Špancirfest 2026: 600 events and street performers in Varaždin

(Photo: Varaždin Tourist Board)

VARAŽDIN, 25 June 2026 – Varaždin will once again become one of Croatia’s liveliest festival destinations this August when Špancirfest returns for its 28th edition.

Taking place from 21 to 30 August, the festival will feature around 600 programmes across 23 festival zones in the city’s historic centre. The programme will combine live music, street art, theatre, food, creative workshops and activities for visitors of all ages.

This year’s festival will include around 200 music programmes, with the main PAN stage beneath Varaždin’s Old Town hosting a number of regional and international acts.

British electronic band Kosheen is among the headline names announced. The group, known internationally for hits including Hide U and Catch, will perform alongside Plavi Orkestar, Dubioza Kolektiv, Zabranjeno pušenje, Silente, Zoster and Seine.

(Photo: Varaždin Tourist Board)

The programme will also include “Tragom Olivera”, a concert dedicated to the musical legacy of Croatian singer Oliver Dragojević.

Villa Bedeković will host a separate concert and theatre programme. It will open with a gala evening featuring the Zagreb Soloists, soprano Evelin Novak, the Varaždin Trio, Nikola Hrupek, Gelato Sisters, Zdenka Kovačiček and Robert Mareković’s Swingers.

(Photo: Varaždin Tourist Board)

Further concerts at the venue will include Amira Medunjanin and Doris Dragović, while the closing evening will be dedicated to Italian canzone music, performed by the Varaždin Tamburitza Orchestra and guest soloists.

The theatre programme at Villa Bedeković will include Penzići luduju, Iva i Gloria, Kako je sve počelo, Ljubaf, Uspješna.hr and Muškarci.hr.

Concerts and theatre performances at Villa Bedeković will be the only parts of the festival requiring tickets. Most other programmes will be open to the public.

A new feature for 2026 will be a series of secret concerts at hidden locations in Varaždin’s historic centre. The locations will be announced shortly before each performance.

Street performance remains at the heart of Špancirfest. Artists from around ten European countries are expected to present music, light and fire shows, stilt performances, acrobatics and trapeze acts, alongside costume-led interactive performances.

(Photo: Varaždin Tourist Board)

Festival organisers say the format is designed to make visitors part of the experience, with streets, squares and public spaces becoming interactive stages throughout the ten-day event.

Several familiar festival zones will return, including Vinski grad, Okusi svijeta, Kreativnica, Umjetnička ulica, Retro zona and the Preloved Market.

New additions include Kooglach, a zone centred on ice cream, and Dolce Vita Garden, inspired by the Italian way of life.

Children and families will have dedicated areas including Vindiland, Park kreative, Baltazargrad and a Gaming Zone. These will offer workshops, games, STEM activities and family entertainment.

(Photo: Varaždin Tourist Board)

Špancirfest has become one of Croatia’s best-known summer festivals over almost three decades, drawing visitors to Varaždin for its combination of culture, entertainment and the atmosphere of the city’s historic streets.