Zagreb full of festivals in September: Guide to what’s on

(Photo: Julien Duval/Zagreb Tourist Board)

As summer slowly gives way to autumn, Zagreb comes alive with a wealth of cultural, musical and gastronomic events.

From literary gatherings and film screenings to street festivals and family-friendly happenings, the Croatian capital is buzzing throughout September.

Journal.hr gives us an overview of some of the highlights.

Ongoing Festivals

Green River Festival

(Photo: Green River Fest)

Running until 7 September on the banks of the Sava, near Močvara club, the festival aims to revive the riverside with creative workshops, concerts and a relaxed summer vibe.

Palačinka Fest

(Photo: Palačinka Fest)

Until 11 September, Rougemarin Park is once again home to the sweetest festival in town. Visitors can sample imaginative pancake recipes and enjoy a fun-filled programme for all generations.

Ljeto na Velesajmu
Until 7 September, Zagreb Fair hosts five concerts daily alongside food stalls and even a silent party, making it a lively late-summer destination.

Ljetna scena Amadeo
Set in the courtyard of the Croatian Natural History Museum, the Amadeo Summer Stage runs until 12 September, featuring acclaimed domestic and international musicians in a unique open-air setting.

September Highlights

Festival of World Literature (31 August – 4 September)
Over 70 authors from 19 countries gather at the Croatian National Theatre, Fraktura Bookshop and Kranjčar Gallery. The programme features panel discussions, readings and conversations on literature in today’s changing world.

Food Truck Festival (1 – 6 September)

(Photo: Zagreb Food Truck Festival)

Britanski trg hosts an array of food trucks, music and evening gatherings from 17:00 to 23:00.

Burger Festival Zagreb (4 – 14 September)

(Photo: PR)

Trg dr. Franje Tuđmana turns into burger heaven with 16 stands offering around 50 different burger varieties, plus concerts, workshops, quizzes and open-air cinema.

Zagreb Museum Weekend (4 – 7 September)

(Photo: Marija Gasparovic/Zagreb Touristt Board)

Eleven museums across the city open their doors free of charge with guided tours, thematic walks and creative workshops for all ages.

Zagrebački kvartovi kulture (6 – 21 September)
Three neighbourhoods – Klaka, Folnegovićevo and Cvjetno naselje – will host concerts, theatre, circus, film and workshops, transforming local squares into cultural hubs.

Baš Naš at The Lake (5 – 21 September)

(Photo: Promo)

Bundek Lake welcomes the popular festival’s autumn edition, combining live music, DJs and themed nights in a scenic outdoor setting.

ZeGeVege (5 – 7 September)
At European Square, the eco-friendly festival offers vegan food, natural cosmetics and sustainable products.

Zagreb Design Week (9 – 21 September)
The region’s largest design festival celebrates its 12th edition at Jadran Film and city centre venues, exploring the theme “Realities We Share” with exhibitions, talks and workshops.

AFTERTASTE (11 – 21 September)
A new urban street festival at Kvatrić featuring fine wines, craft beer, street food and live entertainment daily until midnight.

Cinehill in Zagreb (11 – 16 September)
Lauba hosts a programme ranging from Oscar winners to independent dramas and comedies.

Gajnice vrište (12 – 13 September)
This neighbourhood festival features open-air concerts and community events in Susedgrad.

International Puppet Theatre Festival – PIF (12 – 18 September)
One of Zagreb’s most charming traditions returns with performances by 20 local and international puppet troupes for both children and adults.

World Theatre Festival (13 – 27 September)
Now in its 22nd season, the festival presents four acclaimed European productions exploring contemporary theatre through diverse forms.

PLAC MLJAC (18 – 21 & 25 – 28 September)
Trešnjevka Market transforms into a lively evening festival with food, drinks, live music and cultural performances.

25 FPS Festival (23 – 27 September)
Dedicated to experimental film and video, this long-running festival brings fresh perspectives to Zagreb’s cinema scene.