Varaždin prepares for ‘Špancirfest’ – Croatia’s largest street festival

by croatiaweek
August 16, 2024
in Entertainment

(Photo: Špancirfest)

The countdown has begun—just seven days remain until the start of Croatia’s largest and most beloved street festival, the 26th Špancirfest.

From next Friday, 23rd August, Varaždin will come alive in a way that never fails to impress. The historic city centre is already gearing up to once again become the most beautiful open-air stage.

Performers are excited, and every corner is being prepared with surprises that will make every moment of the festival truly special.

Speaking of moments, if you’ve ever wondered how many steps the average festival-goer takes while soaking up the street performances and market stalls, the answer might surprise you—it’s up to 7,000 steps in a single day.

(Photo: Špancirfest)

The photo and video teams, who document the festival’s daily happenings to capture those perfect moments for us all to remember, typically take three times as many steps. And they do this every day for the full ten days.

In numbers, this summer’s ultimate entertainment looks like this: 10 days, 5 squares, 13 streets, 18 zones, 500 programmes, 200 musical acts, 80 street performances… The only thing that can’t be counted is the experiences, which are simply countless.

Whether you’re a fan of street performances, top-notch musical acts, theatre shows, or you’re excited about the work of creatives and artists, the exhibitors’ products, activities that will delight your little ones, the rich food and wine offerings, or simply the unique atmosphere the festival brings, Špancirfest has something for everyone.

(Photo: Špancirfest)

All festival programmes are free, except for the concerts and theatre performances at Villa Bedeković. For those who haven’t yet purchased tickets, now is the time to do so at www.eventim.hr or any Eventim outlets, as many events are nearly sold out.

If you’re arriving by car, free parking is available at three locations (in front of the Varaždin City Pools at Zagrebačka 85A, at the Auto Club Varteks in Biškupečka Street 3, and in front of the Branka Shopping Centre at Optujska Street 70D).

From all three locations, the “buseki” public transport buses, also free of charge, will run every 20 minutes to the city centre and back, from 17:00 to 00:00, and on Fridays and Saturdays until 01:00.

So, mark the dates, reschedule your plans, gather your friends, and we’ll see you at the best end-of-summer celebration.