Eight Reasons to Visit the 28th Špancirfest
From August 21 to 30, Varaždin becomes the epicenter of culture with over 600 programs, concerts by major stars, new festival venues, and rich content for all generations.
From August 21 to 30, Varaždin becomes the epicenter of culture with over 600 programs, concerts by major stars, new festival venues, and rich content for all generations.
Defining Špancirfest in a single sentence is nearly impossible. It's a festival that offers over 600 programs in ten days, brings together top musicians and street artists from across Europe, but at the same time, it's a place where what you discover along the way matters most. Its 28th edition takes place from August 21 to 30, 2026, in Varaždin, and the organizers have highlighted eight key reasons why it's worth coming.
The main stage, the PAN stage at the Old Town, will host an impressive lineup of performers. Audiences can expect performances by Kosheen, Plavi orkestar, Dubioza Kolektiv, Zabranjeno pušenje, Silente, Zoster, and Seine. A particularly emotional moment will be the program "In the Footsteps of Oliver," an evening dedicated to the musical legacy of Oliver Dragojević.
For those who prefer a more elegant ambiance, Vila Bedeković brings more exclusive festival evenings. Amira Medunjanin and Doris Dragović will perform there, and the Gala Opening program and a finale featuring Italian music, with the Varaždin Tamburitza Orchestra and soloists, will round out the offerings.
This year, some stages won't be found on the festival map. The organizers are preparing secret concerts whose locations will be revealed only just before the start. Inspiration for these intimate musical experiences comes from French chansons, film music, and timeless hits from the movie "Tko pjeva, zlo ne misli."
The festival is also expanding with two brand-new venues. Kooglach is designed as a paradise for ice cream lovers and summer vibes, while Dolce Vita Garden brings a Mediterranean atmosphere inspired by Italy, with good food, music, and a relaxed pace.
The street program remains the festival's hallmark. During a stroll through Varaždin, visitors will encounter stilt walkers and trapeze artists, musicians, drummers, and light and fire spectacles, with a high chance of becoming part of the performance themselves.
For the youngest visitors, four zones are available: Vindiland, Baltazargrad, Park kreative, and Techpark Gaming Zona. This is precisely why Špancirfest has been attracting entire families for years.
The festival's quality has also been recognized by the esteemed British magazine Rolling Stone UK, which included it on the list of summer events in Croatia not to be missed. To make getting there as easy as possible, the organizers have provided four free parking lots and free shuttle bus service to the festival core, after which all you need is a comfortable pair of shoes.
The charm of Špancirfest lies in its unpredictability. You might come for your favorite performer and be delighted by a street performer, a secret concert, or a glass of wine at a new festival venue. It's a festival you'll gladly return to because there's always something left to discover.
