Belgrade, the capital city of Serbia, is a vibrant and dynamic city that is known for its rich cultural heritage and lively arts scene. Throughout the year, the city plays host to a wide variety of festivals and events that celebrate everything from music and dance to film and beer. These annual gatherings bring together locals and visitors alike to celebrate the best of what Belgrade has to offer. From the Belgrade Beer Fest to the Belgrade Dance Festival, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this bustling city.
The Belgrade Beer Fest: A Celebration of Craft Beer and Live Music
The Belgrade Beer Fest is one of the most popular events in the city, drawing in thousands of visitors each year. This five-day festival celebrates the best of craft beer from Serbia and around the world, with over 400 different beers available for tasting. In addition to the beer, the festival also features live music from both local and international artists, making it a must-visit event for beer enthusiasts and music lovers alike. The festival takes place in the historic Usce Park, providing a beautiful backdrop for attendees to enjoy their drinks and soak in the lively atmosphere.
The Belgrade Beer Fest is not just about drinking beer; it is also a celebration of Serbian culture and tradition. The festival features traditional food stalls, showcasing the best of Serbian cuisine, as well as craft stalls selling handmade goods from local artisans. The festival also hosts a variety of workshops and activities for attendees to participate in, making it a fun and interactive experience for all who attend. With its lively atmosphere, delicious food, and fantastic music, the Belgrade Beer Fest is a highlight of the city’s annual events calendar.
Belgrade Dance Festival: Showcasing the Best in Contemporary Dance
The Belgrade Dance Festival is an annual event that brings together some of the best contemporary dance companies from around the world. The festival showcases a diverse range of dance styles, from ballet and modern dance to hip-hop and traditional folk dance. With performances taking place in some of the city’s most iconic venues, such as the National Theatre and the Sava Centre, attendees have the opportunity to experience world-class dance in stunning settings. The festival also includes workshops and masterclasses, allowing dance enthusiasts to learn from some of the industry’s leading professionals.
The Belgrade Dance Festival is not just about showcasing international talent; it also provides a platform for local dance companies to share their work with a wider audience. The festival’s commitment to supporting emerging artists and promoting diversity in dance has made it a key event in the city’s cultural calendar. With its innovative programming and commitment to excellence, the Belgrade Dance Festival continues to be a highlight for dance enthusiasts from around the world.
Belgrade International Film Festival: A Showcase of World Cinema
The Belgrade International Film Festival, also known as FEST, is one of the oldest and most prestigious film festivals in Europe. Since its inception in 1971, the festival has been dedicated to showcasing the best in world cinema, with a particular focus on independent and art house films. Over the years, FEST has welcomed some of the biggest names in the film industry, including directors such as Martin Scorsese, Pedro Almodóvar, and Lars von Trier. The festival takes place in various venues across the city, including the Sava Centre and the Yugoslav Film Archive, providing attendees with the opportunity to see a wide variety of films in unique settings.
In addition to its impressive lineup of films, FEST also hosts a range of industry events, including panel discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities for filmmakers and industry professionals. The festival’s commitment to supporting emerging talent and promoting diversity in cinema has made it a key event in the international film calendar. With its innovative programming and dedication to excellence, FEST continues to be a highlight for film enthusiasts from around the world.
Belgrade Music Festival (BEMUS): A Celebration of Classical Music
The Belgrade Music Festival, also known as BEMUS, is an annual event that celebrates the best of classical music from around the world. Since its inception in 1969, BEMUS has been dedicated to showcasing world-class performances from renowned orchestras, soloists, and ensembles. The festival takes place in some of the city’s most iconic venues, including the Kolarac Concert Hall and the National Theatre, providing attendees with the opportunity to experience classical music in stunning settings. In addition to its impressive lineup of performances, BEMUS also hosts a range of educational events, including lectures, masterclasses, and workshops for music enthusiasts of all ages.
BEMUS is not just about showcasing international talent; it also provides a platform for local musicians to share their work with a wider audience. The festival’s commitment to supporting emerging artists and promoting diversity in classical music has made it a key event in the city’s cultural calendar. With its innovative programming and dedication to excellence, BEMUS continues to be a highlight for music enthusiasts from around the world.
Belgrade Boat Carnival: A Colorful Parade on the Danube River
The Belgrade Boat Carnival is an annual event that takes place on the Danube River, bringing together locals and visitors alike for a colorful celebration of maritime culture. The carnival features a lively parade of boats decorated with vibrant colors and traditional motifs, creating a stunning spectacle on the water. In addition to the boat parade, the carnival also includes live music performances, food stalls serving traditional Serbian cuisine, and a range of family-friendly activities for attendees to enjoy. With its festive atmosphere and stunning river views, the Belgrade Boat Carnival is a highlight of the city’s annual events calendar.
The Belgrade Boat Carnival is not just about celebrating maritime culture; it also provides an opportunity for attendees to learn about the history and traditions of the Danube River. The carnival features educational exhibits and interactive displays that showcase the river’s ecological importance and its role in shaping Serbian culture. With its commitment to promoting environmental awareness and celebrating local heritage, the Belgrade Boat Carnival continues to be a key event in the city’s cultural calendar.
Belgrade Jazz Festival: A Showcase of International and Local Jazz Artists
The Belgrade Jazz Festival is an annual event that brings together some of the best jazz musicians from around the world for a week-long celebration of this iconic musical genre. Since its inception in 1971, the festival has been dedicated to showcasing a diverse range of jazz styles, from traditional swing and bebop to avant-garde and fusion. With performances taking place in some of the city’s most iconic venues, such as Dom Omladine and Kombank Hall, attendees have the opportunity to experience world-class jazz in stunning settings. The festival also includes workshops and masterclasses, allowing jazz enthusiasts to learn from some of the industry’s leading professionals.
The Belgrade Jazz Festival is not just about showcasing international talent; it also provides a platform for local jazz musicians to share their work with a wider audience. The festival’s commitment to supporting emerging artists and promoting diversity in jazz has made it a key event in the city’s cultural calendar. With its innovative programming and dedication to excellence, the Belgrade Jazz Festival continues to be a highlight for jazz enthusiasts from around the world.
In conclusion, Belgrade’s annual festivals and events offer something for everyone to enjoy, from beer enthusiasts and music lovers to dance enthusiasts and film buffs. With its diverse range of cultural offerings and commitment to excellence, these events continue to be highlights of the city’s cultural calendar year after year. Whether you’re visiting Belgrade for the first time or are a seasoned local, these festivals provide an opportunity to experience the best of what this vibrant city has to offer.
Nevena is a travel writer based between Serbia and the UK, with a focus on exploring and promoting tourism across Serbia and the wider Balkan region. Her writing dives into local culture, hidden gems, and everyday stories that give travelers an insider’s view. Nevena also covers the realities of expat life, sharing honest insights about living between countries. A passionate solo traveler, she brings a personal touch to her work—showing what it means to discover the world on your own terms.