This year's summer season in Poreč brings an exclusive novelty that will enrich the already lavish tourist offer and place this Istrian pearl on the map of must-visit destinations for all lovers of top-notch mixology. In the very heart of July, specifically on the 11th and 12th of the month, the city will breathe to the rhythm of a completely new event – POCO, the Poreč Cocktail Festival. This is the premiere edition of an event that promises to become a central meeting point for the regional and global bar scene, celebrating the culture of cocktail drinking, creativity, and innovation. The festival's location has been carefully chosen to provide a unique experience: the magical Olga Ban Park, an award-winning green oasis in the very center of the city, will become the backdrop for a two-day explosion of flavors, scents, and sounds. Visitors will have a unique opportunity to enjoy a relaxed atmosphere under the canopies of centuries-old trees, by the sea, creating memories that combine the best of Istria – nature, gastronomy, and socializing. This is not just a festival; it is an invitation to experience Poreč in a completely new way, as a modern and vibrant stage where tradition meets the latest world trends.

A Fusion of Art and Taste in a Magical Park

The POCO festival is conceived as more than just a gathering – it is a platform that celebrates the drink as a cultural phenomenon and the bar as a place for meeting, exchanging ideas, and creating. In its first edition, the festival sets high standards by bringing together some of the most intriguing names on the Croatian bar scene. The concept is simple, yet powerful: to give visitors the opportunity to explore the diversity and richness of contemporary mixology in one place, from avant-garde signature creations to imaginative reinterpretations of timeless classics. Each of the invited bars brings its unique signature and philosophy, turning Olga Ban Park into a dynamic arena of flavors. A special charm of the festival lies in its location. Olga Ban Park, known for its tidiness and beauty, provides an ideal ambiance that combines urban bustle with natural tranquility. This green triangle, situated in the attractive location of Peškera, represents a perfect counterbalance to the summer crowds on the coast, offering a space for relaxation, conversation, and enjoyment. Over two days, the park will transform into an open-air lounge zone, where all generations, from curious tourists to local residents looking for quality content, will feel equally comfortable. For all those coming from other cities, it is important to note that finding accommodation in Poreč is easy, allowing for carefree planning of the festival weekend.

Mixology Stars on the Istrian Coast

The heart of the POCO festival is an impressive lineup of bars, selected to represent the pinnacle of the Croatian cocktail scene. Each of them tells its own story, and their masters behind the bar are true artists of their craft.

From Zagreb comes Peaches & Cream, a bar that in a short time has become one of the pillars of urban culture and an unmissable spot in Trešnjevca. Their reputation was recently confirmed by their inclusion on the prestigious global platform 50 Best Discovery. This platform is curated by the team behind the world's most important industry award, The World’s 50 Best Bars, and being listed on it signals that it is a place with exceptional potential and quality recognized by leading world experts. Peaches & Cream is known for its retro charm, friendly atmosphere, and an ambitious cocktail menu that changes seasonally, always using fresh and local ingredients and the most modern preparation techniques. Their arrival in Poreč is an opportunity for the Istrian audience to get acquainted with cocktails that push the boundaries.

Under the leadership of the experienced bartender and educator Filip Lipnik, the Zagreb-based Blend Bar also comes to Poreč. Located on Gundulićeva Street, this bar embodies the philosophy of "blending" – mixing styles, flavors, music, and people. Filip Lipnik, with years of experience working in the best bars and running his own Art of Bar academy, brings passion, knowledge, and precision to every cocktail. Blend Bar is not just a place to drink cocktails, but also a center for education and innovation in mixology. Festival visitors can expect perfectly balanced drinks, from signature cocktails like the popular "Serbus" to personalized creations that are made in the moment, reflecting Lipnik's skill and creativity.

From the coast, from neighboring Vrsar, comes Buba Bar, a place that brings the essence of the Mediterranean in its glasses. Their approach is simple but effective – a focus on quality ingredients, a relaxed atmosphere, and cocktails that celebrate the simplicity and beauty of life by the sea. Buba Bar is synonymous with summer relaxation, and their pop-up bar at the POCO festival will be a true oasis for all those seeking refreshment and an authentic coastal experience. Light, drinkable, and aromatic cocktails that are perfect for the summer heat are to be expected.

A special attraction of the festival is the arrival of Truba Jazz & Wine Bar from Grožnjan. This cult bar, located in the heart of the city of artists, is known for its unique blend of jazz, top-quality wines, and the magical ambiance of a stone studio. For the POCO festival, Truba is stepping out of its recognizable walls for the first time and preparing a special cocktail concept. Their performance represents an exciting experiment – transferring the spirit of Grožnjan, its artistic soul and love for music, into the form of liquid creations. It will be a unique opportunity to experience how jazz notes are translated into aromas and flavors, creating a completely new sensory experience. For visitors who want to explore the charms of Istria, a stay in Poreč offers an ideal base for trips to places like Grožnjan.

A Musical Backdrop for Sunset and Dancing Under the Stars

Top-notch cocktails deserve a top-notch musical accompaniment, and that segment will be taken care of by one of the most recognizable names on the Croatian electronic scene – DJ Pepi Jogarde. Josip Hubzin, better known as Pepi, is much more than a DJ; he is a music selector, promoter, radio host, and a true music lover with a career spanning decades. Known for his sophisticated house and disco sets, Pepi is a master of creating atmosphere. His musical signature will transform Olga Ban Park, following the rhythm of day and night. In the early evening hours, his sets will create the perfect "sunset lounge" backdrop, ideal for sipping cocktails and socializing at sunset. As night falls, Pepi will pick up the pace, turning the space under the canopies into an open-air dance floor. His selection, ranging from soulful house to energetic disco, guarantees that the POCO festival will also be a musical journey that will satisfy even the most demanding ears. Pepi Jogarde, the creator of the renowned club night Freilauf and the radio show Adriatic Coasting, brings the spirit of the world's best clubs and festivals to Poreč.

Organization and Practical Information

To make the visitor experience as pleasant and simple as possible, the payment system at the festival will be organized via festival coupons. Coupons can be purchased at two clearly marked locations within the festival zone, with separate points for purchasing coupons for drinks and for food. This system will allow for faster and more efficient service, reducing queues and allowing visitors to make the most of their time enjoying the offer. POCO is conceived as a festival open to all – a place of meeting, laughter, and making new friends, where the focus is on what is most important: the perfect cocktail, infectious music, and, of course, good company. See you on July 11th and 12th in Olga Ban Park, at the event that will define the summer in Poreč.