If you are in Croatia these days, Zagreb Classic is once again proving why it has become one of the capital’s most charming summer events.
This year’s edition has already brought thousands of visitors to King Tomislav Square, transforming one of Zagreb’s most beautiful open-air spaces into an elegant stage beneath the summer sky. The first festival evenings confirmed once again that classical music, opera and musical theatre can create a truly special atmosphere when performed outside, in the heart of the city.
For visitors spending the summer in Dubrovnik, but also planning to explore other Croatian destinations, Zagreb Classic offers a different kind of summer experience, one shaped not by the sea, but by music, culture, architecture and warm evenings in the Croatian capital.
The atmosphere on King Tomislav Square has been one of the strongest impressions of the festival so far. Different generations gathered on the grass, enjoying the performances in a relaxed and festive setting, while the city itself became part of the concert experience. It is precisely this combination of high-quality music and an accessible, open-air setting that has helped Zagreb Classic attract more attention year after year.
Three More Evenings of Music Under the Stars
The festival continues with three more attractive evenings.
On June 30, the programme brings one of the audience favourites, “A Celebration of Musical Theatre”, performed by the soloists, choir and orchestra of Zagreb City Theatre Komedija. The evening will be dedicated to some of the most beloved hits from the world of musicals.
On July 1, the stage will host “Rachmaninoff & Mussorgsky”, performed by the Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra, with renowned pianist Polina Osetinskaya and conductor David Pfeffer.
The 2026 edition of Zagreb Classic will close on July 3 with the gala concert “Golden Age”, featuring the Orchestra and Chorus of the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb, under the baton of maestro Ivan Repušić. The closing evening will also include performances by international opera stars Erin Morley and Lawrence Brownlee.
This year, Zagreb Classic has received additional international recognition. The festival was included among Forbes’ recommended summer events in Europe for 2026, according to the selection by European Best Destinations.
As Martina Bienenfeld, Director of the Zagreb Tourist Board, pointed out, this recognition is especially valuable after the festival had already attracted the attention of respected international media in previous years, including The Independent. According to Bienenfeld, the latest mention is another confirmation that Zagreb Classic, with its programme, setting and unique atmosphere, is increasingly drawing attention beyond Croatia’s borders.
One of the most inviting parts of the festival remains the fact that admission to all programmes is free. Visitors only need to bring a blanket, find a place on the grass and enjoy an evening of music under the stars.
For anyone in Zagreb these days, or looking for one more reason to visit the Croatian capital, King Tomislav Square is once again one of the most beautiful places to end a summer day.
