July in Vodice transforms this vibrant Dalmatian center into a true summer stage, offering a kaleidoscope of events that guarantees unforgettable memories for visitors of all generations. The hot summer evenings are filled with the sounds of music, laughter, and art, creating a unique atmosphere that pulsates through the streets, squares, and the waterfront. From breathtaking street performances to intimate jazz concerts under the starry sky, the program is designed to satisfy even the most demanding tastes, confirming Vodice's status as an unmissable destination on the Adriatic coast. If you are planning your stay, explore the offer for accommodation in Vodice and secure your spot in the heart of the summer events.

Vodice Street Festival: Seven Days of Pure Street Magic

The historic core of Vodice has recently taken on a new, colorful look thanks to the Vodice Street Festival, which lasts until Sunday, July 6, 2025. This most cheerful festival in Vodice turns the narrow streets, squares, and the waterfront into an interactive open-air stage. Every day, starting at 7:30 PM, visitors can immerse themselves in a world of creativity and fun. The streets come alive with sales exhibitions of unique handicrafts and artworks, where one can find the perfect souvenir or gift. For those eager to create, there are creative workshops that encourage imagination and skill, while street entertainers bring smiles to the faces of both children and adults with their skills and tricks.

A special part of the festival is the "Gallery under the stars" program in Mirka Zore Street (kaleta), where the exhibition "A Look into the Sun" by artist Ivana Skroze can currently be viewed. Đardin, or Prince Branimir Square, is reserved for a children's program and workshops that change from day to day.

As the festival enters its second half, the excitement does not wane. Today, Friday, July 4, 2025, the program is exceptionally rich. In addition to the standard sales exhibition and creative workshops in the kaleta, a whimsical "Mad Hatter" workshop will be held in the Đardin from 7:30 PM. The highlight of the evening for the youngest occurs on the waterfront from 8:30 PM with a dance workshop led by DJ Lady GI, promising rhythm and dance late into the night. The musical background in the kaleta will be provided by the JB duo starting at 9:00 PM.

Saturday, July 5, 2025, continues in the same vein. The "Mad Hatter" workshop will once again gather creatives in the Đardin, and from 8:00 PM, a "Storytelling Corner" is scheduled, which will take children into the world of fairy tales. The popular Mate Skračić duo will provide the musical atmosphere in the kaleta.

The grand finale of the festival follows on Sunday, July 6, 2025. Alongside the unmissable workshops and exhibitions, the music program brings a treat for fans of energetic rhythms. The band Pay Per View will perform in the kaleta from 8:30 PM, while the exhibition "Impulse" by Roko Ivanda will open at 9:30 PM. The main event of the evening and the spectacular closing of the festival belongs to the legendary Soulfingers, who will shake the Vodice waterfront from 9:00 PM with their signature funk and soul sound, guaranteeing a memorable dance finale. This festival is a perfect introduction to the summer season, attracting visitors from all over the region and beyond, offering them a unique blend of culture, entertainment, and relaxation in the heart of Dalmatia. Don't miss the opportunity to experience Vodice in a completely different way, full of life and art.

Musical Highlights of July: From Timeless Hits to Refined Jazz

The music program in Vodice continues in grand style even after the Street Festival. On Friday, July 11, 2025, one of the biggest stars of domestic popular music, Dražen Zečić, arrives at the Vodice waterfront. His timeless hits, which have marked the upbringing of generations, will echo along the coast, and an atmosphere filled with emotions and sing-alongs is expected. Dražen Zečić's concerts are known for their incredible energy and connection with the audience, which guarantees a night to remember. His career, spanning several decades, testifies to his lasting popularity and ability to touch the hearts of listeners with sincere lyrics and a recognizable interpretation. The waterfront is expected to be filled to the last spot, and visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy hits like "Nitko nema dva života," "Kad mi dođeš ti," and many others, creating an unforgettable summer night.

23rd Vodice Jazz & Blues Festival: Three Evenings of Superb Music

Just a few days later, from July 17 to 19, 2025, Vodice becomes a mecca for all lovers of a more refined sound. The 23rd edition of the Vodice Jazz & Blues Festival will take place, an event that for more than two decades has been bringing eminent names from the domestic and world scene to the unique ambiance of the amphitheater on the waterfront. Every evening starting at 9:00 PM, with free admission, the audience has the opportunity to enjoy superb interpretations and musical virtuosity. The festival, first held in 2003, quickly gained a reputation as one of the most important summer music events in the region, attracting around 1500 jazz and blues lovers each year. The festival organizer, the Vodice Tourist Board, proudly emphasizes its role in enriching the city's cultural offer and attracting high-quality musicians.

The festival opens on July 17, 2025, with the band Saxofaction ft. Valerija Nikolovska. Behind the Saxofaction brand is the respected saxophonist Drago Jakovčević, a prominent name in the Croatian jazz and pop scene, known for his collaborations with legends like Boško Petrović, Mario Mavrin, and Igor Lešnik. He is joined on stage by Valerija Nikolovska, one of the most esteemed Croatian jazz singers, whose charisma and vocal power leave no one indifferent. Her impressive vocal interpretation and stage charisma have been recognized with numerous awards from music associations and critics, and she has performed at major jazz festivals at home and abroad. With pianist Viktor Lipić, recognizable for his unique blend of technique and sophistication, and drummer Janko Novoselić, undoubtedly the best jazz drummer of the younger generation and a member of the HRT Jazz Orchestra, this quartet will perform jazz classics rooted in swing and blues, promising an evening filled with virtuosity and authentic sound.

The second day of the festival, July 18, 2025, is reserved for an international treat – Raphael Wressnig & Soul Gift. Austrian organist Raphael Wressnig is not a typical musician; he extracts pyrotechnic power and might from his Hammond B-3 organ, proudly highlighting his role in performing what he calls "heavy organ soul & funk." Wressnig's fervent imagination creates exciting, genre-blending music. His fluency in soul, funk, jazz, and blues has earned him international critical acclaim and multiple nominations for "Best Organ Player of the Year" by the critics and readers of DownBeat, one of the most respected specialized music magazines in the world. Wressnig's catalog includes about 20 albums, including two live releases and standout titles like Soul Gumbo and Chicken Burrito. Soul Gumbo was recorded in New Orleans and features prominent musicians from that city, such as Grammy winner Jon Cleary, George Porter Jr., drummer Stanton Moore, and R&B legend Walter "Wolfman" Washington. Chicken Burrito was recorded in collaboration with long-time associate Alex Schultz on guitar and legendary funk drummer James Gadson. In his style and sound, the old and new school meet, merging authentic soul and deep blues with a contemporary funk vibe, creating a unique musical experience. Together with his band Soul Gift, consisting of guitarist Enrico Crivellaro and drummer Eric Cisbani, Wressnig shows how alive and powerful soul, blues, and funk are in today's world, bringing the audience a fresh perspective on these classic genres. Their precise, powerful performances are filled with passion and style, guaranteeing an unforgettable evening.

The final evening, July 19, 2025, brings a performance by the Renato Chicco & Lori Williams Band. Musical versatility, an extraordinary voice, and a pronounced stage presence, combined with an incredible stage presence and a flawless sense of timing — these are the qualities that define jazz singer Lori Williams from Washington. Lori's unique voice captivates the audience, transporting them to another world and touching their hearts. While she masters and interprets many aspects of jazz, her voice is one of the most sought-after in her country. Besides being an exceptional jazz, soul, and gospel singer, Lori is also a talented musical actress, vocal coach, and composer. As a performer, Lori was nominated for a Helen Hayes Award in 2014 for Best Actress in a Musical for her role as Ella Fitzgerald in the play "Ladies Swing the Blues: A Jazz Fable," which was a great success in the USA. Lori and her superb band have developed a program that covers a wide range of jazz expressions — from traditional to contemporary jazz. She is joined by virtuoso saxophonist Bernhard Wiesinger and Christian Havel, one of Europe's leading jazz guitarists. The dynamic Slovenian pianist Renato Chicco lived in New York for a long time, where he played with many famous names on the international jazz scene. The band's rhythm section consists of Joris Dudli on drums and Milan Nikolic on bass. This lineup has been touring for years, accompanying jazz greats like Benny Golson, Vincent Herring, Jeremy Pelt, and many others. The band members met a few years ago at an international jazz clinic in Poysdorf, Austria. Since then, they have been touring together and have recorded a CD (13.03 Thirteen “O”-Three) under Christian Havel's name. An outstanding singer and five top musicians are ready to take you on an exciting musical journey through the wonderful world of jazz. Secure your accommodation in Vodice in time and don't miss these musical spectacles.

The Garden is IN: A Cultural Oasis in the Heart of the City

Throughout the summer, the park in the very center of Vodice, better known as the Đardin, becomes a cultural epicenter thanks to the "The Garden is IN" program. This festival offers an alternative to the large events on the waterfront, creating an intimate and relaxed atmosphere ideal for enjoying art. Visitors can expect a diverse program that includes acoustic concerts by smaller bands, open-air theater performances, poetry evenings, and film screenings under the stars. "The Garden is IN" represents the soul of Vodice, a place where locals and tourists meet to soak up a dose of culture in the peace and shade of century-old trees. This unique ambiance, surrounded by greenery and historic buildings, provides the perfect backdrop for evening relaxation and enjoyment of art. The program is regularly updated, and details are available on the official website of the Vodice Tourist Board, ensuring you always find something interesting for yourself. From children's plays that stimulate the imagination to movie nights under the stars, "The Garden is IN" enriches Vodice's summer offer, providing a quieter but equally content-rich experience.

July in Vodice offers more than just sun and sea; it offers a complete experience filled with culture, music, and fun. Whether you are a fan of street art, legendary local hits, or world-class jazz, the rich program guarantees that everyone will find something for themselves and create memories that will last long after the summer is over. This is an opportunity to experience Vodice in its brightest edition, a city that breathes culture and entertainment, offering an unforgettable vacation on the Adriatic. Visit Vodice and see the magic of summer for yourself!