Things to do
Events and festivals in Vrnjačka Banja
Vrnjačka Banja has one of the richest summer programmes in Serbia: from June to September something happens almost every evening on the promenade, in the Castle of Culture or in the amphitheatre. This is an overview of the events that come back year after year, by season, so you can plan your stay around them.
Where things happen
The main organisers are the Tourist Organisation and the Cultural Centre of Vrnjačka Banja. The Cultural Centre runs a cinema and theatre hall, the Castle of Culture with gallery and museum space, and an amphitheatre seating about 1,500. In summer much of the programme moves outdoors: onto the promenade, into the park and onto the squares in the centre. Most events are in Serbian, but concerts, parades and exhibitions need no translation.
The calendar by season
Winter and early spring
A New Year and Christmas programme in the centre, the Orthodox New Year celebration in mid-January and, at the end of January, the traditional hunters' gathering on Goč. For Valentine's Day and International Women's Day (8 March) the spa is one of the most sought-after places for a short break for two.
Spring
The May Day holidays bring the first big wave of visitors. In May the spa holds days dedicated to Desanka Maksimović, whose poem made the Bridge of Love famous, and in spring there are also exhibitions of handicrafts and traditional trades.
Summer — the peak of the season
- Vrnjačka Banja Carnival (July) — a week of concerts, children's shows and carnival parades; details on a separate page.
- Film Screenplay Festival (August) — the only festival in the region devoted to the screenplay, with screenings and awards for scripts from domestic productions.
- Love Fest (summer) — an electronic music festival drawing a younger crowd from across Serbia and the region.
- Classical music festival — concerts and summer courses in violin and chamber music.
- Literature and theatre — literary evenings, book launches and visiting theatre companies from all over Serbia.
- Art colonies and exhibitions — a festival of visual art, sculpture symposiums and exhibitions in the Castle of Culture.
Autumn
September is quieter but still has weekend events. Autumn is the season for congresses, seminars and sports competitions, and December brings a festively decorated centre.
What this means for accommodation
Every major event pushes up prices and fills accommodation in the centre. For carnival week and Love Fest, look for apartments near the promenade one to two months ahead, and for a quieter night choose somewhere away from the squares with stages. If you book during a festival, watch out for fake listings — we explain how to spot them in our guide to booking accommodation safely.
Dates change every year. Check the calendar on the Vrnjačka Banja Tourist Organisation website before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest event in Vrnjačka Banja?
The Vrnjačka Banja Carnival in July, with the international carnival parade and concerts all week. According to the Tourist Organisation it draws more than 200,000 visitors.
Are events in Vrnjačka Banja free?
Most outdoor events — concerts on the promenade, parades and children's programmes — are free. Tickets are usually needed for theatre performances, some concerts and festivals such as Love Fest.
Where can I find exact event dates?
On the website and social media of the Vrnjačka Banja Tourist Organisation, which publishes the events calendar for the current year. Dates change from year to year, so check them before you book accommodation.