November brings an array of performances, exhibitions, and festivals across the country
The 5th Industrial Art Biennial (The Vast Automaton) takes place from 24 October to 30 November 2025 across Labin, Pula, Raša and Vodnjan in Croatia’s Istria region. This international contemporary art festival brings together artists, curators and visitors to explore the connections between art, technology, and industrial heritage.
Set in unique post-industrial spaces such as former mines and factories, the Biennial offers site-specific installations, performances, and multimedia works that reflect on the past and imagine the future of human creativity and automation. It’s an inspiring cultural experience that bridges local history with global artistic innovation.
The Rally Show Santa Domenica celebrates its 15th edition this year, bringing high-octane excitement to Sveta Nedelja and the surrounding area from 21 to 23 November 2025. This popular motorsport event gathers more than 100 rally crews from across Europe, turning Istria’s gravel roads into a stage of speed, skill, and spectacle.
The ceremonial start takes place on Friday, 21 November at 7:00 in the town square of Sveta Nedelja, followed by the thrilling Savršćak by Night stages on Saturday evening, complete with fireworks and special effects. The rally concludes on Sunday, 23 November with the traditional Savršćak Arena stages and an award ceremony at 17:00.
FILM NOIR: Desire, Passion, Greed, Ideology…CeKaTe – Centar za kulturu Trešnjevka, Zagreb
Step into the dark, stylish world of film-noir at this special series presented by CeKaTe. Featuring ten classic films screened in a historic venue, the festival explores themes of desire, betrayal, identity and ideology. Through curated presentations and introductory lectures, you’ll discover the evolution of film-noir—from its literary roots and post-war anxieties to its influence on neo-noir and global cinema.
Don’t miss this immersive journey into shadows, intrigue and cinematic artistry—open to all and free of charge.
Screenings:
Fri, Nov 14 – Detour (Edgar G. Ulmer, 1945)
Sun, Nov 16 – The Big Sleep (Howard Hawks, 1946)
Fri, Nov 21 – Sunset Boulevard (Billy Wilder, 1950)
Fri, Dec 5 – The Lady from Shanghai (Orson Welles, 1947)
From Bean to Chocolate: A Journey Through Time
Croatian Museum of Tourism, Opatija
Opening: 6 November 2025 | Free entry
This November, Opatija becomes a paradise for chocolate lovers. The exhibition “From Bean to Chocolate”, created by the Zagreb Chocolate Museum, traces the sweet story of cocoa—from ancient rituals to modern indulgence. Visitors can enjoy interactive workshops, tastings and family activities celebrating the world’s favorite treat in the romantic setting of Opatija’s historic villa. A perfect blend of culture, flavour and pleasure on the Adriatic coast.
Zagreb Film Festival (ZFF)
The Zagreb Film Festival (ZFF), one of Croatia’s leading cultural events, returns for its 23rd edition from 10 to 16 November 2025. Over the course of a week, the festival transforms Zagreb into a lively meeting point for film enthusiasts, screening around a hundred titles at venues including Cinestar Branimir, Kinoteka, Museum of Contemporary Art (MSU) and Dokukino KIC.
ZFF is dedicated to discovering and promoting emerging filmmakers, with its main competition awarding the prestigious Golden Pram (Zlatna kolica). Alongside the competition, the festival features the acclaimed “Big Five” program, showcasing new works from five major European film industries — Germany, France, the UK, Italy and Spain. This year’s selection includes Miroirs No. 3 by Christian Petzold, L’étranger by François Ozon, Urchin by Harris Dickinson, Familia by Francesco Costabile and La Infiltrada by Arantxa Echevarría.
In addition to screenings, ZFF offers industry panels, networking sessions and educational workshops, making it a dynamic platform for both professionals and audiences. Whether you’re an avid cinephile or a curious traveler, the Zagreb Film Festival is the perfect way to experience the city’s creative pulse, cultural diversity and cinematic energy.
Mimika Orchestra — Album Launch: Medzotermina
Zagreb, 20 November 2025, Kino SC
Join the twenty-piece Mimika Orchestra for an immersive evening as they unveil their new album Medzotermina — the culminating work in their mythic trilogy exploring identity and transformation. Led by composer and saxophonist Mak Murtić, the ensemble blends jazz, world music and performance art into a powerful live spectacle. Expect elaborate stage costumes, multimedia visuals and guest artists spanning electronic and traditional instruments.
Set in the heart of Zagreb at Kino SC, this unique cultural event invites visitors to experience something beyond a concert — a journey into story, sound and ritual. Don’t miss this unforgettable night of musical creativity and visual drama.
31st Sa(n)jam knjige u Istri
The 31st Sa(n)jam knjige u Istri literary festival takes place in Pula from 28 November to 7 December 2025, featuring nearly 100 programs with authors from around the world. This year’s theme, “Unrest”, explores cultural and personal turbulence. Highlights include Nobel laureate László Krasznahorkai as honorary guest, presenting his new book and participating in author talks. Visitors can enjoy book presentations, discussions, exhibitions, and film screenings — a perfect chance to experience contemporary literature and Istria’s vibrant cultural scene.
Step Aboard Dubrovnik’s Legendary Tram – “Travanj”
Dubrovački muzeji – Rector’s Palace, Dubrovnik | Until 31 March 2026
Take a journey through time at the “History of the Dubrovnik Tram 1910–1970” exhibition, celebrating the city’s first and only tram, affectionately called travanj. Once gliding through Dubrovnik’s streets for six decades, this iconic tram witnessed bustling city life, world wars, and countless stories along the way. Explore restored tram cars and trailers, original mechanisms, vintage signage, and rare photographs, and watch archival footage of the last tram ride in 1970. The exhibition brings to life a beloved symbol of Dubrovnik, blending history, culture, and nostalgia — perfect for visitors eager to experience a unique slice of the city’s past. Step in, snap photos, and immerse yourself in a vivid piece of Dubrovnik’s living memory.
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