Science steps into the city from April 20 to 25
Dubrovnik will once again host the Festival of Science from April 20 to 25, 2026, turning part of the city’s spring calendar into a space for discovery, creativity and hands-on learning. This year’s theme is energy, and the programme brings a full week of free workshops, lectures and educational events for visitors of different ages.
In Dubrovnik, the festival is organised by the University of Dubrovnik in cooperation with local technical culture associations, giving the programme a lively mix of public science, practical activities and community involvement.
A spring event for families, children and curious minds
This is the kind of event that fits perfectly into Dubrovnik’s spring rhythm. Beyond the usual walks, views and historic landmarks, the Festival of Science offers something different, an opportunity to explore the city through ideas, experiments and interactive learning.
With free workshops and a programme designed to be open and approachable, it is especially well suited to families, school-age children and anyone looking for an educational event that still feels light, engaging and enjoyable. Some activities require advance registration, so planning ahead may be a good idea.
From robotics to recycling
Early announcements show a programme built around participation rather than passive listening. Local workshops include themes such as recycling, robotics, engineering and logical construction, which gives the Dubrovnik edition an energetic, practical feel.
Instead of treating science as something distant or overly academic, the festival brings it closer to everyday life — and does so in a way that feels accessible even to visitors who simply happen to be in the city at the right time.
More than a university event
Although it is linked to the academic community, the Festival of Science is much broader in spirit. It has been organised in Croatia since 2003, with the aim of bringing science closer to the public, encouraging curiosity and helping younger generations engage more confidently with knowledge and research.
That wider purpose gives the Dubrovnik programme extra value. For visitors in the city in late April, it offers a chance to see a different side of Dubrovnik, one that is family-friendly, thoughtful and connected to the local community as much as to its cultural landmarks.
A different kind of Dubrovnik experience
For anyone looking beyond the Old Town and the standard tourist schedule, this festival adds another layer to the city’s spring atmosphere. It is educational without feeling heavy, local without feeling closed, and engaging enough to appeal even to those who did not plan their trip around science at all.
