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Makarska, a Jazz and the City

Updated: Nov 2, 2020

August is the highlight of the Makarska's summer season. People from all over the world are visiting this part of central Dalmatia to enjoy summer. Apart from its well known beaches, warm summer temperatures and cold cocktails (and beers), Makarska is an extremely important Dalmatia's cultural center.

While most locals will whine (it's about mentality) about how their hometown is not “what it used to be”, a large number of great events are created to prove that Makarska is still one of the most important cultural destinations in Croatia. It is therefore good that the local population demands for even more content, which will encourage others to create art, festivals and cultural events! And that's why the running force of the Makarska Jazz Festival are locals who bravely made changes (let's be honest) in Europe's Cultural Events calendar.

Founded in 2014, Makarska Jazz Festival is an annual music event ever since the modest beginnings on the Venetian fountain in the beautiful city of Makarska. Find out more about the City of Makarska here.

Vlatko Stefanovski Trio at Makarska Jazz Festival

Creative and driving forces behind this event are Ante Gelo, musical director and famous guitar player and arranger, alongside the organizers Klaudija Vukovic and Igor Gojak. The idea of the festival was born out of the love of music and culture, with a vision to create an event that would gather musicians from around the world. Click here for more events in the Makarska Riviera.

People performing music on Stage of Makarska Jazz Festival in the front of Venetian fountain

With its breathtaking open-air stage at Kacic square and other attractive locations, the festival is taking place in the late August.  It has attracted some of the best local and international musicians, such as Oliver Dragojevic, Matija Dedic, Vasil Hadžimanov; Rambo Amadeus, Roby Lakatos Ensemble, Cubismo, Soul Fingers, Radojka Šverko, Gabi Novak, Bisera Veletanlic, Bojan Zulfikarpašic, Tamara Obrovac; Nenad Vasilic; Darko Rundek; Tedi Spalato; Amira Medunjanin, Josipa Lisac, Vlatko Stefanovski, New York Gypsy All Star... Great artists, aren't they!?

Big Band Makarska performing on Makarska Jazz Festival