Špancirfest returns – 10 days of music, street art and family fun in Varaždin

by croatiaweek
July 1, 2025
in Entertainment

(Photo: Varaždin Tourist Board)

From 22 to 31 August, Varaždin will once again transform into the lively stage of Croatia’s most famous and beloved street festival – Špancirfest.

In its 27th edition, the festival will bring more than 500 programmes across 18 zones, offering a colourful mix of street performances, concerts, comedy theatre, children’s activities, artistic expression and culinary experiences.

Music at the Heart of Špancirfest

The main music stage at the PAN Stage near the Old Town will feature a line-up of acclaimed performers and free concerts.

Audiences can look forward to performances by Disco Opera, S.A.R.S., Gipsy Kings by Diego Baliardo, Bajaga i Instruktori, Urban & 4 with a string orchestra, Letu štuke and PipsChips&Videoclips. A major highlight this year will be the debut Croatian performance of Korean rock legends YB (Yoon Do Hyun Band) and leading female rock band Rolling Quartz.

They will be joined by Croatian rocker Dino Jelusić, and the entire segment will be filmed as part of a reality show promoting Croatia.

(Photo: Varaždin Tourist Board)

A Stage with Soul

The charming Bedeković Villa Stage promises unforgettable musical evenings with Zvonko Bogdan, Amira Medunjanin, and Rundek & Ekipa. A unique blend of tradition and innovation will be on show as the Varaždin Tamburitza Orchestra performs alongside renowned saxophonist Igor Geržina and special guest Marko Tolja.

The theatre programme will feature top comedies including Dobri moNci, Tabuji, Iva i Glorija, Godišnjica mature, and Krletka. This is the only ticketed segment of the festival, with tickets available via Eventim.

(Photo: Varaždin Tourist Board)

In addition to the main stages, music will fill every corner of the city. Smaller stages, street corners and squares will host spontaneous performances, including the Musical Camper and Music Clinic.

The Carlsberg Food and Party Zone will offer a mix of retro and world music, with acts like Greek ethno-rock band Koza Mostra and Cuban rhythms from Cubismo. Vinyl DJs, Cat Pows, and Minea will keep the nostalgic spirit alive with hits from past decades.

Around 20 street artists from across Europe will bring vibrancy and magic to Varaždin. Expect stunning stilt performances by FlowReal Butterflies, Parata delle Nuvole, Stelzen-Art, Dulce Compania’s Fashion Circus and the innovative Chromosaur puppet theatre. Energetic brass bands such as the 18-member Brazzmatazz, Spain’s Always Drinking Marching Band and France’s Melotronic will liven up every street with acoustic grooves and infectious energy.

For younger visitors, the Creative Park will feature the educational Baltazar Town, LEGO Academy, STEM challenges, 3D pen drawing and even a baby crawl race.

(Photo: Varaždin Tourist Board)

The ever-popular Vindiland will return with games and meet-and-greets with athletes. After its successful debut last year, the White Shark Gaming Zone is back with even more attractions for gamers of all ages.

Food lovers will enjoy the Wine Town, Carlsberg Food and Party Zone and the stylish Glam Garden. A new zone called Tastes of the World will introduce visitors to delicious dishes and aromas from international cuisines, all in one place.

(Photo: Varaždin Tourist Board)

This year introduces the Preloved Market – a sustainable second-hand fair hosted by well-known influencers and held for the first time outside the capital. Meanwhile, the Retro Zone will transport visitors back to the 70s, 80s and 90s with disco parties, vinyl music, nostalgic exhibitions and food from the past.

The Kreativnica area will be full of unique handmade items, while Artistic Street becomes an open-air studio. Visitors can also explore nearly 100 artisan stands in Craftsmen Street and other locations throughout the historic centre. The Špancir Pantry will feature local producers and family farms (OPGs), showcasing homemade and eco-friendly goods.

(Photo: Varaždin Tourist Board)

Špancirfest continues to champion sustainability. Accreditation passes have been made from recycled plastic bottles, while festival t-shirts are produced from recycled textile waste by the social cooperative Humana Nova.