Experiencing summer festivals in Montenegro is truly magical, bearing in mind that this is one of the party hubs in Europe. Music lovers enjoy the thrill of discovering new artists and hearing one more time the well-established icons of the industry. At the same time, art and film enthusiasts can expect an equally entertaining summer. Here, they will find numerous traditional festivals along the coast that feature new exciting editions of movies, uncover new artists and explore local art scene. What makes it special is the iconic setting of Montenegro and its marvellous nature. Therefore, any festival set in the country is a one-of-a-kind experience.
In the last couple of years, Montenegro has been recognised as the country where summer festivals thrive. It offers various opportunities for lovers of all genres of music to enjoy famous beats, art aficionados and technology geeks. The local artistic scene has also been growing, while the country’s culture is slowly gaining international attention.
This summer is no exception, with numerous festivals already scheduled, among which some have already started ticket sales. Therefore, stay tuned, read more, and discover what summer festival adventure you can enjoy this year in Montenegro.
Summer festivals in Montenegro
Lake Fest
Lake Fest is an annual music festival in August in the municipality of Niksic. This is one of the well-known rock festivals that marks the summer season in the central part of Montenegro. This is also one of the music festivals with long traditions. It brings together local, regional, and international artists to craft an incredible atmosphere.
One of the unique features of Lake Fest is its location. It is set in the forest next to Lake Krupac, and the three-day lineup is followed by numerous daily activities. Thanks to a huge camping area, visitors get a complete summer fun experience in this gorgeous location. Here, you can attend different workshops, grill with friends, enjoy the lake or spend time in nature with your loved ones.
In 2024, the Lake Fest is scheduled to occur from the 9th to the 11th of August, while the lineup includes Rudimental, the Stranglers, Olly Murs and many others. Tickets are also available, with selling points in designated pubs along Podgorica and Niksic and online on the Lake Fest website. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance to the event as well.
KotorArt
International festival KotorArt is one of the largest and most important art festivals in the country and region. This annual event occurs in different locations throughout Kotor and Boka Bay. It features over 200 programs with an impressive number of local, regional, and international artists presenting their unique works.
Established in 2002 as an art festival, KotorArt has expanded its opus since then and now features artistic disciplines such as art music, theatre, klapa singing, children’s theatre, architecture, philosophy, and even high fashion. All this contributes to Kotor’s cultural heritage. Through the Kotor concert season, the festival includes workshops, lectures, publishing, and other projects. Additionally, KotorArt extends its activities to the off-season and contributes to the city’s year-round cultural life.
This year, the festival will be held from 13th of July to 14th of August. Tickets can be purchased separately for different events both online (gigatrix.com) as well as in designated places (Tabacco S-Press).
Fasinada Festival
Fasinada Festival is one of the oldest manifestations in Montenegro, taking place in Perast, Boka Bay. This customary occasion comes from the Italian term “fascia,” which means ribbon or bandage. This is because, as part of the celebration, a convoy of boats is decked out. They carry apple branches, packed full of stones, and roped together before they set out. They leave it on the Gospa od Skrpjela/Our Lady of the Rocks island, which has been artificially made in the past with the legend that if Fasinada occurs, the island won’t sink.
Every year on July 22, the boats depart at dusk to the tune of a traditional song sung by a woman while only men can be on the boats. They sing acapella, and what makes it so unique is that basically, the whole town gets to participate. Afterwards, the party continues as the locals prepare a lot of food and drinks, including wine, on the numerous food stands across the city’s promenade. Music complements this event through late-night concerts.
Entrance is free, and anyone can join the procession on the shore or in one of the boats.
Bokeljska noc
The festival Bokeljska noc/ Boka Night is one of the most popular events/festivals in Kotor during the summer season. The event’s goal is to maintain the tradition of showing the coastal life and mentality of fishermen, sailors, and citizens of Kotor. Locals as well as international guests apply to take part in the procession which is a competition.
The participants’ task for the Bokeljska night is to decorate their boat or small boat as originally as possible to send a certain message to the visitors during the parade. After the boat procession, participants parade through the streets of Kotor while the audience cheers. It is a truly unique experience that is followed by a concert, music, and a lot of food that showcases the tradition of Boka.
The event is held annually in mid-August, and this year’s date has yet to be announced. Entrance is free.
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Rubix
Rubix festival in Tivat is a new and interesting event that combines art, music, and technology in a moderate form. Set in luxurious Porto Montenegro, the audience has a chance to enjoy international artists from all over the world who exhibit their masterpieces or showcase their incredible talent in front of the marvelous waterfront of Tivat. The festivals program is completed with various electronic music sets that will mersmerise you.
Numerous workshops, ranging from food to craftmanship, sport, welding, and more, are also part of the three-day events. The Festival includes a Food Garden offering a variety of fine global cuisines and a chill-out area for visitors to relax and take a break from the festivities.
The lineup for this year has been announced, and it features Isabella Rossellini with its “Darvin Smile”, Novelle Vogue, a French bossa nova band, and Hernan Cattaneo, father of the underground house scene.
Tickets are available for purchase online on the festival’s website. The festival is scheduled for August 8th to 10th, 2024.
Beerfest
This July, Cetinje’s historic ambiance will be electrified by the fourth annual Montenegro Beer Fest, promising a sensational fusion of flavors and sounds. The festival commences on July 26th with the legendary Serbian rock band Kerber, setting the stage for an unforgettable lineup including Buč Kesidi and the exuberant Dubioza Kolektiv. The opening night will climax with a performance by Voyage, ensuring a dynamic conclusion. Beyond the music, attendees can enjoy an extensive selection of craft and commercial brews. With tickets available since April 20th, this festival is a must-attend for those eager to dive into summer’s vibrant rhythm.
