It's no secret that Croatia is on the tip of every "techno tourist's" tongue. Most people go to big EDM festivals, but there is another realm of electronic music consisting of niche sounds and audiophile scenesters.
In this publication, you will uncover some underrated music festivals that shouldn't be missed if you're into beautiful locations, sound system culture, and a great time.
Dive into a different world with these top 9, listed in chronological order, so you can plan your Summer and discover some of the best music festivals in Croatia.
IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER
L I G H T H O U S E
May 29 - June 3, 2024
Poreč, Istria
Located in the North of the country in a region called Istria, Lighthouse Festival is organized by an Austrian promoter group who blend seamlessly various genres of electronic music onto the Laterna peninsula park with 8+ stages. They program about 2-3 stages at a time located in different parts of the forest, so you do not end up "stage hoping", but rather get cozy and settled into a vibe where you are. When one stage closes, another one opens. If you don't know where to go, meet a new friend to show you the way. During the day, people go for a swim while listening to music on the Beach Stage. It's quite lovely.
Nearest Airports: Pula, Rijeka, Trieste, Zagreb
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O M A N A
June 13 - 17, 2024
Obonjan, Šibenik
Located on a secluded island, this will be the first edition of this festival. The festival grounds contain a variety of camp services such as accomodation, restaurants, wellness, marketplace, medical, and everything needed for a comfortable experience. The music is focused mainly on house and techno with household names attending such as Anthea, Shonky, Gene on Earth, Ogazón, Ryan Elliott, and Traumer. Treat yourself to a 5 day secluded island experience off the shores of the main land, closest to Šibenik. You will be surrounded around several islands, but this one remains dedicated to music.
Nearest Airports: Zadar, Split
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V E L V E T
June 26 - 30, 2024
Punat (Island Krk)
With a greater emphasis on live bands playing disco - electronic music, this niche boutique festival is located in the Northern region of Croatia on an island called Krk, which hosts the Rijeka airport. They have 3 stages, fine cuisine, and boat parties. They lean into more 'fun in the sun' during the day and finish the evenings off with a get lost vibe. The lineup has more young up and coming talent from Croatia, Slovenia, and Italy, making this an eclectic discovery type of festival. Go here if you want to discover cool local talent and see some legendary bands playing on an intimate beach setting!
Nearest Airports: Rijeka, Trieste, Pula, Ljubljana, Zagreb
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L O V E
I N T E R N A T I O N A L
July 10 - 16, 2024
Tisno, Dalmatia
A favorite festival among international friends particularly from Los Angeles, Love International has an unmatched musical curation consisting of house, techno, minimal, disco, electronica, and everything in between. International travelers come for the eclectic lineup and stay for the Croatian beautiful landscape that is Tisno.
Located in the Southern region of the country known as Dalmatia, the scenery of the islands in the distance are stacked while dancing directly on the Adriatic Sea. With 4 stages over the course of 5 days, there is plenty to soak up. Stay in the apartments on location or rent your own accomodation off site so you can also enjoy and discover beaches and restaurants.
Fun fact: Khurangbin played at the festival twice before, and has named their new release 'A Love International'. They must of really enjoyed themselves and were inspired from the Croatian beauty.
Nearest Airports: Zadar, Split, Dubrovnik
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M O : D E M
August 5 - 11
Donje Primišlje
Photo: Ivan Šardi
A Transformational festival located inland between Zagreb and the Sea, you will find bass music and all things psychedelia. A faster BPM than the usual house and techno circuit, this festival made it on the list due to the freedom and incredible art installations. Similar to something kind of like Burning Man, this place you will meet open minds and hearts a like. Go off grid and meet a whole new group of friends.
Nearest Airports: Zagreb, Rijeka, Ljubljana
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S O N U S
August 18 -22, 2024
Žrce Beach (Island of Pag)
Let me introduce you to Žrce Beach on the island of Pag located in Dalmatia where the world class festival Sonus happens each year. Multiple stages are located along the beach strip each containing their own stage design and sound systems. With programming running between sunset and sunrise, this one is for the techno lovers. Feel the techno sensations with Sonus, which is organized by a group of Croatian promoters, We Love Sound, and German powerhouse Time Warp.
Nearest Airports: Split, Zadar, Dubrovnik
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D E K M A N T A L
S E L E C T O R S
August 22 - 26, 2024
Tisno, Dalmatia
Similar to Love International and Dimensions, Dekmantel Selectors is located at the same location: Gardens in Tisno. This location is loved by many due to its set up along a cove that allows for multiple stages and on-site apartments available for rent. Dekmantel Selectors is organized and operated by the same Dutch group who do Dekmantel in Amsterdam. Gather for a special edition of curated sounds while you enjoy the gorgeous landscape and join for their iconic boat parties. This one is for the techno and electronica lovers. What Dekmantel is known for in Amsterdam is applied here in Croatia.
Nearest Airports: Split, Zadar, Dubrovnik
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D I M E N S I O N S
August 29 - September 2, 2024
Tisno, Dalmatia
A staple for those that love niche house and techno sounds. Dive into Dimensions festival, curated by Hamish & Toby out of the UK. Also located at Gardens in Tisno, this festival boasts a lineup as large as a dance conference. Given that it occurs over the course of 5 days with 4 stages and multiple boat parties per day, there is never a moment shy of a good time. During the day you can enjoy the sun because the music runs while people are at the beaches. Dancing in the water sounds perfect.
Nearest Airports: Split, Zadar, Dubrovnik
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G O U L A S H D I S K O
September 18 - 22, 2024
Komiža, Island of Vis
It's their last edition due to rising government costs to operate, so this is your chance to experience their heart-felt creativity! With 2 stages and a mixed genre of music, you will find yourself at one of the most remarkable landscapes Croatia has to offer. The island of Vis is rich with natural flora, so the energy is at an all time high. The lineup contains music from disco bands similar to Balearia style sounds applied to the Adriatic Sea. Families and animals are welcome to join in for this wild one.
Nearest Airports: Visalia, Split
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Take a peak inside the local Croatian music scene by reading this article here where we uncover a hidden and exclusive world beyond foreign festival organizations.