During the summer months, Varaždin transforms into a unique open-air stage, a pulsating center of culture, art, music, and entertainment. Under the umbrella name "Ljeto u Varaždinu", the city from June 1st all the way to August 21st offers an incredible kaleidoscope with more than 150 different events. This impressive number is the result of the synergy of about thirty organizers, including city institutions, cultural establishments, sports clubs, and civil society associations, who have together created a program that promises to fulfill even the most diverse expectations. Whether you are a lover of classical music, urban festivals, traditional heritage, or simply looking for a relaxed summer evening, Varaždin is a destination that will delight you with its rich and colorful offer.

A festival epicenter for every taste

The title of the city of festivals, which Varaždin proudly bears, comes to the fore most during the summer. The season was opened by the popular KVART festival, which is traditionally held in the space of the former Varteks factory, bringing a touch of urban culture and gathering the most current names of the domestic and regional music scene. But, that is just the beginning of the festival fever. Laughter-to-tears awaits fans at the Get up stand up Festival, which will bring renowned comedians to the stage. For those who lean towards a more alternative expression, there is the IKAR fest, while the most charming city festival, the Festival of Varaždin Courtyards, will once again open the doors of the otherwise hidden intimacy of the historic core, turning them into magical stages filled with music, art installations, and gastronomic delicacies. For lovers of beer and a good atmosphere, the Biergarten at the Old Town is a must-visit, and tradition from all over the world is brought to the city by the International Folklore Festival COFA. The summer music mosaic is completed by the Fontana blues festival, which will gather lovers of this timeless music genre at the Theater Square.

A musical rhapsody on the streets and in the halls

As a UNESCO-protected city of music, Varaždin fosters an exceptionally rich and diverse music program. The Varaždin Concert Office has taken on the role of the main curator of musical experiences, organizing a series of concerts ranging from classical to contemporary music. The atrium of the City Hall, with its acoustics and historical ambiance, will be the stage for a performance by the esteemed Varaždin Trio. The great concert hall of the Croatian National Theater in Varaždin will host the anniversary concert of soprano Sofija Cingule, while a real musical treat for all sound gourmets will be the concert of Elvis Stanić, an award-winning Croatian multi-instrumentalist, composer, and producer, whose performances regularly push the boundaries of jazz and fusion. A special charm to the summer evenings is given by the dance evenings at the Theater Square, which invite all generations to dance under the stars to popular rhythms.

Saturdays in the heart of Baroque tradition

Saturday mornings and forenoons in Varaždin have become a true brand and an experience in themselves, offering a unique blend of music, history, and tradition. The program "The Musical Face of Varaždin on Saturdays", organized by the Varaždin Tourist Board, brings the historic core to life in the most beautiful way possible. Imagine walking through the city while the sounds of classical music drift from the balconies of baroque palaces, or being surprised by a music camper van in one of the squares. In the Varaždin Cathedral, you can enjoy mini-concerts of classical, popular, and film music on the organ, and a special attraction is the return of the barrel organ player to the streets, whose appearance causes delight and awakens nostalgia. An indispensable part of the Saturday ritual is the attractive changing of the guard of the Varaždin Civic Guard, the popular Purgars, in front of the City Hall, which culminates with a loud cannon shot exactly at noon at the Old Town. Elegant ladies in historical dresses and a retro bicycle from the Museum of Oldtimers and Old Technology further complete this living historical postcard. Interesting workshops are held at the Square of Traditional Crafts where you can see how authentic products are made, and the program is often enriched by performances of folklore ensembles. To fully experience all the charms the city has to offer, we recommend planning your stay and securing accommodation in Varaždin.

Exploring history and relaxing by the Drava

For all the curious and history lovers, the Varaždin Tourist Guides Association organizes free themed tours during eleven Saturday slots. This is an excellent opportunity to discover, with expert guidance, hidden stories, anecdotes, and intriguing tidbits from the city's rich past and to get to know the personalities who shaped its identity. Literary connoisseurs will find their refuge in the "Metel Ožegović" City Library and Reading Room, where book presentations and meetings with authors will be held, while the youngest residents of Varaždin and their guests will be delighted by numerous creative workshops in the children's department. When the temperatures rise, refreshment is offered by the City Beach on the Drava river. The beginning of the swimming season will traditionally be marked by the second edition of the Dravski kotlić, a goulash cooking competition that gathers numerous teams and visitors in a good mood. At the same time, at the City Pools on Zagrebačka Street, the "Fućkaš more" program brings summer rhythms with electronic music and poolside fun. With the arrival of the evening, the favorite Miljenko Stančić Square, with its charming terraces, becomes the epicenter of a relaxed nightlife as part of the "Ljeto na Stančiću" program, with selected DJs who guarantee a great atmosphere. All these events represent a perfect overture and warm-up for the crown of the summer season – the 27th edition of Špancirfest. The most famous and most visited Croatian street festival, which will be held from August 22nd to 31st, will once again turn the entire historic core into the largest and most entertaining open-air stage. Plan your visit in time and find the ideal accommodation in Varaždin to be at the center of the events.