September in Zagreb: Best Events to Attend for Memorable Autumn
Personally, I’ve always loved September. Even when I was a kid and September meant going back to school after summer vacation, it was still one of my favourite months. All of my friends were back in town, we could play outside because it was still warm enough and we didn’t have that much homework right at the beginning of the school year. Now that I’m older, I still enjoy simple things, such as crisp mornings followed by warm sunny days while summer is crawling towards its end and going into hibernation until the next year. Autumn usually comes silently, killing the summer with its softest kiss. The city suddenly bursts with colours and energy that no other season has. Gentle smell of apple pies with cinnamon fills the air above Croatia’s capital and you can be well assured that next couple of weeks will be a real pleasure to enjoy if you find yourself here.
Aside from all usual tourist activities you can do in Zagreb, September is also a month when city prepares a dazzling repertoire of various events for its citizens and newcomers. If you’re passing by, you should definitely stop and take time to attend some of these events because there’s something for everybody. Here are some of my favourite picks for a great beginning of autumn in Zagreb.
SCREEN on the GREEN (31.08.2017 - 10.09.2017)
This is a perfect event to start your autumnal tour in Zagreb because it's being held for the seventh year in a row and locals already consider it an inevitable conclusion of summer in the city. It’s a movie picnic festival and if that doesn’t convince you to check it out, then nothing will. I mean, come on! Picnic on a warm September night and watching a movie on a blanket while snacking something yummy surrounded by your friends? Sounds delightful! It’s completely free and you can watch feature films, documentaries and even popular Hollywood blockbusters. Find your perfect outdoor picnic spot on one of many lovely SCREEN on the GREEN locations and enjoy movies under the stars for ten days.
Photo Credit: TZGZ Download zona, J. Duval
BeerYard festival (02.09.2017)
If you haven’t been living under a rock for the last couple of years, I assume you know at least one person who’s deeply into craft beer. The chances are, every group of friends has at least one fan of craft beer, so if you don’t have, then you’re that one friend. With that in mind, how about visiting a festival that combines craft beer, street food and music? BeerYard Festival was organized last year for the first time, but due to its immense popularity and great fun everyone had, people were even more excited for this year’s event. And here it is – a perfect intro into new month if you want a more casual event for hanging out with friends. Beer related workshops, interesting guest, unique music and special vibe thanks to various beers you can try there. It would be a shame to miss it, don’t you think?
Festival Of World Literature (03.09.2017 - 09.09.2017)
If you’re more of a book worm than a beer lover, fear not – how about a great global literature festival? During these ten days, Zagreb will turn into a literature centre thanks to Festival dedicated to bringing into spotlight some of the biggest names in the publishing industry. The celebration of the written word and admiring the power of books will intertwine in a rich programme full of delights for anyone seeking comfort between book covers. I always love discovering new books and hearing what authors have to say about their inspirations, so I’ll be there for sure. Join me!
Food Film Festival Zagreb (08.09.2017 - 17.09.2017)
Another festival that combines food and movies? Why, indeed! Zagrebians are true foodies and love these kinds of events because bonding with others over tasty food and mutual movie interests is a proven recipe for long lasting friendships… or so I’ve heard. Either way, Zrinjevac park is a familiar location for similar events and I have a theory it’s because looking at beautiful trees around you will work your appetite up. I don’t know how or why, but it sure works well for me! Or maybe it’s just because it’s one of the prettiest spots in Zagreb and people enjoy taking walks there so it would be a shame not to offer them food along the way. Free advice: put on stretchy pants if you plan to visit this festival – you’ll want to be comfortable while tasting yummy goodies from every food place there is.
Photo Credit: TZGZ Download Zona
InDizajn – Festival of modern home (16.09.2017 - 18.09.2017)
Is it possible to find all tips and trick for decorating your dream home, finding interior inspiration and discovering all new trends currently going on in the furniture industry in one place? Yes it is and no, I’m not talking about Pinterest. This September, visit new regional fair in Zagreb dedicated to celebrating beautiful interior designs and modern homes. Arena Zagreb is a place to be if you’re interested in visiting InDizajn and finding perfect gems for your apartment, house or even workplace. There will be over 50 famous exhibitors among whom are many young and talented designers showcasing their ideas to the world. The best thing is you don’t actually have to buy anything there. If you want just to look around and seek for some ideas to implement at home, you’re free to do so. Mark your calendars for this event, go on!
Streetcar Named Lindy (21.09.2017 – 25.09.2017)
International festival, well known among locals because it’s held each year at the end of September, brings you three joyous days of swing dance and music. It's amazing! Croatia’s capital has the privilege to host so many marvelous dancers and teachers from all around the world who can show powerful emotions and great dance moves that everyone can enjoy. Whoever is interested will have a chance to get inspired during classes with world class heroes, parties with local and international bands, lectures from dance history as well as learn everything there is to know about the swing. Put your dance shoes on and join the party. Don’t worry if you don’t know the moves – you can learn them there because that’s the whole point of this event.
Header Photo Credit: TZGZ Download Zona, D. Rostuhar
Author: Paula Bracko