Regardless of how you like to spend your time while visiting new places, in Slovenia, there is certainly something for everyone. We have selected some of our favorite events that traditionally take place in Slovenia every year, and they will undoubtedly help you in planning your next trip, whether your desire is to taste locally produced food and wine, learn more about the tradition and culture of this country, or simply enjoy unforgettable experiences.
Festival Ljubljana
Festival Ljubljana is one of the oldest and most important festivals in Slovenia and Europe. With its cosmopolitan spirit and carefully curated program, it significantly influences the cultural life and energy of the Slovenian capital. Click here for more information.
Pippi Longstocking’s Festival (Pikin Festival)
Pippi Longstocking is the symbol of the annual Pika Festival in Velenje, the largest children’s festival in Slovenia, where visitors, especially families with children, enjoy a vibrant blend of culture, education, and entertainment every year. Click here for more information.
Planica
Planica hosts the annual Ski Flying World Cup every March, where the world’s best ski jumpers defy gravity and break record distances. Each year, Planica attracts thousands of enthusiastic spectators, and this year will be particularly lively as Planica is hosting the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships for 2023. Click here for more information.
Prešeren Fair (Prešernov smenj)
Prešeren Fair is one of the most recognizable cultural events in Slovenia. On the anniversary of the poet’s death, February 8th, a fair is held in his name in Kranj every year. The fair is accompanied by a diverse cultural program and culinary offerings, reviving the spirit of Prešeren on the streets of Kranj. Click here for more information.
Chocolate Festival (Festival čokolade)
This is the largest chocolate event in Slovenia, bringing delicious chocolate tastings, chocolate workshops for children, dance performances, children’s adventures in the park, cooking shows, a chocolate fashion show, guest musicians, stand-up comedy nights, and more to all lovers of premium chocolate treats in Radovljica every year. Click here for more information.
Wine Celebration (Vinska Vigred)
It is the largest wine festival in Slovenia, attracting domestic and international enthusiasts of high-quality Bela Krajina wines every year. During the three-day celebration of Bela Krajina wines, delicacies, ethnological specialties, and cultural achievements, which have firmly established themselves among Slovenian tourist events over more than three decades, visitors can enjoy a rich and diverse cultural program and entertainment. Click here for more information.
Live Nativity in Postojnska jama (Žive jaslice)
The traditional event, held in the mysterious underground of Postojna Cave, paints one of the most beautiful images of Christmas in the world every year. During the visit to the cave, you will have the opportunity to explore the entire part of the cave open to visitors, hear its stories, discover the magic of the underground, and at the same time experience the world-famous and largest Live Nativity Scene in Slovenia. Click here for more information.
Lent Festival
The “Festival Lent” is the largest international program in Slovenia, bringing numerous artists from around the world to the city. Streets transform into stages, and visitors explore various venues where, amidst a diverse program of music, art, and much more, they experience lots of laughter, socializing with friends, culinary delights, and unforgettable moments. The festival, where everyone truly finds something for themselves in a week-long event, takes place along the beautiful Lent waterfront along the Drava River and is undoubtedly among our favorite festivals in Slovenia. Click here for more information.
Kravji bal
The annual “Kravji Bal” (Cow Ball) is a true Bohinj celebration organized by the local tourist association for over 60 years. It’s an event where locals and visitors gather to celebrate with shepherds and restaurateurs at the end of the grazing season. Herds of cattle are brought down from higher mountain pastures, and in the picturesque village of Ukanc, they ensure a fun weekend with a rich program and delicious local food and drinks that you shouldn’t miss. Click here for more information.
Beer & Flowers Festival (Pivo in cvetje festival)
In the city known for beer and flowers, the annual “Pivo in cvetje” festival takes place, the largest and oldest festival in Slovenia. Approximately 150,000 entertainment and music enthusiasts from around the world attend each year. During the third weekend in July, music, beer, flowers, and gastronomy come together in an event that you shouldn’t miss. Click here for more information.
Masquerade in Ptuj (Kurentovanje)
“Kurentovanje” is a traditional Slovenian festival that takes place at the end of winter and is associated with Shrovetide, which falls on a different date each year (exactly 47 days before Easter), typically occurring in the month of February. The main character of Kurentovanje is the “kurent,” a mythological creature believed to have the power to drive away winter and evil spirits, ensuring a good harvest in the coming year. During the festival, Kurents, along with other traditional characters and masks, parade through the streets of Ptuj, creating a lot of noise with their bells and a festive atmosphere. Participants often perform traditional dances, rituals, and shows. Kurentovanje is not just a celebration of the arrival of spring but also a way for the community to come together, have fun, and preserve its cultural heritage. The festival attracts locals and tourists alike, offering a unique experience of Slovenian folklore and traditions. Click here for more information.
Check out the calendar of events throughout Slovenia.