June 10, 2020 - The Hvar Summer Festival has announced its return this summer, from June 21 to September 15.  A look at the program for the 59th edition. 

The summer events in Hvar Town have been held continuously since 1961 at the historic Franciscan Monastery, Hanibal Lucić Summer House, Veneranda Summer Stage, Fortica Fortress, St. Stephen's Cathedral, and St. Stephen's Square, and in Velo and Malo Grablje.

This event, organized by the City of Hvar, preserves the long tradition of the exceptional cultural offer, a specialty in the local music and art scene that is recognizable at the national and international level. The performances traditionally started after the Easter holidays and lasted until mid-October, making them the busiest festival on the Adriatic. They successfully provided quality music and experiences to the people of Hvar and their guests, and during almost six months, the festival brought together renowned Croatian and international performers to enhance the entire summer tourist offer of Hvar.

The Hvar Summer Festival showcases both renowned classical musicians and young professionals, from Croatia and abroad. However, it does not dismiss Croatia’s musical heritage, which can be seen in the performances of Dalmatian Klapa groups. 

This summer, the Hvar Summer Festival will open with a ceremony on June 21 at St. Stephen's Square, followed by the female group 'Bodulke' on June 24 at the Hanibal Lucic Summer Residence. 

In July, visitors can enjoy a piano and percussion performance with Matej Mestrovic and Borna Sercar, plays, and Zagreb soloists. In August, Radojka Sverko, Filip Mercep, and fisherman's talk - and in September, the Hvar Mixed Choir, folklore, and 'Fist Full of Land' at the Hvar Public Theatre. But this is just part of it. 

You can find the full program for June, July, August and September HERE. 

Tickets can be purchases at the box office at St. Stephen's Square from June 20 to September 15, from 10:00 to 13:00. 

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May 30, 2019 - There is a new entertainment hot spot on the island of Hvar, one which is more than 400 years old - the multi-functional oldest public theatre in Europe.

It was closed for almost 20 years for renovation, but it seems that Hvar fully intends to make maximum use out of its newly renovated cultural treasure, the oldest public theatre in Europe, which dates back to 1612.

The theatre, which lies on the first floor of the imposing Arsenal building which guards the entrance to Hvar Town's majestic main square, reopened earlier this month with a series of plays in the first few days. 

But the theatre, which is open to visitors during the day, is already showing its potential as a multi-functional meeting point and entertainment centre. 

The latest event to be held at the theatre was a fashion show from the island's leading fashion designer, Toni Caric Rico.

A glorious setting for his innovative work, and the evening was by all accounts a great success.  

Fashion for the future and traditional dance from yesteryear, the theatre also recently hosted a Hvar Theatre Ball, where guests were also invited to dress up and participate. Many thanks for to Katia Zaninovic Dawnay for the video footage. 

Looking to enjoy the theatre and its spectacular location from the comfort of your living room? Take a drone tour with Jaksa Kuzmicic in the this excellent video.

To learn more about the island of Hvar, check out the Total Croatia Hvar in a Page guide.  

April 24, 2018 - The festival programme is getting some new additions this year

A final event to hold onto the summer season a bit longer.

The Hvar Summer Festival comes to an end with a special music performance tonight.

A look at the other side of Hvar Town's nightlife on July 19, 2017 - the Hvar Summer Festival in the delightful Franciscan Monastery cloister. 

There are 7 dates remaining for the Hvar Summer Festival, running through September 29th.