Zagreb comes alive in spring and early summer with a whirlwind of culture, creativity, and rhythm—from groundbreaking exhibitions and vibrant music festivals to avant-garde theatre and street art in full bloom. Whether you’re drawn to jazz in hidden venues or curious to explore powerful stories, bold performances, and unexpected artistic expressions, here are some of our top picks to get you started.
Hidden Historia: The First Women of Zagreb Museums
This special project brings together the minds of four important city institutions (the Archaeological Museum, Ethnographic Museum, Croatian School Museum, and the Museum of Arts and Crafts) to tell the tales of female pioneers in Zagreb’s cultural scene. The exhibition covers painters, scientists, designers, poets, and much more, putting achievements into context and shining a light on the barriers society placed in front of women in the first half of the 20th century. Many of those barriers are still in place, making this one of the city’s most important exhibitions in 2025. March 6 - July 13, Archaeological Museum in Zagreb
Jazz in the City
Zagreb has a long history of jazz, and the Croatian capital has a reputation for being one of the region’s most exciting cities for purveyors of music’s most explorative genre. Springtime sees the city showcase this love to the world through two major festivals; the Zagreb Jazz Festival and JazzHr (May 14 - 16) festivals. There are plenty of exciting concerts planned for both. From other concerts HRT Jazz Orchestra playing shows with Argentine saxophonist Javier Girotto (V.Lisinski SCH, April 30) and Slovenian jazz trumpeter extraordinaire Boris Majcen (Contemporary Art Museum, Gorgona, May 14). Elsewhere, Barry Altschul and 3Dom Factor will light up Močvara on May 5, while Australian avant-garde trio The Necks play the same venue on May 22. Rounding out the schedule is a special performance by Hojsak and Novosel, the only double bass and tambura duo on the planet, who will be joined by Croatian multi-instrumentalist Elvis Stanić for what promises to be a thrilling show on June 1. Head to the small hall at Lisinski for that one.
Science Fiction Days
It’s SFeraKon time once again, and the region’s OG science fiction convention is headed to a new venue. In 2025, Science Fiction Days will be held at SEECEL, although we suppose you could argue that this sort of event takes place somewhere between time and space. There are heaps of special guests, and this year’s roster includes visual effects expert Ante Deković, visual art and animation expert Goran Delić, actress Julie Caitlin Brown, and many more. Add book sales, cosplay competitions, board game demonstrations and loads of other extraordinary experiences, and you’ve got yourself a festival straight out of another dimension. May 9 - 11, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing, Unska 3
Subversive Festival
Subversive Festival is a unique cultural event blending political theory and film, aimed at challenging the status quo. Since its launch in 2008, the festival has become one of the most important progressive events in the region, featuring innovative films that address social justice, minority rights, and global issues. The festival includes the Subversive Film Festival, showcasing feature, documentary, and short films, and the Subversive Forum, which hosts thought-provoking discussions and conferences. This year’s theme is Age of Conflict: Escalating Wars and Global Migrations. Don’t miss this chance to experience groundbreaking films and engage with leading thinkers on the pressing issues of our time. May 19 - 31
CirkoBalkana 13: Manipulations – A Festival of Contemporary Circus Art
Manipulations brings the magic of contemporary circus back to Zagreb. This year’s edition focuses on object manipulation and juggling, highlighting artists who transform everyday props into instruments of wonder. Far from tricks of illusion, their skill unlocks pure joy and amazement. The lineup features acclaimed international and regional artists, alongside workshops and events for all ages. For details, visit www.cirkobalkana.org. May 31 - June 8, Pogon Jedinstvo and CirkoBalkan circus tent Trnjanska struga 34
Animafest Zagreb
Since kicking off in 1972, Animafest Zagreb has been a big deal, thanks to the global fame of the Zagreb School of Animation. Every June, the festival brings the best animated films to the spotlight, alternating between short films in even years and feature films in odd years. But Animafest isn’t just about watching films—it’s a whole vibe. It’s a major hub for animation lovers. Along with film premieres, there are lectures, workshops, exhibitions, and live performances, making it an excellent place for creators and audiences to swap ideas and check out the latest trends. June 2 - 7
Baby Lasagna
Has it really almost been a year since Baby Lasagna stole the show at Eurovision? The calendar doesn’t lie, but the popularity of the Rijeka-born singer-songwriter shows no sign of slowing down. Baby Lasagna heads to the capital for a special show in May at the city’s old bowling centre. May 15, Boćarski dom.
Ivo Pogorelić
This supreme Croatian pianist has won prestigious awards throughout the world. From New York's Carnegie Hall to the first classical pianist ever to be invited to Kuwait, his recitals of Bach, Mozart, Beethoven and all the other greats have bought him much praise as he returns to Zagreb to perform in front of his home audience. This season awaits us with exciting reunions with Robert Schumann's Vienna Carnival and two compositions by Sergei Prokofiev. May 17, Vatroslav Lisinski Concert Hall.
Močvara Club
Močvara, one of Zagreb’s iconic venues, offers an exciting lineup this spring. Catch the eclectic Oh Voyage and Yabanci on April 30, followed by the Japanese rock of Shonen Knife and Kuunatic on May 12. Don’t miss the two-day Valhalla MUF Festival (May 16-17), Buzz Kull and Neon Lies on May 21, or Curses with their darkwave sound on May 25. Additionally, Chris Eckman will perform his haunting, soulful tunes on May 15. Moraines brings atmospheric post-punk on June 11, and Thantifaxath will close the season with black metal on June 15. With performances spanning diverse genres.
Močvara, Trnjanaska struga 34
Nduduzo Makhathini
One of the finest modern jazz pianists on the planet, Nduduzo Makhathini has been creating music since his early days in uMugungundlovu, South Africa. Makhathini’s music is as powerful as it gets, incorporating the free expression of jazz without losing sight of history and heritage. If you haven’t listened to “Modes of Communication: Letters from the Underworlds” yet, go and change that. This should be some heck of a show. May 21, Vatroslav Lisinski Concert Hall.
75th Zagreb Meeting - Boris Hanžeković Memorial
For the 75th time, the world’s finest athletes will descend upon Zagreb for this wildly popular competitive meeting. The contests will take place at some of the most recognisable spots in the city, from Jelačić Square to the city’s fountains. Head to Mladost Stadium for the Boris Hanžeković Memorial, paying tribute to the beloved early 20th-century athlete. May 22 - 24
LADO Ensemble, Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra and Jazziana Croatica
Enjoying a LADO performance is a must when in Croatia, and the combination of melody and choreography represents an integral part of the nation’s heritage. How to make it even better? Add the Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra and Borna Šercar’s Jazziana Croatica, that’s how. Showcasing traditional tales in a most traditional way (with a twist), this might well be the most Croatian musical event of the year. May 29, Vatroslav Lisinski Concert Hall.
Dance Week Festival
Get ready to throw some shapes, because the Dance Week Festival is here. The extravaganza is split into two parts, the first running between May 13 and 18 before the fun returns on June 8, 9, and 25. The first section is all about Moving Balkans, a contemporary dance platform featuring artists from across the region, with performances in Zagreb, Rijeka, and across the border in Ljubljana. When the fun returns in June, the focus will be on the Akram Khan Company (United Kingdom) and Wired Studio (Denmark). The events will take place at the Zagreb Dance Centre, KUC Travno, the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Zagreb Youth Theatre.
Short Story Festival
We’re big fans of the short story here at In Your Pocket, and the power of a concise tale is not to be underestimated. Zagreb hosts the European Short Story Festival in June, and this year’s event centres around the idea of “Tradition. And Me.” What does that mean exactly? Well, you’ll have to attend to find out, but expect to explore the relationship between the past and the present while respecting the importance of tradition on the modern individual. The festival takes place at several venues across the city, namely Vintage Industrial Bar (Savska 160), Bunt Bar (Stube Ivana Zakmardija 5), and Fraktura Bookstore (Ulica Kneza Mislava 17). June 8 - 12
Zgraf 13
Zgraf (International Exhibition of Graphic Design and Visual Communications) the renowned international graphic design exhibition, celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2025 with the theme “Pleasure to All”. This edition explores the concept of pleasure, examining what brings happiness to individuals, communities, and the global society. Contributions include Bojan Dmitrović Krištofić's exploration of pleasure as a path to universal happiness and Boris Greiner's insights into the ethics of professional satisfaction and the search for fulfilment. June 10-24, French Pavilion, Serbian Cultural Center, AMZ Gallery, Algebra Bernays University
Eurijala 2025
If a theatre festival in the Nikola Tesla Technical Museum sounds like your kind of fun, Eurijala is the extravaganza for you. As you can imagine, this is all about pushing the boundaries of contemporary theatre, letting innovation run free and allowing absolute creativity to take hold of storytelling. The museum adds its own layer of charm to every show, bridging the divide between artist and audience through absolute excitement. The festival takes place in the first half of June, and check the dates on their website eurokaz.hr.
Stereolab
Legendary British-French band Stereolab will perform in Zagreb on June 14 at Tvornica Kulture. Known for their unique blend of experimental electronics and nostalgic pop, the band will bring their hypnotic rhythms and layered melodies to the stage in their only regional concert. Formed in 1990, Stereolab's sound merges krautrock, bossa nova, and avant-garde electronics, with iconic albums like Emperor Tomato Ketchup and Dots and Loops. Their return to the stage in 2019 has excited fans worldwide, and now they're bringing their retro-futuristic sound to Zagreb.
Zagreb Street Art Festival
The Zagreb Street Art Festival, taking place from June 19-21, is set to be an exciting celebration of urban creativity. This year, the festival will feature renowned artists such as @mittenimwald_artist (Germany), @cooljc_art (Belgium), @zazoulgr (Belgium), and @sandyfromdablock_ (Czech Republic), the graffiti artist and director of the documentary Girl Power. In addition to street art tours, the festival will offer engaging exhibitions, workshops, and the premiere screening of Girl Power, the first documentary film dedicated to women in graffiti and street art. Don’t miss the chance to experience the dynamic and inspiring world of street art. For more information, visit www.zagrebstreetartfestival.com. Pri Nami, Stube I. Zakmardija 4.
Sean Paul Live in Zagreb
On June 28, Lake Jarun in Zagreb will be the ultimate destination for a party as dancehall superstar Sean Paul takes the stage! The Jamaican artist, known for his Grammy-winning album Dutty Rock, has delivered countless hits over the years. Songs like “Get Busy,” “Breathe” feat. Blu Cantrell, “Baby Boy” ft. Beyoncé, “Rockabye” ft. Clean Bandit, and “Cheap Thrills” ft. Sia continue to resonate with audiences worldwide. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to see one of the most iconic voices in dancehall music live in Zagreb!
8th Art Fair Nesvrstani
NesvrstaniI offers a unique opportunity to present regional contemporary art to both professional and wider audiences, and despite its name, it is a highly organised event in the contemporary art scene, both in Croatia and the wider region. This is the perfect occasion to explore the diverse, dynamic world of contemporary art at a venue that has significantly influenced Zagreb's cultural landscape. June 27- 29, Lauba, Prilaz baruna Filipovića 23a
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