10 Best Performing Arts in Zagreb and Environs, Croatia

At this annual local-favorite summer event that usually lasts a few weeks in July, some of Zagreb's most beautiful—and most secret—courtyards open their doors with music for guests. They include private historical villas, educational institutions such as the Institute of History, and government buildings. Each courtyard features live music (generally acoustic, jazz, or soft rock), finger food, fun drinks, and perfect vibes of laid-back fun.

For several weeks, usually from September to October, this event takes the form of classical-music concerts in various churches, palaces, and other venues throughout town. This is one of the most important cultural events in northern Croatia, having been held in Varaždin and serving to continue the city's rich musical heritage since the mid-20th century.

Since 1966, this has become one of the world's best folklore festivals, showcasing traditional dance, song, and costume from all over Croatia and the world. Talented performing groups and eager audiences flock to Zagreb each summer to rejoice in folk shows at gorgeous venues such as Zrinjevac Park, Trg Bana Jelačića, and the European Square. The festival usually takes place over the course of a week in July and is accompanied by cultural programs in the city's museums.

Throughout December, the town of Varaždin celebrates Advent, when the streets and squares come alive with the Christmas spirit. Ornaments and sweets are on sale, there's outdoor skating—and, yes, Santa Claus wanders about handing out gifts to kids.

Part of the Centar Kaptol shopping complex, this cinema and bar is wedged in an area with a serene parklike atmosphere a 10-minute walk north of the cathedral. Most foreign films (including those from the United States) are shown in their original language with Croatian subtitles. The cinema features a handful of showing rooms that are each uniquely designed, and grabbing a coffee or drink in the establishment's designer bar before or after your movie is a must.

By far Samobor's most famous event, this carnival draws thousands of visitors from across the world to town for several days beginning the weekend before Lent (February or March). Guests can take part in or simply enjoy the dazzling sight of the parades, featuring floats and masked revelers. Aside from the one in Rijeka, this is Croatia's most famous carnival.

For 10 days, usually in late August, Špancirfest occupies various squares in the town center, featuring a colorful array of free open-air theatrical and acrobatic performances, live music from classical to rock, traditional and modern dance, arts-and-crafts exhibits, and more. Špancir is a local expression referring to a leisurely enjoyable stroll, so the event may be translated in tourist brochures as Street Walkers' Festival.

Embark on a journey toward the Strossmayer Promenade, next to the Lotrščak Tower, and you will see one of Zagreb's best entertainment projects. Stross, as the walkway is known, is arguably the most spirited spot in town, thanks to everything from abundant summer festivals to the much-awarded Advent in Zagreb offering concerts, exhibitions, and art workshops. There are also great wine, beer, and food stands year-round.

Despite its location in a forested hilly area, Tuškanac is part of Zagreb, and over the summer, the 20th-century outdoor stage in this park transforms into an open-air movie theater airing a variety of flicks. It's also home to a number of festivals, including the fun Pop-Up Summer Garden, centered around cool seating, food, and drink stands. Tuškanac features some historical vacation villas once used by the city's aristocracy, and its great walking path amid the greenery is worth a stroll at any time.

For one week in mid-September, this festival brings theater companies from all over the world to Zagreb for one or more performances each evening at various theatrical venues about town, mostly in the Lower Town.