Sarajevo Calender of Events

Sarajevo is a vibrant city full of life and energy. There are events and festivals all year round. Some of the main ones are listed below:

FEBRUARY

7-28 February – Sarajevo Winter Festival

The Sarajevo Winter International Festival was first organised in 1984 for the Olympics. The festival includes cultural art and music performances held in the City’s museums, theatres and galleries

MARCH

Mid-March – Interio

This is the biggest furniture fair in the country. Furniture factories present their latest trends in interior decorations

Mid-March – No Limit Sarajevo Advertising Festival

This is the best advertising festival in the country. During ‘No limit’, advertisements, banners and other marketing materials are judged for creativity and originality,

APRIL

End of April, early June, early September – Bee Festival

Bosnia and Herzegovina have their own gold – golden organic honey. This festival runs three times a year in Trg Oslobodenje in the city centre. The festival is an open air event for both honey and medicinal herb producers. The natural teas, oils and creams produced from medicinal herbs in B & H are world class. The quality of honey is also hard to beat. It’s a perfect place to pick a practical, organic and healthy gift and support small local producers from communities around the country.

Mid-April- Book Fair

This fair is held in Skenderija. It’s the biggest fair of its kind in the country.Local and regional publishers present their latest editions and at considerably lower prices. There are numerous book promotions.

6-8 April – Sarajevo Business Forum

The forum aims at reviving the culture of open dialogue among statesmen and international figures from various countries as well as presenting Bosnia & Herzegovina and the region to international investors.

Mid April – Sarajevo Fashion Week

Like many cosmopolitan cities, Sarajevo also has its own fashion week, started in 2000. During the event, many fashion shows are held with designers participating from around the world.

Mid April – Sports Fair

Sports Fair is held annually in Skenderija. It promotes the benefits of sports. Various sports products are on display. Many clubs and associations are also here to give more information about their respective disciplines.

MAY

Late May – Theatre Fest

This is an international festival devoted to the promotion of new trends in theatre and enabling dialogue among artists from various cultures and backgrounds. [Pruscakova12/1. 033 442 958,

JUNE

Mid-June – Kids Festival

The Kids Festival is the biggest youth fest in Southeast Europe. Every year over 40,000 children enjoy workshops, movie shows and art performances. The event is held either in Zetra Olympic Hall or Skenderija Center.

JULY

1-31 July – Bascarsija Nights

The Municipality of the Old Town and the Sarajevo Art Agency organise this month-long festival.There are open air performances on the main stage near the City Hall (Vijecnica) There are numerous art, music and cultural events every day. Everything is free.

Late July – Sarajevo Film Festival

Sarajevo Film Festival is the city’s and country’s biggest and most popular cultural manifestation. It began as a humble project during the war. Since then it has grown into a mainstay of the European Film Festival circuit. Top actors such as Brad Pitt, Angeline Jolie, Morgan Freeman and Kevin Spacey have made appearances.

Early July – Bosnian International Music Festival

This is a unique cultural event in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The goal of the festival is the restoration of the artistic collaboration, developing academic co-operation, promotion of Bosnian cultural heritage and building Sarajevo’s new dimension in the world of classical music; not only in Europe but across the ocean as well.

July – Sarajevo Folk Festival

This festival started in 1998. The International dance troupes perform their traditional songs and dance at this festival.

AUGUST

Early August – Rock Festival

The Sarajevo Rock Fest is usually held at the Skenderija Plateau. This open air event is free and is chance for new bands from Bosnia and Herzegovina to take the stage and show their talent.

SEPTEMBER

Late September – Ballet Fest

Ballet has been absent somewhat in post-war Sarajevo’s cultural scene. It has made a remarkable comeback, largely due to the Ballet Fest. This one week affair brings a small but impressive group of world class ballet companies. It embraces both classic and contemporary interpretations to cater to a wide as possible range of audience.

Mid-September – Sarajevo Green Design

This festival grew out of Sarajevo Green Design Week. The event focuses on the importance of green, sustainable and quality designs. Numerous workshops present subjects such as industrial, residential and product designs.

Mid-September – Pitchwise Festival

Pitchwise debuted in 2005. It is organized by the CURE Foundation to promote female art. There are art shows and exhibitions, workshops and concerts highlighting women’s artistic achievements.

Late-September – ZVRK Dance Festival

ZVRK is an international contemporary dance festival. It started in 2008 and was organized by a group of Sarajevo artists in collaboration with the SARTR Theatre, the National Theatre and NOMAD. It provides an opportunity for children and adults to display their dancing talent. Many international dancers participate in the yearly event.

16 September – Sarajevo Marathon

This half marathon event is the country’s largest international sporting event.Always held in the 3^rd week in September, the run coincides with international ‘car free day’ The event has a strong humanitarian component involving fund-raising for children’s groups. Sarajevo’s marathon attracts both the young and old from the wider region and beyond to see the city by foot.

OCTOBER

Late October –MESS Theatre Festival

MESS marked its 50^th anniversary in 2010. This is the largest running festival in the region and one of the best theatre fests in the region. Aside from the region’s best theatre festival, MESS is a cultural establishment in Sarajevo with theatre and artistic events happening all year round and where International artists participate.

NOVEMBER

Early November – Jazz Fest

This independent non-profit event attracts musicians from the USA, France Germany, the Netherlands, the UK, Norway and Turkey. Jazz Fest resembles the SFF in that the atmosphere is a very laid back one. There are always opportunities after the show events to hang out with the musicians and listen to private jam sessions.

Mid November – Human Rights Film Festival – ‘Pravo Ljudski’

This is a film festival devoted to human rights. Since 2006 visitors have had a unique opportunity to watch great , international films dealing with social injustice and human rights. Pravo Ljudski is held at the cinema meeting point .