25th Špancirfest: 500 reasons to check out Croatia’s most popular street festival

(Photo: Špancirfest)

Less than two months separate us from the jubilee 25th Špancirfest, which will take place from August 18th to 27th in the most beautiful open-air stage in the historical core of the city of Varaždin.

The most popular street festival in Croatia, which has captured the hearts of thousands of visitors, brings over 500 programs in its celebratory edition, ranging from concerts, performances, theatre plays, music, culinary, and children’s workshops to small, unexpected surprises on the city streets.

The main festival stage at the Old Town, known for the incredible fusion of performers’ energy and audience passion, will host 12 concerts in eight days.

(Photo: Špancirfest)

In addition to the previously announced headliners, Franz Ferdinand from Scotland and the young, promising, and increasingly popular Slovenian indie rock band Joker Out, the atmosphere will be enhanced by TBF, Silente, Buč Kesidi, Neno Belan & Fiumens & Brass Experience, Parni Valjak feat. Igor Drvenkar, The Croatian Pink Floyd Show, BluVinil, Fran Vasilić, as well as representatives of Varaždin’s forces, Cold Snap, and Crna Kronika.

Admission to all concerts at the main stage will be free.

(Photo: Špancirfest)

The music program on the stage near Villa Bedeković will be opened by the world music attraction, the vocal group Perpetuum Jazzile. The Mediterranean pop sound will be brought by the group Cambi, and for an outstanding musical experience, the students of the Music School, supported by their teachers and the nuSynergetic association, will present the concert “Nothing Else Matters.”

In addition to the music programs, the stage near Villa Bedeković will traditionally host theater comedies organized by the Kerekesh Theater. Villa Bedeković is the only stage for which tickets will be required.

(Photo: Špancirfest)

The street program of Špancirfest is the soul of the festival, and the streets and squares of Varaždin will come alive with a variety of costumes, music from unusual and unique instruments, drummers, stilt walkers, and numerous other creative individuals and artists. Fifteen artists from around ten countries, from Croatia to Brazil, will perform, and from the rich program, we highlight the innovative music spectacle, which will be performed for the first time in Croatia, the Siren Orchestra by the French company Mécanique Vivante.

A spectacle is also expected at Kapucinski Square, where 32 dancers from Croatia, the United Kingdom, Portugal, Latvia, and Germany will present a multimedia music and stage show as part of the European project People Power Partnership. Špancirfest is one of 14 partners from 11 European countries involved in the project.

(Photo: Špancirfest)

The streets of the city will once again be enriched by the indispensable Street Heroes. Špancirfest connects culture and creativity with great care in the Kreativnica, where designers and renowned Croatian brands will present their unique products, as well as in the Art Street, where artists from Varaždin and the region will gather.

Last year’s novelty, the Špancir Burger Festival, will turn Kapucinski Square into a true oasis of hedonism once again, with famous culinary names such as Mate Janković, Ivan Pažanin, Melkior Bašić, and Marko Palfi showcasing their culinary skills.

An essential part of Špancirfest, when it comes to hedonism, is the Wine City, which will once again be located in the green oasis below the walls of the Old Town, while just a few steps away, Carlsberg Food & Retro Party Zone prepares its own music and gastronomic program.

(Photo: Špancirfest)

Špancirfest takes special care of the entertainment for the youngest strollers. Fun, educational, and creative activities in the Park of Creativity, in a new setting this year, will awaken curiosity in young explorers, while the well-known location of Vindiland near the Old Town will offer them an endless source of entertainment, games, and sports activities. They can also experience adrenaline-filled excitement in the amusement park. The LOOP Music Clinic, which will host free music workshops for children and beginners, will also be held, with a weekend music program.

Almost the entire historical core of Varaždin will become a place where art, crafts, and creativity unite thanks to exhibitors from all over Croatia who will offer numerous products, from traditional to modern. With the diversity of materials and techniques, our exhibitors will capture you with their passion, talent, and love they invest in their creations. In short, get ready for ten days of experiences, fun, and pure joy at the 25th Špancirfest.

For more information about the program, visit the official website of the festival at www.spancirfest.com and the official festival pages on Facebook and Instagram.