The Zadar Summer Theatre Festival is a long-running cultural event that has enriched the artistic life of Zadar since its establishment in 1995. Organized by the Croatian National Theatre Zadar, the festival presents a diverse program of theatre, music, and dance performances staged at historic open-air venues throughout the city. Over more than three decades, it has grown into one of the most important cultural festivals in Dalmatia and an essential part of Zadar’s summer cultural calendar.
In its early years, the festival focused primarily on comedy under the slogan “Stav'te pamet na komediju!” (“Put Your Mind on Comedy!”). Productions by the Croatian National Theatre Zadar quickly became popular with audiences, establishing the festival’s reputation for accessible and high-quality theatre. As the event evolved, its program expanded to include guest productions, dance performances, and musical events, creating a multidisciplinary festival that brings together distinguished artists and theatre companies from Croatia and abroad.
One of the festival’s defining characteristics is its use of Zadar’s historic outdoor locations. Performances take place in venues such as the Lapidarium of the National Museum, the Zadar Puppet Theatre, and other open-air spaces within the city’s historic center. These unique settings create a distinctive atmosphere, combining cultural heritage with contemporary performing arts and offering audiences an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Mediterranean city.
Since 2015, the festival has also included the Zadar Jazz & Blues Festival, significantly broadening its artistic profile. Held at the Museum of Ancient Glass, the music program has welcomed internationally respected performers including Brian Auger, Trilok Gurtu, Fred Wesley, Eric Bibb, Omar Sosa, and Joseph Bowie. Their appearances have strengthened the festival’s international reputation and established Zadar as an important destination for high-quality jazz and blues performances.
During its history, the Zadar Summer Theatre Festival has presented 28 original productions and co-productions while hosting more than 270 guest performances from Croatia and abroad. By continually expanding its artistic vision and embracing a wide variety of performing arts, the festival remains a vital platform for creative exchange and one of the leading cultural events on Croatia’s Adriatic coast.
