Osijek Summer of Culture returns with more than 60 free events across the city

Osijek (Photo: Roko Poljak /CC BY-SA 4.0)

OSIJEK, 11 June 2026 – More than 60 cultural programmes will take place across over 10 locations in Osijek during the 26th edition of the Osijek Summer of Culture, which runs from 24 June to 30 August.

Organisers announced today that all events will once again be free to attend, continuing a long-standing tradition that has helped make the festival one of the most recognised cultural events in eastern Croatia.

Speaking at a press conference at the Osijek Cultural Centre, Deputy Mayor Dragan Vulin described the festival as the city’s largest cultural event and highlighted its role in bringing culture to a wide audience.

He said the free admission policy remains one of the festival’s greatest strengths, allowing residents and visitors alike to enjoy a diverse programme while transforming numerous city locations into cultural venues throughout the summer.

The festival will open on 24 June at Vatroslav Lisinski Square in Osijek’s historic Tvrđa district with a film concert by the Pannon Philharmonic Orchestra from Pécs, conducted by Apor Szüts.

Deputy Mayor Dragan Vulin (Photo: Grad Osijek)

The performance will be accompanied by a screening of the silent film classic The General, which marks its 100th anniversary this year.

The closing event on 30 August, also at Vatroslav Lisinski Square, will feature the Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra performing a programme titled An Evening of Film Music.

Between the opening and closing events, visitors can enjoy a wide-ranging programme including concerts, theatre performances, exhibitions, literary events, film screenings and activities for children.

Osijek Cultural Centre director Marin Seleš said this year’s programme was designed to connect Croatia’s cultural scene with international productions and guest performers.

Among the featured music events are performances by Góbé and Triology, the Tony Lakatos Quintet, the Eurochestries International Orchestra Festival, Opera Night by the Croatian National Theatre in Osijek, the concert Three European Baritones and a performance by the Krežma Ensemble.

The theatre programme includes productions such as I, Actress, Democracy, Between Dream and Reality, Inner Bitch and Death or About Life.

The exhibition programme will showcase works by Croatian and international artists. Organisers also announced a major international exhibition that will arrive in Osijek following a presentation in London.

The literary segment, organised in cooperation with the Osijek City and University Library, will feature a series of author events and discussions. Other highlights include the Gastro Film Festival, a Hungarian Oscar film cycle and numerous screenings on the rooftop terrace of the Cultural Centre.

A dedicated section of the festival, known as OLJKIĆ, will once again focus on children and young people. The programme includes theatre performances, storytelling sessions, film screenings, workshops and the International Picture Book Festival “Guardians of Stories”.

Children’s highlights include productions such as Hedgehog’s Home, The One-Toothed Pirate and Bees, while the programme will conclude at the Branko Mihaljević Children’s Theatre.

For the first time, organisers have also introduced creative workshops aimed at adults.

Osijek Cultural Centre director Marin Seleš (Photo: Grad Osijek)

Alongside the Osijek Cultural Centre, the festival is supported by several key cultural institutions, including the Croatian National Theatre in Osijek, the Branko Mihaljević Children’s Theatre, the Osijek City and University Library, the Museum of Slavonia and Waldinger Gallery.

With a mix of local and international performers, family-friendly activities and free access to all events, the Osijek Summer of Culture is set to once again bring a vibrant cultural programme to the city throughout the summer months.