Events in Dubrovnik: festivals, calendar and what’s on

Dubrovnik has events year-round, from open-air summer performances in the Old Town to winter concerts, holiday markets, and foodie festivals in autumn. This guide highlights the city’s signature annual events and shows you where to find the most up-to-date listings for your exact travel dates.

If you are planning your itinerary, start with our Dubrovnik travel guide for neighbourhood tips, attractions, and practical travel info. If you’re visiting Dubrovnik for a festival or special event, it’s easy to turn your trip into a longer itinerary by adding a half-day escape or a full excursion between performances. Browse our best day trips from Dubrovnik guide for ideas like nearby islands, coastal viewpoints, and easy highlights you can fit around your event schedule.

Next, we’ll cover Dubrovnik’s top annual festivals and the best seasons to visit for specific types of events.

Top annual festivals and signature events in Dubrovnik

If you want to plan your trip around Dubrovnik’s biggest events, start here. Exact programmes and dates can vary each year, so treat the timings below as a guide and confirm details via the official calendars linked above.

• Dubrovnik Summer Festival - Dubrovnik’s headline cultural festival, with open-air theatre, classical music, dance and folklore staged across historic venues in and around the Old Town (typically 10 July to 25 August). Official site
• Dubrovnik Winter Festival - Christmas lights, Advent events, concerts and a lively New Year’s period centred on Stradun and Old Town squares (typically late November to early January). Official site
• Good Food Festival - A citywide autumn celebration of local cuisine with tastings, workshops, special menus and the popular Dubrovnik Table finale on Stradun (typically October). Official programme
• Festival of St Blaise (Sveti Vlaho) - Dubrovnik’s most important traditional celebration, with ceremonies, banners, and processions around Candlemas (2 Feb) and the main feast day (3 Feb). UNESCO listing Practical visitor guide
• Midsummer Scene - English-language open-air theatre under the stars, best known for performances at Fort Lovrijenac (typically late June to early July). Official site

If your travel dates are flexible, jump to events by season to find the best time of year for the atmosphere you want.

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Events by season

Dubrovnik’s event calendar changes dramatically with the seasons. Summer is built around major open-air performances, winter focuses on Advent and New Year celebrations, while spring and autumn bring a calmer mix of concerts, exhibitions and local festivals. Use this overview to choose the best time to visit, then confirm exact dates via the official calendars in the section above.

Winter events in Dubrovnik (December to February)

Best for festive atmosphere, seasonal concerts, and local traditions, with fewer crowds than summer (except around New Year). Winter evenings often revolve around the Old Town, especially Stradun, where seasonal programmes and celebrations are commonly staged.

• Dubrovnik Winter Festival - Advent programme, Christmas lights, concerts and family events, typically late November to early January.
• New Year’s Eve celebrations - often centred on Stradun and Old Town squares, with live music and a midnight countdown (programme varies by year).
• Festival of St Blaise (Sveti Vlaho) - Dubrovnik’s most important traditional celebration in early February, with ceremonies and processions focused on the Old Town.
• Winter cultural listings - theatre, classical music, and exhibitions, including museum programmes and special openings (see our museums in Dubrovnik guide for ideas between events).

Spring events in Dubrovnik (March to May)

Best for comfortable sightseeing with a growing cultural programme and a more relaxed pace before peak season. It’s also a great time to pair events with museums and galleries if the weather turns changeable (check our weather in Dubrovnik guide while planning).

• Concerts, exhibitions and theatre programmes - venues and schedules vary, so use the official calendars for current listings.
• Seasonal outdoor events - as temperatures rise, more open-air performances and community gatherings return.
• Religious and cultural dates - Easter week can bring church music and local traditions (timings vary annually).

Summer events in Dubrovnik (June to August)

Best for headline festivals and open-air venues, but also the busiest and most expensive time to visit. Expect many performances and gatherings to be staged around the Old Town and along Stradun, with additional venues at forts and historic sites.

• Midsummer Scene - English-language open-air theatre (typically late June to early July), often staged at Fort Lovrijenac.
• Dubrovnik Summer Festival - Dubrovnik’s flagship performing-arts festival, typically running from 10 July to 25 August with shows across historic venues.
• Open-air concerts and performances - additional events appear throughout the season, especially in and around the Old Town.

Autumn events in Dubrovnik (September to November)

Best for food festivals, cultural events, and pleasant weather with fewer crowds than summer. Autumn is ideal for combining events with sightseeing and museum visits (see our museums in Dubrovnik guide for rainy-day options).

• Good Food Festival - Dubrovnik’s main autumn foodie event, typically in October.
• Film, music and cultural programmes - varied listings that change week to week; check official calendars for what’s on during your dates.
• Local community events - smaller festivals and exhibitions become easier to catch as the city quiets down after peak season.

Next, we’ll break down the biggest events in more detail so you can plan tickets, venues, and the best places to stay.

Festival of St Blaise (Sveti Vlaho)

The Festival of St Blaise is Dubrovnik’s most important traditional celebration and one of the best events to experience if you are visiting in early February. The main day is 3 February, with key ceremonies also taking place around 2 February (Candlemas). It is recognised by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage, and the centrepiece is a procession through the Old Town led by parish banners, clergy, and local participants in traditional dress.

Most of the action happens in and around the Old Town and along Stradun, with additional concerts and exhibitions hosted in cultural venues and across the city.

For current-year dates, times and the programme and visitor-friendly tips see this practical St Blaise festival guide.

What to expect

• Opening events and church ceremonies around Candlemas (2 February), with a build-up of cultural programmes in the days leading into the main feast day.
• The main day (3 February) with a major procession through the Old Town featuring parish banners, traditional costumes, and a strong local atmosphere.
• Concerts, exhibitions and talks running alongside the religious celebrations, often with special events at theatres and city venues.

Tips for visitors

• Arrive early if you want a good viewing spot near Stradun and the main squares.
• Dress for winter conditions and check the forecast in advance using our weather in Dubrovnik guide.
• Combine festival time with indoor culture such as exhibitions and collections featured in our museums in Dubrovnik guide.
• If you are short on time, prioritise the Old Town on 3 February, then use the official calendars for the wider programme of concerts and exhibitions.

Midsummer Scene

Midsummer Scene is Dubrovnik’s standout English-language theatre festival, staged as open-air “theatre under the stars” at the atmospheric Fort Lovrijenac. It typically runs in late June to early July, making it a perfect early-summer highlight before the peak weeks of July and August.

Performances are in English and the festival often pairs its main productions at Fort Lovrijenac with occasional special events at other landmark venues in the Old Town. For the latest programme, show times, and exact dates for your travel period, use the official festival site and the Dubrovnik Tourist Board events listings.

Tickets are usually available online via ulaznice.hr, in person at the Dubrovnik Tourist Board (Pile gate), and sometimes at the venue box office shortly before the performance (subject to availability). Because shows are outdoors and start late, check our weather in Dubrovnik guide and bring a light layer for breezy evenings.

• Midsummer Scene official website - Current season details, programme updates, and festival background.
• Tickets and sales points - Where to buy tickets online and in Dubrovnik.
• Dubrovnik Tourist Board: Events - Official listings and related summer events.

Tips for visiting

• Plan extra time for the walk and steps up to Fort Lovrijenac, especially if you are coming from Stradun and the Pile area.
• Book earlier for popular dates in peak travel weeks, as capacity is limited compared to large open squares.
• Arrive a bit early to settle in and enjoy the setting before the lights go down.

Regular and recurring events

Beyond the big annual festivals, Dubrovnik has a steady rotation of weekly concerts, cultural programmes, exhibitions and traditional performances. The easiest way to find what matches your travel dates is to check the official event calendars first, then use the sources below for specific organisers and venues.

• Holy Mass in English - English-language Mass at the Jesuit Church of St Ignatius is often offered seasonally (commonly Sundays at 11:00); confirm current availability and dates before you go.
• Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra (DSO) concerts - Classical concerts and special performances throughout the year, with programme details and ticket links published on the official calendar.
• Dubrovnik Museums exhibitions - Current exhibitions and rotating displays across city museums, ideal for building a rainy-day plan or adding culture between events.
• Linđo Folklore Ensemble - Traditional dance and music performances are most common from late spring to autumn; check the official schedule and book tickets online if you want a guaranteed seat.

If you are staying in the Old Town, many performances and public celebrations take place within a short walk of Stradun. For a smoother plan, pair evening events with daytime visits from our museums in Dubrovnik guide, and check the weather in Dubrovnik forecast before outdoor performances.

Want to make a full night of it? Many shows and concerts start later in the evening, so it’s easy to combine your plans with dinner beforehand or a drink afterwards. Use our Dubrovnik restaurants guide to choose a place near the Old Town, then browse Dubrovnik bars and clubs for relaxed wine bars, cocktail spots, and late-night options after the curtain call.

Practical tips for attending events in Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik’s best events often happen in historic outdoor venues, which is part of the magic (and also the main reason you should plan tickets, timing, and weather). Use the tips below to avoid sold-out shows, find the right viewing spots, and build an easy evening plan.

Where most events take place

• Old Town squares and main streets (especially Stradun) for public concerts, seasonal programmes and festival atmospheres.
• Fortresses and open-air stages (for example Fort Lovrijenac for major theatre nights).
• Historic cultural venues (such as palace courtyards, churches and museums) for concerts, exhibitions and special programmes.

Tickets: where to buy and when to book

• Dubrovnik Summer Festival: buy via the official festival website and check the festival box office information listed on programme pages.
• Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra: tickets are commonly sold via ulaznice.hr and may also be available at the venue entrance shortly before the concert (when not sold out).
• Holiday-season and headline outdoor concerts: arrive early even if the event is free, as the best viewing areas fill up quickly.
• If your trip dates are fixed, book earlier for limited-capacity venues (forts, courtyards and theatre performances).

Free events vs ticketed events

• Many winter and public square programmes are free to attend, especially around Advent and New Year celebrations in the Old Town.
• Major performances (theatre, orchestral concerts, special productions) are usually ticketed and can sell out in peak weeks.
• Food-festival finales may use voucher systems for tastings; always check the official event listing for the current year’s rules and prices.

Crowds, arrival times and getting a good spot

• For Old Town events, aim to arrive 30 to 60 minutes early if you want to stand near the action (especially around Stradun).
• For fort and venue performances, arrive early to handle walking time, steps, and ticket checks without stress.
• Peak crowd periods are typically late June through August, plus New Year’s week and early February (St Blaise).

Weather and what to wear

• Outdoor events are common, so check the forecast before you plan your evening using our weather in Dubrovnik guide.
• Even in summer, bring a light layer for late-night fort venues and breezy terrace seating.
• In winter, dress warmly for standing concerts and outdoor markets, especially if you plan to linger after midnight.

Make an easy “event night” plan

Most performances start later in the evening, so it’s easy to build a simple plan: explore the Old Town in the late afternoon, grab dinner nearby, then head to your event. Start with our Dubrovnik restaurants guide for pre-show options, and keep our Dubrovnik bars and clubs page handy for a post-show drink.

Accessibility notes

• Historic venues often have steps, uneven stone streets and limited seating. If accessibility matters for your group, choose seated indoor concerts and confirm venue access details before buying tickets.
• For practical planning help (routes, surfaces, and tips for moving around the city), see our guide for guests with disabilities in Dubrovnik.
• If you need a low-effort evening, prioritise events in central Old Town areas and keep walking distances short.

Where to stay for festivals

Where you stay can make a big difference for Dubrovnik events, especially if you plan late-night performances or want to be able to walk back easily after a show. For most headline festivals, the Old Town area is the most convenient, but there are smart alternatives if you want better value, easier access, or a quieter sleep.

Start by browsing accommodation type: hotels in Dubrovnik, villas in Dubrovnik, and hostels in Dubrovnik. If you’re travelling on a tight budget, see our round-up of budget hotels in Dubrovnik.

Old Town: best for walkability and atmosphere

• Ideal if you want to be close to historic venues, festival stages, and evening events around the Old Town.
• Expect higher prices and more noise in peak weeks (especially mid-July to late August).
• Great option if you plan to combine events with dinner and drinks near the centre.

Ploče and Boninovo: close to the action with easier access

• Good for travellers who want quick access to the Old Town but prefer hotels and easier transport compared to staying inside the walls.
• Often a better choice if you have early tours and late shows and want a smoother routine.

Lapad and Gruž: best value for most travellers

• Strong all-round choice with more accommodation options and a calmer base, while still being well connected to the Old Town.
• Great for winter events too, as seasonal programmes can be spread across the city.
• Ideal if you want a quieter place to sleep after concerts and nightlife.

When to book early

• For peak event weeks in summer (especially during the main festival season), book accommodation well in advance.
• For late December and New Year’s, demand rises again, so lock in accommodation early if you want central locations.
• For early February (St Blaise), availability can tighten in the Old Town area, especially for shorter stays.

To match your base with what’s happening during your dates, use the official event calendars from the "What’s on right now" section and prioritise walkability if you plan multiple evening events in and around the Old Town.

What’s on in Dubrovnik right now

Event programmes and dates can change, especially outside peak season. For the most accurate “what’s on” listings during your stay, use these official calendars (updated regularly):

• Dubrovnik Tourist Board: Events - City events, concerts, theatre, exhibitions, and seasonal programmes.
• City of Dubrovnik: Events calendar - Official city listings with venues, organisers, and upcoming dates.
• Visit Dubrovnik: Event Calendar - Month-by-month calendar for Dubrovnik-Neretva County.
• Croatia.hr: Events in Croatia - National listings that can help you spot bigger events while travelling around Dalmatia.

FAQ: Dubrovnik events and festivals

What is the best time to visit Dubrovnik for events?

For the biggest festival atmosphere, visit in summer (late June to August), when major open-air performances and cultural programmes peak. For a festive city vibe with fewer crowds, late November to early January is ideal thanks to the Dubrovnik Winter Festival and seasonal events. If you prefer mild weather and a calmer city with plenty of culture, spring and autumn are a great balance.

How do I find what’s on in Dubrovnik during my dates?

The most reliable approach is to use official calendars for up-to-date listings and last-minute changes. Start with the Dubrovnik Tourist Board events page and the City of Dubrovnik events calendar, then cross-check with the Visit Dubrovnik event calendar for month-by-month listings.

Are Dubrovnik events free?

Many public celebrations and seasonal programmes (especially around Advent and New Year) are free to attend, particularly in the Old Town and along Stradun. Theatre productions, orchestral concerts, and headline festival performances are usually ticketed, and some food events may use vouchers or paid tasting formats.

Do I need to book tickets in advance?

For limited-capacity venues (forts, courtyards and theatre stages) and peak-season dates, booking ahead is strongly recommended. If your travel dates are fixed, check ticket links from the official event listing or the organiser’s website and reserve early for the best seats.

Where do major events take place in Dubrovnik?

Many headline events happen in or near the Old Town, including outdoor performances and public celebrations around Stradun. Theatre festivals often use dramatic historic venues such as forts, while exhibitions and cultural programmes are commonly hosted in museums and galleries (see our museums in Dubrovnik guide for options between events).

Is Dubrovnik crowded during festivals?

Yes, the city can get very busy during peak summer festival weeks, as well as around New Year’s and early February (St Blaise). If you prefer a calmer trip, aim for spring or autumn and focus on smaller concerts, exhibitions and local cultural listings.

What if it rains or it’s windy?

Dubrovnik is famous for open-air venues, so weather matters. Check the forecast before you plan your evening using our weather in Dubrovnik guide, and keep a backup plan of indoor culture (museums, exhibitions and concerts) in case an outdoor programme changes.

Are events in Dubrovnik accessible?

Accessibility varies because many venues are historic and involve steps and uneven stone streets. If accessibility is important for your group, prioritise seated indoor concerts and confirm venue access details in advance. For practical planning tips, routes and surfaces, see our guide for guests with disabilities in Dubrovnik.

What should I do before and after an event?

Most performances start later in the evening, so a classic Dubrovnik plan is simple: arrive in the Old Town in the late afternoon, have dinner nearby, then head to your show. Use our Dubrovnik restaurants guide for pre-show ideas and browse Dubrovnik bars and clubs for a relaxed drink after the event.

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