Events & Festivals

sarajevo-film-festival

If there is one thing that BiH excels at, it is celebration! Celebrating just about everything under the sun, from film and music to wine and poetry is a trademark of our culture!

From folk to film, some of the best regional festivals can be found in Bosnia and Herzegovina, highlighted by the world-renowned Sarajevo Film Festival. Bosnia and Herzegovina has long been known as a small country with a big culture. It was, in many ways, the cultural backbone of the former Yugoslavia – producing a number of the country’s music and film icons. The country hosts a fascinating mix of cutting-edge urban film and theatre fests and traditional festivals that portray the deep-rooted history of traditions here.There are dozens of smaller, more rural festivals around the country, like the UNESCO-listed Kupres scythe grass-cutting competition and Vareš’ Dutch oven cook-off.

Music

Banja Luka Fest

International Music Festival that brings together an audience from the entire region, on the stage of Kastel, five spectacular concerts

Sport

Drill and Chill Climbing and Highlining Festival

Ten days of shooting, climbing, nature and nights with fire – celebration of European climbing culture and the spirit of

Sport

Mostar Run Weekend

Mostar Run Weekend is an interdisciplinary and international event with objectives like: Education on the importance of physical exercise, providing

Culture

Mostarska liska International Comedy Festival

ML is one of the oldest comedy festivals in Bosnia and Herzegovina, gathering participants from Slovenia, Macedonia, Serbia, Croatia, and

Gastro

Gastro FEST

Gastro Fest Mostar is organized in May by JP “Tržnica-pijaca”, on Mala Tepa, near the entrance to Old City. The

Culture

MESS

International Theater Festival MESS – Scene MESS. The oldest festival in Southeast Europe. Founded in 1960 in Sarajevo, at the

Gastro

Herceg Fest

The Herceg Fest event brings together a large number of respectable wine cellars from the area of ​​Herzegovina, and products

Gastro

Livno Cheese Adventure

The Livno Cheese Adventure is being held in Livno. Visitors can enjoy a variety of delicacies. In addition to Livno

Gastro

Okusi Hercegovinu (Taste of Herzegovina)

In 2023, the festival was held in Mostar for the third time. it opens public spaces, for culture and art.

Sport

Kastrum

Kastrum is a three-day International Knight Festival, which brings together about 150 performers from BiH, Serbia, Slovenia, Hungary, Czech Republic,

Culture

Neum Animated Film Festival

Neum Animated Film Festival is an independent legal entity that affects the propagation of animated film among young people in

Music

Mostar Summer Fest

Mostar Summer Fest is a music festival that gathers the most important names of the regional music scene of various

Culture

Banja Luka Ethno Days

Banja Luka Ethno Days were created in 2021 with the aim of combating events engaged in cultural identities such as

Gastro

HerzegoWine

Organized for the first time in 2023, a fair of winemakers from the region. Website: https:/hwr.ba

Music

Baščaršija Nights

The Baščaršija Night Festival is the traditional summer festival of Sarajevo, and is held every year from 1st to 31st

Music

Blues and Rock Festival  

Since its eleventh edition, the festival includes the word rock, following the music evolution and efforts of the organizers to

Other

WARM Festival

A WARM Festival takes place in Sarajevo every year at the end of June and beginning of July. This year

Music

Nektar Garden Fest

The alternative sound lovers, by which Prijedor is known, are able to enjoy the performances of a variety of performers

Culture

Kozara Ethno Fest

The principal idea of the festival is to show the neglected and forgotten tourist potential of the Kozara mountain and

Culture

Youth Film Festival

The basic aim of the Youth Film Festival Sarajevo is to return young people to the position in society that

Gastro

Gastro Fest

Tourism organization of Municipality of Foca, through this event aims to promote wealthy offering of local food as important aspect

Sport

Bosnian Krupa Una regatta

The Bosnian Krupa Una regatta aims to gather nature, good atmosphere and environment protection enthusiasts. Target group consists of all

Sport

Una Regata

The international regatta is a traditional sports and cultural event that brings together rafting enthusiasts from all over the world.

Culture

Cultural festival “Letter of Gorčin”

The cultural festival The letter of Gorčin is held since 1971 in Stolac and on the necropolis of stećak tombstones

Sport

Summer on Vrbas

The event on Vrbas was organized for the first time by members of the Banja Luka Academic Club in 1953.

Entertainment

Summer Carnival

Carnival with a tradition since 1997. Čapljina is the only place, which has been representing BiH in FECC for many

Entertainment

Javorwood

The festival carries out the promotion of young artists and creators, who have the opportunity to present their fondnesses to

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Culture

Gallery Manifesto

The Gallery Manifesto is driven by a deep connection to the community, with a commitment to enhancing it through the

Culture

Mediterranean and European film festival Trebinje

The film festival with a rich repertoire, also awards the award – “Gold Platans”, recognition for a special contribution to

Sport

Nevesinje Olimpics

The traditional Nevesinje Olimpics, horse races are held in Nevesinje, which are more than one century a recognizable feature of

Gastro

Honey and wine fair

Most of the exhibitors of this event are beekeepers and bee products. The fair is of regional and international character.

Gastro

Žilavka Salon

Thanks to the Vukoje Winery, this unique Žilavka Salon has in a short time grown into an event that attracts

Culture

Sarajevo Film Festival

Towards the end of the four-year siege of Sarajevo, with the desire to help the renewal of civil society, and

Culture

International festival of underwater film Neum

The International Festival of the Underwater Film and Neum set up in the broader term Underwater Film. The Foundation of

Gastro

Open city Mostar & Moba Street Food Festival

In 2023, the festival was held in Mostar for the third time. it opens public spaces, for culture and art.

Sport

Run And More Weekend

RMC organizes a half-marathon race in Banja Luka, which runs through the most beautiful Banja Luka alleys, streets and parks,

Sport

Red Bull Cliff Diving

In several recent years, Mostar has been the host of the event Red Bull Cliff Diving. Red Bull Cliff Diving

Music

Drina Vibes

Electronic music festival next to Višegradska Ćuprija has been held since 2018. The organizer of the festival is the municipality

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Culture

FASADA Festival

FASADA Festival 2024 marks the fourth edition of this unique street art event, transforming a specific neighborhood through vibrant Street

Culture

Juventafest

Juventafest is an international theater festival that is held every year in Sarajevo. Exclusively programs high school theater performances and

Entertainment

Al Jazeera Balkans Documentary Film Festival

The objective of AJB DOC Film Festival is to promote authors and documentaries addressing social phenomena, focusing on universal human

Culture

Mostar Street Arts Fest 

Street Arts Festival Mostar brings new talents and art on the streets of the postwar city. The festival has existed

Other

PitchWise Festival

The PitchWise Festival, organized by the CURE Foundation, deals with women’s art and activism, women’s rights, promotion of peace and

Gastro

Bee Fest

Bee fest Sarajevo is the largest international fair manifestation of beekeeping and beekeeping equipment in BiH. In addition to beekeepers,

Gastro

International Halal Fair Sarajevo

International SHF is a fair that brings together representatives from all parts of the halal industry chain, including private companies,

Gastro

Herzegovinian fruits of the Mediterranean

Since 2008, the HPM Stolac Association has been organizing the fair “Herzegovinian Fruits of the Mediterranean”. The aim of the

Culture

Mediterranean Film Fest

The Mediterranean Film Festival in Široki Brijeg has a unique atmosphere. The festival soon became a favorite among film workers

Culture

Pravo Ljudski FIlm Festival

The “Pravo Ljudski” is film, solidarity, free access to culture and art, expertise, division, environment, localism. Pravo Ljudski is an

Other

Economy, Agriculture and Crafts Fair

The Sarajevo Economy Fair is organized under the motto “domestic product in the service of citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina”.

Entertainment

Sarajevo Holiday Market

The Sarajevo Holiday Market is a fair that offers many other complementary cultural, sporting and entertainment events that are suitable

Entertainment

Advent in Mostar

Calendar of events

Sarajevo Film Festival

Sarajevo Film Festival is the city’s and country’s biggest and most popular cultural event. It began as a humble project during the war in 1994. Since then, it has grown into a mainstay of the European film festival circuit, hosting notable actors like Morgan Freeman, Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, and Robert De Niro.
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MESS Sarajevo

MESS is the country’s oldest art festival. It continues to foster its experimental element and discover young talents who have potential to become global stars on the theatre scene in the next several years.
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Kozara Ethno Fest

The festival, held in the first week of July in the village of Piskavica and the city of Banja Luka, is the largest of its kind in the country, boasting over 400 performers from various countries. With a focus on the identity and way of life of the Dinaric people, the event blends local customs with folk traditions from across the globe. Over the course of four days, attendees can enjoy performances by singing and dancing groups, traditional music ensembles, depictions of customs, ethno markets, traditional sports, fashion shows featuring traditional attire, seminars, and modern-traditional fusion events.
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BiH Color Festival

The concept of the festival is based on the throwing of colored powder on every round clock. The organizers strive for continuous creativity and innovation, enhancing both the daily offerings and the event's production with each passing year. Over the course of six years, the festival has attracted tens of thousands of attendees. Each year, the continual increase in visitor numbers drives greater investments in marketing and event production to meet the growing demand.
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Garden of Dreams Sarajevo

The Festival Garden of Dreams in Sarajevo is a cultural landmark that pushes the boundaries of artistry and unites music enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds. Celebrating the power of electronic music, the festival fosters unity, joy, and inspiration among attendees. With its world-class DJs, captivating visual art, and enchanting venues, it promises an extraordinary.
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Freshwave Banja Luka

The Annual Fresh Wave Festival in Banja Luka, is a highly anticipated electronic music event held within the city's fortress on the banks of the Vrbas River. Bringing together a mix of local and international talent, this festival has become a recognized and acclaimed celebration of music and love. With a history spanning 10 years, Fresh Wave Festival has welcomed renowned DJs from around the world, including Sven Vath, Fedde Le Grand, Joris Voorn, and many more, creating an electrifying atmosphere that has attracted music enthusiasts from over 30 countries.
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Mostar Blues Festival

This is the first blues festival in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This three-day music event, held in mid-July in the City of Mostar, includes performances from both local and international blues artists in settings such as the plateau below the UNESCO World Heritage Site Old Bridge. It is a fun and laid-back occasion providing free live music at all the outdoor venues.
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Old Bridge Diving Contest Mostar

Old Bridge Dives is Mostar’s calling card. Every year, divers from all around the world jump off the 26-meter Old Bridge. Jumping from the Old Bridge was Mostar’s tradition long before it was organized as an official international event. Its popularity continues to grow year by year, as the contest is now broadcast worldwide as part of the Red Bull diving series. It can be quite packed so be sure to get there early. Seating is free of charge. Various musical performances accompany the event. Aside from the Red Bull competition, Mostar has a traditional headfirst diving contest that has been practiced for decades.

Drill & Chill Banja Luka

Ten days of bolting, climbing, highlining, nature, and nights around the fire - A celebration of an international climbing and highlining culture and the spirit of vertical pioneering. The festival is organized by Climbing Club Extreme Banja Luka and is conceived around the idea of connecting climbers, highliners and outdoor enthusiasts from all over the world.
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Baščaršija Nights Sarajevo

This unique festival has a free mainstage event every night for the month of July. The municipality of the Old Town and the Sarajevo Art Agency organize this month-long festival where there are daily open-air performances on the main stage across City Hall (Vijećnica). There are also numerous arts, music, and cultural events every day in various venues. It is the city’s best added value event for visitors due to the free access and quality of the program.
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Slovo Gorčina Stolac

Since 1971, the Slovo Gorčina culture festival in Stolac, held at the historic stećak necropolis of Radimlja, has been a prominent gathering point for those seeking a medley of artistic and intellectual expression. Offering a diverse palette of human creativity, the festival features an eclectic mix of poetry recitations, musical performances, visual arts, and engaging dialogues on philosophy and history. This festival embodies a celebration of the human spirit, making it a captivating event that brings together people from various walks of life to connect, share, and appreciate the richness of cultural expression.
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Street Art Mostar

The Street Art Mostar festival in Bosnia and Herzegovina is an exciting event that breathes new life into the streets of Mostar. This dynamic festival showcases the talent and creativity of local and international street artists, who transform blank walls into vibrant works of art. From colorful murals to striking graffiti, the festival turns the city into an open-air gallery. Visitors can explore the streets, discovering hidden artistic treasures and witnessing the evolution of urban art firsthand. Street Art Mostar not only adds a touch of creativity to the cityscape but also fosters cultural exchange, community engagement, and appreciation for the power of public art.
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OK Fest Tjentište

OK Fest in Bosnia and Herzegovina is a dynamic and engaging festival that celebrates music, arts, and culture. This annual event brings together a diverse range of local and international artists, musicians, and performers to showcase their talent and entertain the audience. OK Fest features a variety of music genres, including live concerts, DJ sets, and performances from emerging artists. In addition to music, the festival also embraces other forms of artistic expressions, such as visual arts, film screenings, and workshops. With its energetic atmosphere and vibrant lineup, OK Fest offers a memorable experience that highlights the creative spirit and cultural diversity of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
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Ljubuški Outdoor Festival

The Ljubuški Outdoor Festival is a remarkable assemblage of sports and recreational activities designed to unite and revive the dispersed cultural, historical, and natural heritage along its competition routes. Paragliding competitions, running, cycling, and trail routes converge along the scenic river Trebižat, which not only showcases its hydrological potential but also encompasses two breathtaking natural wonders: Kravica and Koćuša waterfalls. Furthermore, the festival's route interconnects significant national cultural monuments, including the Roman Military Complex in Gračine and the fortress of Herceg Stjepan Kosača, which hold immense historical value and contribute to the festival's distinct allure as a treasure collection of cultural exploration.
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Sarajevo Matinee

Experience the vibrant Sarajevo Matinee events featuring electronic music at diverse locations throughout the city. A matinee, originating from the French term for daytime entertainment, encapsulates the essence of enjoyment, socializing, and music from the early hours until sunset. These daytime parties offer a unique atmosphere, allowing guests to enjoy the music, drinks, and socializing during daylight hours. Whether in open locations or clubs, matinee parties provide a refreshing alternative for young people, offering easier access, less crowding, and the same level of enjoyment as nighttime events. Join the trend of daytime entertainment and discover the excitement of Sarajevo Matinee events.
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