The Makarska Jazz Festival is an international music festival held annually in Makarska, Croatia, since 2014. Over the years, it has established itself as one of the country's leading summer jazz events, bringing together distinguished Croatian and international musicians in a unique Adriatic setting. Surrounded by the dramatic slopes of Biokovo Mountain and the Adriatic Sea, the festival combines outstanding live performances with the relaxed atmosphere of the Croatian coast, making it an important cultural highlight at the end of the summer season.
The festival's main evening program takes place at Makarska's Monument to the Revolution, an open-air venue that provides a distinctive backdrop for live performances. In addition, the program includes a special morning concert at Trg 4. svibnja 533., offering audiences a more intimate opportunity to experience jazz in a relaxed outdoor environment. This combination of daytime and evening performances has become one of the festival's defining characteristics, creating a diverse and welcoming atmosphere for visitors.
Since its inception, the Makarska Jazz Festival has earned a reputation for presenting world-class artists representing a broad spectrum of jazz styles. Previous editions have featured internationally acclaimed performers such as Richard Bona, Alfredo Rodriguez, and Roby Lakatos alongside celebrated Croatian musicians including Oliver Dragojević, Josipa Lisac, Radojka Šverko, and Vlatko Stefanovski. This balance between international stars and regional talent has helped the festival attract both dedicated jazz enthusiasts and wider audiences.
The festival's programming embraces both traditional and contemporary jazz while encouraging artistic collaborations and diverse musical influences. Each edition is carefully curated to present high-quality performances in an informal and welcoming environment, allowing audiences to enjoy exceptional music under the late-summer skies of Makarska. Part of the program is traditionally free of charge, reinforcing the festival's commitment to making jazz accessible to a broad public while promoting the genre to new audiences.
Through its consistent artistic quality and international outlook, the Makarska Jazz Festival has become one of Croatia's most respected jazz events. By combining exceptional musicianship, spectacular outdoor venues, and the unmistakable charm of the Adriatic coast, the festival continues to strengthen Makarska's reputation as an important destination for music lovers from Croatia and around the world.
