Hrvatsko zagorje, a landscape of hills, vineyards, and rich history, is preparing for another spectacle that celebrates its unique heritage. In the heart of the Gupčev kraj region, from Friday, June 13, to Sunday, June 15, 2025, the town of Donja Stubica becomes the epicenter of culture, entertainment, and tradition. The fourth edition of Stubica Fest, an event that has already become synonymous with top-quality entertainment and the preservation of local identity, opens its doors to all visitors, and entry to all events is completely free this year as well. The organizer, the Tourist Board of the Donja Stubica and Gornja Stubica area, once again guarantees three days filled with unforgettable experiences, blending the spirit of a glorious past with the rhythm of modern entertainment.

This festival is not just a series of events; it is the living tissue of the community, a platform where generations meet to celebrate together everything that makes the Gupčev kraj region special. Visitors will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the authentic atmosphere of Zagorje life, where pride in heritage and dedication to its preservation can be felt at every step. Get ready for a weekend filled with smiles, music, tastes, and scents that will take you back to the past, but also offer top-notch modern entertainment.

A blend of history, culture, and top-notch entertainment

The Stubica Fest program is conceived as a mosaic of different experiences, carefully assembled to satisfy the tastes of all visitors, from the youngest to the oldest. The central event location, the Gastro Entertainment Zone located at Matija Gupac Square, will be the main gathering place and the heart of the festival. A large stage will be located here, where famous names from the Croatian music scene will perform over the three days. On Friday, June 13, the atmosphere will be warmed up by the music diva Jelena Rozga, whose performance will begin at 10 PM. Saturday, June 14, is reserved for the rock legends, the group Prljavo kazalište, while on Sunday, June 15, the popular Mejaši will entertain the audience. Bands like Smooth band, Footloose band, and Kumovi will also ensure a great atmosphere before and after the main concerts, guaranteeing that the music and dancing will not stop until late into the night.

But music is only part of the story. Stubica Fest is also a journey through time. A special segment of the festival is dedicated to reviving medieval history, with an emphasis on the Peasants' Revolt of 1573 which made this region famous. As part of Tahi's Knightly Tournament, visitors will be able to witness impressive displays of knightly combat, the torture of serfs performed by historical associations such as the Vitezovi zelingradski and the hosts, the Družba vitezova zlatnog kaleža. You can also expect performances by guest groups, such as the Slovak association Exheredis, and humorous skits like "The Boar Hunt". The evening hours bring a special spectacle – fire combat and a fire show that will surely leave the audience breathless.

Tastes and smells of the Gupčev kraj region

No festival in Zagorje would be complete without a rich gastronomic offer that celebrates the authentic flavors of the region. Stubica Fest transforms Donja Stubica into a true gourmet oasis. Numerous caterers and family farms (OPGs) will present the best of Zagorje cuisine. The stands will be filled with the scents of traditional dishes – from the indispensable štrukli, prepared boiled and baked, through the delicious turkey with mlinci, to homemade sausages, cheeses, and cream. Visitors will also be able to taste Zagorje soup, bučnica, zlijevka, and sweeten up with homemade cakes. A special attraction will be the 5th Humanitarian Craftsmen's Pot, which will be held on Saturday from 3 PM, where traditional dishes will be cooked in large cauldrons, and all proceeds are intended for charitable purposes. On Sunday, a free distribution of beans is scheduled, accompanied by tamburaši players, a gesture that shows the hospitality and community spirit of this region. Along with food, there is also a rich offer of drinks, with an emphasis on local wines and homemade brandies, which visitors will be able to taste and buy directly from the producers.

Besides ready-made meals, the festival is also an opportunity to buy authentic products. Local OPGs will offer their homemade products – from honey and jams to pumpkin seed oil, cheeses, and cured meat delicacies. It is the perfect opportunity to take a piece of Zagorje home with you and enjoy its flavors even after the festival ends.

A program for the whole family

The organizers have paid special attention to making Stubica Fest an event for the whole family. In Feller's Corner, located in the beautiful Feller Family Park, a rich educational and entertainment program will take place. Saturday is entirely dedicated to the youngest. From 5 PM to 8 PM, children can expect numerous workshops, a healthy corner, face painting, and socializing with Balonko. Virtual reality on wheels will provide a unique digital experience, and the "Colorful World" brings the play "Where does healthy food grow?", a performance by stilt walkers with balloons, jugglers, and socializing with the Miss Piggy mascot. The highlight of the children's program will be the magic show by Luka Vidović "What's the trick?" which starts at 7 PM and guarantees laughter and wonder.

Sunday at Feller's Corner brings a program for adults. From 5 PM to 7 PM, a culinary show will be held with the famous pastry chef Petra Jelenić titled "The Zagorje Treat – Strepa", where she will demonstrate how to combine traditional recipes with modern culinary techniques. The evening is reserved for laughter with a stand-up performance by the popular comedian Vlatko Štampar, which begins at 7 PM. In addition to all this, visitors will have at their disposal one of the most attractive amusement parks in the region, Fun park Sementa, which, with its adrenaline rides and attractions, will surely delight all thrill-seekers.

Explore the beauties of Donja Stubica

Stubica Fest is an ideal opportunity not only for entertainment but also for exploring the cultural and historical sights that Donja Stubica and its surroundings offer. Take advantage of your stay and visit the Matija Gupac House in Hižakovec, which testifies to the difficult but glorious past of this region. The Stubički Golubovec Castle, one of the most valuable Croatian castles of the late Baroque period, is also a must-see. Nearby, in Gornja Stubica, is the monumental monument to the Peasants' Revolt and Matija Gupac, a work by the sculptor Antun Augustinčić, and Gubec's Linden Tree, an old witness to history under whose crown, according to legend, Gubec gathered his rebels. A visit to the Museum of Peasants' Revolts in Oršić Castle will give you a deeper insight into the historical context that shaped the identity of this region. The entire stay in Donja Stubica is an opportunity to enjoy the beautiful nature, walks, and discovering the hidden corners of green Zagorje.