After the exceptionally well-attended and energetic performances by music giants such as Sergej Ćetković and the band Silente, the cultural and entertainment event Summer at the Gradina continues its rich program, confirming the status of Trsat Castle as the epicenter of summer events in Kvarner. The walls of this historic edifice, which bear witness to centuries of Rijeka's history, are pulsating with life again this summer, offering diverse content for all generations and tastes. The program is already in full swing, and after the youngest audience was delighted by the free children's play "Three Brothers and Three Towers" yesterday, on Thursday, July 17th, the upcoming weekend brings musical treats not to be missed. This is an event that has become synonymous with quality entertainment under the starry sky, and a stay in Trsat is an ideal opportunity to explore the possibilities for premium accommodation in Rijeka.
Tonight, on Friday, July 18th, a true musical sensation arrives on the stage located in the unique ambiance of Nugent Park within Trsat Castle – the popular pop duo from Split, Dalmatino. Ivo Jagnjić and Zdravko Sunara, the duo behind this name, have sparked a kind of revolution in Dalmatian pop music since the very beginning of their career. Their debut album "Cukar i sol" from 2001 not only sold more than 20,000 copies but also earned them the prestigious Porin award for New Artist of the Year, launching them to the very top of the domestic music scene. Their hits like "Ditelina s četiri lista," "Dajem ti rič," or "Božić bijeli" have become an indispensable part of the radio airwaves and the hearts of audiences throughout the region. The concert at Gradina promises an evening filled with emotions, the recognizable Mediterranean sound, and infectious melodies that will, without a doubt, get everyone present dancing and singing. Their music, which combines traditional Dalmatian expression with modern production, will perfectly fit into the magical atmosphere of the Trsat night.
Return to the golden age of disco
Just a day later, on Saturday, July 19th, Trsat Castle transforms into a large open-air dance floor. The Milde Sorte Party is on the schedule, an evening dedicated to the cult Rijeka disco club and the musical era that marked the seventies and eighties of the last century. For all nostalgics and lovers of the unforgettable rhythms of disco, funk, and soul, this is an event that is eagerly awaited. Behind the DJ deck will be the experienced DJ Zdrave, guaranteeing an authentic musical selection that will take visitors back to the time of the legendary Milde, a place that was much more than a club – it was the center of urban life and the musical avant-garde. A night full of dance energy, glitter, and positive vibrations awaits us, and the historic walls of the Castle will serve as the perfect backdrop for reviving the spirit of an unforgettable era. This is an opportunity to remember why Rijeka has always been a city with a special musical pulse, and while you enjoy the rhythms, you might also want to extend your stay and explore what the local accommodation in Trsat has to offer.
Stand-up comedy without censorship
After the musical weekend, the next week brings a change of genre and a chance for laughter to tears. On Thursday, July 24th, the hit stand-up show "Taboos" arrives at Gradina, performed by the popular comedy group LAJNAP. Aleks, Josip, Vlatko, and Saša, the foursome that has been winning over audiences throughout Croatia for years, this time bring their most provocative and honest material. As the title of the show suggests, the comedians tackle topics that are usually whispered about or avoided altogether, without holding back. Through sharp humor, harsh satire, and a dose of black humor, "Taboos" opens up questions from everyday life, male-female relationships, and social phenomena, offering the audience 90 minutes of uncensored laughter. Dynamic, intelligent, and irresistibly entertaining, this show is an ideal choice for all those who are looking for an evening out that will both make them laugh and make them think. Laughter is guaranteed, and the unique ambiance of Trsat Castle will only enhance the experience.
Fierce sounds of Rijeka and Croatian rock
The end of July and August are reserved for true rock treats that will attract fans of a heavier sound. First up is the performance of the cult Rijeka pop-rock group FIT, scheduled for Saturday, July 26th. This band represents one of the most important export products of the Rijeka rock scene of the eighties. Their timeless hits like "Mačka," "Rijeka," and "Zaboravit ću sve" still live on among generations of listeners. Their first album "Uz Rijeku" from 1988, produced by the legendary Milan Mladenović from EKV, launched them into the orbit of Yugoslav popularity. Although their work was interrupted in the early nineties, with some members moving to Amsterdam, the band has reunited, and their comeback performance at Gradina represents a true homage to Rijeka's urban culture and music scene. Their concert will be more than a gig; it will be a nostalgic journey into the golden age of Rijeka rock, filled with energy and the recognizable sound that shaped the city's musical identity. Visitors will have the opportunity to hear live the songs that marked their youth, and a stay in Trsat will be complete with such a musical experience.
As the crown of the summer rock program, on Friday, August 25th, one of the most authentic and charismatic rock performers from this region will step onto the stage of Trsat Castle – Goran Bare & Majke. It is unnecessary to waste too many words on Bare and his band, as they are a living legend and an indispensable part of Croatian rock history. From their first album "Razum i bezumlje," which was declared the rock album of the year, to more recent masterpieces like the album "Teške boje," Majke have always delivered raw, uncompromising, and honest music. Their sound, deeply rooted in blues, punk, and garage rock, is imbued with Bare's painful life experiences, struggles, and victories. His rough voice and heart-wrenching lyrics leave no one indifferent, and their concerts are cathartic experiences that are remembered for a lifetime. The performance at Gradina, under the open sky and with a view of the Kvarner Bay, will be a unique opportunity to experience the power and emotion of one of the greatest rock poets of our time. This is a concert not to be missed, an event that will surely mark this year's Summer at the Gradina and confirm why Rijeka and Trsat hold a special place on the cultural map of Croatia.
All details about the program and tickets are available on the official website of the Rijeka Tourist Board, at the address visitrijeka.hr/ljeto-na-gradini/, so secure your spot on time and be a part of another unforgettable summer on one of the most beautiful stages on the Adriatic.
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