As summer slowly comes to an end, the streets of the baroque city of Varaždin are today, August 31, 2025, pulsating with the last, but most powerful rhythms of this year's Špancirfest. The festival of good emotions, which has turned every corner of the city into a living stage over the past few days, today offers the last chance to create unforgettable memories. Thousands of steps have written stories on the Varaždin asphalt, and the air is filled with a mixture of music, laughter, and the smells of gastronomic delicacies. Today is the day for one more, final festival dance, for soaking up the unique atmosphere that makes Varaždin a European center of culture and entertainment. Many visitors who secured accommodation in Varaždin had the opportunity to witness how the city transformed daily, and today represents the crown of the entire event.

A Musical Spectacle for the Grand Finale

The highlight of tonight's program and a special gift to all loyal visitors is certainly the big free concert on the main PAN stage near the Old Town. Starting at 21:00, the legends of the regional rock scene – Bajaga i Instruktori – will take the stage. An evening filled with nostalgia and energy is expected, during which the audience will be able to sing along to timeless hits that have marked generations. Momčilo Bajagić Bajaga and his band are known for creating an extraordinary atmosphere at their concerts, and the historical backdrop of Varaždin's Old Town will only enhance that experience. Besides the main stage, music will also echo from other locations. In the Vinski grad (Wine Town), a favorite oasis for lovers of the noble drop, visitors will be entertained from 18:30 to 20:30 by Jakov Jozinović, creating the perfect backdrop for tasting top-quality wines from all over Croatia. At the same time, the Carlsberg Food & Party zone offers its unique musical program with performances by acts like Duo Maximus, Wixom, DJ Slušaona, and the band Public Hit Factory, ensuring that there is no shortage of rhythm in any part of the city.

Adrenaline, Art, and Rhythm on the City Streets

Špancirfest has always been synonymous with street art, and the last day is no exception. A special attraction is expected at Kapucinski trg (Capuchin Square), where from 18:30, the first Croatian BMX Olympian, Varaždin native Marin Ranteš, will showcase his incredible skills. Together with other Varaždin sports ambassadors, Ranteš will perform top-notch tricks that defy gravity and leave you breathless, demonstrating why he is one of the best in the world. The street program also brings a diverse range of performances. From 10:00 in the morning, Fashion Circus Parade and Melotronic on the run will parade through Trg kralja Tomislava (King Tomislav Square), while visitors will be entertained throughout the day at various locations by performers from the groups Woow! and As Alteras. Music is the soul of Varaždin's streets, and the "Heroji ulice" (Street Heroes) are responsible for it – musicians who enrich every passage with their playing. Today, you will be able to hear the sounds of Trio Verse on Gundulićeva Street, Ivan Petrovečki on Kranjčevićeva Street, the band The Bloom Island on Trg slobode (Freedom Square), and many others, including tambura players and acoustic duos, who turn the city into a unique music box.

A Children's World of Imagination and Science

The festival traditionally pays great attention to its youngest visitors, offering them content that encourages creativity, learning, and play. The Park Kreative (Creative Park), located behind the cathedral, is open again today from 10:00 to 20:00, offering workshops like the Znanstveni Špancir (Scientific Walk) in honor of Nikola Tesla, creative games with wood as part of the Zagorstvo drvo program, and a Lego kreativnica (Lego Creative Workshop). Especially popular is Baltazar Grad (Balthazar Town), inspired by the beloved animated professor, where little scientists can explore and learn through play. In the immediate vicinity of the Old Town is Vindiland, a true oasis of fun. Along with the Milki-kutak (Milki-corner), Megabojanka (Mega-coloring book), and a zone for the youngest, there is also the adrenaline-pumping Koko Playground. Tonight, the third attempt to hold the Milk Night program is eagerly awaited, which will feature the Plesni studio Vindi (Vindi Dance Studio) by the Watchtower from 20:30 and bring true dance magic. All this content makes Špancirfest an ideal destination for a family trip, and while the youngest enjoy themselves, parents can explore the diverse accommodation options the city offers for future visits.

From Nostalgia to Modern Technologies

Špancirfest is a festival of contrasts, where the past and the future intertwine. In Šenoina Street, the Preloved Market is located, a flea market with a soul where you can find unique clothing, fashion accessories, and home items, thus promoting the idea of sustainability. For nostalgia lovers, the Retro zona (Retro Zone) on Europski trg (European Square) is a must-see, which today features an exhibition of cars from the 80s, predominantly of the Zastava brand, and an exhibition of items from the same period. On the other hand, in Bakačeva Street, there is the White Shark Gaming Zona, a paradise for video game lovers. Visitors can try out the latest games, as well as classics like Super Mario, and today there is also a major E-sports tournament in the game FC25. This diversity of offerings ensures that every visitor, regardless of their interests, can find something for themselves and fill their day with unique experiences. It is this breadth of the program that motivates many to plan a multi-day stay, and finding the ideal accommodation in Varaždin is a key part of that planning.

The Festival Spirit is Stronger than the Weather

Although the past few days have brought a few drops of rain, the spirit of Špancirfest has remained unbreakable. Unfortunately, due to unfavorable weather conditions, the long-awaited concert of the sevdah diva, Amira Medunjanin, had to be canceled. However, the organizers immediately reacted with excellent news – Amira Medunjanin has become the first confirmed performer for Špancirfest 2026, which caused great enthusiasm among the audience. This is also proof that the festival always looks ahead. The concerts of the bands Letu Štuke and Pips, Chips & Videoclips showed that even a heavier downpour cannot spoil the atmosphere, as their loyal audience filled the space in front of the stage without any problem, singing along with their idols. That energy and dedication, from both the performers and the visitors, are the essence of what Špancirfest is – a festival that celebrates life, art, and community, regardless of the circumstances.