Ljubljana in 2026 – What’s Happening Through the Months
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23 januarja, 2026Ljubljana in 2026 – What’s Happening Through the Months
Ljubljana is lively all year long. From street theaters and culinary festivals to cultural celebrations and open-air concerts, the city’s calendar is packed all year round. This is a comprehensive list of everything that is going on through the year and it will be updated with dates and new events regularly.
Check in regulary before your trip as new events will be added when dates are announced through the year!
February
8th February - National Cultural Holiday - Free Museum Entry!
Slovenia’s Cultural Holiday is celebrated on the death day of the greatest national poet France Prešeren and it celebrates the cultural richness of the country. Expect free museum/gallery/exhibition entrances country wide, cultural programs, and performances around the city.
However be aware that it is a national holiday, so the shops will be closed and there might be some crowds in the museums.
8th February-12th March: LUV Fest
A festival dedicated to love, art and wandering throughout February and March - kicking off with Valentine’s day and ending with Gregorjevo (Slovenian holiday of love). Find themed events, workshops, guided tours, and special culinary offerings. Check out this year's program here.
14th February and - Pust (Carnival)
This year's Carnival coincides with Valentine's day - and although Valentine's is not a typical Slovenian holiday it has become quite widely celebrated. There are plenty of events happening and often special dinner menues are available in restaurants. But book ahead!
Pust or Cranival however changes dates based on Easter. In Slovenia we have rich regional traditions, unique historic masks and traditional foods you can find all over the country. On Saturday many different parties will also be going on in the city. Fin out more in the separate article below. 👇
18th - 21st February - MENT festival
MENT Ljubljana is an international music festival and conference that brings together emerging artists, music professionals, and audiences from across Europe. Held each year in Ljubljana, the festival showcases cutting-edge live performances alongside talks, workshops, and networking events, making it a key platform for discovering new music and ideas in the contemporary music scene. Get tickets here.
March
LUV Fest until March 12th (continues)
The celebration stretches into early March with more love-themed activities.
11th March - Gregorjevo (Floats event)
A unique and charming tradition that marks the arrival of spring happens every year a night before Gregorjevo. 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 or attend the event on Eipprova street. You can also participate - just fold a small paper boat, light a tea candle and float it down the river!
Fun fact: Gregorjevo is "the day that the birds marry" which is the local version of Valentine's day!
Sabato Italiano - March 7th - 21st
An Italian food sharing concept that is taking over Italian restaurants in Ljubljana during March. Check out the participants and the menus they offer here.
Odprta Kuhna (Open Kitchen Market) - every Friday from March 20th
A beloved open-air food market that starts in March and continues into autumn. Every Friday (in case of good weather) chefs, restaurants, and local producers fill Pogačarjev trg with food from all over the world. Read more about this and other food festivals in ljubljana here.
Restaurant Week - March 20th - 29th
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.
Kavč Festival - March 23rd - 28th
Kavč festival brings together musicians and artists from all over the world to perform in intimate settings accross the city. From private living rooms, to bars to club, enjoy performances in a completely unique way.
April
Every Friday - Odprta Kuhna (Open Kitchen Market)
A beloved open-air food market that starts in March and continues into autumn. Every Friday (in case of good weather) chefs, restaurants, and local producers fill Pogačarjev trg with food from all over the world. Read more about this and other food festivals in ljubljana here.
30th April - Bonfire on Rožnik Hill
Every year on 30th of April, a traditional bonfire lights up Rožnik Hill, bringing people together to welcome Labour Day. Expect lively atmosphere with food, music and Labour Union supported events.
May
1st and 2nd May - Labour day
Two national holidays - there are sometimes some celebratory events in the evening, but mostly people just take some time off, as they are work free days. Expect the stores to be closed.
3rd - 31st May - 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.
7th May - 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
21st June - 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.
21st June - 8th September - 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.
22nd - 27th June - 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.
13th June - Pride Parade
A vibrant and important celebration of the LGBTQ+ community, accompanied by events, discussions, and a parade through the city center.
20th June - Museum Night
A Saturday night when all the museums stay open late and have free admission.
26th May - 20th June - Lighting Guerilla
Usually happening during June, Lighting Guerilla takes over Ljubljana’s streets with its colorful light installations. Look out for large or small interesting light focused art-works.
2nd June - September - Library Under the Treetops
During June the open air library - Knjižnica pod krošnjami transforms the green spaces across Ljubljana into reading retreats, where you can sit down, borrow a book and enjoy the nature in peace.
UPCOMING
July
Festival Ljubljana (continues)
The lineup of performances continues throughout the month.
Ana Desetnica Street Theatre Festival
An international street theater festival, usually happening between late June and early July, takes over the streets of Ljubljana with many free events.
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.
