Extraordinary festivals in Croatia this August

A fair of traditional arts and crafts has been happening in Čakovec for some 55 years and this annual summer highlight has grown immensely to become one of the region's key festivities. The whole town becomes involved in the manifestation, the streets brightly decorated and visitors joining locals in the parks and other venues for activities and performances. There are theatre plays, workshops, discussion and lots of activities for children. Traditional goods and crafts, the essential remnants of the original celebration, still play a major role and some of their production is demonstrated, with goods also available to buy. There is a large gastronomic element to the festival, with street food available to buy, much of it coming from the traditional menu of the Međimurje region. The event occurs at the same time as the religious celebration of Our Lady of the Angels. On that specific day, Friday 2 August, it is possible to get absolution of all sins when attending Franciscan churches. At Porcijunkulovo, this occasion is marked by a public mass in the Franciscan church of St. Nicholas the Bishop which is presented in the three languages used in the region, Croatian, Slovenian and Hungarian. The festival's music programme has grown enormously over the years and now includes appearances from many top entertainers from the world of Croatian rock and pop. This year, the line-up includes Jelena Rozga, Maja Šuput, Hari Mata Hari, Tomislav Bralić with Klapa Intrade, Plavi Orkestar an

A newcomer to the domestic festival scene, Nox Festival this year offers its first extended two-day event and shows incredible ambition and nous with its choice of headliners. Detroit techno and electro original Juan Atkins is the top name on Friday, with Israeli duo Red Axes (pictured) taking the top slot on Saturday. No doubt this homegrown affair has the capacity to appeal to visiting international audiences with such names. The supporting line up is no less impressive, with local hero Petar Dundov, Detroit techno second waver Kenny Larkin, Beepolar, Coeus, Dee, DJ Jock, Forniva and Lawrence Klein too. The event occurs not far from Šibenik, on the same seaside site that Seasplash will use this year.

The Nin Salt Works is one of the last few places where salt is extracted from the sea and still produced in the traditional way. The method is much kinder to the local flora and fauna, so one aspect of this celebration is to celebrate these natural surroundings supported by the Salt Works. Everything salt-related, from locally-made salt shakers, beauty products and giant salt crystals will also be on display in The Nin Salt Works Museum and Shop, as are examples of the industry's long history in the town.

Darko Rundek, Damir Urban, Detour, Massimo, Psihomodo Pop and more. 12 Croatian musicians and DJs perform for four days in a beautiful festival resort that's usually reserved for big name international events and their audiences. A hugely welcome addition to the calendar of events in Tisno. Good luck!

Two days of raving to house, techno and EDM in the atmospheric setting of Revelin Fortress. Lineup features a range of stellar DJs including Ofenbach, Miami Rockets & Vanillaz and Kungs.

For more than 300 years, a jousting tournament has taken place in Sinj, small town in inland Dalmatia, half an hour from Split. Commemorating a historical battle against the Ottoman Empire, it’s a popular event in which competitors in historic costumes ride around trying to hit target rings. An important part of the tradition is that only people from Sinj and vicinity can participate, like Siena’s Palio. Make sure you book tickets in advance, especially for the main competition on Sunday. Even if jousting isn’t your thing, the streets of Sinj will be filled with people and it’s a fun day out.

Marc Ribot, Art Brut, Colin Stetson, Shilpa Ray, Chui and The Fogsellers. The sixth edition of this festival is a treat for all jazz lovers. This year the organisers announced a more acoustic and intimate festival. The qualkity of the world class jazz will not be affected, including performances by longtime Tom Waits collaborator Marc Ribot and Colin Stetson.

Vabriga near Poreč is the venue for this annual knees-up celebrating the local crop of mussels (pedoči). The delicacy is served in several various recipes and alongside all manner of other seafood, and the wine will be flowing freely.

Fantastic open-to-all art exhibition with hundreds of paintings displayed along the length of Grisia, medieval Rovinj’s main street.

Taking place in Zadar's Church of St Donatus, this longstanding celebration of music is so popular that it has grown out of its confines in the church and some events now take part in several venues throughout the city. The month-long event will welcome numerous local ensembles and solo artists, plus several international contributors. The sounds of chamber music, performed within the acoustically-rich and ambient setting of the church is an experience not easily forgotten.