Zagreb never disappoints, and summer in the city is no exception! As the streets come alive with music, culture, and celebration, the warmer months are the perfect time to dive into a new genre, discover emerging artists, or catch a live show. And when you're not cooling off on the Adriatic coast, there's no better place to soak up the summer vibe than right here in Croatia's capital.

Choosing a favorite festival? Impossible! So we've rounded up the best of what's happening this season.

Summer at MSU

Summer at MSU is one of the cornerstone cultural and artistic events in Zagreb, attracting locals and tourists alike. Now celebrating its 12th year, the festival presents a vibrant blend of contemporary artistic trends and groundbreaking discoveries across the multidisciplinary art scene of Zagreb, Croatia, the region, and beyond.

On July 11, the program continues at 7 PM with the exhibition Andreja Kulunčić: Činiti svijet boljim mjestom. The evening wraps up with a 9 PM performance by the beloved electro-pop duo Nipplepeople, providing a memorable and energetic finale.

Summer at Zagreb Fair

How does a small venue evolve into one of Zagreb's biggest summer music centers? Glazbena kuća knows the answer. From August 29 to September 7, 2025, they're celebrating their 10th anniversary at the Zagreb Fair with a stellar lineup of both rising talents and established acts.

To set the tone, electronic legend Aphex Twin will perform a solo show at Pavilion 9 ZV, just steps from the festival grounds. Expect a night packed with nostalgia and next-level sound.

The grand finale will feature participants from The Voice Academy Zagreb, performing Queen's iconic "Bohemian Rhapsody". The festival also features a special concert by Alphaville, known for timeless hits such as "Forever Young" and "Big in Japan". Their signature synth-pop style, layered with poetic and existential lyrics, guarantees both a danceable and deeply emotional experience.

However, it's not just about the music. The festival fosters a sense of community, with local sports clubs, associations, and social initiatives participating in workshops, presentations, and interactive sessions.

Catch the Young Bands Competition on September 1st and 2nd, where selected performers will compete for top prizes. Applications are open until August 1. The festival is supported by the Ministry of Culture and Media, with Muzika.hr serving as its media partner, and will feature a special concert photography exhibition. Admission is free to all events except the Alphaville concert.

Ljeto kod Matoša

Craving something more laid-back? Ljeto kod Matoša offers the perfect escape. Whether you are with family, friends, or even your dog, this easygoing urban oasis has you covered.

Running until July 27, this event series features a relaxed music program posted regularly on Facebook and Instagram. Lounge on a shady picnic meadow, try oversized board games in the gaming zone, or soak up the cheerful summer atmosphere. Flower-themed decorations fill Mažuranac Square, creating a dreamy setting for Instagram-worthy moments and unforgettable summer memories.

Evenings on Grič

A tradition for over four decades, Evenings on Grič is a must for classical music enthusiasts. When the city's concert halls close for the summer, the beautiful atrium of the Klovićevi Dvori Gallery becomes a cherished venue for world-class performances. This year's edition continues to mix tradition with innovation. The remaining July lineup includes Parisian lute virtuoso Thomas Dunford, who blends baroque mastery with jazz and pop influences, and the Janoska Ensemble from Vienna, known for their improvisational reinterpretation of Vivaldi's The Four Seasons. A piano recital by acclaimed Croatian pianist Lovro Pogorelić will feature the works of Robert Schumann. At the same time, the festival's closing concert, "Yes She Can!", will spotlight the Dutch-Croatian Ardemus Quartet alongside author Ivana Bodrožić, celebrating the power of female musical creativity.

Discover the full schedule and ticket information here.

Šalata concerts

Šalata is the Zagreb synonym for open-air concerts, and this summer line up will not dissapoint you.

Skunk Anansie

In July, you can kick things off with Skunk Anansie. After the band's 25-year tour, Zagreb was the only city in our region to host this live rock machine twice. As part of the upcoming big tour, the band will embark on a journey this spring to present a new chapter, featuring new music in the pipeline, and it will also be an opportunity to experience an entirely new production. They announced their return and an unbreakable bond with the local audience. More than 30 years have passed since Skunk Anansie debuted on the scene with the powerful single "Selling Jesus", and they attracted attention with their combination of alternative music, rock, and punk. Showing their multiculturalism, their lyrics have always focused on social and political topics, and the super-acrificing vocalist Skin has made Skunk Anansie one of the most recognizable bands globally.

Since their debut, "Paranoid & Sunburnt" and its successor, "Stoosh" or "Post Orgasmic Child", they have become one of the most influential bands of their era, earning a horde of fans with their live performances. The band began the second chapter of their career with the albums "Wonderlustre", "Black Traffic", and "Anarchytecture", only to unite everything with a major tour for 25 years of their career. With hits such as "Weak", "Hedonism", "Selling Jesus", "Twisted (Everyday Hurts)", "Brazen", "What You Do For Love", "Yes It's Fucking Political", "I Can Dream" or "Charlie Big Potato", the band still sells out arenas and performs at festivals around the world.

Rock icons Skunk Anansie are also working on new music, following the release of singles "Piggy" and "This Means War", as well as the latest track "An Artist Is An Artist". The upcoming tour, marking their 30th anniversary, promises to be a tribute to their legacy. Regularly praised for their concerts, media outlets such as Kerrang! Praise their constant sharpness and immediacy. The Daily Telegraph reports that influential rock icons are returning, while Louder Than War notes that the band remains visually and musically fresh. After their previous Zagreb performances, they are returning to the Šalata stadium. It will be an opportunity to hear a cross-section of the career and the greatest hits of one of the most memorable live bands. The concert will take place on July 20. Find your tickets here.

Queens of the Stone Age

Source: Journal

The legendary Queens of the Stone Age are preparing two concerts at Zagreb's Šalata this year! They will perform on July 22 and 23, 2025. Regularly called one of the best live bands, QOTSA consists of Josh Homme, Troy Van Leeuwen, Michael Shuman, Dean Fertita, and Jon Theodore. What started as gigs in the desert has evolved into an undeniable musical force, a group without which the world's largest arenas and festivals would be unthinkable. In the coming months, they will return to stages across Europe and the USA. Find the tickets through Eventim.

Gojira

French metal titans Gojira are returning to Zagreb, to the Šalata stadium on Sunday, July 27, 2025. Exactly three years after their sold-out concert at the Dom Sportova, metal machine Gojira is making a return to Zagreb. A new studio album is scheduled for release in the first half of 2025, followed by a major world tour that will include a performance at Šalata. Sitting this concert out is not an option! Get your tickets now!

How about a summer farewell?

End of summer concerts at the Zagreb pavilion

Alphaville: A Synth-Pop Dream Returns

Source: Journal

Get ready, Zagreb! An '80s legend is finally making its way to your city. German synth-pop icons Alphaville, famous for their hits "Forever Young" and "Big in Japan," will perform for the first time in Zagreb, Croatia, on September 5 at the Zagreb Fair (Pavilion 9). Founded more than 40 years ago (1982), they left an indelible mark on the world music scene of the 1980s, characterized by nostalgic melodies and futuristic sounds. They continue to win the hearts of all generations today, reaching number one on the TikTok Billboard Top 50 chart in 2024 with the song "Forever Young," which has garnered more than a million TikTok videos featuring it. Purchase the tickets on the link.

Steve Aoki: EDM Royalty Hits the Fair Fest Stage

World-renowned DJ and award-winning producer Steve Aoki, known for his crazy performances and infectious energy, is coming to Zagreb as the headliner on the first day of the music spectacle Fair Fest. One of the most engaged DJs in the world, who performs between 250 and 300 times a year, he gained public attention with a somewhat controversial ritual – throwing a cake in the audience's face. Aoki will perform on September 12, so don't miss this historic night and buy your tickets.

Scooter: The Techno Titans Say Goodbye to Summer

Source: Journal

German techno and hard-dance icons Scooter are coming to Croatia on September 12th and 13th! On the second day of the festival, the legendary Scooter will bring the Zagreb audience a spectacular farewell to summer, in the style of rave theater – with a strong rhythm, a powerful light show, and incredible energy, under the slogan Techno is back. Scooter is one of the few bands on the techno and dance scene that manages to maintain both quality and a loyal audience, filling venues and conquering the charts. With more than 30 million albums and singles sold worldwide and over 2.5 billion streams, their energy continues to push boundaries. The real proof of their popularity today is the fact that they have over 4.7 million monthly listeners on Spotify. The fact that rave is very much alive and popular is due to its great interest in its performances around the world. Their arrival in Zagreb is all the more significant for both the domestic, regional, and international audiences.

On Saturday, September 13, the Zagreb audience will have the opportunity to experience why this band remains "hyper, hyper" and continues to fill halls and festivals around the world with their performances and music. Early bird tickets are already available via the Entrio.

Whether you're a die-hard music fan, a lover of the arts, or simply seeking a memorable way to spend a summer evening, Zagreb has something to offer. Choose between intimate classical concerts under the stars and vibrant open-air festivals, and the city transforms into a cultural playground during the warmer months. So grab your calendar, follow the rhythm of the town, and let this summer in Zagreb be one you'll never forget.

Header image credit: Julien Duval