Špancirfest: The ultimate end-of-summer fun in Varaždin
- by croatiaweek
- in Entertainment
Špancirfest (Photo credit: TZ grada Varaždina)
Are you ready for the best end-of-summer celebration? As tradition holds, in the second half of August, all roads lead to Varaždin, where for just over a week, the grandest street festival, Špancirfest, takes centre stage.
This year marks the 25th jubilee edition of the festival, set in the most stunning open-air setting within the historical heart of the city. Prepare for a journey through music, art, and entertainment. With over 500 diverse programs promising countless unforgettable experiences, Špancirfest is the ultimate invitation. The festival kicks off on August 18th and runs until August 27th.
World-Class Musical Stars
World-class musical stars, from Franz Ferdinand to Perpetuum Jazzile, all for free? Yes, you read that right. Scottish rockers are gracing Špancirfest, and to enjoy their music, you don’t need to purchase tickets. The concert, along with all other performances on the main festival stage in the Old Town, is absolutely free for attendees.
(Photo credit: TZ grada Varaždina)
Alongside them, the lineup includes the young Slovenian rock sensation Joker Out, TBF, Silente, Neno Belan & Fiumens & Brass Experience, The Croatian Pink Floyd Show, Buč Kesidi, and Parni Valjak feat. Igor Drvenkar. Perpetuum Jazzile, a global music attraction, will perform on the first day of Špancirfest at the enchanting Vila Bedeković stage, powered by Kaufland, and this is the only place where ticket entry is required, offering a carefully crafted musical and theatrical program.
(Photo credit: TZ grada Varaždina)
Beyond the main stages, music will resonate throughout the 10 days of Špancirfest, echoing from every corner of the historical core, be it on smaller and pop-up stages or even in the streets and squares. With more than 200 musical programs spanning various genres, there’s something for everyone.
(Photo credit: TZ grada Varaždina)
Breath-Taking Street Art – Siren Orchestra, Illuminated Robots, Stilt Walkers, Bizarre Vehicles…
For a special energy that you’ll feel in Varaždin, regardless of which day you attend the festival, the spotlight is on street performers, the distinctive trademark of Špancirfest. Hailing from around ten countries worldwide, they prepare more than 70 captivating, energetic, and incredibly colorful performances, making your Instagram-worthy moments guaranteed. At Špancirfest, you’ll witness street performances unlike any seen before, except perhaps in photographs.
(Photo credit: TZ grada Varaždina)
The French Siren Orchestra is making their Croatian debut, arriving with peculiar, large, and captivating musical locomotives. Frenchman Nicolas Bras will amaze with playing up to 17 different instruments, all crafted through the recycling of various materials.
(Photo credit: TZ grada Varaždina)
The Italian family La Famiglia Mirabella will leave you breathless with their aerial acts. Illuminated robots on stilts, aquatic creatures from the depths of the sea, stilt walkers on pneumatic stilts, and peculiar vehicles that emit space-like flashes are just some of the characters in this street fairytale that’s worth experiencing.
(Photo credit: TZ grada Varaždina)
Innovation and Inspiration; Rich Offer from Over 200 Exhibitors
The colourful streets of Varaždin become even more vibrant during Špancirfest thanks to the playful colours of booths and stands showcasing a wide range of products, from traditional to modern, as well as authentic delicacies. In the most charming street transformed into Kreativnica (Creative Street), around 50 artisans will present their creative and innovative products, each with their own inspiring story. Women’s ties, Dream (in) Diary, extraordinary posters, wooden artworks, unique pens, jewellery, designer clothing pieces… are just some of the products you’ll find at Špancirfest.
(Photo credit: TZ grada Varaždina)
Gastronomic Extravaganza
The gastronomic offerings at Špancirfest have never been more lavish, promising a culinary magic that will capture your taste buds at first bite. The Špancir Burger Festival presents a selection of dozens of the best burgers. Vinski Grad (Wine Town) offers 500 wine varieties. Additionally, renowned chefs Melkior Bašić and Damir Tomljanović will prepare surprise dishes at both Vinski Grad and Špancir Burger Festival.
(Photo credit: TZ grada Varaždina)
(Photo credit: TZ grada Varaždina)
(Photo credit: TZ grada Varaždina)
Near the Old Town, there are even two food and drink zones – Vinski Grad and the Carlsberg Food & Party Zone – proud of their gourmet offerings. Ferdinand Dumplings, available at Franjevački trg, are a sensation in some Croatian cities. While strolling the streets and squares, you won’t be able to resist local pastries and traditional klipići.
(Photo credit: TZ grada Varaždina)
All programs, except those at Vila Bedeković powered by Kaufland, are free, and tickets for performances and concerts at Vila Bedeković can be found at www.eventim.hr.
Špancirfest runs until August 27th, 2023. For more information, visit www.spancirfest.com.
