The Opatija Riviera Opatija is preparing for another summer filled with unforgettable experiences, offering a wealth of cultural, musical, and entertainment content that will satisfy even the most demanding visitors. From gala classical music concerts and energetic performances by world stars, through theatrical premieres and musical festivals, to fascinating exhibitions and the unique RetrOpatija, the city of Opatija will be the epicenter of top experiences during the summer months of 2025. The program is designed so that every visitor can find something for themselves, combining tradition with modern expressions and offering a unique blend of relaxation and entertainment.

Musical spectacles on the Summer Stage and beyond

The summer season in Opatija begins with a musical treat – a grand gala concert by Three European Baritones, which will take place on June 6th on the Summer Stage, starting at 9:00 PM. This concert, a gift to Opatija, will surely attract lovers of classical music and opera arias. The Musical Festival also begins on the same day, running until June 17th, bringing a series of attractive performances for all generations.

The musical program continues on June 8th with a performance by the Robert Mikuljan Trio as part of the Volosko Jazz Evenings. The concert will be held in Volosko, at A. Štangera 43, starting at 8:30 PM, offering a more intimate atmosphere and a superb jazz experience. Just two days later, on June 10th, the Summer Stage will host the traditional festival Melodies of Istria and Kvarner – MIK 2025, starting at 9:00 PM, celebrating local musical heritage.

One of the most anticipated concerts is certainly the performance by regional star Željko Joksimović, which will take place on June 20th on the Summer Stage at 9:00 PM. His numerous hits and energetic performance guarantee a memorable evening. The end of June is reserved for the music and stage spectacle RetrOpatija, which will transform Opatija into a dance stage of past decades from June 26th to 28th. As part of RetrOpatija, on June 26th, the concert ELVIS – The King is Back! will be held on the Summer Stage at 9:30 PM, while on June 28th, also on the Summer Stage starting at 10:00 PM, the Biggest Open-Air Disco Party will be organized. This event, organized by the Opatija Tourist Board, promises a retro atmosphere with dancing, vintage style, and unforgettable hits.

July brings the Liburnia Jazz Festival, from July 4th to 6th, which will host renowned jazz musicians on the Summer Stage. The festival begins on July 4th with a performance by the Jazz Ex Tempore Orchestra at 9:30 PM. The very next day, July 5th, also at 9:30 PM, follows the concert by Zmaj Orko Star, and the festival will be closed on July 6th at the same time by Alba & Leo & Co.. The Liburnia Jazz Festival is known for its quality and attracts jazz lovers from the entire region, and in addition to the main concerts, it often offers a rich accompanying program on the streets of Opatija.

From July 10th to 15th, the Music Festival will be held on the Summer Stage, bringing world-famous names. British singer-songwriter Jack Savoretti will perform on July 10th at 9:00 PM, bringing his distinctive indie-pop sound. Just two days later, on July 12th at 9:00 PM, Spanish star Alvaro Soler takes the stage, whose hits like "Sofia" and "La Cintura" have conquered world charts. The festival will be closed on July 15th at 9:00 PM by the globally popular pianist Maksim Mrvica, known for his crossover performances that combine classical and modern sound.

Blues lovers will get their treat on July 22nd, when the Jerry Ricks Blues Festival will be held on the Summer Stage at 9:00 PM, featuring performances by Kyle Brox & Sue Foley. This festival is considered the largest national blues event. Popular Croatian singer Petar Grašo will hold a concert on July 24th on the Summer Stage, starting at 9:00 PM. The traditional event Klapa groups in Mandrać will be held in Volosko on July 26th at 9:00 PM, offering the authentic sound of coastal klapa ensembles. On the same day, on the Summer Stage at 9:00 PM, the Folklorni ansambl Zora will perform, preserving tradition through dance and song. For classical music lovers, on July 28th at 9:00 PM on the Summer Stage, there will be a Classical Night with the Filarmonia Udine conducted by maestro Alfredo Barchi.

August brings more musical excitement. The young and talented Adi Šoše & Al Music Band will perform on August 1st on the Summer Stage at 8:00 PM. American rock band Papa Roach, pioneers of alternative hard rock, are coming to Croatia for the first time and will perform on August 4th on the Summer Stage at 9:00 PM. Regional diva Severina is preparing a grand concert spectacle for August 7th on the Summer Stage, starting at 9:00 PM, supported by a large orchestra. The legendary Bijelo Dugme will hold a concert on August 9th, also on the Summer Stage at 9:00 PM, recalling their timeless hits. Esteemed musician Zvjezdan Ružić will perform on August 14th on the Summer Stage at 9:00 PM. The traditional Baladur and the meeting of Klapa groups is scheduled for August 16th on the Summer Stage at 9:00 PM. Finnish cellists Apocalyptica, known for their metal covers, especially Metallica hits, will perform on August 23rd on the Summer Stage at 9:00 PM as part of their "Plays Metallica" tour.

Theatrical magic and film evenings

The Musical Festival, held from June 8th to 17th, offers a diverse program. For the youngest, on June 8th at the Gervais Centre at 11:00 AM, the children's play "The Three Little Pigs" by Naranča Theatre from Pula (for ages 3+) is scheduled. The same evening, on June 8th, on the Summer Stage at 9:00 PM, Komedija Theatre from Zagreb will perform the popular musical "SIX", which tells the stories of Henry VIII's six wives in a modern and witty way. The children's play "The Shoemaker and the Devil" by Smješko Cultural Society from Zagreb (for ages 10+) will be performed on June 14th at the Gervais Centre at 5:00 PM. Terazije Theatre from Belgrade will guest on June 15th on the Summer Stage at 9:00 PM with the musical "The Producers", based on Mel Brooks' eponymous hit film. The festival will be closed by the Croatian National Theatre Ivan pl. Zajc from Rijeka with the musical "West Side Story", on June 17th on the Summer Stage at 9:00 PM, bringing the eternal story of Romeo and Juliet to a modern New York setting.

Lovers of the seventh art will be able to enjoy the Liburnia Film Festival, a festival of Croatian documentary film, which will be held from August 26th to 28th on the Summer Stage, with screenings starting at 8:00 PM. This festival is the oldest documentary film festival in Croatia and provides insight into recent domestic production.

Art exhibitions and cultural events

Art lovers will have the opportunity to enjoy several significant exhibitions. From June 6th to July 6th, the Juraj Šporer Art Pavilion will host an exhibition on the centenary of the birth of painter Ivo Kalina, providing a retrospective look at the work of this significant artist who spent part of his creative life in Volosko. From June 26th to July 13th, Villa Angiolina will host the exhibition "Indexi - The Best, Best, Best in Everything", dedicated to the legendary Sarajevo band, organized by the Croatian Museum of Tourism.

The Croatian Museum of Tourism in Villa Angiolina also presents the exhibition "Blue Views" by the National Museum of Modern Art, which will be open from July 18th to September 7th. This exhibition will offer a cross-section of anthological works of Croatian landscape painting. In the Juraj Šporer Art Pavilion, from July 18th to August 17th, an exhibition by sculptor Ljuba de Karina will be set up, as part of a cycle of the best contemporary Croatian artists.

From September 19th to October 31st, visitors will be able to view the exhibition "On Croatian Paths of the Orient Express, Esplanade 100" in Villa Angiolina. This exhibition, organized by the Croatian Museum of Tourism, marks the centenary of Zagreb's Esplanade Hotel and explores Opatija's connections with the legendary Orient Express train.

Festivals and traditional manifestations

In addition to the already mentioned music and film festivals, Opatija also offers other interesting festival content. One of the most original and entertaining manifestations is the Summer Balinjerada, which will be held on July 19th on M. Tito Street starting at 7:00 PM, when participants on vehicles with ball bearings will descend the main Opatija street.

For fans of science fiction and fantasy, Liburnicon will be held from August 15th to 16th at the Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management in Ika. This festival, organized by the Kulturni front association, celebrates its 20th edition this year with a dragon theme, offering a rich program of lectures, workshops, games, and entertainment for all generations.

The end of August, specifically August 30th and 31st, is reserved for Mandrać, an international painting competition traditionally held in picturesque Volosko starting at 9:00 AM, gathering numerous artists and art lovers.

The pinnacle of elegance is expected on September 27th, when the Viennese Ball will be held in the Crystal Hall of the Kvarner Hotel, starting at 8:00 PM, bringing a touch of Viennese charm and tradition to Opatija.

Opatija Time Machine – A journey through history every week

Throughout the summer, from June 1st to September 30th, visitors will be able to enjoy the "Opatija Time Machine" program, which offers different content each week, reviving the rich history and tradition of Opatija. Every Monday from 8:00 PM to 9:30 PM (in September from 7:00 PM) in the music pavilion in Angiolina Park, klapa groups will perform. On Tuesdays from 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM (until September 3rd; in September from 7:00 PM) in front of the Milenij Hotel, an exhibition of vintage vehicles will be held. On Wednesdays at 8:00 PM (in September from 7:00 PM) a walk through the history of Opatija is organized – a costumed guided tour starting on the promenade below the Milenij Hotel. On Thursdays from 8:00 PM to 8:45 PM (in September from 7:00 PM) in front of Villa Angiolina, the Folklorni ansambl Zora will perform. Every Friday from 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM (in September from 7:00 PM) visitors will be able to sail through the history of Opatija on a wooden gajeta boat from Opatija harbor (next to Molo restaurant), with mandatory registration at madonina.bonaca@gmail.com. This diverse program offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the charming past of the pearl of Kvarner.

All these events are organized by Opatija Festival (info@festivalopatija.hr, www.festivalopatija.hr, +385 51 271 377), Opatija Tourist Board (info@visitopatija.com, www.visitopatija.com, +385 51 271 310), Croatian Museum of Tourism (info@hrmt.hr, www.hrmt.hr, +385 51 706 470), Liburnia Jazz (info@liburniajazz.hr, www.liburniajazz.hr), KZU Masked Klapa Marathon Opatija (kzu.mkm.opatija@gmail.com), Kulturni front (liburnicon@kulturnifront.hr, www.liburnicon.com) and Liburnia Film Festival Association (info@liburniafilmfestival.com, www.liburniafilmfestival.com, +385 91 598 4905), ensuring a rich and diverse summer for all visitors and residents of Opatija.