The Croatian metropolis eagerly awaits another summer filled with top-notch music and unforgettable festival experiences. One of the events that regularly marks the beginning of the summer season and attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world is certainly the INmusic festival, an event that has acquired the status of a cult gathering for lovers of quality sound.

Festival Oasis on Lake Jarun

The stage for this music spectacle is traditionally Zagreb's Lake Jarun, an idyllic location that becomes the epicenter of musical vibrations for several days in June. Jarun, also known as the "Zagreb Sea", with its islands, greenery, and water surfaces provides a unique backdrop for the festival. The Island of Croatian Youth, Trešnjevka Island, and Universiade Island transform into a lively festival village with multiple stages, catering zones, and relaxation areas. This combination of an urban location easily accessible from the city center and a natural environment is one of the key elements that makes INmusic special and sets it apart from many other European festivals.

The transformation of the Jarun Sports and Recreation Center into a festival location is a small miracle. The lakeside promenades become paths between stages, green areas become places for socializing and resting, and the islands themselves take on a completely new look. Every year, the organizers strive to enrich the festival's visual identity with various art installations and lighting effects, creating an atmosphere that draws visitors into another world as soon as they pass through the festival gates.

Musical Diversity as a Trademark

Although in its early days the festival may have emphasized certain genres, over the years INmusic has built a reputation as a festival that nurtures musical diversity. The core of the program consists of rock, indie, and alternative sound, but the festival regularly hosts giants of electronic music, pop performers, world music artists, and representatives of various other genres. It is precisely this breadth of the program concept that attracts an audience with diverse musical tastes.

The list of performers who have appeared on the Jarun stages over the years is truly impressive and testifies to the festival's international reputation. The audience has had the opportunity to hear legends live such as The Cure, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Arctic Monkeys, Florence + The Machine, PJ Harvey, Pixies, New Order, Arcade Fire, Queens Of The Stone Age, Massive Attack, Kraftwerk, LCD Soundsystem and many others. The festival also provides a platform for lesser-known, up-and-coming bands from Croatia, the region, and the world, allowing the audience to discover new musical favorites.

For the upcoming seventeenth edition of the festival, traditionally expected at the end of June 2025, music connoisseurs are eagerly awaiting the announcement of the first names. Although the specific dates and performers have not yet been officially confirmed, given its reputation so far, there is no doubt that the organizers will once again prepare a program that will satisfy even the most demanding ears and confirm INmusic's status as an unmissable spot on the European festival map.

More than Music: Additional Content and Unique Camp

INmusic festival is not just a series of concerts; it is a complete experience enriched with diverse accompanying content. Visitors can enjoy theatre performances under the stars, film screenings, contemporary art exhibitions, and various performances. The popular Silent Party regularly attracts a large number of dancers wearing headphones, and various creative workshops offer opportunities for interaction and acquiring new skills. These additional programs make the stay at the festival more dynamic and provide an alternative for those who want a break from the main stages.

One of the most recognizable elements of the INmusic festival is its camp. Located on the Jarun islands (Trešnjevka Island and Universiade Island), connected by a pontoon bridge to the main festival island (Island of Croatian Youth), the camp offers a unique experience of staying in nature, yet close to city amenities. Camping on the island, surrounded by lake water, with its own beach and often additional facilities such as chill-out zones or smaller music programs, provides a special atmosphere of community and relaxation. For many visitors, especially those from abroad, staying in the camp is an integral part of the festival experience.

Accommodation Options in Zagreb

Besides the festival camp, Zagreb offers a wide range of accommodation options for INmusic festival visitors. The city abounds in hotels of various categories, from luxury establishments in the very center to more affordable hotels located closer to Jarun or in locations easily accessible by public transport. Hostels are particularly popular, of which there are truly many in Zagreb, offering affordable accommodation and the opportunity to meet other travelers and festival enthusiasts. The offer of private accommodation through online platforms is also growing, where apartments and rooms can be found for every taste and budget. Thanks to the well-organized public transport network, primarily tram lines, reaching Jarun from almost any part of the city is relatively quick and easy, even if you are not staying in the immediate vicinity of the lake.

Exploring Zagreb: A Blend of Festival and City Break

Coming to the INmusic festival is a great opportunity to explore Zagreb, a city with a rich history, a vibrant cultural scene, and a pleasant atmosphere. Visitors can use the time before or after the festival days to walk through the Upper Town, with its historic streets, St. Mark's Square, and the Lotrščak Tower. A visit to the Zagreb Cathedral and the picturesque Dolac market is also a must. The Lower Town offers wide squares, parks like Zrinjevac, and numerous museums and galleries – from the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Nikola Tesla Technical Museum, the Ethnographic Museum to the popular Museum of Broken Relationships.

Zagreb's gastronomic scene is also worth exploring. From traditional restaurants offering local specialties like štrukli, through modern bistros to street food and pastry shops, the city offers something for every taste. Tkalčićeva Street is bustling with cafes and bars, ideal for relaxing and watching the city buzz. Good transport connections, including tram and bus lines that efficiently connect Jarun with the center and other parts of the city, make exploring Zagreb during the festival stay very practical. The combination of a top-notch music festival and the charms of Croatia's capital city makes the INmusic experience complete and attractive to visitors from all corners of the world.

Organizational excellence, recognized by both visitors and international media, is another asset of the festival. From entry logistics, security, catering offer to the cleanliness of the location, the organizers strive to ensure the most pleasant stay for all visitors. All necessary service information, including details about tickets, the exact performance schedule, and news related to the program, are published promptly on the official channels of the festival.