As a born and raised Zagrebian, I can tell you there is a special kind of atmosphere in Zagreb during the summer months, especially August. The city streets get emptier. People go out after 7 or 8 PM when the heat gets a bit more bearable and sit in beautiful gardens, parks, and rooftop bars. Also, you can always expect a surprising summer shower or even a quick storm in the afternoon hours, which often comes as welcome refreshment.

When I remember Zagreb in summer when I was a kid, it was a complete ghost town, in both daytime and evening hours. Nowadays, things have completely changed, and every year, there are new events and festivals taking place in city streets and squares as more tourists come to explore our capital.

As this year's season is quite unique, I wasn't sure if Zagreb will be its usual lively self that we so adore during summer months. But there are still plenty of outdoor locations which you can visit if you find yourself in our city.

Famous Art Park Zagreb

 Art Park Zagreb is a unique project which celebrates its fifth anniversary this year.  It is designed as an open art gallery placed in the heart of the city. This year its venue is beautiful park Ribnjak which is an ideal place for refreshment right in the middle of Zagreb city center.

As described on the official Art Park website: "The first edition of the project "Art Park" took place in 2016, and it has been changing the face of the city of Zagreb throughout summer ever since." This project really brought something different to the Zagreb festival scene and quickly became a beloved meeting spot for both Zagreb locals and tourists.

Image credit: Art Park Zagreb - Ernest Mazarekić

While visiting Art Park Zagreb, you can enjoy cold refreshing drinks and fantastic art & music program. Like every year, the organizers have prepared different programs like yoga classes, art workshops, concerts, movie screenings, exhibitions, and outdoor theatre shows. There are even ping-pong tournaments, which can get quite competitive. :)

This year's Art Park Zagreb is opened until September 6^th, so make sure to visit and relax in this unique open-air gallery when in Zagreb.

Image credit: Art Park Zagreb - Ernest Mazarekić

 "Matoš u ribičiji" – Oasis in the city center

 Another amazing event that will take place in the park Ribnjak this year is a festival called "Matoš u ribičiji." It was usually held at Strossmayer walk in the Zagreb Upper Town, but due to damage caused by the earthquake which hit Zagreb in March, it was relocated to a beautiful park Ribnjak. This festival is an hommage to Zagreb as it once was, and it really brings out that old spirit of Zagrebian culture.

Image credit: Caffe de Matoš - Ivona Zec

The "Matoš u ribičiji" started on July 3^rd and will last until August 18^th. If you're looking for a perfect Instagramble background to mark your stay in Zagreb, this is a place to visit. The park area has been decorated with romantic fairy lights and barn-like furniture, which all together make an amazing atmosphere, perfect for chilling with your friends on hot summer nights.

Image credit: Caffe de Matoš - Ivona Zec

Alongside amazing and refreshing cocktails, you can enjoy game nights, quizzes, live music shows, and fun stand-up acts. I recently visited one with my friends, and we had an amazing time laughing like there's no tomorrow.

What is amazing about these events is that they are placed outside in the park, and people have enough space to chill and enjoy outdoor activities without it getting too crowded. In the end, make sure to follow all the rules of social distancing while having fun. That being said, I hope you'll get a chance to visit these amazing venues this summer and relax for a bit.

Image credit: Caffe de Matoš - Ivona Zec

Header image credit: Art Park Zagreb - Ernest Mazarekić

Author: Darija Ilić