From February onwards, the Balkans 2026 events calendar is chock-a-block, from winter masked carnivals and spring folk customs to summer music festivals on Adriatic beaches. Our top tip? Travel either side of a festival to balance the cultural buzz with the calm of a hike in the mountains, a kayak along the coast, or a stay in a seaside village after the crowds disperse. Here’s our calendar of the best Balkan festivals in 2026. We’ve included our nearby tour ideas for inspiration, so you can turn a culture break into a longer journey through this spectacular region. See also: Top Active & Sporting events in the Balkans in 2026 Festivals and events in Croatia in 2026 Rijeka Carnival When: 15th February 2026 Where: Rijeka Rijeka’s pre-Lent carnival rivals Venice for spectacle, but with more noise, fur, and pagan energy. Performers dress as zvončari (bell ringers) in sheepskin and animal masks, swinging huge bells to chase away winter. The city hands its keys to a temporary carnival mayor, a queen is crowned, and a giant masked parade fills the town with colour and theatrical floats. Farmers bring olive oils, cheeses, wines and cured meats from the surrounding hills for visitors to sample. After revelling in the glory and chaos of the carnival, allow us to take you south down the Croatian coast on our 7-day Southern Dalmatia multi activity holiday for kayaking, hiking, beaches and more. Mali Ston Oyster Festival When: March 2026 (date tbc - usually St Joseph's Day) Where: Mali Ston Perfect for seafood lovers. This small coastal town celebrates its prized European flat oysters with plenty of wine and music. March is perfect shoulder season — with fewer crowds, cooler days and a great excuse to linger on the Pelješac Peninsula after the festivities subside. Even better, walk “Europe’s
From February onwards, the Balkans 2026 events calendar is chock-a-block, from winter masked carnivals and spring folk customs to summer music festivals on Adriatic beaches. Our top tip? Travel either side of a festival to balance the cultural buzz with the calm of a hike in the mountains, a kayak along the coast, or a
