Magical outdoor events in Ljubljana

Music resounds through the streets and squares, outdoor venues and stages invite visitors to enjoy some culture, films play under the stars, and the castle and other secret courtyards come to life.

This year, summer events accept fewer visitors, in accordance with responsible travel standards, which made Slovenia one of the first countries in the world to receive the Safe Travels label (Global Safety Stamp WTTC). Thus, culture lovers who want to enjoy in a relaxed urban vibe will experience an even more boutique and intimate summer in Ljubljana under the stars.

Back in 2016, Ljubljana was awarded the title of European Green Capital. And rightfully so; today, Ljubljana is one of the greenest and safest capitals in the world. The city centre is like a large outdoor living-room, entirely closed to motorised traffic and perfect for enjoying the summer. The Ljubljanica River runs through the heart of the city, whose banks, promenades, bridges and squares were brought together into one of the most beautiful integral architectural masterpieces of the 20th-century Europe by architect Jože Plečnik.

This summer, Ljubljana welcomes you with timeless charm of the streets and squares, offering another year of outdoor cultural events and summer night experiences.

Carefree wandering during the day – Ljubljana Festival and open stages at night

The Slovenian capital is one of the smallest and least populated ones in Europe, ensuring plenty of personal space for carefree exploration. Foodies will enjoy the cosmopolitan fusion of delicious food and wine intertwined with urban traditions, innovative tastes, and world-class cuisines, which was well noticed by the renowned French Michelin Guide. Discover the local sights by bike, on foot or on a boat ride on the Ljubljanica River, book one of Ljubljana's guided boutique experiences, or explore the green charms of Central Slovenia. Reserving your evenings to experience the city is a must. This year, the international summer Ljubljana Festival will come to life in its adapted 68th edition as one of the most important and longest-running festivals in the region, one whose programme extends up until 8 September. This year's ballet, opera and theatre performances feature world-renowned artists and art companies including La Scala from Milan. Chamber music and symphonic concerts will resonate in the romantic setting of Plečnik's Križanke Open Air Theatre. The Open Stage on the Museum Platform is a new summer addition, which connects various theatres and producers with theatre and dance performances, concerts and literary evenings ever week. Among other events, the open stage will host the Mladi Levi summer international performance art festival.

Photo credits: Matic Kremžar

Romantic evening dates at the castle above the city

One of the most anticipated summer events among the locals is the Films Under the Stars, during which the night sky above the castle courtyard is illuminated by movie stars. Every year, Kinodvor, the city cinema of Ljubljana, in collaboration with the city of Ljubljana and Ljubljana Castle, carefully puts together a programme featuring the most significant films of the past cinema season. Before the film, indulge in a glass of sparkling wine in the magical castle courtyard and enjoy the magnificent view of Ljubljana at night. All summer long, it is possible to book a special culinary experience among the castle grapevines on the Ljubljana Castle hillside. Strelec Restaurant and their chef Igor Jagodic, one of the best Slovenian chefs, who received a Michelin Plate this year, will pamper you with a Dinner in the Castle Vineyard. The five-course menu is laced with seasonal produce, fruits, local meat, and other locally sourced ingredients. Enjoy the perfect culinary experience accompanied by a glass of wine and a view of Ljubljana. 

Fresh air and relaxation in the shade of trees at the green heart of the city

A number of outdoor events to brighten your summer are held in Tivoli, Ljubljana’s largest and most beautiful park, which lies at the very heart of the city. Read a book or two in the comfortable deckchairs of the Library under the Treetops. Take an evening stroll to the Švicarija Creative Centre and Bistro, the place where one of the giants of Slovenian literature, Ivan Cankar, once lived and worked. Today, the centre is once again hosting artists in its residential spaces under the auspices of the International Centre of Graphic Arts. Enjoy the special ambience of the Films in the Woods, where you can treat yourself to a good movie or a contemporary music concert, with a drink and a snack in the company of the locals that love Švicarija. Follow the sound of evening concerts and original music to the Tivoli Mansion. Tivoli, with its many paths across the landscape parks of Ljubljana, invites you to relax through movement that can be connected with art in a special way. Join a renowned dancer and choreographer on a musical run. Back on the city streets, visit the ARTish Festival, where Slovenian artists exhibit and sell their art at the event’s stalls. The events are rounded up by free creative workshops, theatre and music performances, and charity projects.

Photo credits: Nea Culpa, Mankica Kranjec

The white streets of Ljubljana never sleep – the Ljubljana card and a single ticket to all houses of culture

The legendary song about the city says that the white streets of Ljubljana never sleep. This summer, Ljubljana has once again put together a number of special deals to make discovering and exploring the city even easier. 1 ticket to 11 museums and galleries is a summer collaboration of museums and galleries that you can visit with a single affordable ticket. The Ljubljana Card is an excellent way of exploring this green city. It includes entrance fees to the main sights, a guided tour of the city, entrance to the Ljubljana Zoo, a tourist boat cruise, a funicular ride to the Ljubljana Castle and much more. Enjoy a relaxing and animated summer in Ljubljana.

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