The event “Summer at the Gradina” is proudly taking place this summer of 2025 in its jubilee, 20th edition, bringing the richest, most diverse, and most ambitious program in the rich history of this event so far. Organized by the Tourist Board of Rijeka, the event not only gathers numerous visitors from domestic and international audiences but also further affirms the Trsat Castle and Nugent Park as indispensable backdrops of culture and entertainment.

A new dimension of space – Gradina and Nugent Park

The previous set of events took place exclusively on the terrace of Trsat Castle, but this year the program has been enriched with a new stage in Nugent Park. This expansion made it possible to accommodate larger concerts, but also further strengthened the cultural identity of Trsat as a place where culture lives throughout the year, not only during summer evenings.

Technical and infrastructural renewal

Along with the expansion of space, significant infrastructural revitalization was carried out in the past year: optical networks, electricity, and water supply were introduced, work began on the renovation of the entrance tower, and horticultural landscaping of Nugent Park is also planned. This gives Trsat additional value and potential for future cultural events throughout the year.

A breathtaking program: music, theater, and entertainment for all ages

The opening of the event was marked by the concert of Tomislav Bralić and klapa Intrade on June 19, officially starting an unforgettable summer filled with music, performances, and thematic events.

Since then, a series of concerts and special events followed: the Weekend “Rijeka Summer Fest” attracted numerous visitors with stars such as Rambo Amadeus, Edo Maajka, Denis & Denis, Pips, Chips & Videoclips, Ilan Kabiljo, and Ministranti. In July, Sergej Ćetković, Silente, Dalmatino also performed, and for the youngest, children’s plays such as “Three Brothers and Three Towers” were prepared, while the exhibition “Pul Kaštela” revived the musical heritage of the local community.

A special chapter was opened by Korean rock bands YB and Rolling Quartz – their arrival brought an international dimension to the event, the filming of a reality show, and the promotion of Rijeka in global music circles.

For the highlight of the traditional scene, Goran Bare & Majke and the group Fit took care, and in August the audience enjoyed performances by TBF, Jasna Zlokić, and the legend of modern sevdah – Božo Vrećo. His concert on August 13, held under the starry sky of Trsat, was a true emotional climax: Božo Vrećo gifted the audience with a performance full of longing, melancholy, and spiritual depth, with a style that combines sevdah, jazz, blues, and polyphonic forms.

The evening of August 15 was reserved for Damir Kedžo, whose concert was marked as particularly important – the live recording allowed the audience to become part of a permanent music record, and Kedžo himself emphasized that his performance in Rijeka was an emotional obligation and a great honor.

The content that began with the beauty of sevdah continued with the playful energy of the Disco Evening for the youngest on August 14, and the rock spectacle “Rock’n’Rollin’ Time” on August 16 – an event that, through DJ sets and the powerful live performance of The Link Band Rock Adventure with guests Valerija Nikolovska and Žanil Tataj “Žak”, transported the audience through classics of Queen, Bon Jovi, AC/DC, and Tina Turner in a unique rock experience.

Gastronomy, togetherness, and spiritual atmosphere

In addition to music and theater programs, the event offered a rich gastronomic-entertainment dimension: food trucks, thematic parties such as “Disco Revival” and “Milde sorte party”, the Lolipop concept, and KPP open air created an atmosphere that connects generations and provides an experience of togetherness and relaxed fun.

Continuation of the cultural identity of Trsat

“Summer at the Gradina” confirms for the twentieth year in a row its status as a cultural brand of Rijeka, a place where tradition and innovation go hand in hand. Concerts, plays, thematic parties, international guests, and the technical revitalization of the space give strength to the vision by which Trsat becomes a living, cultural point throughout the year.