Ahead of us is a week that will offer the residents and visitors of Novi Vinodolski a multitude of reasons for celebration, socializing, and enjoying the summer joys. The entire city and its surroundings become a stage for a rich and diverse program that combines music, tradition, sports, and art, confirming the status of this Kvarner pearl as an unmissable summer destination. Starting from today, July 8th, until the middle of next week, Novi Vinodolski is breathing at full capacity, offering something for every taste and generation.

The musical overture to the week begins tonight, Tuesday, July 8th, with a unique concert by the trio Franolić Mureškić Gabrić. Their original music, which skillfully navigates the crossroads of world music expression and jazz, will create a special atmosphere in the intimate setting of Srićina kuća, starting at 9:00 PM. Dražen Franolić on the oud, Kamenko Mureškić on percussion, and Emil Gabrić on the violin will take the audience on a sound journey filled with oriental melodies and improvisation. In case of unfavorable weather conditions, this musical experience will move to the safe haven of the National Reading Room and Library of Novi Vinodolski, ensuring that the audience is not deprived of this exceptional cultural event.

Highlight of the week: The tenth jubilee edition of "Okolotorno"

The central event of the week, the one that connects the past and the present in the most beautiful way, is undoubtedly the tenth, jubilee edition of the beloved event "Okolotorno". This unique evening, scheduled for Wednesday, July 9th, from 7:30 PM to 11:30 PM, will transform the historic core of Novi Vinodolski into a living stage where scenes from the city's rich history intertwine. The streets and squares of the Old Town will become the scene of a journey through time, where visitors will be greeted by historical figures who have marked this region. Among them are the proud Frankopans, the city guard that vigilantly keeps order, Ban Ivan Mažuranić, and his granddaughter, the famous writer Ivana Brlić-Mažuranić. Members of the Cultural-Artistic Society "Ilija Dorčić" will further enliven the spirit of past times with their picturesque folk costumes.

This year's jubilee edition also brings special surprises. The program will be enriched with an attractive acrobatic show at Frankopan Square at 8:30 PM and a unique living fountain that will surely attract the eyes of the curious. A warm welcome will be provided by the members of the Association 51+, who will offer all attendees homemade sweets and traditional rakija. The entire old town core will be filled with the sounds of music, provided by as many as four bands: Trio Nebuloza, Trio Fumić, Tamburaški sastav Novi, and Klapa Kala. Their notes will create a pleasant and relaxing soundscape as visitors explore every corner of the revived history. The youngest visitors will have the opportunity to try their hand at archery or decorate their faces with cheerful motifs, while specially arranged photo corners will be ideal places for creating lasting summer memories. The gastronomic offer will be an indispensable part of the experience, with two coastal taverns offering indigenous wines, sparkling wines, and delicious prosciutto, and the unmissable corner with fragrant fritule. Hard-working craftsmen will display their unique handicrafts on stalls, turning the streets into a colorful market of creativity and tradition. "Okolotorno" is more than an event; it is an experience that celebrates the rich heritage of Novi Vinodolski.

Music, sports, and tradition throughout the riviera

The fun continues throughout the weekend. On Friday, July 11th, the music stage moves to nearby Povile, where the popular Jole, known for creating a great atmosphere, will perform at the Puntica caffe bar. Tickets for this concert spectacle can be purchased at the entrance or through the Entrio.hr system, at a price of 15.00 euros for a regular ticket and 50.00 euros for a VIP ticket.

The weekend will be marked by sports. From Friday, July 11th, until Sunday, July 13th, the Small Sports Playground in Novi Vinodolski will host the futsal tournament "Old Timeri over 50", which will bring together veteran teams in the spirit of friendship and sports competition. Saturday, July 12th, brings two traditional sporting events. Sailing enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the Velebit Channel Regatta – open cruiser, which will once again gather numerous crews and decorate the sea in front of the city with white sails. On the same day, in Ledenice, a bocce tournament will be held from 2:00 PM, as part of the celebration of the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, combining sporting tradition with a religious ceremony. Saturday evening in the center of Novi Vinodolski is reserved for outdoor music, as the band Tremolo will take the stage at 9:00 PM and get the audience dancing.

Sunday, July 13th, will be especially festive in Klenovica, which celebrates the feast of Saint Margaret, its heavenly patroness. The celebration will begin with a Holy Mass in the Church of St. Margaret at 11:00 AM. The evening program brings the traditional blessing of boats, ships, the sea, and fishermen, an act that pays tribute to the deep connection of the place with the sea. The highlight of the evening will be a concert by Antonio Krištofić, who will grace the celebration with his performance.

Postponed concert and introduction to the classical music festival

An important notice for all fans of klapa singing is that the concert of Tomislav Bralić and klapa Intrade, originally planned for July 8th, has been postponed due to the forecast of bad weather. The new date for the concert is Monday, July 14th. This free musical spectacle will take place at the beautiful location of Školjić beach in Klenovica, starting at 9:00 PM, providing a perfect end to a rich week.

Cultural events continue in the following week. The Turnac City Gallery continues with its exhibition program and from Tuesday, July 15th, until July 25th, will host an exhibition by the talented artist Maša Barišić. On the same day, Tuesday, July 15th, Novi Vinodolski also becomes a center for classical music. In the Church of St. Philip and Jacob, starting at 9:00 PM, a performance by the Zagreb Wind Trio will officially open the ArtNovi 2025 International Classical Music Festival, heralding another period filled with top artistic experiences.