Croatia has effectively replaced England when it comes to hosting Europe’s music festivals. This could be attributed to its gorgeous summers and picturesque locations.
I mean, who wouldn’t want to party on a sun-kissed beach in minimal clothing?
Ten years ago, Croatia was virtually undiscovered by promoters of festivals and festival-goers themselves. According to The Guardian UK, Croatia managed to transform itself from a country where virtually nothing happens to a festival destination because of a few club promoters who discovered the country’s great potential – a place overflowing with people, eager to do something. Its beautiful locations were just a bonus.
The great thing about Croatia is its laid-back people, cheap alcohol, astute DJs and a long summer that promises everyone a brilliant time. Here are some Croatian festivals you should know about:
1. INmusic Festival
Where: Zagreb
When: June 22 to 24
Line-up: Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Eagles Of Death Metal
It is Croatia’s largest open–air festival which features more rock and urban talent. It takes places at the Salata venue in Zagreb. Jamiroquai, Massive Attack, Lilly Allen and The Prodigy are some big artists who have performed at this festival, previously.
2. Hideout Festival
Where: Zrce Beach, Island of Pag, Croatia
When: June 28 to July 2
Line-up attractions: The line-up is as killer as ever Loco Dice, Nina Kraviz, Duke Dumont and Gorgon City all set to headline the spectacular event this July.
Croatia is slowly but surely becoming the new Ibiza, with a variety of destination for beach and music festivals sprouting up all over its shores. Among the many taking place in the beautiful country Hideout is definitely one of the best and will return to its home on the island of Pag. Set around two clubs located on the beachfront, the pools and palm trees make it feel tropical – a place to let go and breath the fresh sea breeze.
3. The Garden Festival
Where: Croatia
When: July 1 to 8
Unique Attraction: Stage in the middle of the water, as boats cruise you to the stage. Seth Troxler, Crazy p (live), Ben UFO, Bonobo will be there to keep you jivin’.
Another Sherp’s pick from the lot of music events taking place in Croatia is The Garden Festival. On the banks of the Adriatic waters, warmed by the idyllic sunlight, it gives you an electronic festival with a stage bang in the middle of the water. Spend the lazy afternoons basking in the sun’s glory as you catch your favourite electronic acts.
(Image Courtesy: Casper Bier/The Garden Festival Facebook)
4. UMF Europe
Where: Split, Croatia
When: July 10 to 12
Line-up attractions: Afrojack, Alesso, Andrew Rayel, Galantis, Guy Gerber
The Ultra team isn’t far behind in scooping up a spot on the heavenly country of Croatia for their flagship festival. So if you’re in the country this July and need a reason to party hard. You know where to head to.
5. Electric Elephant
Where: Tisno
When: July 9 to July 13
Line-up attractions: David August (LIVE) , The 2 Bears, Todd Terry
Electric Elephant is a pure world of fancy, with an absolute maddeningly good lineup the festival offers more than just a dance party. You’re encouraged to relax in the sunshine, swim in the sea and dance through the night without pulling any stops.
6. Soundwave Croatia
Where: Tisno
When: August 6 to 10
Attractions: This year, the seventh Soundwave expands to also include a live art and film programme.
Soundwave Croatia, one of Europe’s most friendly and intimate festivals returns for it’s 7th year and announces the addition of a developed live art and film programme to its eclectic musical offering.
Jay Electronica alongside the likes of Slum Village, Mr Scruff, Mala, LTJ Bukem, Fatima will headline the fest. For Soundwave, street artists, mural artists and illustrators from across Croatia and the rest of Europe will be invited to transform the walls of apartments and buildings across the festival site into living, evolving pieces of art.
7. Lost Theory Festival
Where: Deringay
When: August 12 to 17
Attractions: The art and installations is supposed to be especially exceptional.
Psytrance doesn’t fall very far behind in Croatia. While the beaches are reserved for all the cool deep house and tropical house parties and fests, this absolutely crazy Psytrance festival can be found if you travel inland. The Lost Theory Festival is held in a serene setting in the Croatian interior, with all the vibes you need.
8. Outlook Festival
Where: Pula, Croatia
When: September 2 to 6
Line-up attractions: Benton, Amy Becker, Doctor Jeep, Kahn, Crazy D
Outlook, one of the better known and recognized festivals of Croatia, is also known to be Europe’s largest bass music and sound culture festival. Held at the Fort Punta Christo, the venue is home to lots of moats, dungeons and pretty great sound systems. Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Andy C and Mr. Scruff headlined the festival last year!
9. Dimensions
Where: Fort Punta Christo, Pula
When: August 26 to 30
Line-up attractions: Dusky, Objekt, Four Tet Live, LeFto
Relatively unheard of The Dimension’s festival takes place in a fort in Pula, Croatia the same venue where the Outlook Festival takes place. With a venue of incomparable beauty and an impressive underground line up to boot, Dimension festival is one of those hidden beauties, you only want to tell your best friends about.
10. Sonus Festival
Where: Zrce beach
When: August 16 to 20
Line-up attractions: Guy Gerber, Loco Dice, Jamie Jones, Richie Hawtin
Five days and five nights of madness, with the biggest techno-deep house-tropical house line-up a croatian festival has seen!
(Images Courtesy : Sonus Festival/Facebook)