Events on the Liburnia Riviera

Art Pavilion Juraj Šporer
Dutch painter Joost de Jonge (Utrecht, 1975) presents his exhibition “Aetas aurea” at the Juraj Šporer Pavilion in Opatija. Following his Rijeka cycle inspired by Klimt, the artist is now drawing inspiration from the idea of the Golden Age – a mythical time of harmony and perfection. De Jonge, who lives and works in France and frequently stays in Croatia, combines influences of Dutch masters, the Vienna Secession, and the theory of ornamental art through abstract compositions of shapes, lines, and colours. The exhibition presents his new paintings, created through drawings, photographs, and a long process of reflection on art and history. The exhibition is open at the Juraj Šporer Pavilion until 26 July 2026.

Hotel Ambasador

Hotel Ambasador in Opatija is hosting a one-year artistic residency by contemporary Croatian artist Vedran Ružić. During the residency, the hotel becomes a space for encounters between art, creativity, and dialogue, while visitors will have the opportunity to discover Ružić’s artistic work through three thematic exhibition cycles – sculptures, paintings, and drawings – presented throughout the year. A special part of the programme is the “Artist at Work” series of events, held on the first Friday of every month, when the artist will create new works live in front of the audience. The residency offers a unique opportunity to experience contemporary art in the inspiring setting of Hotel Ambasador and provides guests and visitors with a different perspective on Opatija through creativity and artistic expression.

Lovran
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Opatija

Summer edition of the unique Opatija carnival attraction! Balinjerada is an adrenaline-fueled spectacle not unlike soapbox cart racing, but with ball bearings or balinjere instead of wheels. Originally conceived as a small-scale event for the local community, Balinjerada has blossomed into a beloved Opatija tradition, attracting many visitors craving the spirited antics of carnival celebrations. As part of the festivities, spectators can marvel at an eclectic assortment of vehicles mounted on ball bearings careening down Opatija’s main thoroughfare in a thrilling spectacle.

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Lovran

21:00

The Jerry Ricks Blues Festival brings together musicians and blues lovers from around the world, creating a unique experience that is not easily forgotten. It is an opportunity to enjoy outstanding performances and feel the deep emotion that blues music conveys through songs of love, pain, loss, and hope. The story begins with American blues musician Jerry Ricks, who found his home in the small Croatian town of Kastav. Kastav became both his home and the place where he left a lasting mark on the local blues scene. The Kastav Blues Festival was established in 2008 in his honour and later merged with the Opatija Riviera Blues Festival to become the Jerry Ricks Blues Festival. This year, the Small Stage at the Summer Stage will host performances by Pussy Wagons (Italy) and Mike Sponza (Italy) as part of the Jerry Ricks Blues Festival. Free admission.

Opatija Open Air Theatre

The City of Opatija celebrates its City Day on 25 July, the feast day of St. James, with a festive programme and a major concert at the Summer Stage. This year's musical guest is Luka Nižetić, one of Croatia's best-known performers, who will entertain the audience with many of his biggest hits, including Proljeće, Jugo, Amsterdam, Brutalero, and Južina. After Luka's performance, the celebration continues with The Link Band Rock Adventure from Rijeka, bringing the energy of the greatest pop-rock hits. Free admission!

Opatija Open Air Theatre

On the evening of July 31, 2026, under the open sky, Opatija will host Jakov Jozinović as part of his "Ja za čuda letim" tour. The concert at the Summer Stage begins at 9:00 PM, promising an evening filled with emotion, sincerity, and outstanding music. Jakov Jozinović is one of the most promising young artists, gaining wider recognition through his appearance on Supertalent. Known for his authenticity and emotional performances, he creates a special connection with audiences through his interpretations of both Croatian and international hits. Don't miss an evening where music brings people together and creates lasting memories. Join Jakov Jozinović at the Summer Stage for a concert to remember.

Opatija Open Air Theatre

One of the most acclaimed voices on today's jazz and soul scene, Gregory Porter, is coming to Opatija's enchanting Summer Stage this summer. On Thursday, 6 August 2026, at 9:00 PM, audiences can look forward to an unforgettable evening of world-class music under the stars—a perfect blend of emotion, elegance, and irresistible groove.

Opatija
Experience the magic of times gone by with dance evenings that revive the spirit of Opatija's golden age. Surrounded by elegant music, a refined atmosphere, and a touch of nostalgia, Hotel Bellevue brings back the charm of Opatija's classic evenings, filled with dancing, social gatherings, and unforgettable moments.

Opatija Open Air Theatre

After selling out Zagreb Arena last year, Damir Urban and Urban&4, accompanied by a string orchestra, are coming to Opatija's Summer Stage on 22 August 2026 to celebrate 30 years of making music together. The audience can look forward to a selection of the band's greatest songs from every stage of their career, from Mjesta za mene, Iskra, and Astronaut to more recent singles Blijeda u proljeće and Potpuno je nevažno. In the unique setting of the Summer Stage, Urban&4 will deliver an emotional evening and another unforgettable concert experience.

Opatija

Liburnia Film Festival is the oldest documentary film festival in Croatia and the only festival that exclusively shows recent Croatian documentaries.

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Lovran, Dobreć, Liganj

The Opatija region is especially known for maruni, a prized variety of sweet chestnut. The Chestnut Festival – Marunada – gathers numerous admirers of this autumn fruit every year, who enjoy many delicacies as well as great entertainment with live music in Lovran and Liganj.

Do not miss visiting the event that has been included on the list of the best gastronomic festivals according to the selection of journalists of the British newspaper Guardian.

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Opatija
What is winter without chocolate? The sweet taste that has marked the happiest moments in our lives will bring to perfection romantic winter evenings on richly decorated streets with good music in the background and a great atmosphere in the air. Opatija and chocolate have been closely linked for years thanks to the Chocolate Festival, the biggest and oldest Croatian event dedicated to this indispensable food.

Lovran

The Light Festival Lovran is an immersive light spectacle that, with specially created audio-visual effects and animations, brings to life the facades of buildings and houses in the medieval squares of Lovran. The author’s team of artists creates a program that, with a special type of laser projector, is projected onto the facades of picturesque houses in the old town, including some surprises.

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Opatija
Advent journeys always have a special charm. Every year, the range of Advent events in Opatija is becoming richer and more diversified. The town is decorated with a myriad of lights, while an aroma of mulled wine, hot tea and festive cakes fills the air.