From museum treasures and open-air concerts to world-class jazz, powerful exhibitions, and dance festivals under the stars—we invite you to explore culture in motion. Whether you're a lover of history, music, art, or sport, the city offers unforgettable experiences at every turn. Here's how to make the most of your cultural summer in Zadar.
Exhibitions That Tell a Story
Your journey begins at the Museum of Ancient Glass, where Memento Mori (May 20 – February 20, 2026) brings the Roman city of Salona back to life. Based on over 615 graves unearthed near Solin in the 1980s, the exhibition goes beyond artifacts—using facial reconstructions and a stunning installation of silver tiles to explore memory, identity, and the fragility of life. Inspired by Roman mosaics that celebrate life even in death, it’s a moving encounter with the ancient past.Just a short walk away, visit the International Centre for Underwater Archaeology, located in the former Church of St. Nicholas, for Shipwreck Mijoka – The Awakened Secret of the Murter Sea (June 18 – September 5). This dramatic exhibition uncovers the story of a 16th–17th-century ship found near Murter, with a treasure trove of gold coins, luxury goods, and artisan items. Was it a pirate ship or a merchant vessel? The mystery endures, but the display brings Adriatic maritime history vividly to life.
End your exploration at the Scientific Library of the University of Zadar, where 150 Years Since the Visit of Emperor Franz Joseph I to Dalmatia (May 22 – July 1) commemorates a major 19th-century royal visit. Rare archival materials—illustrated albums, newspapers, books, postcards, and even the imperial dinner menu—paint a vivid picture of Zadar as the capital of the Austrian province of Dalmatia.
From July to August, the Archaeological Museum Zadar hosts the exhibition Mythological Twins in Narona, featuring ancient guardians depicted on artifacts from the Narona Archaeological Museum. These mythological twins protected people through life’s crucial moments—from birth and battles to journeys and the afterlife.
The exhibition presents five pairs of twins, each representing a key life transition, brought to life through a blend of traditional crafts in wood, glass, wool, and paper, alongside modern digital art. This unique collaboration between Croatian and international artists offers a fresh perspective on timeless myths of protection and hope.
This autumn, Zadar hosts Graphic Matters, a dynamic exhibition of contemporary Dutch printmaking at Kneževa palača, running from (September 10 - November 10). Featuring 12 acclaimed artists from the Netherlands, the show explores the full spectrum of graphic expression—from intricate miniatures to 6-meter installations and digital videographics. Artists include Jos de l’Orme, Johan Rijpma, Jaco Putker, Inez Odijk, and Jadranka Njegovan, among others. In parallel, Jadranka Njegovan presents her solo exhibition Continuity and Change at Gradska loža this October, marking 25 years of artistic work in printmaking. Born in Zadar and now based in the Netherlands, Njegovan returns home with works that move gracefully between the abstract and the figurative—quiet, precise, and deeply personal.
Ariadne Alive – Voice, Myth and Music
Katarina Livljanić and the excellent Dialogos ensemble are back with another celebration of musical heritage and harmonious innovation. “Ariadne Alive” is a deep dive into everything from melody to mythology, a tale that centres around the alluring wanderings of the titular character’s singing voice. There, she encounters her own voice singing Ovid’s verses—rendered by medieval Italian poets—and realizes that the voice, like the soul, travels through time, moving from onebody to another. Is it possible for a voice to re-emerge throughout the centuries, wandering from body to body through time and culture? That is the level of philosophical pondering we’re talking about here. “Ariadne Alive” is an impressive piece of work, building from medieval Italian translations of Greek classics to create a musical language for the modern world. Impressive from a scholarly perspective, the depth of thought shines brightest in song. Livljanić and Dialogos push all the boundaries here, allowing the boundless creativity of the ensemble to flourish while staying faithful to the ideas of humanism throughout, showcasing Livljanić’s expertise in early medieval music. Improvisation is an integral part of the performance, adding another layer of uniqueness to an already special project. Art is never the same twice, after all. The premiere of this spectacle takes place on July 12 during the 64th Musical Evenings at St. Donat festival, arguably the most prestigious musical event on the calendar. That prestige is accentuated by the appearance of Pino De Vittorio, the Italian
tenor who will bring his iconic voice to the show. The premiere is followed by a September 17, showing in Zagreb, as part of the Zagreb Opera Festival. This is a can’t-miss event, although that should go without saying. After all, we get musical excellence, intense storytelling, philosophical pondering, Italian styling, Greek mythology, and Pino De Vittorio, all at once? What more could you want?
Jazz Under the Stars
Start your summer with the smooth Mediterranean jazz of Black Coffee, one of Croatia’s top ensembles. Enjoy their intimate open-air concerts at the elegant Cedulin Palace Atrium on July 1, 15, 29 and August 12 & 26.On July 19, the Cedulin Palace hosts Klemens Marktl Xperience feat. Tim Armacost, bringing a dynamic mix of European and New York jazz energy in an unforgettable live performance.
Then on July 30, don’t miss Jazziana Croatica at the Cedulin Palace Atrium—Croatia’s leading ethno jazz ensemble, blending traditional melodies with modern jazz in a performance deeply rooted in cultural heritage.
From July 23 to 25, the Museum of Ancient Glass hosts the Zadar Jazz & Blues Festival—a three-night celebration blending historic charm with world-class music.
The festival opens on July 23 with legendary Eric Bibb, whose soulful voice, acoustic guitar, and blues storytelling come alive alongside Gunnar Lidström (guitar) and Greger Andersson (harmonica).
On July 24, the Matija Dedić Trio takes the stage with special guests Lena Kovačević and Lu Dedić, blending refined jazz piano with emotive vocals in a unique family collaboration.
The festival closes on July 25 with powerhouse vocalist Joyce Elaine Yuille and the Elio Coppola Trio (Elio Coppola on drums, Antonio Caps on piano, Antonio Napolitano on bass), delivering a warm, modern jazz sound.
For a seaside adventure, head to Ist Island on August 6 (Filip Pavić Quartet) and August 7 (Toni Starešinić & Andrej Jakuš: Sea Suite, and Dunjaluk) for the JazzIST Festival—two evenings of jazz and sunsets by the sea.
Zadar Moves – Sport as Culture
Zadar has always lived and breathed sport—and in 2025, as the city marks 30 years since the passing of basketball legend Krešimir Ćosić, its sporting spirit takes center stage.From May 15 to September 1, the First Cycle of Exhibitions About Sports at Providur’s Palace offers a unique cultural insight into Zadar’s athletic heritage. The exhibition “The History of Sport Origins – In the Beginning Was Play” explores the beginnings and evolution of sports from ancient times to today, while “From Tradition to Olympus – The History of Rowing in Zadar” highlights the deep local connection to rowing and its impact on the community.
To round out this celebration of sport, feel the thrill of the game at the Zadar Summer League 2025, taking place from July 4 to August 9 at ŠC Višnjik—a dynamic basketball event that brings the city’s love of competition to life.
Dance the Night Away
Kick things off on June 21 with Project A3:UM – The Citadel, a unique open-air electronic event set in Kapetanski Park, just below Zadar’s historic 15th-century fortress. As day fades into night, expect a magical blend of music, nature, and heritage in this one-of-a-kind location overlooking the sea.The following night, from June 21–22, take a short trip inland to the foot of Velebit mountain for Ritmika 7 – Solstice: The Reunion at Morlacco, a dreamy dance oasis surrounded by nature. With a stellar lineup including Mano Le Tough (IE) and Aera (DE), this is where melodic deep house meets wild beauty. Local talents Holandez and Mr. Cab Driver complete the lineup, and yes—shuttle transport from Zadar is available.
Then, from July 31 to August 3, get ready for the ultimate summer blowout at the Selected Festival at Jazine. Expect top international and regional electronic acts, a lively waterfront vibe, and endless energy in one of the Adriatic’s most vibrant coastal cities.
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