Secret Concerts and an Ice Cream Zone: Špancirfest Has New Aces Up Its Sleeve
The 28th edition of the popular Varaždin festival, running from August 21 to 30, brings a host of novelties alongside its well-known attractions.
The 28th edition of the popular Varaždin festival, running from August 21 to 30, brings a host of novelties alongside its well-known attractions.
Špancirfest returns to Varaždin at the end of August this year, and besides the must-see street performers, concerts, and its signature atmosphere, the 28th edition offers several fresh reasons to attend. Over ten days, from August 21 to 30, the festival will feature more than 600 programs spread across 23 festival zones.
One of the most intriguing novelties is the secret musical experiences. Visitors will be able to attend concerts at hidden Varaždin locations that are not marked on the festival map. The venue will be revealed only shortly before the performance begins. In a more intimate setting, without a large stage, musical stories inspired by French chansons, love songs, film scores, and hits from the film "Tko pjeva, zlo ne misli" will be performed. Space is limited, and entry will be granted to those who arrive at the location first.
This year, Špancirfest introduces an entire zone dedicated to ice cream for the first time. At Trg slobode, visitors can take a break from the festival bustle and face perhaps the toughest decision of the day-choosing a flavor of this beloved summer treat.
To escape to Italy, there's no need to leave the city. In the courtyard of the Sermage Palace, a new festival zone called Dolce Vita Garden will be set up. It will celebrate Italian culture through food, music, socializing, and the art of enjoying the little things. Alongside Italian canzone, a fashion show, and creative workshops, a special gastronomic moment will be prepared by chef Melkior Bašić with his spectacular live pasta show.
The novelties give the festival new faces, but the core of Špancirfest remains the same. Nearly all content is free, and visitors are provided with four free parking lots connected to the city center by free shuttle bus lines. The organizers say that everything else is best discovered-by strolling.
