Time Out Croatia news

Croatia hosts dozens of film festivals throughout the year, but as the summer season kicks off, the most prestigious take centre stage. Some take place in amazing locations, from a fortified hilltop town to a Roman colosseum. In chronological order, here are the film fests with the best up and down Croatia this summer.  Fantastic Zagreb Film Festival, until July 9 Taking place before large crowds gathered at the Tuškanac Summer Stage, this 13th edition of the English-friendly FZZF focuses on science fiction, mystery, thrillers and adventure. Starting out in 2011 at Gradec, the roof of the Tuškanac garage and the Europa Cinema, this popular event then revived the open-air venue at Tuškanac after 40 years of inactivity. This year’s involves 40 titles from all over the world over ten days, from Hitchcock to an in-depth interview with William Shatner. The schedule includes new releases as well as classics such as the John Carpenter Sci-Fi action staple, They Live. Tickets are €5, and can only be purchased in person. For more details see here. Festival of Tolerance, July 1-10 This unique festival takes place at Bundek park in Novi Zagreb, and focuses on Holocaust education, as well as refugee and disabled rights in Croatia. Combining film and education, the event centres on human dignity via a schedule of short- and feature-length films, documentaries and talks. For general information, see the 2022 site here.  Tabor Film Festival, July

The legend of the world’s most famous seducer, Giacomo Casanova, is the subject of a free walking tour given in English in Vrsar, Istria. The Venetian writer and adventurer actually visited this pretty seaside town of 1743 – the last stop on the tour is the place where he stayed, Casanova’s Shelter. The walk also allows you discover hidden parts of the old town and hear tales of this romantic bohemian. Tours run every two weeks until August 22, the next one being on Thursday, July 6 at 8pm from the tourist office at the harbour (Obala maršala Tita 23). Actors from the award-winning tourism project Istra Inspirit play out the historic roles in full costume. Those interested in following in Casanova’s footsteps should reserve their place by calling +385 52 441 746 or emailing info@infovrsar.com.

Just a few minutes' walk from Zagreb's main square, usually tranquil Mažuranića trg will be transformed into a month-long party this summer. Stands representing key bars and restaurants from around the capital will be set up to offer street food, beer and cocktails.  Hosting different outdoor festivals around the city throughout the year, this edition of Caffe de Matoš brings a summer vibe to the city this season. Running every day from June 30 to July 29, the party features a long line-up of musical acts and DJs from Croatia and around the world.  For more information, check out the event's Facebook and Instagram pages.  Where: Mažuranića trg, Zagreb. When: June 20-July 29.

Scuba divers training for underwater mine clearance off the coast of Šćedro island near Hvar discovered an ancient shipwreck containing Roman pottery, much of it intact, dating back to the 3rd century BC. Underwater archaeologists Saša Denegri and Tea Katunarić Kirjakov identified the find, about 160 feet deep, as one of the earliest completely preserved shipwrecks in the eastern Adriatic. It is the third such discovery found near Šćedro since 2014. A small island whose medieval monastery and modest settlements have largely been abandoned, Šćedro attracts a handful of local visitors in summer. Given its unique nature, an NGO, Friends of Šćedro Island, is committed to ensuring the long-term protection of the island’s environment and nature conservation.

Masterclasses led by Hollywood star Edward Norton and Cannes prize-winning director Juho Kuosmanen brought the 2023 Ponta Lopud Film Festival to a close. Held on the idyllic island of Lopud near Dubrovnik, the festival has firmly established itself on the global stage after only three years. Previous invitees include Frances McDormand and Joel Coen of the Coen Brothers. As well as Norton’s seminar with a select group of eight actors from across former Yugoslavia, highlights this year included Finnish director Kuosmanen presenting a seafront screening of his own The Happiest Day in the Life of Olli Mäki, which won top prize in the Un Certain Regard category at Cannes in 2016.

Live music, DJs, ping pong, craft beer and much more will feature at Art Park Zagreb, Zagreb's annual summer festival at Ribnjak park by the cathedral. Kicking off on Friday, June 23, and running until July 15, the event brings chill vibes to this leafy locale. With musicians and DJ's from across Croatia, plus a few international names scheduled to perform, the park will also be jam-packed with workshops, screenings and even circus shows. Running every day from 4pm to midnight, Art Park is a great place to socialise, grab a bite to eat and play ping pong. For more information, check out the Art Park Zagreb Facebook page. Where: Ribnjak park, Zagreb. When: June 23-July 15, 4pm-midnight. Tickets: FREE.

A new initiative this summer is encouraging visitors to discover Istria by snorkelling in the waters surrounding it. The regional and coastal tourist offices have pooled their resources to offer 17 great dive destinations where you can explore the depths or the shallows, according to your age and ability. Snorkelling spots include some of the most popular tourist resorts, such as Rovinj and Pula, and some of the lesser-visited places, including Ližnjan and Marčana. For full details, see here. For the rules of conduct see here.

Combining indie, post punk and techno, the British alt-rock group FOALS stop off in Zagreb this Friday as part of their current European tour. Formed in Oxford in 2005, the band rose to prominence in the UK with their successful debut album Antidotes. Over the next 15 years, FOALS have produced half a dozen successful studio releases. FOALS are particularly known for their energetic and lively concerts, winning several awards for best UK live act. The band was originally scheduled to play the larger arena, Šalata, before the gig was switched to the more intimate Tvornica Kulture. Tickets are €42 and can be bought exclusively online.  Where: Tvornica Kulture, Šubićeva 2, Zagreb. When: Friday, June 23, 8.30pm. Tickets: €42.  

With only a day until the official start of summer, Croatia's capital is brimming with events and festivals, one of the most anticipated being Zagreb Classic, running from June 21 to July 1. This annual happening gathers Croatia's best jazz and classical orchestras, as well as noted conductors and soloists from across Europe, for week and a half of free outdoor concerts. Ballet dancers from the Croatian National Theatre also perform their rendition of the Israeli production Decadance on June 28, which has been playing to sold-out local audiences for months.  Performances begin each night at 9pm on the grassy square of kralja Tomislava, between the Baroque Zagreb Art Pavilion and the main train station. For more information and the full schedule, check Zagreb Classic website.  Where: Trg kralja Tomislava, Zagreb. When: June 21- July 1, 9pm. Tickets: FREE.

After their surprise win in an epic semi-final against hosts Holland, Croatia’s football team today face Spain in the Nations League final. Some 30,000 Croatian fans are due to descend on Rotterdam, where the match will take place at 8.45pm. In Zagreb, a big screen is being set up in the main square, Jelačić plac, where a huge celebration is planned should Croatia win their first major trophy. The occasion may take on extra significance if Croatia’s captain, signature figure and national hero decides that this will be his last game for the Vatreni. ‘Stay Luka, we need you!’ ran the headline in this morning’s Sportske Novosti, and all eyes will be upon the 37-year-old Modrić whatever the outcome this evening.