The walls of the Trsat Castle, a historical gem that watches over Rijeka, are opening their gates tonight to the twentieth, jubilee edition of the "Summer at Gradina" event. With a celebratory concert by Tomislav Bralić and klapa Intrade, which begins on June 19, the rich cultural and entertainment program that will mark the hot summer months in the city on the Rječina will officially begin. This event, which has become an indispensable part of Rijeka's cultural offer and a recognizable brand over two decades, brings more than twenty diverse events this year, confirming the status of Trsat Castle as the epicenter of summer happenings.

With the management taken over by the Rijeka Tourist Board, Trsat Castle is experiencing a renaissance. Intensive investments in infrastructure, which include the introduction of electricity, water, and an optical network, as well as careful horticultural landscaping, have transformed this cultural monument into a modern and functional open-air stage. The vision is clear: to create a location that is programmatically active throughout the year, not just during the summer season. This year, the program is expanding to the attractive, newly renovated Nugent Park, providing additional space for unique cultural experiences and attracting numerous visitors who will be looking for perfect accommodation in Rijeka to be at the center of the events.

A musical spectacle for all generations

Immediately after the grand opening, visitors can expect the premiere edition of the Rijeka Summer Festival. This is a two-day music event that brings an impressive lineup of regional music stars to Gradina. Fans of various genres will enjoy performances by the charismatic Rambo Amadeus, the sharp-witted Edo Maajke, the legendary Rijeka electro-pop group Denis & Denis, the cult band Pips, Chips & Videoclips, the master of dance rhythms Ilan Kabiljo, and the energetic Ministranti. This festival represents a true Rijeka musical introduction to the summer, combining rock, pop, hip-hop, and electronic music.

July at Gradina continues in the same rhythm. The month will be marked by concerts of some of the most popular performers in the region. Romantic souls are eagerly awaiting the performance of Montenegrin singer-songwriter Sergej Ćetković, while fans of modern pop-rock sound will get their fill with concerts by the groups Silente and Dalmatino. The music program in July will be rounded off by a performance by the indestructible Goran Bare and his Majke, and a concert by the cult Rijeka group Fit, which guarantees evenings filled with energy and recognizable hits. Many guests from other cities are already planning their arrival, exploring options for staying in Rijeka to catch these musical treats.

August brings new excitement and musical legends. The hip-hop group from Split, TBF, known for their witty and socially engaged lyrics, will take the stage. The audience will certainly be delighted by the diva of the Croatian music scene, Jasna Zlokić, as well as the unique sevdah performer Božo Vrećo, whose performances leave no one indifferent. A particularly emotional moment will be Damir Kedžo's fifth performance at Gradina, who time and again confirms his strong connection with the local audience. The culmination of the August program and the celebration of a major anniversary awaits us with a concert by Crvena jabuka, which will mark 40 years of its impressive career right here at Trsat.

From laughter and history to the international stage

This year's "Summer at Gradina" brings more than just music. The program is designed to satisfy the most diverse tastes, also offering theatrical and comedy content. A dose of laughter will be provided by the "Tabuji stand up show," which brings together the cream of the local stand-up scene: Aleks Curać Šarić, Josip Gotovac, Vlatko Štampar, and Saša Turković. Their sharp humor will surely echo through the walls of the Castle.

A special chapter of this year's event will be the guest appearance of the popular South Korean bands YB and Rolling Quartz. Their performance in Rijeka is part of a European tour, giving "Summer at Gradina" a strong international character. This event also has additional promotional significance, as Rijeka will become the backdrop for the filming of a reality show about the bands' stay in Europe. This opens the door to new markets and positions Rijeka as an attractive destination on the global cultural map, which will surely stimulate interest in finding accommodation in Rijeka among international tourists.

For the youngest visitors, the play "Three Brothers and Three Towers" has been prepared, and art lovers will be able to see the exhibition "Pul Kaštela". A special experience will be the program "Rock 'n' rollin' time", a three-hour musical spectacle that will take the audience through the history of rock music with hits from legendary bands such as Queen, Bon Jovi, and Toto. The end of the event is reserved for the historical monodrama "Ana Katarina", directed by Ana Malenica, which tells the poignant story of the life of one of the most significant women in Croatian history, Ana Katarina Frankopan Zrinski.

Dance rhythms and a vision for the future

Lovers of dance music and partying until dawn will also find something for themselves. On July 5, "Sunset Castle" will be held, a day house party with a unique view of Rijeka and the Kvarner Bay. With a proven lineup of DJs, dancing is guaranteed. The program also offers themed evenings such as "Disco Revival", "Milde Sorte Party", KPP Open air, and the popular Lolipop concept, which guarantee diversity and good fun under the starry sky.

"This event is not just a summer story - it is a pledge for the future of Trsat Castle," said Petar Škarpa, director of the Rijeka Tourist Board. He emphasized that behind this project are twenty years of dedicated work, numerous partnerships, and thousands of satisfied visitors, but also that, with seven strategic partners and a clear vision, the real development is yet to come. The goal is to create a location that will be the cultural and social center of the city throughout the year. The complete and detailed program is available on the official website of the Rijeka Tourist Board, visitrijeka.hr, where all interested parties can find information about tickets and the schedule of events. With its twentieth edition, "Summer at Gradina" once again proves how it successfully combines tradition, culture, and top-notch entertainment, making Rijeka an unmissable summer destination.