Dubrovnik is a special place. You don’t need us to tell you that; it is clear from the moment you set eyes on the town, and its magic flows through every narrow street of the Old Town.
Coasting the contemporary art scene
In the historic Art Gallery Dubrovnik, renowned British sculptor Tony Cragg unveils his international exhibition (July 22 – September 26), presenting abstract sculptures that pulse with organic energy and material dynamism. Known for pushing the boundaries of contemporary sculpture, Cragg transforms the gallery into a space of movement, form, and physical presence.Just a short walk away, the Dulčić Masle Pulitika Gallery (2nd floor) hosts two distinct but equally compelling exhibitions. From July 15 to August 31, Croatian photographer Bojan Mrđenović presents Spa Towns, a poignant photographic series documenting life in post-socialist spa resorts—his first solo exhibition in Dubrovnik. Through quiet, observational imagery, Mrđenović captures the layered relationship between people and place amid changing social landscapes. Following in the autumn, from September to December, painter Mihaela Rašica introduces Genesis, a contemplative series inspired by elemental origins—earth, air, water, fire—and the subtle transformation from raw matter into image and meaning.
At the iconic Fort Bokar, one of Dubrovnik’s medieval strongholds, acclaimed artist Dubravka Lošić presents
Libertas Bells - a powerful, site-specific installation that merges sculpture, memory, and space. Blurring the boundary
between material and metaphor, the exhibition reflects on freedom, fragility, and renewal. Housed within the fortress’s original 15th-century stone chambers, this evocative project is among the summer’s most anticipated exhibitions and remains on view through September 1.
In a compelling intersection of design and cultural memory, the Museum of Red History presents YUGO.LOGO – Graphic Identity in Yugoslavia, opening June 21 and on view through September 1. Featuring over 400 logos and graphic symbols from the former Yugoslavia, the exhibition draws from an acclaimed digital archive and includes printed works by 142 designers. More than a retrospective, it reveals how visual identity shaped the collective consciousness of a country that no longer exists—while offering striking parallels with today’s digital and consumer-driven design culture.
Step Into the Festival Spirit
As July melts into August, Dubrovnik enters a new crescendo of cultural vibrancy, becoming a living stage for music, theatre, dance, and film.The heart of Dubrovnik’s cultural calendar remains the Dubrovnik Summer Festival, which runs until August 25 and transforms the city’s most iconic locations—such as Fort Lovrijenac, the Rector’s Palace, Gundulić Square, and even Lokrum Island—into open-air theatres and concert halls. Highlights this month include a refined evening of baroque music on August 15, when the Croatian Baroque Ensemble celebrates its 25th anniversary in the Rector’s Palace Atrium, joined by renowned violinist Fabio Biondi. The atmosphere remains festive on August 16 and 17 as the cherished Linđo Folklore Ensemble marks its 60th anniversary with vibrant performances of traditional Croatian music and dance at the Revelin Fort Terrace. For those who appreciate chamber music, the Alexander Sitkovetsky Trio performs in the Rector’s Palace Atrium on August 19, delivering an intimate blend of violin, cello, and piano. Just days later, from August 21 to 23, the Festival Theatre Ensemble brings a stirring new production of Anton Chekhov’s The Seagull to life on Lokrum Island, combining natural beauty with timeless drama.
Meanwhile, high above the Old Town, nestled among the ruins of a medieval chapel, Park Orsula offers its own brand of open-air enchantment. On August 4, Urban & 4 take the stage with an acoustic rock performance under the stars. The magic continues on August 16 with Amira Medunjanin, whose soulful voice carries the spirit of sevdah music across the stone terraces. Then, on August 22, Darko Rundek & Ekipa blend poetry and sound in a captivating live show that echoes over the cliffs and into the night. The setting—nature, sea, and music in harmony—is unlike anything else in Dubrovnik.
As August winds down, Dubrovnik’s famous Stradun becomes a stage in its own right during the Stradun Classic Festival, taking place from August 26 to September 1. Here, the Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra joins forces with international soloists to bring classical music into the open air of the Old Town’s main promenade—a one-of-a-kind concert experience beneath the stars.
The orchestra continues its season well into the fall with Dubrovnik Musical Autumn, running from September 5 to October 30 in the elegant Rector’s Palace. Featuring a wide repertoire of classical works and guest performances by acclaimed soloists, the series offers an ideal reason to linger longer in the city as summer turns to autumn.
From August 28 to 30, the nearby island of Lopud becomes a jazz haven during the Ponta Lopud Jazz Festival, a three-day celebration of improvisation and rhythm featuring top international artists. With performances set in beautiful, intimate surroundings and late-night jam sessions that stretch into the early hours, the festival is a must for music lovers seeking both artistry and atmosphere.
Looking further ahead, from October 16 to 19, the city hosts DUFF – Dubrovnik Film Festival, a unique event dedicated to young filmmakers aged 10 to 20 from Mediterranean countries. From animation to live-action storytelling, DUFF offers a glimpse into the future of cinema—creative, bold, and inspiring.
Dubrovnik's folklore troupe Linđo has been treading the boards ever since 1965 and enjoys an international reputation for its presentations of traditional music and dance. Their repertoire covers the whole gamut of Croatian folklore, but has a natural bias towards Dubrovnik and the surrounding region. The ensemble gets its name from a local hop known as the linđo, which is danced in couples to the jolly accompaniment of a screeching archaic lyre. They perform weekly throughout the summer.
Make room for food and drink
From October 6th to 19th, Dubrovnik celebrates the flavors of autumn with the Good Food Festival – a culinary event featuring food tours, cooking workshops, themed dinners, and guest appearances by top chefs like Ivan Pažanin, David Skoko, Marijo Curić, and Mario Mandarić. Throughout the festival, local restaurants will offer special menus at promotional prices, inviting visitors to enjoy the best of Dubrovnik’s cuisine.Dubrovnik will also showcase a vibrant street food experience at the Foodravanje Street Food Festival, held at Lazareti from October 9th to 12th. Savor delicious “food on the go” while enjoying the lively festival atmosphere in the heart of the city.
The festivities culminate on October 19th with Dubrovačka trpeza on Stradun. From 9:00 to 11:00, vouchers will be sold, and throughout Stradun, numerous Dubrovnik hotels, restaurants, bakeries, pastry shops, and wineries will present their specialties. The official opening of the feast will take place at 11:00, offering a grand celebration of local flavors in the city’s main street.
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