The Dubrovnik Summer Festival is one of the oldest and most celebrated outdoor performing arts festivals in Europe. Founded in 1950, it runs from 10 July to 25 August each year, using the city's historic outdoor stages as its settings.
The stages
The festival uses six main performance spaces: Fort Lovrijenac (Shakespeare and drama on the cliff-top stage), the Rector's Palace atrium (chamber music and opera), Sponza Palace courtyard (theatre and monodrama), Revelin Fortress terrace (ballet and contemporary dance), Gradac Park (outdoor performances with Adriatic views), and Gundulić Square (Renaissance comedy and folk performance).
What to expect
The festival programme spans drama, opera, ballet, classical music and contemporary work, with more than 80 events across the season. International companies and soloists appear alongside Croatian ensembles. The Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra performs throughout the festival.
Tickets and booking
The Libertas Guide does not sell tickets. Check the Dubrovnik Summer Festival's own website for the current season programme, ticket availability and booking. Tickets for popular performances — particularly Hamlet at Lovrijenac and chamber concerts at the Rector's Palace — sell out well in advance.
Planning a visit
Dubrovnik in July and August is busy: the Old Town draws large visitor numbers and the festival runs simultaneous events. Book accommodation well in advance. For outdoor performances at Lovrijenac and Gradac Park, bring a layer — sea breezes can be cool after dark even in high summer. See our planning guide for practical notes.