Festivals and Events in Opatija

The beautiful region of Liburnia on the Croatian coast is known for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant cultural scene. Among the many events that highlight this cultural richness are the Liburnia Film Festival in Opatija, Jerry Ricks Blues Festival, RetrOpatija, Liburnia Jazz Festival, Evening with Vocal Groups in Volosko. These festivals not only celebrate the arts but also bring together people from around the world, creating a unique atmosphere of creativity and camaraderie.

Liburnia Film Festival in Opatija

First and only festival of Croatian documentary film in Croatia first started in Icici, where in a calm and relaxing atmosphere everybody watched each years carefully chosen documentaries. Now it’s having its big shows in Opatija’s open air theater. It takes place every year in late August and features documentary films from professionals as well as from students from well-known Croatian Film Academy in Zagreb. Over the course of five days, a large audience can watch 20 documentaries chosen for the main competition. Since 2007, Oliver Sertić has been responsible for selecting the films, while the awards are determined by both a jury and the audience. Popularly known as LFF, this festival has established itself as a vital platform for showcasing the best of Croatian documentary film making.

Jerry Ricks Blues Festival

Just a short drive from Opatija, the charming hilltop town of Kastav hosts the annual Jerry Ricks Blues Festival. This event has become a must-visit for blues enthusiasts, offering a unique blend of great music and a historical ambiance. Everything started with American blues musician Jerry Ricks, who made the small Croatian town of Kastav his home. Kastav not only became his residence but also the place where he began to leave his mark on the local blues music scene. Now, every year blues and rock musicians get together and celebrate this genre of music rooted in New Orleans.

RetrOpatija

This festival is a special musical time machine that lets you discover 20 century’s decades with swing, rockabilly and rock riffs, as well as jazz improvisations. All over Opatija with breathtaking views on the sea you can enjoy numerous street parties, get a retro haircut or make up from make-up artists and hairdressers. Take a stroll down the main street and discover old Vespas and Tomos models, as well as an exhibition of magnificent old timers. Open Air Theater hosts the best party of the year with a disco party under the disco balls. RetrOpatija is a truly memorable event that takes place every year in the end of the June.

Liburnia Jazz Festival

Opatija has always had a soft spot for jazz musicians from all over the world so no wonder there are multiple jazz events held every year, one of them is for sure prominent Liburnia Jazz Festival held every year in the first week in July. Entire town of Opatija becomes a stage, with its hotel terraces having jazz concerts, boat jazz trips, the city promenade brought to life with jazz improvisations, streets, pavilions.

Evening with “klape” Vocal Groups in Volosko

In a small fisherman’s town of Volosko there is an event dedicated to the vocal groups popularly known as “klape“. In a idyllic setting called Mandrać all groups sing a capella and bring a special feeling and atmosphere to this charming little town. UNESCO included klapa singing in the list of intangible world heritage in Europe so Evening with “klape” Vocal Groups in Volosko is a special occasion to discover and indulge in the romantic a capella singing.