If you’re in Zagreb during summer or autumn, you’re in for a treat. It’s not wild on every corner, but the city’s got a steady rhythm – local bands playing cool little venues, unexpected jazz nights, art exhibitions that sneak up on you in the best way. Zagreb doesn’t shout; it invites. You’ll find space to breathe, explore, and stumble into something special without even trying too hard. Whether it’s a small festival, a cozy bar with live music, or a gallery tucked away in the center – culture here comes with character, not pressure.

Soundtrack Your Trip: Concert Season This Summer–Fall

Feel the Beat of Zagreb: Explore the Local Music Scene

Tucked between the concrete and the chaos, one truly special evening invites you to slow down. Just before the closing of the acclaimed exhibition Historija zaborava – Prve žene zagrebačkih muzeja, the courtyard of the Archaeological Museum transforms into a concert oasis. On this rare night, the powerful, noise-tinged psych melodies of indie quartet ŽEN fill the garden with sound and meaning. Don’t miss the free guided exhibition tour at 17:00, before the music begins under the trees.
Start your summer groove with Nipplepeople, the mysterious electro-pop duo performing at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MSU) on Friday, July 11. Expect retro-futuristic beats in an open-air setting. The concert is part of the Ljeto u MSU (Summer at MSU) series. On Saturday, September 20, folk-punk band Ogenj takes over Tvornica kulture with their high-energy sound rooted in Croatian musical tradition.
October 11 is a rock lover’s dream: choose between blues-rock icon Goran Bare & Majke at Boćarski dom Zrinjevac, or hard rock powerhouse Jelusick at Boogaloo. Wind down on Friday, October 17 with the dreamy, melodic vibes of Mayales at Peti kupe. With a long-standing presence on the Croatian music scene, Mayales is known for their rich, layered sound and poetic lyrics.
On November 7, smooth funk-soul duo Mangroove returns to Boogaloo for a night of jazzy, laid-back grooves. This concert promises to be a true spectacle, featuring Toni Starešinić, frontman of the acclaimed Croatian band Chui and vocal Željka Veverec. Indie pop fans should head to Vintage Industrial Bar for Silente, performing two back-to-back shows on November 13 & 14. Their emotive lyrics and catchy melodies have made them a fan favorite across the region.
And don’t miss the wildest party of the season - Brkovi bring their unique brand of punk-folk chaos to Sax! for three exclusive nights, November 6, 7, and 8.
 

Jazz Season Heats Up in Zagreb

As golden leaves blanket the streets of Zagreb, the city comes alive with the sound of jazz. From October to December, the Zagreb Jazz Festival transforms the capital into a stage for soul, swing, and world-class musicians. The season opens on October 7 with jazz piano master Fred Hersch, whose intimate, expressive playing sets the tone for the weeks ahead. On October 21, blues and gospel great Eric Bibb performs at Kino SC, followed by the powerful voice of Grammy winner Ledisi on October 25, blending jazz, soul, and R&B into a night to remember.
One of the festival’s standout events comes on November 16, when Kurt Elling and fusion legends The Yellowjackets take the stage at Kino SC to celebrate Weather Report—a must for jazz fusion fans.
The festival concludes on December 16 at Tvornica kulture with Philip Lassiter, the funk-jazz trumpeter known for his high-energy shows and collaborations with Prince, delivering a bold, brassy finale.
Whether you're a jazz lover or simply looking for a unique cultural evening, Zagreb Jazz Festival 2025 offers the perfect soundtrack to autumn in the city. Tickets available online at entrio.hr

Classical Zagreb

Zagreb is a musical city with many strings on its bow, but none are as powerful as the city’s commitment to high-quality classical music. The calendar is packed with sumptuous events all year round, and there is plenty to look forward to. The 44th annual Evenings at Grič is an undeniable highlight, with a variety of artists on tap for the festival. The Zagreb Philharmonic and Academic Choir IGK open the festival on July 4 with a special Mozart Requiem, with the utterly unique Israel Klezmer Orchestra (the only one in the world to play klezmer music) scheduled for July 8. The magic continues with Thomas Dunford and Friends on July 9, the Janoska Ensemble (playing Vivaldi’s Four Seasons) on July 11, before the festival closes with Lovro Pogorelić (July 15) and the Ardemus Quartet (July 18).
You can always count on the Vatroslav Lisinski Hall to provide something elite, and Croatian pianist Maksim Mrvica definitely fits that bill. One of the most successful Croatian musicians on the planet, Maksim brings his world tour to the capital this November 2, showcasing a stunning ability and feel for crossover classical music. Also at Lisinski, the HRT Symphony Orchestra joins forces with Pascal Rophe (October 9) to play Tchaikovsky’s famous “The Nightingale’s Song,” and the theme continues with a performance of “Puškin’s Wreath” by the HRT Choir (September 30). However, the most exciting classical event this year could well be the latest creation from Katarina Livljanić and Dialogos. “Ariadne Alive” is unlike anything you’ll have seen, a deep dive into melody and mythology built around the magic of the human voice. Livljanić and Dialogos are known for pushing boundaries, and that might be an understatement here. The show can be seen during the Zagreb Opera Festival this September 17.
 

Art Across Zagreb

Starting June 5 at the Museum of the City of Zagreb, the exhibition “Between the Corset and the Jersey – Women in Sports (1874–1939)” explores the early role of women in sport and the societal challenges they faced. Through six sections, it sheds light on their struggle for movement, visibility, and freedom — running through September 28.
At the Ethnographic Museum, from July to December, “Off the Wall – From Embroidered to Virtually Shared Values” reinterprets traditional wall-hangings through a modern lens. Featuring over 100 heritage pieces alongside works by students of the Academy of Fine Arts and performance artist Vlasta Delimar, the show links folk motifs to today’s digital culture and virtual storytelling.  The Museum of Contemporary Art (MSU) presents “Making the World a Better Place” (May 15 – October 12), a major solo exhibition by Croatian artist Andjela Kulunčić, showcasing three decades of socially engaged art that challenges injustice and inspires change.
Opening June 13 at Galerija Forum, the group exhibition 'Sjećanje na pobjedu – Trg maršala Tita' (Remembering Victory – Marshal Tito Square) reflects on the erasure of antifascist memory from Zagreb’s public space.
Contemporary artist Siniša Ilić enters the spotlight from July 1 to August 31 at MSU with his latest works as part of the "Triggers" cycle — a critique of modernism’s margins and forgotten narratives within institutional spaces.
In Galerija Josip Račić, from July 8 to August 29, Iva Zagoda presents “Record 245”, a contemplative visual project that invites introspection and interpretation through quiet, poetic abstraction.
Just a few steps away, the Oktogon exhibition space of the National Museum of Modern Art (NMMU) hosts “Acquisitions / Donations 2020–2025 – 120 Years of NMMU” (July 8 – August 31), a celebratory exhibition marking the museum’s impressive legacy through newly collected and gifted works.
And at Lauba, July brings a curated selection from its own private collection, including works by Lovro Artuković, Kristian Kožul, and Marija Ujević Galetović, followed by two solo exhibitions in late August: striking nudes by Stanko Abadžić and new conceptual work by emerging artist Franka Vrljić (August 26 - September 4). For a playful end to the summer, make sure to catch OKOLO / AROUND (August 20–30), when art pops up across Zagreb in unexpected and delightful ways.
 

Step Into Tradition 

This July, Zagreb offers two standout folklore events that will transport you straight into the heart of Croatian heritage. Most performances are outdoors and free to attend.
From July 4 to 6, head to Mažuranac Square for a special open-air program by LADO, Croatia’s most prestigious national folklore ensemble. Known for their powerful vocal harmonies, precise choreography, and stunning traditional costumes, LADO takes you on a journey through centuries of regional folk traditions—right in the center of the city.
Later in the month, from July 16 to 20, don’t miss the International Folklore Festival, one of Zagreb’s most beloved cultural events. Held at various central locations, expect vibrant performances by local and international groups, showcasing folk music, costumes, and customs from across the globe.

Slow Down & Mingle

Every Friday and Saturday from August 1 to 30, Zrinjevac Park transforms into an old-school open-air dance floor, alive with fairy lights and the sound of waltzes, swing, and retro tunes. From 17:00 to 23:00 couples twirl, friends laugh, and passersby linger just to take in the joy. Whether you join the dance or simply soak up the atmosphere, this is one of Zagreb’s most romantic summer rituals. Perched above the city on the Vraz Promenade (next to the Zagreb City Museum) Le Grič offers a more intimate escape. On Saturdays throughout August (2, 9, 16, 23, and 30), starting at 19:00—this leafy spot becomes a stage for poetry readings, acoustic music, and storytelling under ambient lights. It’s part hidden gem, part cultural salon, and the perfect place to get lost in conversation.In July (4, 11, 18, and 25) from 18:00 to 23:00, locals gather in Rokov perivoj, a park overlooking the city, for Mali Piknik, a cozy twilight picnic filled with artisan treats. Bring a blanket and kick off your shoes. There’s wine, locally made snacks, candlelight, and laughter that drifts through the trees. No ticket required, just bring good company and an open heart. From June 27 to July 26, the chestnut-lined Mažuranić Square becomes the scene for Caffe de Matoš, a nostalgic summertime hangout with daily live music, charming retro decor, and weekend DJ sets. Whether you’re sipping a cold drink in the shade or dancing barefoot to an old favorite, this is Zagreb at its most feel-good. 
Looking to mingle by the lake as the sun goes down? Sunset Selections at Aquarius Club is your go-to summer hangout. With DJ sets, acoustic gigs, creative workshops, comedy nights, and chill vibes on the terrace overlooking Jarun lake, it’s the perfect blend of music, sunset, and easy conversation. Follow @aquariuszagreb for weekly updates and bring your best summer energy.
To wrap it all up, save the date for September 19 - 21, when Ilica Street (Zagreb’s central artery) turns into an explosion of creativity. Projekt Ilica: Q’ART brings together street musicians, open artist studios, pop-up design shops, and a bustling, joyful crowd that celebrates local art and community. Think of it as a living, breathing gallery, open to all and powered by the people.

Haven for lovers of literature, film, and theatre

Start with the Festival of World Literature at the Croatian National Theatre (HNK) from August 31 to September 4. With guests from over 15 countries, this five-day program offers author talks, panels, and readings—with simultaneous translation, so everyone can join the conversation. From August 18 to September 12, Summer scene Amadeo transforms the courtyard of the Croatian Natural History Museum into an open-air stage for film, music, and theatre under the stars.
Let your inner child (or puppetry fan) come out at the 58th PIF – International Puppet Theatre Festival, happening September 12–18, with imaginative shows from around the world.
Wrap up the month with a creative jolt at the 25 FPS – International Festival of Experimental Film & Video, from September 23 to 27, where bold and boundary-pushing cinema takes center stage. To wrap up the season in style, the Zagreb Film Festival awaits you from November 10 to 16.