Events & Festivals in Zadar

A festive classical music concert held on January 1st, often featuring the Zadar Chamber Orchestra or guest ensembles. It's a refined way to start the new year in the historic setting of St. Donatus Church or the Croatian National Theatre.

The feast day of Zadar's patron saint. A solemn procession carries the saint's relics through the old town, followed by a mass at the Cathedral of St. Anastasia. A key religious and cultural event for the city.

A energetic pre-Lenten celebration with masked parades, costume competitions, and parties throughout the city. Local groups ("maškare") create elaborate satirical costumes and performances.

A popular running event with marathon, half-marathon, and fun-run distances. The scenic route takes participants along Zadar's famous waterfront (Riva), past ancient monuments, and across the iconic bridge to the mainland.

Holy Week in Zadar is marked by solemn religious observances. The most visually striking is the "Procession of the Dead Christ" on Good Friday, a silent nighttime procession with hooded penitents and historic statues.

A festival celebrating adventure sports and outdoor lifestyle. Features exhibitions, workshops, film screenings, and activities like climbing, kayaking, and trail running in the Zadar region.

A prestigious competition and festival attracting choirs from across Europe and beyond. Concerts and competitions are held in Zadar's magnificent historic churches, offering sublime acoustics.

Part of a nationwide event where museums, galleries, and cultural institutions stay open late into the night with free admission and special programs, concerts, and guided tours.

A traditional midsummer celebration on the eve of St. John's Day. Bonfires are lit on beaches, and there are often folk music performances and jumping over flames for good luck, echoing ancient pagan customs.

One of Croatia's oldest and most prestigious theatre festivals. Features premieres of contemporary Croatian plays performed in stunning open-air historical venues like the Roman Forum and St. Donatus Church.

A series of free open-air concerts held on Zadar's main street, Kalelarga. Features a mix of local pop, rock, and traditional Klapa (a cappella) music, creating a lively, communal street party atmosphere.

A magical night where the city dims its lights to celebrate the full moon. Shops, galleries, and cafes stay open late, and the Riva promenade is lined with candles. Live music and a romantic, ethereal atmosphere prevail.

A dynamic summer night market set up along the city's main waterfront (Riva). Features local artisans selling crafts, jewelry, and souvenirs, alongside food stalls offering quick bites and drinks.

A major national and religious holiday. In Zadar, a special mass is held at the cathedral. Many locals travel, and it's a peak summer holiday period, so the city is lively but some smaller shops may close.

A celebration of Zadar's maritime heritage and the end of the tourist season. Features regattas, fishing competitions, live music on the Riva, and a spectacular fireworks display over the harbor.

A growing festival focusing on debut and second feature films by emerging European directors. Includes screenings, Q&As with filmmakers, and industry workshops, held in the city's modern cinema.

Showcases the best wines from the Zadar region and across Dalmatia. Visitors can taste hundreds of wines directly from local producers, accompanied by traditional Dalmatian food like cheese, pršut (prosciutto), and olives.

The feast day of the patron saint of fishermen. A special mass and blessing of the boats takes place at the Church of St. Simon in the old town, honoring the city's deep connection to the sea.

A solemn national holiday where families visit cemeteries to honor deceased relatives. Cemeteries, especially the main one in Zadar, are illuminated with thousands of candles, creating a moving and beautiful scene.

The old town transforms into a winter wonderland with festive lights, wooden chalets selling crafts, mulled wine (kuhano vino), fritule (sweet doughnuts), and roasted chestnuts. Concerts and family activities create a cozy atmosphere.

A massive open-air celebration on the Riva promenade. Features live music stages with popular Croatian bands, DJs, food stalls, and a midnight fireworks spectacular over the harbor to ring in the New Year.