Ljubljana in 2026 – What’s Happening Through the Months
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January 23, 2026Ljubljana in 2026 – What’s Happening Through the Months
Ljubljana may be small, but it’s lively all year long. From street theaters and culinary festivals to cultural celebrations and open-air concerts, the city’s calendar is packed with events that draw both locals and visitors. While this isn’t a complete list of everything happening in the Slovenian capital, here’s an overview of some of the most popular and recurring festivals you can expect each year.
February
Prešernov dan (Cultural Holiday)
Slovenia’s Cultural Holiday celebrates the life and work of the national poet France Prešeren. Expect free museum entrances country wide, cultural programs, and performances around the city.
LUV Fest
A festival dedicated to love, art and wandering throughout February and March - kicking off with Valentine’s day and ending with Gregorjevo. Find themed events, workshops, guided tours, and special culinary offerings. Check out more here.
Pust (Carnival)
Usually happens between February and March and has a rich history in Slovenia as well as Ljubljana. Read more here.
March
LUV Fest (continues)
The celebration stretches into early March with more love-themed activities.
Gregorjevo
A charming tradition marking the arrival of spring when people float handmade boats with candles down the river - a symbol of “bringing light” back into everyday life. If you’d like to know more read our article that goes into more detail.
Odprta Kuhna (Open Kitchen Market)
A beloved open-air food market that starts in March and continues into autumn. Every Friday, chefs, restaurants, and local producers fill Pogačarjev trg with food from all over the world.
Restaurant Week
A favorite for food lovers - top restaurants across Slovenia offer special tasting menus at accessible prices twice a year. Check out the offer and make your reservation here.
May
May is one of the most vibrant months in Ljubljana, especially for students (Maj je raj!). The city bursts into life with student-focused events, concerts, picnics, sports competitions, and festivals.
Majske Igre
A legendary student festival with free entry. Expect open-air concerts, workshops, sports, art, and a lively festival atmosphere in student neighborhoods. Check out more here.
Škisova Tržnica
One of the biggest student events in Slovenia - Škisova transforms a large outdoor space into a buzzing fair of stands, performances, cultural showcases, and evening concerts. It’s a must-visit for students and anyone who enjoys energetic festival vibes.
June
June kicks off the true festival season in Ljubljana.
Praznik Glasbe (Fête de la Musique)
A city-wide music celebration with free concerts and performances in streets and squares takes over Ljubljana on the 21st of June.
Festival Ljubljana
One of the biggest cultural festivals in Slovenia going on since 1953, bringing cultural events from various concerts, operas, ballets, and other events.
Ana Desetnica
A colorful international street-theater festival that fills the city with performers, acrobats, and playful installations. It begins in late June and continues into July.
Pride Parade
A vibrant and important celebration of the LGBTQ+ community, accompanied by events, discussions, and a parade through the city center.
Museum Night
A Saturday night when all the museums stay open late and have free admission.
July
Festival Ljubljana (continues)
The lineup of performances continues throughout the month.
Jazz Festival Ljubljana
One of Europe’s oldest jazz festivals, featuring international musicians, local artists, and experimental music.
August
Noči v Stari Ljubljani
A traditional festival celebrating old Ljubljana with music, cultural events, and performances spread across the historic center.
Kinodvor Open-Air Cinema
Free summer film screenings at Congress Square, organized by Kinodvor — perfect for warm evenings under the stars.
September
Ljubljana Tourism Week (Teden ljubljanskega turizma)
A celebration of local tourism with guided tours, workshops, tastings, and open-door events across the city. Read more here.
October
Ljubljana Fashion Week
Showcasing Slovenian and regional designers with runway shows and pop-up exhibitions.
Restaurant Week
Second week of restaurant week happens in October - again top restaurants across Slovenia offer special tasting menus at accessible prices twice a year. Check out the offer and make your reservation here.
November
LIFFe (Ljubljana International Film Festival)
A major cultural festival featuring European and world cinema, workshops, retrospectives, and guest filmmakers.
Ljubljana Wine Route
A lively wine-tasting event in the city center with local winemakers and traditional food stalls. around martinovo
Turning On the Christmas Lights
A festive moment that officially marks the start of Christmas holidays in Ljubljana. The whole city gathers to see the lights come on usually between 25th and 30th November - however expect crowds.
