Slovenian Musical Days
This showcase merges traditional and contemporary music, focusing on Slovene works and composers with samples from abroad.
Druga Godba
Established in 1984 as an alternative to the country’s mainstream music festivals, Druga Godba is dedicated to the weird and wonderful sounds of world music. Everything from Slovene folkloric music to African jazz bands a home at this eclectic multi-day event that takes place at the Kino Šiška Centre for Urban Culture in Ljubljana, as well as a satellite location in Piran. In addition to a great line-up of world music artists, the festival includes animations, screenings, music workshops, children’s events, art exhibitions, seminars and political debates.
Ljubljana Summer Festival
Ljubljana’s stages ll with performers from around the world and the city’s population swells. The festival entails sporting, nancial, cultural, musical and folkloric events that showcase the rich history of Slovenia and its capital. From operas and orchestras to dances and games, this summer festival is sure to provide an authentic Ljubljana experience in a gorgeous climate.
Ljubljana Jazz Festival
With three or four performances each evening, the three-day Ljubljana Jazz Festival is a popular event that sees international bands and local talent take to the stage. The festival includes a variety of styles ranging from traditional jazz and blues through to experimental and Latin American jazz.
Ljubljana Marathon
Starting and finishing in Kongresni trg, in front of the Parliament building in the centre of Ljubljana, runners follow a circular course that takes in some of the best sites of this laid-back city. For anyone not up to running the full 42km (26-mile) marathon, runners can attempt the 21km (13-mile) half marathon or the 7km (4-mile) fun run.
Ljubljana International Film Festival
The annual Ljubljana International Film Festival is one of the biggest events of its kind in Slovenia and features over 100 films, animations and documentaries, with a focus on avant-garde work. The festival attracts a mix of film lovers, fans and industry specialists who can pick their way through a varied schedule that includes everything from French cinema to Asian motion pictures.
Festive Fair and Christmas Market
One of Europe’s great festive markets with stalls lining the river and practically the entire old city illuminated with twinkling lights. Holiday trinkets abound and a cheerful atmosphere floods the open-air venue, which hosts free daily events throughout December.
Tercets of Trnovo
A three-day festival of poetry held in celebration of the Slovenian Day of Culture, dedicated to the country’s greatest poet, France Prešeren. The event features accomplished poets of all ages, some from Slovenia and others from around the globe.
Shrovetide (Dragon) Carnival
The streets of Ljubljana come to life with this colourful carnival, which is always held on the Saturday before Shrove Tuesday. With participants dressed as traditional Slovenian carnival gures such as ‘kurenti’, ‘pozvacini’, ‘oraci’ and ‘godlarji’, a costumed parade with marching bands sets out from Krekov trg Square and heads towards Prešernov trg Square. There, a series of entertainment events takes place, including brass bands, puppet theatre and dancing. The urban celebration has religious origins as a last chance for merriment before Lent.
Exodos Festival of Contemporary Performing Arts
Since its modest but daring start in 1995, the Exodos Festival of Contemporary Performing Arts has become a major international festival in Slovenia. Incorporating modern technology with theatre-dance and domestic artists, these stage productions push boundaries and create intercultural experiences for all spectators.
