The 39th edition of Croatia's longest-running beer festival, from August 28 to September 1, turns the historic Zvijezda into a hub of music, gastronomy, and a tradition spanning over 170 years.
The "Karlovac Beer Days" event will once again mark the end of summer this year, turning the city on four rivers into an unmissable destination for beer lovers, great music, and top-notch gastronomy. This year's 39th edition of Croatia's oldest beer festival, which for nearly four decades has gathered tens of thousands of people from all over the country and abroad, will run from Friday, August 28, to Tuesday, September 1, 2026.
This year's program will take place in the historic city center, known as Zvijezda, where two festival stages will be set up. The ceremonial opening will be headlined by Severina, whose concert will mark the start of five days of celebration. On the first evening, the Gastro Stage will feature Minea entertaining the crowd.
Throughout the festival, visitors can look forward to performances by numerous musical acts. Taking the stage will be Petar Grašo, Hiljson, Baks, the band Jonathan, Indira, and Klapa Šufit. The diverse music lineup will be complemented by a rich offering of food, drinks, and entertainment, which each year turns Karlovac into a favorite destination for bidding farewell to summer.
A special highlight of the event is the "World of Beer" festival zone, dedicated to beer culture. Here, guests will have the opportunity to sample beers from domestic and international breweries, learn about various beer styles, and discover brands available only during the festival. Additionally, the Gastro Corner and the promenade in Karlovac will offer a wide selection of dishes, from classic local specialties to modern street food delights. This event successfully bridges the city's over 170-year-old brewing tradition with contemporary gastronomy and tourism offerings.
This year, the organizers have again paid special attention to visitor convenience and safety. To ensure everyone can enjoy the event worry-free, free transportation and a special train running on the Zagreb-Karlovac-Zagreb route have been arranged. An added bonus is the price of draft Karlovačko beer, which will be just €2.50 for half a liter throughout the festival. Such details once again demonstrate that the event is designed to be accessible to as many people as possible.
Beyond the festival program, "Karlovac Beer Days" is a great opportunity to discover the city's landmarks. Visitors can explore the Old Town Dubovac, visit the freshwater aquarium Aquatika, the Nikola Tesla Experience Center, the Homeland War Museum in Turanj, or take a dip at Foginovo kupalište. The combination of rich history, natural beauty, quality beer, music, and a pleasant atmosphere makes this event one of Croatia's key continental festivals and an ideal way to wrap up the summer. For more information, visit the event's official Facebook page.
