New Season of Food Festivals
That's only natural – what better way to hang out and mingle in the fresh air than gathering for some bites and sips. Apart from a few already established and regular festivals, every year there are also new events trying to attract an audience. But that's never a problem if the weather is nice, because people simply love open-air socializing. And every year these events are becoming more and more creative, diverse, fun-packed. The spring/summer season of 2019 holds plenty of tasty events in store.
“The final evening of Cocktail Week Zagreb was a blast.” Image credit: Cocktail Week Zagreb
After we've already ticked off Cocktail Week Zagreb and Zagreb Beerfest, Gastro Music Fest and Staropramen Picnic are currently still on. Half of the success lies in the perfectly chosen venue (and the perfect weather, too), so Gastro Music Fest is lucky to have one of the best open-air locations in the centre of the city – Zrinjevac Park. Its Music Pavilion is the stage for music performances, surrounded by food huts where well-known Zagreb restaurants are preparing their street food favourites. Staropramen Picnic features the winning combination of beer, burgers and live music in the beautifully secluded courtyard of the Academy of Fine Arts. Springerica is a new mini-festival hidden in the popular Vintage Industrial Bar's summer garden, including art, music, food and drinks in a very casual setting.
“Just follow the smell of barbecue and you’ll find the duo behind the BBQ Hot Yard project.” Image credit: Zagreb Beerfest
Baš Naš is a new festival taking place from May 31 on the beautiful Gradec Plateau overlooking the city. It will provide a great place to hang out in the evening, with performances of popular musicians, and, of course, matching gourmet experience. Another new entry, Restaurants & Bars Weekend, is just ahead of us. R’N’B Weekend is a bit different because it's aimed at the hospitality industry professionals, but doesn't close its doors for amateur foodies, too. The ambitious programme is full of interesting workshops, panels and masterclasses with subjects ranging from olive oil, coffee, sourdough bread or gin to marketing, media or tourism. But of course, there will also be excellent parties with DJs and live bands for general public. And all this is happening in the spacious and multifunctional complex of the Glyptotheque and its lovely courtyard. Virtually, all the top names in the food and drinks industry will be there, so there's a great opportunity to learn and broaden your horizons, and not just eat, drink and party.
“How to make everyone happy? Give them sun, good food, drinks and a place to hang out.” Image credit: Darjan Grilec Photography
Actually, every street festival of any kind taking place in Zagreb in near future will have some sort of food and drink segment, for the better or worse. Yet, apart from big events and festivals dedicated to gourmet experience, my personal favourite are small-scale, low-profile events that turn out more like a spontaneous private party than something meticulously planned. Last year that was BBQ Hot Yard party in the Vintage Industrial Bar's summer garden, an easy afternoon of BBQ specialties, hot food, beer and relaxation. We're still waiting for the announcement of this year's event. The other one was Zmajevo, a big whole-day party thrown by Zmajska Brewery to celebrate the opening of the new brewery and tap-room. They had everything, from food and craft beer, games, live music, kids’ corner. And they intend to repeat the success on June 29 this year. I'm sure you'll also find some other great little festivals and events to suit your taste, just go with the flow.
“In summer Zagreb offers plenty of scenes like this – come and blend in.” Image credit: Food Film Festival Zagreb
Header image credit: : Gastro Music Fest
Author: Morana Zibar/Taste of Croatia