Ljubljana events and What's on

Ljubljana is burstling with the cultural entertainment for its people and also enjoyed by tourists where the language is not a barrier. During the summer, the streets of Ljubljana are daily changes into small markets, street theaters and concerts venues. There is a number of cinemas, galleries and museums to keep you entertained all year long.

International Festival of Mountain Film
7. – 10. February
The festival presents to 30 Slovenian and foreign productions of mountain theme, followed by presentations of books, photography and round-table discussions. It takes place in Cankarev dom.

Pustni Karneval (The Shrovetide)
17. February
To scare away winter, every year in February Carnivals take place all around the country and on Ljubljana streets as well. The main day is Shrove Tuesday. People put on masks and with competitions for the best one, parties usually last till morning. You can find big variety of them – from traditional to modern and very original ones. Do not forget to get yourself some donuts.

Gibanica
21. – 25. February
Gibanica is a festival of Slovenian dances, which attracts many people from homeland and abroad. It happens every second year and mainly takes place in Cankarjev dom and other locations as well.
www.cd-cc.si

International Festival of Documentary Film
15. – 22. March
Already 9th in a row the festival opens issues of a documentary film and its influence to society. Taking place in Cankarjev dom.
www.fdf.si

Festival Zlata Palicica
19. – 25. March
It is a festival of professional theaters for children and since it is a biennial happens every second year. It is organized and sponsored by Theater for Children and Youth in Ljubljana. For details and program see their web page.
www.goml.si

International Puppet Day
21. March
On the day you can join and see any performance of Puppet Theatres for free, since this is the day when they open their door to honor puppetry art and to make it more recognized.

Exodos
18. – 25. April
Exodos - Festival of Contemporary Performing Arts, has become one of major international festivals in Slovenia. Each May eminent and young artists from all over the world come to Ljubljana to present their new productions, followed by discussions and conversations with artists themselves. It is taking place in Cankarjev dom and Old Town.
www.exodos.si

Wire Path Walk
5. May
During the WW2 Ljubljana was the only city in Europe, which was encircled by a barbed wire and thus had a status of a city concentration camp. The reason for the barbed wire was the fact, that Ljubljana had one of the best resistance movements in Europe. Nazis were never able to find and uncover it. For the memory of those dreadful and brave times, an every – year walk is organized by the track of the wire. Usually it happens around 9th May, when Ljubljana was liberated in 1945. The longest track is 35 km.
www.pohod.si

SKIS Market
9. May
It is one of the biggest student fiestas. Student clubs from all over Slovenia gather at one place, presenting their local particularities, including food, drinks and sights. Concerts and food and drinks stands bring the event to a celebration, lasting until late hours. If you are a student or eager to meet Slovenian ones or just feel like a party, this is a must. Usually it is located at Ilirija Stadium by the Tivoli Park.
www.skisova-trznica.si

International Day of Museums
18. May
It is the day when museums prepare special program to characterize the significance of institutions that sustain collection of artifacts connected to the nation`s history and its heritage. It is worth using the day for museums. No entrance fee.

Graduation Parade
18., 19. or 20. May
The tradition of dancing quadrille at the prom at the end of four-year secondary education moved to the streets in 2001. At first in Ljubljana only, later in other Slovenian cities as well and recently as an international project, pupils have broken the Guinness World Record in synchronous dancing. If you are in Ljubljana at the time, you will not regret it. The show is big and to see so many young people dancing simultaneously is an absolutely marvelous sight.

Druga Godba
24. – 27. May
“Druga Godba” is an annual very well visited music festival for those, who prefer different, alternative or ethno. Performers from all over the world, including Africa, South Amerika and Asia, are introduced at locations with special atmosphere, like open-air Krizanke or Metelkova Mesto, the alternative quarter of the city. For more info about program and tickets check their web page.
www.drugagodba.si

Living Literature Festival
15. – 22. June
For the purpose of popularization of literature and promotion of young writers, the festival remains special for the combination of music and word. It is taken from inside to the streets into hands of people. More specifically - in front of the SKUC Galery at Stari trg. No fee.
www.skuc.org

Museum Summer Night
16. June
It is the day, when museums and galleries open their door out of office hours until late in the evening, offering guides, workshops, video presentations, concerts, lectures etc. Entrance to every museum is free of charge.

Ljubljana Jazz Festival
27. – 30 June
In 4 days of the festival famous names of international and Slovenian jazz are presented. The stage is located at Cankarjev Dom and Krizanke, the open air theatre. Tickets can be bought at Hard Rock music shop on Trubarjeva street 40 as well.
www.ljubljanajazz.si

Ana Desetnica
27. June – 1.July
It is international festival of a street theatre that takes place on several locations in the city center. At the time streets of Ljubljana work as one big theater.
www.anadesetnica.org

Mini Summer
17.June. – 9.September
The international puppet and theater festival for children are sponsored by the Mini Theatre, happening mainly at Ljubljana Castle, though other locations as well. Theaters from all over Europe present their plays, some for adults too.
www.mini-teater.si

Festival Ljubljana
2. July – 1. September
The trademark of Festival Ljubljana represents some of the most important and recognized annual events happening from the start of July till the end of August. International philharmonic orchestra concerts, open-air cinema, fine arts colony, opera, ballet, theatre and 55 years of tradition give this festival high artistic value and credibility. For program and more information check their web page.
www.ljubljanafestival.si

Let's meet at SKUC
20. – 28. July
Near the Well of Hercules on Gornji trg you can witness many theater, literary, musical and dancing presentations from 20th to 28th of July, making the old part of town even more catchy. With workshops for children and a market of books and artistic works, everyone can find something for himself. No fee.
www.skuc.org

Trnfest
1.-31. August (annualy)
Trnfest is a festival which takes place every year during the whole month of August. Various concerts, theatres, musical or video performances are held outside on the street and thus free of charge. Location: Quarter Trnovo. Just ask locals where to go, because it's difficult to find.

Young Lions (10th International Festival of Theatre and Dance)
17. – 27. August
Presentation of theatre and dance artists from all over the world is set mainly at the location of Stara elektrarna, Slomskova ulica 18, though on other locations as well. For details and program see their web page.
www.bunker.si

The Old Town Nights
29. August – 1. September
As traditional enclosure of the “Summer in the Old Town of Ljubljana” festival, it symbolically represents an ending of summer beats of the city. During the 5 days the entire Old Town breathes various kinds of art, food, drinks and concerts of usually rock, classical and ethno music.

27th Biennial of Graphic Arts
6. September – 28.October 2007
Representing different art forms from traditional printmaking to web-based art, presentations take place in the most important national galleries, museums or private galleries and flats.
www.mglc-lj.si

17th Slovenia Classic Marathon
7. – 9. September
An attractive annual competitive racing presentation of old-timers and other vehicles we cannot see on the road any more.

Medieval Days
8. and 9. September
The traditional Medieval Days and Festival of Medieval and Renaissance Music will take place on different locations in the city. The main event at the Ljubljana castle will be followed by others at Triple Bridge, Congress Square and City Park. Dancers, musicians, actors, swordsmen and jugglers from Serbia, Italy, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Slovenia will create an unforgettable medieval experience.
www.mini-teater.si

Ex Ponto
2nd half of September
Ex Ponto is an International Festival of Contemporary Theatre Production. It takes place on different locations in the city.
www.exponto.net

Terminal00
26. – 29. September
Terminal00 is an interesting Balkan-art festival that joins young artists of Balkan region, from Greece up to Slovenia. Photography, visual communication, music, video, dance, theater and film presentations show cultural richness and diversity of the Balkans and contradict general ideas of instability in the region. The festival is set on different locations in the city, mainly alternative and artistic ones.
www.terminal00.org

City of Women
3. - 13. October
An annual festival offering room to female art and culture is for the 13th time representing artistic productions of women all over the world. The essence of their play, music, literature, visual art and video productions is to point out the wrongful and disproportionate participation of women in culture and life in general. It is taking place on several locations in Ljubljana, usual and alternative ones.
www.cityofwomen.org

Ljubljana Marathon
27. and 28. October 2007
This relatively young European marathon annually attracts thousands of sportsmen. The run starts in the city centre and runs around the Mostec hill. There are three different lengths of route (7, 21 and 42 km). This year already 12th international marathon takes place in Ljubljana.
www.ljubljanskimaraton.si

Liffe
7. – 21. November
The Ljubljana International Film Festival has gained its credibility and attraction throughout the years. 18th this year with chosen movies in competition from all over the world. Location: Cankarjev dom.
www.liffe.si

Book Fair
28. November – 2. December
Book novelties are presented in the cultural atmosphere of Cankarjev dom. For details check their web page.
www.cd-cc.si

Lesbian and Gay Film Festival
1. – 8. December
Ljubljana Lesbian and Gay Film Festival is the oldest film festival of this kind in Europe. Through decades of economic and political changes it has helped killing myths, calming down emotions, joining people of different believes and building a rightful Europe. 23rd in a row is taking place in Slovenska Kinoteka.

Day of Culture
3. December
Celebrating birthday of Slovenian greatest poet Dr. France Preseren, 3rd Dec is dedicated to culture. Museums, theatres, galeries, libraries and other cultural institutions open their door and entrance is free.

Holiday Fair
3. December – 2. January
Annually at the start of December Ljubljana gets beautifully decorated and stands offering souvenires, Christmas gifts, foods and drinks are set in the Old Town by the river and at the market place one next to another. At this festive time street concerts, theatres and other events are frequent. For event program visit Tourist Information Office of Ljubljana.

New Year in Ljubljana
31. December
Every year thousands of citizens wait for the New Year on the streets of Ljubljana. Celebrations with concerts take place at different locations in the city center. For program visit Tourist Information Office of Ljubljana.

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