The festivals that invite visitors to Ljubljana and its surrounding area this summer
Lively festival events in Central Slovenia for an unforgettable summer!
At the heart of festival action
Are you thinking about spending a summer night out on the town? That’s easy. Towns in the Central Slovenia offer an array of diverse festivals in the summer, guaranteeing you won’t be bored. From different musical rhythms and street theatre shows to the intoxicating smell of street food – enjoy the festival atmosphere.
The capital of adventures
Ljubljana is the capital of adventures and it offers an abundance of interesting experiences in all seasons. This charming and lively city in the midst of untouched nature will take your breath away at every step. It is particularly charming in summer, when its streets and squares are flooded by street artists and musicians, and the diverse programmes of Ljubljana's music, film, children's, and culinary festivals also create a pleasant atmosphere. Which ones should you visit? We have made a selection of some recommendations.
From early Spring to late Autumn, excellent dishes from all over the world are offered every Friday at food stands in Pogačar Square in Ljubljana (at the Ljubljana marketplace on the banks of the River Ljubljanica). The aroma of šmorn (a scrambled pancake) and the Prekmurje Bograč stew will tempt you from one end of the square, while burgers are made and flames rise from Asian woks at the other. Order a quick snack and continue your stroll around the city. The aroma of the Open Kitchen occasionally also spreads to other Slovenian cities. Local and other dishes can be tasted in the streets of Kranj, Ptuj, Novo Mesto, and Nova Gorica.
If you venture from the capital to any other town in Central Slovenia in the summer, you can learn about their tradition and character at festivals. Each town has its own story, which traditional festivals are usually built on and they are worth a visit. In addition to ethnological festivals, you can find festivals of contemporary art and culinary festivals, which will treat your taste buds.
Find lace and dumplings in Idrija
The UNESCO town of Idrija prides itself on its rich heritage of the former mercury mine. While men used to work in mine shafts, their wives and girlfriends skilfully interlaced threads and created wonderful bobbin lace. And a smell of delicious Idrija žlikrofi dumplings came from the kitchen. The latter two Idrija specialities have their own summer festivals.
In the land of white birch trees along the River Kolpa, you can visit the oldest folklore festival in Slovenia. Learn about Bela Krajina’s cultural heritage and visit this festival where diverse European and global cultures meet. You can also join the dances of folklore groups or learn some Bela Krajina dances or other dance steps. A wide range of fun, creative, and sporting events and learning about Bela Krajina’s gastronomic specialities can be an excellent addition to your family trip to Bela Krajina.
Snežnik Castle lies in idyllic surroundings in the midst of the forests of the Notranjska region. In August, a very special festival called Floating Castle takes place here. Over a few days, this festival, which is playfully called ‘medved-narodni’ (a play on the world ‘international’ – ‘bear-national’ – bears are well-known inhabitants of Notranjska forests), hosts various musical and concert experiences and performers from all around the world.
In summer, Novo mesto hosts an exciting variety of events. You can journey through the history of the town from its first settlers by the River Krka or step into the town centre and feel its modern pulse.
In the summer, the Kočevsko region is not only inviting to fans of unspoilt nature and sports activities, but also lovers of cultural and social events. Don’t miss the music Castle Festival taking place at the idyllic location in the village of Fara on Kolpa River in July, where top national and international musicians will be performing and the concerts will be supplemented by theatre shows and culinary delights.
Experience the vibrant culture and entertainment at the Colourful Loka Festival, which enlivens the town centre and streets of Škofja Loka at the end of the summer holidays. Ten colourful days for all generations with musical performances, literary evenings, creative and children's workshops. Join the cultural rainbow in one of the most creative cities, where many Slovenian artists have found inspiration and where a rich handicraft tradition can be found.
When the summer bids farewell, the streets of the historic town of Kamnik are flooded by colourful national costumes from all over Slovenia. The largest ethnological festival in Slovenia with a tradition spanning more than 40 years attracts more than 30,000 visitors every second weekend in September. The National Costumes and Clothing Heritage Days event has been placed by the British media outlet The Guardian among the 20 great traditional festivals in Europe.
An abundance of cultural events awaits you in Slovenia every day of the year. Admire the masterpieces of nature and the works of human hands and feel the lively vibe of festival events.
Colour your holidays with the rainbow of culture and arts in Slovenia. You will be surrounded by lively events combining traditional elements with modern trends. Choose and book your holiday today!
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Summer is a time for relaxation and a number of interesting outdoor events. You can pair all of this with activities in nature and the exploration of sights.
Discover the mysterious combination of cultural sights and natural patterns which have had their meeting point in Slovenia, at the crossroads of nations and regions, for centuries. Publication "Cultural experiences" opens doors to travellers into the world of artistic creativity and architecture, into the history of culture and the modern way of life. Come on in, it´s Slovenia Culture Time!
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