5 Best Performing Arts in Kvarner, Croatia

Since the 19th century, a live performance and musical theater has sat where the modern Gervais Center sits today. The theater started showing films at the beginning of the 20th century, until it officially became the city cinema in the 1950s. In 2012, the original building was demolished, then in 2017 the current contemporary performance house opened, offering a vibrant year-round schedule of regional musical theater, plays, concerts, opera, festivals, and movie screenings.

Known as the "fifth season," Carnival lasts from the end of January until mid-February and awakens a specific kind of energy in the city only experienced during this time of year. The passion locals pour into Karneval cannot be compared to neighboring Venice's big-city sophistication, but celebrations here have a village feel and are closely linked to local traditions that are safeguarded in each particular town and passed down through generations. The excitement in the streets as the city is taken over by crazy antics, colorful costumes, and masquerading revelers who poke fun at local politics all make Rijeka a worthy winter destination. The season kicks off with the Carnival Queen Pageant and continues with weeks of fun activities and masked parties all over town, ending with the Children's Carnival Parade and the International Carnival Parade.

The center of alternative and creative culture for youth in the city, Palach is a somewhat gritty urban space filled with exhibitions, workshops, performance, live music, and DJs, rotating on a regular basis.

Beginning in late June, the four-week annual Rijeka's Summer Nights festival ensures that venues, streets, and squares are filled with cultural performances. Visitors can experience classical music and theater, as well as contemporary music and performance art. Most of the venues are outdoors under the stars; smaller venues are in the various small squares throughout the city and add a charming intimacy to the atmosphere.

From mid-July to the beginning of September, Ljeto na Gradini brings theater plays, live concerts, craft fairs, conceptual art, and themed events to the Trsat Castle grounds.