Summer in continental Croatia traditionally reaches its peak at the end of August, and the epicenter of the best fun, socializing, top music, and, of course, excellent beer will once again be the city on four rivers. The countdown has begun – there is less than a month to go until the 38th edition of the Beer Days Karlovac, the longest-running and most beloved beer festival in Croatia. From August 29 to September 2, Karlovac transforms into a lively open-air stage, attracting rivers of visitors from all parts of Our Beautiful Homeland and neighboring countries, ready to experience the unique atmosphere that makes this event an unmissable occasion in the summer calendar.

During five days of an intensive program, the city's hustle and bustle gives way to a festival spirit, and the streets and squares resonate with laughter and music. This is an event deeply woven into the city's identity, a manifestation that, over nearly four decades, has become synonymous with bidding farewell to summer and creating unforgettable memories. Organized by the City of Karlovac and with the loyal partnership of Karlovačko beer as the main sponsor, this year visitors can again expect a blend of tradition and modern trends, with an affordable price for draft Karlovačko beer at 2.50 euros for half a liter, ensuring there will be no shortage of good cheer.

A Music Spectacle on Two Stages

The heart of every good festival is music, and the Beer Days Karlovac are once again preparing a real musical treat for all tastes. The main stage will be the epicenter of musical events, featuring a lineup of local scene legends and new stars. The program is designed to satisfy even the most demanding musical appetites and includes performances by some of the biggest names in the region. Visitors will have the opportunity to hear the legendary rock sounds of Psihomodo Pop, whose on-stage energy leaves no one indifferent. The region's favorite, Baby Lasagna, whose meteoric success marked the past year, will also get his loyal audience dancing. Pop sounds will be brought by divas like Vanna, while the popular Klapa Intrade will bring Mediterranean melodies to the heart of Croatia. For rock lovers, there are the unmissable Vatra and Kojoti, and younger generations are eagerly awaiting performances by Nika Turković. The lineup is completed by bands like TV Eye and Baksa, and a dose of nostalgia will be provided by the legendary Plavi orkestar and the timeless Neno Belan with his Fiumens. This impressive list of performers guarantees that every evening on the main stage will be filled with hits and a top-notch atmosphere.

It will be no less exciting on the Gastro Stage, which offers a more intimate but equally energetic experience. Here, masters of creating a dance atmosphere, the group Neki to vole vruće, as well as a series of great cover bands such as The Gigsons, Strings band, Rivers band, and Black & White, will ensure good fun. To keep the rhythm constant, DJ I'M will be in charge of the musical backdrop every day, ensuring there are no breaks in the good mood. This second stage is the perfect place for those who want to enjoy music with a glass of beer and a tasty bite, in a slightly more relaxed environment.

More Than Beer: A Century-Old Tradition and Culture

The Beer Days are not just a festival; they are a celebration of a rich brewing heritage that has existed in Karlovac for over 170 years. It is this long tradition, started in 1854 by Baron Nikola Vranyczany, that makes Karlovac the true home of Croatian brewing. To bring this story closer to all visitors, an Open Day at the Karlovac brewery will be held on the first day of the event, Friday, August 29. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., curious visitors will have a unique opportunity, with organized tours every hour, to peek behind the scenes and see firsthand how the beloved golden beverage is made – from the careful selection of raw materials like Croatian barley to the processes of brewing, fermentation, and bottling.

A deeper insight into the unbreakable bond between the city and beer is provided by the exhibition "The Fifth River of Karlovac: The Story of Karlovačko Beer," authored by Krešimir Perušić. Symbolically named after beer as the "fifth river" of the city, alongside the Kupa, Korana, Mrežnica, and Dobra, this exhibition testifies to the deeply rooted beer culture. Set in the beautiful ambiance of the Aquatika freshwater aquarium, the exhibition tells the story of the industry's history, the people who built it, and the legendary brand that connects generations, through carefully selected exhibits. The exhibition is open from July 31 and will run throughout August, until the end of the Beer Days on September 2, providing the perfect cultural complement to the festival fun.

Gastronomic Corner and the World of Beer

Good food is inseparable from good beer, and the gastronomic offer at the Beer Days Karlovac never disappoints. Under a large tent and in numerous stalls, visitors will be greeted by a wealth of flavors and aromas. The absolute trademark and unmissable delicacy are the traditional large beer pretzels, perfectly salty and crispy, which pair ideally with frothy mugs. But the offer extends far beyond pretzels. A wide selection of grilled dishes, juicy sausages, burgers, and other meat specialties that are an essential part of any folk festival is expected. The aromas will be tempting from every corner, and there will be something for everyone's taste.

For true beer enthusiasts and those eager to explore new tastes, there is a special Gastro Corner which houses the World of Beer. This is a unique opportunity to taste as many as 14 European beer brands in one place that are not otherwise available on the Croatian market. This selection offers a journey through different beer styles and traditions, from Belgian ales to German lagers, providing an exclusive experience for all beer lovers. With beer workshops dedicated to the culture of beer drinking, knowledge quizzes, and the ever-popular table football tournament, there will be no shortage of fun activities.

Responsible Fun and Sustainability

The event organizers pay great attention to responsible consumption and visitor safety. To ensure that beer is served exclusively to adults, the practice of distributing "I am 18+" wristbands to young adults will be implemented throughout all five days. For a carefree enjoyment of the rich program, without worrying about driving and parking, a special festival train has been organized. For a symbolic return ticket price of only 1.50 euros, visitors from Zagreb and surrounding areas can travel safely and affordably to Karlovac and back. This initiative not only increases safety but also reduces traffic congestion.

The Beer Days also demonstrate their environmental awareness. Beer will be served in cups made from recycled material, and visitors are encouraged to behave responsibly. A motivational recycling system has also been established – anyone who collects ten used cups and brings them to a designated spot can exchange them for one free Karlovačko beer. This is a great way to maintain the cleanliness of the area and raise awareness about the importance of recycling.

Explore Karlovac: The City on Four Rivers

Coming to the Beer Days is also an ideal opportunity to discover the many natural and cultural beauties that Karlovac has to offer. While planning your visit and looking for accommodation in Karlovac, be sure to set aside time for exploration. Seek refreshment from the summer heat at the Foginovo bathing area, the first registered river beach in Croatia, located on the beautiful Korana river, with a free aqua park that is a paradise for children and adults. Aquatika is also a must-see, a unique freshwater aquarium that impressively displays the rich flora and fauna of Croatian rivers and lakes. For a unique experience of the Kupa river, board the Žitna lađa, a faithful replica of a historic 18th-century boat, and sail through untouched nature. From the hill above the city, there is a view from the Old Town of Dubovac, a beautifully preserved medieval castle that exudes history. You can learn about modern history at the Museum of the Homeland War in Turanj, and admire the brilliant mind of one of the greatest inventors at the interactive Nikola Tesla Experience Center. Finally, immerse yourself in virtual reality at Kino Edison, the first VR cinema in Croatia, and experience the city's history in a completely new way.