Varaždin's streets and squares are vibrantly pulsating to the rhythm of the final weekend of Špancirfest, attracting rivers of visitors to the city's historic core. The air is filled with a unique blend of music, laughter, and artistic inspiration, creating the memorable atmosphere of a festival of good emotions. As this year's exceptionally rich edition of the festival draws to a close, every corner of the baroque city offers unforgettable experiences, merging tradition and contemporary creativity in the most beautiful way possible.

The previous evening, Thursday, August 28th, will be remembered for the musical spectacle that confirmed Špancirfest's status as one of the most important cultural events in the region. The absolute highlight of the evening was the performance by the charismatic Damir Urban, accompanied by a string ensemble on the impressive PAN stage at the foot of the Old Town walls. More than ten thousand visitors merged into one voice with the musician from Rijeka, whose energy and poetry created a magical synergy with the ambiance of the historic fortress. It was an unmissable concert, a true balm for music connoisseurs, and a two-hour journey through the rich discography of one of the most esteemed domestic authors, confirming that Varaždin is truly a city where music lives.

Recognition for the city of the festival

That Varaždin lives and breathes for creativity was confirmed at the official award ceremony during the Days of Creative Cities of Croatia, held on the elegant stage near Villa Bedeković. In a competition among numerous cities, the most prestigious recognition, the one for the Creative and Innovative City of the Year for 2025, was rightfully awarded to the host city. The award is the crown of many years of effort and strategic thinking about the city's development through investments in cultural infrastructure, sustainable tourism, and the promotion of creative industries. The explanation particularly highlighted the role of Špancirfest, an internationally recognized brand that has positioned Varaždin high on the cultural and tourist map of Europe, making it an essential destination for all those seeking authentic experiences.

Fantastic creatures and fiery illusions

The street program, the heart and soul of Špancirfest, brings a touch of the world's performance scene again this Friday. From the German theater stages to Varaždin's squares comes the celebrated troupe Dulce Compania, who will lead visitors into a world of imagination with their latest visual spectacle. Their impressive figures, stilt walkers up to three meters tall, dressed in lavish and fairy-tale costumes, are a true explosion of color, movement, and positive energy. These professional actors and acrobats, whose appearance is breathtaking, will stroll through King Tomislav Square at 5:30 PM and again at 8:00 PM, providing a unique opportunity for photos and interaction with these surreal beings. Later in the evening, at 9:00 PM, the same square will become the stage for a fiery steampunk show performed by the group Trik Mekanik. This non-verbal performance takes the audience into the fantastic world of a brilliant female inventor and her peculiar machines. A story told in the language of flames awaits you, where a huge steam engine shoots lightning and drives the plot, and fiery choreographies intertwine with acrobatics and comical twists leading to ever-increasing chaos, guaranteeing an adventure for all generations.

Sporting role models and future champions

There will be no shortage of adrenaline at Capuchin Square either, where sports stars will arrive from 6:30 PM to 7:00 PM. The first Croatian BMX Olympian and the pride of Varaždin, Marin Ranteš, and his team will perform incredible stunts on two wheels. This performance is also an announcement for the major international competition SCHOOL2ROCK, which will take place on Saturday, August 30th, in the nearby Youth Park. It will be an extraordinary opportunity for all visitors, especially the youngest, to meet Ranteš and a whole host of Varaždin's sports ambassadors. Amanda Mlinarić, Enes Garibović, Istok Rodeš, Jana Koščak, Luka Sakač, Mateo Žugec, Patrik Grđan, Roko Farkaš, and Tajana Koščak will greet their fellow citizens and guests, and they will be supported by the coach of the Croatian national football team, Zlatko Dalić. All of them will patiently sign autographs and take photos with fans, sending a strong message about the importance of participating in sports.

Togetherness towards a more inclusive society

Špancirfest has always been a festival that unites and promotes true values, and one such initiative is the traditional "Stroll in a Wheelchair." Organized by the Varaždin Association of Persons with Disabilities, this event aims to raise public awareness of the challenges faced daily by people with disabilities. The program begins with an educational lecture on traffic safety, which will be held at Hotel Turist starting at 5:15 PM. The central part of the event is a joint walk that starts from Capuchin Square at 7:00 PM. By walking through the historic city core, participants will symbolically point out obstacles but also encourage solidarity and the building of a society of equal opportunities for all.

Music giants for the end of the festival Friday

The evening hours are reserved for top-notch musical treats on various festival stages. The intimate and magical atmosphere of the stage at Villa Bedeković belongs to Darko Rundek tonight from 8:30 PM. This true artist, recognizable by his unique musical signature and charismatic vocals, will take the audience on a journey through his rich musical opus. Given that the concert has been sold out for weeks, it is clear how much interest there is in the performance of this music legend whose songs have marked generations. For those craving a harder and more danceable rhythm, the Carlsberg Food & Party zone offers a real energy bomb from 10:00 PM. Koza Mostra, a six-member band from Thessaloniki, takes the stage, uniquely blending ska, punk, and rock with traditional Greek music, such as rebetiko. Known for their unforgettable performance at Eurovision 2013 with the song "Alcohol Is Free" and for their visually striking performances in kilts, these Greeks guarantee an infectious and unrepeatable atmosphere that will get even the most demanding crowd dancing.

Art created before your very eyes

During your stay at the festival, an unmissable stop is School Street, which transforms into Art Street during Špancirfest – a large open-air studio. Here, art literally lives on every corner. Artists of different profiles and expressive forms, from painters and sculptors to illustrators and graffiti artists, create their works directly in front of visitors' eyes. The audience thus gets a rare opportunity to witness the creative process up close, watching ideas come to life and become paintings, sculptures, prints, and murals. It is a place of meeting, conversation, and inspiration, where you can buy a unique work of art or simply enjoy the creative buzz that best reflects the spirit that Varaždin and its festival cherish.