As summer slowly gives way to golden autumn, Zagreb comes alive with vibrant festivals, cultural happenings, and outdoor experiences. Here's a selection of ten must-see events in the Croatian capital this September:
Zagreb Museum Weekend
Sept 4–7 | Various city museumsZagreb’s museums open their doors for the first edition of MUV – Zagreb Museum Weekend, uniting 11 city museums with exhibitions, workshops, guided tours, performances, and cultural walks — all with free admission. Discover the city’s heritage through a creative mix of tradition and modernity.
Josip Račić Exhibition – 140th Anniversary of Birth
September 4 – October 5, Josip Račić GalleryThis autumn, the Josip Račić Gallery marks two major anniversaries: the 140th birthday of the acclaimed painter Josip Račić and the gallery’s 50th anniversary. The exhibition presents key works from Račić’s short yet influential career, including masterpieces such as Mother and Child and Self-Portrait. A must-see for fans of Croatian modern art.
Alphaville Live in Zagreb
September 5, 9 PM – Zagreb Fair (Pavilion 9)German synth-pop legends Alphaville, famous for timeless hits like Forever Young and Big in Japan, will perform in Zagreb for the first time. This long-awaited concert at the Zagreb Fair promises an unforgettable night of 80s nostalgia and electronic magic.
Zagreb Opera Festival 2025
September 9–20, Croatian National Theatre (HNK)Zagreb’s most elegant venue hosts a celebration of operatic excellence with renowned soloists, international productions, and rich musical storytelling. Discover a variety of performances throughout the festival at the iconic Croatian National Theatre.
PIF – 58th International Puppet Theatre Festival
September 12–18, various locationsPIF brings puppet theatre to life with creative and moving performances for both children and adults. This long-running international festival showcases storytelling through imagination, craft, and tradition from all over the world.
World Theatre Festival – Contemporary Stories on Stage
September 13–27, multiple theatresNow in its 22nd edition, the World Theatre Festival presents bold performances from top European stages. Highlights include LACRIMA by Caroline Guiela Nguyen (Sept 13 & 14, ZKM) and HERITAGE by Cédric Eeckhout (Sept 23, Kerempuh). These productions reflect on identity, memory, war, and emotion through innovative forms of theatre, film, and performance art.
Maja Posavec: Leaving a Lover – Live Performance
September 16, Zagreb Youth Theatre (ZKM)Actress and singer Maja Posavec presents Leaving a Lover, a unique multidisciplinary concert blending folk, jazz, visual art, and storytelling. Under her artistic alias POMA, this is more than just an album launch – it’s an intimate journey through myth, emotion, and musical poetry. More info: facebook.com/Maja.Posavec
Jazz at Močvara – AVA Trio feat. Aron Horváth
September 21, Club MočvaraDiscover fresh jazz sounds from the internationally acclaimed AVA Trio featuring pianist Aron Horváth in the laid-back, alternative setting of Močvara. In collaboration with the Vrelo zvuka series, the concert blends traditional influences with contemporary jazz improvisation.
JazzHR Fall Festival
September 22–24, Tvornica KultureThis three-day jazz celebration features a mix of orchestral and modern jazz styles. Don’t miss standout acts like Big Band Bjelovar with Matija Cvek (Sept 22), Balkan Zoo feat. Nina Ćorić (Sept 23), and Borna Pehar Quartet (Sept 24). A great way to dive into Croatia’s vibrant jazz scene.
Rosa Barba: Meaning Distances – Film Installation Exhibition
September 23 – November 9, Museum of Contemporary Art (MSU)Renowned artist Rosa Barba opens the 25 FPS Festival with an immersive exhibition of film-based installations. Her works explore landscapes, memory, and environmental change through sculptural cinema. A standout event for fans of contemporary art and experimental film.
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