Festivals shape the calendar
The international festival Borštnikovo srečanje, Slovenia's most important theatre festival, marks the end of the theatre season.
For over 30 years, the banks of the Drava River during Festival Lent have brought the whole city to life. The Festival of Festivals kicks off the summer and fills the city with so much happening that enjoyment takes on a new name: "Lentanje." A single program features highly anticipated concerts and five festivals.
The international Summer Puppet Pier Festival, Lutkovni Pristan, draws puppets across the world seas, while Festival Maribor paints the city in classical music during golden autumn. Celebrate the seasons with Maribor's festivals!
Top summer festivals
Lent Festival: June 21-29, 2024
Maribor Theatre Festival Borštnikovo Srečanje: June 3–16, 2024
Jazz 'ma mlade: May 31, June 7, and June 14, 2024
Summer Puppet Pier: August 17 - September 1, 2024
Maribor Festival: September 11-21, 2024
Lent Festival
Don't miss out on this summer's must-attend event: the largest open-air festival in Slovenia and one of the oldest in Europe. Lent Festival combines five festivals, bringing together international folk groups and jazz stars from around the world, street performers and stand-up comedians, and music and party lovers.
On Leon Štukelj Square, the biggest names in pop music from Slovenia and the region take the stage. In contrast, the Minoriti Cultural Quarter stage hosts more intimate concerts, bringing together multiple continents over a few evenings. Visitors mingle with locals on the streets and "lent" together. The festival is so popular that it even has its verb: "Gremo lentat," an invitation to join in the fun, socialize, and create.
International Maribor Theatre Festival Borštnikovo Srečanje
In the first half of June, the Slovenian National Theatre Maribor hosts performances from the competition and accompanying programs of Slovenian institutional and non-governmental theaters, as well as invited performances from international stages.
With a history of nearly 60 years, the renowned Maribor Theatre Festival is the oldest and most important theater festival in Slovenia, offering a diverse range of stage productions, student theater, theater workshops, and awards for excellence in theater.
Jazz 'ma mlade Festival
A festival for all music, art, and culinary enthusiasts unfolds across two locations. Up-and-coming jazz musicians take center stage at the Jewish Square and the Cultural Incubator.
Summer Puppet Pier
In August, puppets come to life in Maribor. For over 35 years, the Maribor Puppet Theatre has been organizing the International Summer Puppet Pier Festival, where you can see performances by professional puppet theatres and independent puppeteers.
The program of puppet shows, along with accompanying events and workshops, is a highly anticipated event each year. It delights children, parents, and all those who love to explore the unusual and colorful world of puppets.
Maribor Art Walk
Take a stroll through the spaces of contemporary art in Maribor in a single afternoon, when more than 20 cultural venues throw open their doors. Experience a wealth of high-caliber conversations, exhibitions, guided tours, and artistic works that will make you wish you could be in multiple places at once.
Maribor Festival
StopTrik Festival
Join the global celebration of stop-motion animation as Maribor becomes the capital of animated film. This event takes place in two countries - Slovenia and Lodz, Poland.
Visitors can take on the role of jurors and participate in discussions, creation, and fun activities.
Discover what's happening
Summer Puppet Pier
Festival Maribor 2024
The Oldest Grapevine Festival
The ceremonious grape harvest of the Oldest grapevine in the world
Pruning of the Oldest grapevine in the world
Festivals with a story
Concerts in the city park
In the summer days, the city park is the perfect spot for relaxation amidst trees and ponds. If you take a stroll there on a Sunday, you'll be drawn from afar to the Pavilion near the aquarium by the melodies of vocal groups, orchestras, and bands. For the best experience, blend in with the local audience and immerse yourself in the music.
Echoes of summer
The Minoriti Cultural Quarter is a must-visit when exploring Maribor. In August, it hosts the traditional Chamber music festival echoes of summer. Listen to renowned musicians in the Minoriti church with its unique acoustics.
In the Maribor Puppet Theatre, located in the renovated Minorite Monastery, September hosts the Slovenian documentary film festival Dokudoc, where you can meet award-winning filmmakers after film screenings.
