Experience the Split Summer Festival in Croatia
Celebrate culture in Split
When people think of Croatia, the turquoise Adriatic, charming islands and vibrant nightlife are often what come to mind. But Croatia has much more to offer than just natural beauty. It’s also home to a rich calendar of cultural events, with the Split Summer Festival standing out as one of the most popular.
Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about the Split Summer Festival, from dates to performance highlights. Don’t forget to book your ferry tickets to Split online on Ferryhopper and make the most of your cultural adventure in Croatia.
The Peristyle Square, located within the ancient Diocletian's Palace in Split
What is the Split Summer Festival in Croatia?
The Split Summer Festival is one of Croatia's oldest and most prestigious cultural events. First held in 1954, this renowned festival has grown into a major national and international celebration of theater, dance and music.
Organized by the Croatian National Theatre Split, the Split Summer Festival will take place from July 14 to August 14, bringing a full month of world-class performances to open-air stages across the city. Alongside the Dubrovnik Summer Festival, Split’s edition is a cornerstone of Croatia’s classical performing arts scene.
With over 60 scheduled events, including opera, drama, ballet, concerts, art exhibitions, and film screenings, the 71st edition of the festival will transform Split’s historic sites into living stages. From the majestic Peristyle of Diocletian’s Palace to the atmospheric Marjan Bay, culture lovers are in for a unique experience under the summer sky.
Tip: the city fills up quickly during the festival, so book your accommodation and tickets in advance!
Split Summer Festival's highlights in 2025
This year’s Split Summer Festival is dedicated to 2 great figures of Croatian musical heritage, Ivo Tijardović and Jakov Gotovac, marking the 130th anniversary of their birth. The 2025 edition explores the theme of leadership and the cult of personality through 2 major premieres: “Diocletian”, an opera by Tijardović, and Shakespeare’s drama “Julius Caesar”.
The program also features:
- 2 ballet premieres, performed in unique locations like Marjan Bay Bene and the Basement of Diocletian’s Palace
- Concerts by 5 major orchestras
- 2 drama premieres, including one on a brand-new stage near the Silver Gate of Diocletian’s Palace
- A full lineup of art exhibitions, film programs and literary evenings
Useful info: for more must-visit cultural events, check out our blog on the best festivals in Croatia.
The vibrant city of Split at night
If you're planning to attend the Split Summer Festival, why not pair culture with a touch of island adventure? The city is perfectly positioned for short escapes to some of Croatia’s most stunning islands. Discover the top day trips from Split by ferry, including Brač and Hvar, and book your tickets easily on Ferryhopper.
