the children’s New Year celebration, use the official Winter Festival program and local tourist information offices rather than older blog posts or outdated guides.
Practical tips for visiting Dubrovnik during major events
Big events change how Dubrovnik feels and how you should plan your stay. The city can be busier than usual, prices may be higher around key dates and some streets or viewpoints will be more crowded, especially in the evenings.
- Book accommodation early for peak dates. If you plan to visit during the Dubrovnik Summer Festival, Good Food Festival, New Year’s Eve or the Festival of St Blaise, reserve hotels or apartments well in advance, especially in or near the Old Town and Lapad.
- Expect evening crowds in the Old Town. During concerts, performances and festival evenings, Stradun and the main squares can be very busy. Allow extra time to move around, especially if you have restaurant reservations or tickets for performances inside the city walls.
- Check event times before planning day trips. If you want to combine festivals with day trips to places such as Mljet, Lokrum or Cavtat, avoid booking late tours on days when you hold evening tickets or want a good spot for a concert on Stradun.
- Use public transport when possible. Parking near the Old Town is limited and expensive, and some areas may be busier than usual during events. Local buses run frequently to Pile and other gates; see our guide to Dubrovnik by bus for routes and practical tips.
- Plan meals a little earlier or later. Before and after major performances, restaurants in and around the Old Town can fill up quickly. Consider eating slightly earlier in the evening, or reserve a table in advance using our overview of restaurants in Dubrovnik.
- Check access and security rules. Some events include bag checks, restricted items or specific entrance points, especially New Year’s Eve and large concerts on Stradun. Always follow local instructions and arrive with enough time to pass any security checks calmly.
- Bring layers and comfortable shoes. Stone streets and fortresses can feel cooler in the evening, even in summer, and winter nights can be cold. Comfortable closed shoes help on cobbles, steps and uneven ground when moving between venues.
- Use official sources for final details. Program, performers and timings can change. Before you travel, confirm the latest information on the Dubrovnik Tourist Board events calendar and on official festival websites, and recheck closer to the date.
Dubrovnik - A city in rhythm with good entertainment
Interested in events? Wondering when's the best time to visit Dubrovnik? Here are just a few...New Year's Eve, the Dubrovnik Summer Festival, masquerade and carnival...
Dubrovnik is regularly ranked among the most attractive locations in the world to spend New Year's Eve at. Dubrovnik Old Town that night becomes a body of forty thousand, moving to a single rhythm, the rhythm of good entertainment! Join the locals in counting down the last few seconds under the Bell Tower waiting for Maro and Baro to strike midnight.
On July 10th Dubrovnik proudly presents the opening of the Dubrovnik Summer festival. As early as 1950, Dubrovnik with its summer festival was heralded a world phenomenon in new theater. Surrounded by the architectural beauty of Dubrovnik, actors from around the world have found inspiration bringing the renaissance period to life. The festival always brings a wonderful atmosphere to Dubrovnik. Make sure not to miss plays or concerts during the Dubrovnik Summer Festival if you're in town.
The Masquerades in the Old town begin after the St.Blaise festivity at the beginning of February, culminate during three days preceding Ash Wednesday and end by the closing carnival night. The Dubrovnik Masquerade is a traditional segment of winter tourism. Stradun is the meeting place of young and old people from Dubrovnik and Župa Dubrovačka with their guests. Dominos, clowns, Pierrots, courtesans, gypsy ladies, punks and hippies - there are so many of them out there in the streets of February" when the people just go crazy".
During your stay in Dubrovnik we recommend that you take the opportunity to venture to some of the amazing surrounding destinations? Take a look at the top day trips you can embark on from Dubrovnik.
Frequently asked questions about events in Dubrovnik
When is the best time to visit Dubrovnik for events?
The busiest event season is summer, especially from mid July to late August during the Dubrovnik Summer Festival. October is popular with food lovers thanks to the Good Food Festival, while late November to early January is ideal if you want Advent markets, concerts and New Year celebrations. Early February is best for experiencing the UNESCO-listed Festival of St Blaise.
Are most Dubrovnik events free to attend?
Many open-air concerts and public program during the Winter Festival and Carnival season are free. The Dubrovnik Summer Festival, however, includes ticketed theater, opera and classical music performances. Special dinners and workshops during the Good Food Festival also require booking and payment.
Do I need to buy tickets in advance for major events?
Yes. For summer theater and concerts, booking early is recommended because venues such as Fort Lovrijenac and the Rector’s Palace have limited seating. New Year’s Eve does not require tickets, but arriving early is important to secure a good spot. Good Food Festival workshops and themed dinners also sell out in advance.
Where do the main events take place?
Most events take place in the Old Town, especially on Stradun, Gundulić Square, inside the Rector’s Palace and at fortresses like Lovrijenac and Revelin. Winter Festival and Carnival events are spread across the Old Town, Lapad and Mokošica. For location tips and maps, use our guide to Dubrovnik Winter Festival and Dubrovnik Summer Festival.
Is Dubrovnik crowded during the main festivals?
Yes, especially in the Old Town during the Summer Festival and New Year’s Eve celebrations. Evenings can be busy during Advent and October weekends. If you prefer quieter periods, attend smaller events, weekday performances or visit venues outside the historic center.
Can I combine festivals with day trips?
Yes. Many travelers enjoy combining daytime excursions with evening events. Just avoid booking long tours on evenings when you have performance tickets or want to attend concerts. Nearby destinations such as Cavtat, Lokrum and Mljet Island are easy to visit in one day.
What should I wear for events in Dubrovnik?
For summer performances, light clothing and comfortable shoes are ideal, but bring a light layer because stone venues cool down after sunset. Winter events require warm clothing, especially on Stradun at night. For church ceremonies during the Festival of St Blaise, dress modestly.
Is New Year’s Eve suitable for families?
Yes. Dubrovnik offers a separate daytime program for children on 31 December, followed by the main evening concert on Stradun. Crowds are large at night, so families with young children may prefer the earlier celebrations.
How can I check the latest event schedules?
Program changes each year. For final dates and updates, use the Dubrovnik Tourist Board event calendar and official festival websites, and check again just before your trip for any last-minute changes.