Zagreb’s Green River Festival brings music, film, art and traditional Slavonian fiš to the Sava

by croatiaweek
September 14, 2026
in Entertainment

(Photo: Tomislav Jugkala)

At Green River, time moves to the rhythm of music, film, food and good company. Here, evenings don’t necessarily begin on the hour – they start when the numbers themselves sound like a catchy chorus: 18:08, 19:19, 20:20.

From Monday to Sunday, Green River Festival brings another week of eclectic entertainment to the Sava riverbank, combining live music, open-air cinema, quizzes, art, food and plenty of opportunities to simply slow down and enjoy summer by the river.

Monday kicks things off with the Everybody Loves Monday listening session. At 20:02, the screen lights up for Kino na Savi, presenting three Croatian short films.

Josip Šimić’s Buba follows Mara as she sets out to make sure justice is served after an accident involving a cricket. Jasna Safić’s Late Winter (Kasna zima) follows Selma and Saša, whose planned dinner turns into a search for Saša’s father, who suffers from dementia and has run away from home. In Luka Eterović’s award-winning thriller Špurijus, Šime has the ability to see fragments of the future – and must piece them together in time to prevent a tragedy.

All you need for a summer movie night by the Sava is a blanket, some popcorn and a good spot under the stars. Settle down by the river and let the stories on the screen turn the city evening into an open-air cinema. Admission is free.

(Photo: Tomislav Jugkala)

Tuesday brings a change of rhythm with Funky Tuesday, followed at 19:19 by the General Knowledge Quiz by Laramic, where participants will put their knowledge, speed and powers of deduction to the test.

Wednesday has a reggae feel but takes its inspiration from a “Summer Picnic.” This is the theme of the latest Beer’N’Paint session, led by Ivana Jerković at 18:51. Paint, canvas and a drink in hand will replace the usual working environment, with everyone heading home from the Sava carrying their own take on a summer picnic.

On Thursday, after the Thursday Thirst Day listening session, Mela Skar takes the stage. Behind the name is Zagreb singer-songwriter Mihaela Hudiček, whose music combines piano, strong lyrics and storytelling. Her sound moves between acoustic folk and funky pop, with the live performance beginning at 19:19.

Friday turns up the volume. Following the Friday, Fashion & Friends listening session, Zagreb rock’n’roll band Donkey Hot takes the stage at 20:20. Known for their energetic live shows and witty, cynical and ironic songs about everyday life, the band is fronted by Vili Gobac. Donkey Hot, popular Croatian bend, have played more than 70 concerts and shared the stage with some of the region’s best-known acts, including Let 3, Psihomodo Pop, Vojko V and Zabranjeno pušenje.

Vili Gobac (Photo: Tomislav Jugkala)

Saturday brings something particularly special to the Sava riverbank. Antina Ribička Večer will bring a taste of Slavonia to Zagreb, with a team travelling from Slavonia to prepare carp the traditional way, slowly roasting it on spits over an open fire in front of visitors.

The aroma of smoke and freshly roasted fish will fill the riverbank, while fiš – a traditional Slavonian fish stew – will be prepared and tamburitza musicians provide an authentic Slavonian soundtrack.

(Photo: Tomislav Jugkala)

More than simply a food event, Antina Ribička Večer offers visitors a chance to see a traditional method of preparing fish up close and experience the atmosphere of Slavonian gatherings by the river. The Sava will connect Zagreb and Slavonia in one particularly delicious evening. Antina Ribička Večer begins at 16:16.

At 18:18, Saturday’s programme continues with the evening Art Bazaar on the beach. Artists, creatives and small independent exhibitors will showcase their work by the river, replacing the traditional gallery or shop setting with a relaxed festival atmosphere.

(Photo: Tomislav Jugkala)

The Art Bazaar returns on Sunday at 18:18. Before that, Sunday Surprise takes over with a music listening session where, as the name suggests, the selection remains a secret until the first notes begin to play. The final word – or, more precisely, the final card – belongs to the participants of the UNO tournament at 18:48.

Every day at 17:17, it’s time for Fjaka na Savi – a moment to slow down, relax and embrace the laid-back spirit of summer by the river. The sports zone is open throughout the day.

(Photo: Tomislav Jugkala)

Green River Festival takes place from September 14 to 20 on the Sava embankment near Hendrix Bridge in Zagreb. Admission to all programmes is free.