Discover the most exciting events in Lika and Plitvice across all four seasons. Find out when the biggest events around Croatia's most beautiful national park take place, and start planning your next visit today.
Lika has something happening throughout the year, with events that offer a different way to experience the region in every season. Alongside the Plitvice Lakes, Rastoke, rivers and mountain landscapes, you’ll find festivals, sporting events, fairs, cultural programs and celebrations of local traditions.
These events are a great reason to explore Lika beyond its best-known natural attractions. They bring together local communities and visitors and offer a chance to experience the region’s traditions, food and culture.
From Jesen u Lici (Autumn in Lika) and Advent celebrations to spring events in Rastoke, the Plitvice Marathon and summer festivals, there is something to look forward to throughout the year.
Here’s an overview of some of the most popular events in Lika, starting in autumn and taking you through the seasons.
In autumn, the forests of Plitvice look as if they’ve been painted in watercolors, with leaves in golden yellows, burnt oranges and deep reds. The crowds thin out, and all you hear is the murmur of water and the breeze moving through the treetops. Plitvice and Lika in autumn are pure fairy tale.
Don’t miss it.
Jesen u Lici is one of the best-known and longest-running events in Lika-Senj County. Held in Gospić, it brings together producers, craftspeople and visitors from Croatia and abroad.
This year, Jesen u Lici runs from 2 to 4 October. Now in its 28th edition, it features more than 400 exhibitors with authentic agricultural, food, household and decorative products, as well as exhibitions of traditional livestock breeds and farm machinery.
Jesen u Lici gives you a real taste of traditional Lika life!
 Source: https://jesenulici.hr |
 Source: https://jesenulici.hr |
As part of Jesen u Lici, Lika Fest takes place on 2 October at Trg S. Radića in Gospić. This music festival celebrates tamburitza, pop and popular music, and aims to connect contemporary performers with Lika’s musical heritage.
A great chance to have fun and hear how the locals do it!
In winter, Lika is often covered in snow and wrapped in a deep wilderness quiet, while the holiday spirit stirs in locals and visitors alike. All you hear is snow crunching underfoot and the faint chime of Christmas bells in the distance!
At the beginning of December, Advent at Lyra Hotel Plitvice brings a warm and festive atmosphere to the heart of Lika with Lyra Christmas Beat. The scent of mulled wine, fritters and traditional gingerbread fills the air, while live music and a special selection of festive food and drinks create a cosy setting for enjoying the Christmas season.
During Advent, Lyra Hotel Plitvice also opens a small Christmas market with a charitable purpose. Visitors can stop by, enjoy the festive atmosphere and contribute to a good cause at the same time. It is a lovely way to spend a winter day surrounded by Christmas decorations, warm treats and the welcoming atmosphere of the hotel.
To see what Advent at Lyra looked like last year, take a look here.
Advent at Plitvice Lakes is a real reason to visit the National Park in winter. Besides the area’s special beauty at this time of year, there are seasonal programs including activities for children, performances, workshops, food and drink, and festive get-togethers.
The exact program and dates change every year, so it’s worth checking the National Park’s official website before you arrive.
In Slunj, the holidays are traditionally celebrated with Bož’ćevanje on the Bridges of Slunj, which blends the Advent atmosphere with the town’s distinctive setting.
Stroll across the decorated bridges of Rastoke, sample local cuisine and enjoy a range of activities that have even put Slunj at the top of Forbes lists!
Did you know that in 2023 Slunj was named one of the Top 5 towns for spending the holidays?
Slunj doesn’t slow down after the holidays, either…
In February, Slunj hosts Neralić Days, dedicated to Milan Neralić, a native of Slunj and the first Croatian to win an Olympic medal. The event includes cultural and educational programs, and a costumed guided tour about Neralić’s life and Slunj is well worth joining.
February is also traditionally carnival season, so Slunj and some surrounding towns hold a traditional costume parade!
The birds returning from the south bring back the first outdoor events in Lika. In Slunj, Easter is celebrated publicly, including workshops on making Easter eggs using the traditional needle-and-wax technique.
Soon after Easter comes Mostovi plešu. This May event brings together dance performances, workshops and art programs in the picturesque setting of Rastoke. And, of course, it takes place on the beautiful bridges!
The program is designed for all generations, and the fun above the waterfalls of the Slunjčica gives it a special atmosphere.
Besides the events in Slunj, Plitvičke doline (Plitvice Valleys) often organizes fun family events in April and May, and with the arrival of spring the Plitvice Lakes are simply irresistible! The greenery flourishes, the waterfalls roar at full strength, and every step through the forest feels enchanted!
The start of summer marks the busiest part of the year!
The Plitvice Marathon is one of the best-known sporting events around the Plitvice Lakes. It takes place in early June, and the race attracts top runners from Croatia and around the world.
In 2026, the 41st edition was held on 6 and 7 June, with participants from as many as 50 countries!
For running enthusiasts, the marathon is a reason to come to Plitvice, while other visitors can use it as an excuse for a weekend in the area.
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 Source: https://plitvickedoline.hr |
Legends of the Plitvice Valleys brings crowds back to the Drežnik Old Town, presenting the region’s history and local heritage through stories, theater performances, workshops and music.
Listen to the stories that shaped this region, experience a glimpse of Plitvice’s past and learn more about traditional life in Lika.
Slunj Summer runs from June to September and offers sports, cultural, entertainment and recreational programs at various locations in Slunj and Rastoke.
The 2026 program included, among other things, the Korana Gatherings, Fishermen’s Night, Rastoke Trail, concerts, workshops, sporting competitions and Moto Meetups…
Each year the program gets richer and the crowds grow, which is no surprise, because a summer in Plitvice is an experience you won’t forget!
In Primišlje near Slunj, the Mo:Dem Festival takes place in summer. It’s an international electronic music festival that draws visitors from many countries, and in 2027 it is planned for 2 to 8 August.
The festival is held on the Mrežnica River, and the mix of nature, music and visual art installations creates an unforgettable atmosphere.
Source: https://modemfestival.com
Autumn is the season of local produce and tradition, winter brings an Advent atmosphere and a quieter Plitvice, spring is for nature’s awakening and the first outdoor events, and summer brings the most festivals, sporting competitions, concerts and programs by the rivers and in nature.
The ideal time to visit Plitvice? We’d say any time!
With stunning scenery, impressive waterfalls and dedicated people who make every visit special, it’s hard to go wrong.
Round off a great time at Lika’s events with a stay in top-quality accommodation.
Lyra Hotel Plitvice will be your reliable base for exploring everything Lika and Plitvice have to offer.
After a day of exploring local events and festivals, visiting the Park and walking through the beautiful Lika landscape, unwind in one of our comfortable rooms overlooking the unspoiled Lika forest.
In addition to excellent accommodation and modern rooms, the hotel offers plenty of extra services and amenities, so you can spend the evening enjoying a great meal at the hotel’s Vega restaurant and start the morning with a light workout in the hotel gym.
…and if you’re staying a few days, be sure to take advantage of our fantastic discount offer!
Lyra Hotel Plitvice is here for you.
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