A magical retro weekend in Opatija: RetrOpatija 2025

Last weekend, Opatija once again danced through time as RetrOpatija 2025 took over the town in one of the most colorful and nostalgic festivals in Croatia. In this blog, we’ll walk you through what RetrOpatija is all about, how the 2025 edition looked, what made it special, and why you should mark your calendar for next year. Whether you were there or just curious about the magic that happened, keep reading!

What is RetrOpatija and how did it all begin?

RetrOpatija is a unique festival that transforms the elegant streets of Opatija into a living time machine. The event began in the early 2010s as a fun local celebration of retro music, fashion, and lifestyle. Over the years, it evolved into a full-blown retro festival attracting thousands of visitors, musicians, artists, and vintage enthusiasts from all over Europe. This year, RetrOpatija took place from June 26 to 28, 2025, drawing an impressive crowd of over 40,000 visitors. With music, dancing, art, and period fashion filling every corner of town, the event truly delivered on its reputation for vintage charm and vibrant energy.

A look back: what made previous years unforgettable

RetrOpatija has always been more than just a music festival. Each edition includes a rich program of dance, vintage fashion shows, pin-up photo corners, record fairs, and live performances. In past years, we’ve seen Elvis impersonators, retro dance competitions, and even oldtimer car parades lining the Lungomare.

Visitors dressed in high-waisted jeans, polka dot dresses, leather jackets, and oversized sunglasses became part of the spectacle themselves. Music stages were placed along the main street, with swing orchestras, vinyl DJs, and tribute bands energizing the crowds.

Highlights from RetrOpatija 2025

This year’s edition truly raised the bar – it was the largest and most ambitious yet, featuring 150 performers, including 23 bands and 15 DJs, spread across more than 40 different locations throughout the town.

The program included:

– A stunning exhibitions of vintage cars, scooters, dancers, and roller skaters.

– Multiple music stages including the main one on Summer stage, where crowds danced to live funk, soul, disco, rockabilly, and synth-pop.

– Performance on the Small Summer Stage – “Elvis Show – The King is back” –  a tribute to the king of rock’n’roll

– “Dress Up Corner” with fashion accessories was available, while teams of hairdressers, barbers, and makeup artists offered a complete makeover in a vintage style

– Countless photo booths, cocktail stands, food trucks, and vintage markets that added to the immersive vibe.

The energy was electric and the city radiated joy. Visitors came from across Croatia and Europe to experience this one-of-a-kind atmosphere.

Planning your visit: tips for future RetrOpatija adventures

If you’re already thinking about next year’s festival (and you should be!), here are some key tips to make the most of it:

– Dress up: One of the best parts of RetrOpatija is becoming part of the scene. Whether you’re into Elvis, disco, or ’90s denim, let your style shine.

– Book early: Opatija fills up fast during the festival, especially accommodations close to the center and Slatina. Check our offer.

– Check the road closures: This year, Maršala Tita Street was closed to traffic on Saturday, June 28, from 17:00 to 5:00, turning the town into a pedestrian-only stage. Plan ahead for parking and movement.

– Explore beyond the main stage: With over 40 locations hosting acts, don’t miss the smaller performances in gardens, cafés, or along the Lungomare promenade.

RetrOpatija isn’t just a festival—it’s a feeling. The joy is contagious, and the sense of community is something you rarely find elsewhere.

RetrOpatija 2025 was a true celebration of joy, nostalgia, and community. The music, fashion, and energy of this festival remind us of the beauty of the past – while celebrating it in the heart of one of Croatia’s most elegant seaside towns. If you missed it this year, don’t worry – RetrOpatija will be back next June, bigger, better, and bolder. Get your retro groove ready!