Rijeka Carnival
January-March
The second largest carnival in Europe, Rijeka Carnival is a riotous mixture of pomp and pageants. Don’t miss the main march held the Sunday before Ash Wednesday with performers decked out in costumes and masks. If you’ve still got the energy, head to one of the after-parties nearby.
Rijeka Summer Nights
June-July
Come July, the streets and squares of Rijeka are transformed from ordinary thoroughfares into spectacular stages, and given over to musical and theatrical performances. See everything from classical music concerts and drama to more contemporary rock and pop, and modern theatre productions.
Republika
July
High-minded types can find intellectual stimulation and immersive discussions at Republika, a three-day festival-cum-conference dedicated to forward thinkers and new media culture. There are talks, workshops, screenings and entertainment on hand to lighten the load when all that thinking gets too much.
Hartera
July
Set in an abandoned paper factory, Hartera is one of Croatia’s best music festivals for electro, indie and experimental music. Over 5,000 revellers come here for a weekend of head-thumping body-shaking beats from local and international performers alike.
Rijeka Nautic Show
September
As a port city, Rijeka has a long and illustrious nautical heritage. Every September, it gets to show off this heritage as traders and punters swoon over the latest models of yachts and speedboats. If you eventually tire of boats, there are plenty of gastronomic offerings to distract yourself with.