13 festivals and events in Serbia that you should visit this summer

Summer is getting closer, and with it come numerous events and festivals that are characteristic of Serbia. If you are in Serbia during the summer months, there are several events that you simply have to visit, if not this year, then in some of the coming years.

From Guča, EXIT, Rajac Scythe Festival, Kulenijada, Roštiljijada, all the way to the Drina regatta and the Ljubičevo Equestrian Games, the festival season in Serbia does not end during the summer, or throughout the year.

But, for now, we bring you a list of 15 festivals and events that you should visit this summer in Serbia. Well, if you're ready, let's get started.

1. EXIT

If we talk about the global level, EXIT is certainly the most famous music festival in Serbia, which is held every summer in Novi Sad. To be completely precise, it starts on the second Thursday in July and lasts for 4 days.

Apart from the fact that this year Novi Sad is the European capital of culture, the second-largest city in Serbia will again be the capital of music of all genres and will host several thousand artists from all over the world.

If that is not good enough reason for you to be at EXIT this year, then consider the Petrovaradin Fortress and the unique experience it brings in conjunction with some of the world's biggest music stars.

2. Guča

Guča is something special!

If you have never been to Guča and you have not felt the power of the trumpet, then that is a priority for you this summer. Great music and atmosphere await you!

It is interesting that the festival is visited by a huge number of tourists every August (about a million), both domestic and foreign, so there is no reason why you should not be there this summer.

3. Lovefest

Another great festival that takes place in Vrnjačka Spa for 5 days during the summer, more precisely during August, is Lovefest.

Although a relatively young festival, Lovefest has managed to gather a large number of world music stars in previous years, and there is no doubt that this trend will continue this year as well.

Therefore, after EXIT and July, the next station for electronic music lovers is Vrnjačka Spa and Lovefest.

4. Beer fest

Well, the name of the festival speaks more than a thousand words.

If you like beer, good music, rock, metal, and pop bands from Serbia and the region, then August is the time when you should be in Belgrade, in Ušće Park.

The festival is well attended every year, and on average, over half a million people come because of the different tastes of beer, as well as great music.

5. Zaječar' Gitarijada

If you like rock, and you come to Serbia and Zaječar in July or August, then this is the right time to visit the Zaječar' Gitarijada.

The festival, which has an exceptional tradition and offers young performers the opportunity to present themselves, is certainly one of the most important in the country, but also in Europe.

There is no exact date for the festival, but the tradition in previous years was July or August.

6. Nišville

Music festivals in Serbia and fortresses are deeply connected. Another one that is held at the fortress (but also outside of it), this time in Niš, is the world-famous Nišville.

The largest and most visited jazz music festival in the southeastern part of Europe is being held, you guessed it, of course in August.

Everyone who visits Niš during the 6 days of the festival can enjoy the jazz sounds of the world's best stars of this music genre.

7. Roštiljijada in Leskovac

In case you haven't figured it out by now, August is probably the best month to come to Serbia, primarily because of the huge number of festivals and events in general.

Another traditional event that is held every year, and which includes numerous competitions, is the Roštiljijada in Leskovac.

The preparation of world-famous pljeskavica and ćevapi as a representative of Serbian cuisine, but also the competition in fast eating hot peppers and the preparation of the largest pljeskavica in the world are strong reasons to be in Leskovac during this festival.

8. Kupusijada in Mrčajevci

When you take a break from the huge number of festivals in August, the September part of the season follows.

One of the most interesting and significant festivals to be held in Serbia in September is certainly the Kupusijada in Mrcajevci, a village located between Kraljevo and Čačak.

The competition in preparing cabbage is held in several categories, but for ordinary visitors, the main thing is to try these specialties. That's why you come to Kupusijada, right?

9. Kulenijada

Kulenijada is a festival that is actually organized a little earlier, this year it is July 4th. But even though it is not summer according to the calendar, the Kulenijada in Erdevik, not far from Šid, is a great place to start warming up for all these gastronomic festivals and adventures that are coming later during the summer.

So, kulen is an excellent representative of the north of Serbia, so there is no reason not to try and buy this specialty of Serbian cuisine.

10. Rajac Scythe Festival

If gastronomic adventures in Serbia are not so important to you, then you may be more interested in tradition. Namely, we are talking about a very beautiful and traditional event that is held every year in the region of the Valjevo mountains, on Rajac.

Rajac Scythe Festival is a kind of opportunity to see a part of the tradition of Serbia and to get acquainted with some customs and way of life that were once common.

In addition to the central competition of mowers, where the best one wins the Golden Scythe, you can also see some traditional elements such as toasts, lunch on the grass, or say "vodonoša" i.e. water bearer.

Therefore, Rajac is a place you need to visit to get better acquainted with the once present customs that are increasingly disappearing.

11. Drina Regatta

The Drina regatta is not the only regatta in Serbia, but it is certainly the most famous and most massive.

The event originated as an idea to preserve the tradition of rafting on the Drina, and this year the 28th regatta in a row is being held.

This year, in the period from July 20 to 24, you can apply to participate in this event, which attracts more than 100,000 visitors.

In addition to the most important part, the rafting down the Drina river, there is also a competition in the preparation of fish soup, which is logical because everything takes place on one of the most beautiful rivers in Europe.

Ljubičevo Equestrian Games

For the all people loving horses, this one is a special event that has a long tradition. It is, of course, the Ljubičevo Equestrian Games, which are being organized for the 59th time this year.

Interestingly, in addition to the opportunity to follow a program dedicated exclusively to horses, there is also a part of the festival where competition for the Knight of the Festival is held. Also, you can see some skills that are extremely rare today and can be seen at festivals like this. For example, spear shooting or arrow shooting.

13. Just Out Manasija

Another exceptional event that takes place in the great Serbian monastery Manasija, is the knight festival Just Out. In fact, this festival is the largest event of its kind and gathers people from dozens of countries around the world.

The best thing and what makes this festival unique is the combination of history, culture, tradition, but also food and drink.

The festival is usually held in late August, so it's a great opportunity to take a break from gastronomic and music festivals, and go back to the Middle Ages for a moment, try your hand at knightly skills, and try food and drinks prepared in a medieval way.